Marrying Captain Blackthorn

The dressmaker completed all the required arrangements for the gown. When I finally managed to remove it, I felt a sense of relief. The dress was so tight that it made it difficult for me to breathe properly. It was also revealing too much of my chest and my back was almost entirely exposed, making me feel uncomfortable. My movements were limited due to the form-fitting nature of the dress.

The day swiftly transformed into night. I retreated to the solitude of my room to have my dinner. The thought of facing my parents on this particular day was unbearable, for they had callously traded me away for their gain. Tomorrow, I would be bound in matrimony to a man notorious for his heartlessness. Sleep eluded me throughout the night, as my mind was consumed by apprehension and despair. When morning arrived, my lady-in-waiting discovered me standing on the balcony, where the invigorating breeze tousled my hair. Gazing out towards the vast expanse of the sea, my eyes caught sight of the ominous black sails anchored at the dock.

I entered the bathroom. My lady-in-waiting gracefully guided me towards the bathtub. The water inside was pleasantly warm, and I could witness the steam gracefully ascending from its surface. The delightful aroma of lavender permeated the air.

Carefully, I removed my nightgown and immersed myself in the comforting embrace of the hot water. My lady-in-waiting gently combed through my hair, ensuring every strand was attended to. After completing my bath, I enveloped myself in a luxurious, plush towel. Taking a moment to relax, I settled down at my exquisite vanity, ready to attend to my personal grooming.

My ladies-in-waiting swiftly gathered around me. The atmosphere was filled with the hushed murmurs of their conversations and the delicate sound of silk rustling, as they busily made preparations for the significant event that lay ahead.

My dark hair cascaded in glossy waves around my shoulders, and my sapphire eyes sparkled with trepidation. With steady hands, my ladies-in-waiting worked to weave delicate strands of pearls and crystals into my intricate braided updo, each movement executed with precision and care.

Meanwhile, a skilled hand brushed soft hues of rose and gold onto my cheeks, enhancing my natural beauty with a subtle touch of color. My lips were painted a rosy pink, the color soft and feminine against my porcelain skin.

While the final touches were applied, my gaze fell upon the gown that lay waiting nearby—a masterpiece of silk and lace that had been crafted with painstaking attention to detail. I rose from my seat and stepped into the gown, the fabric enveloping me like a second skin.

The bodice of the gown hugged my curves in all the right places, accentuating my slender waist and graceful neckline. Intricate lacework adorned the sleeves and bodice, trailing down the skirt in delicate patterns that seemed to shimmer in the light.

At my feet, a pair of satin slippers awaited me—a perfect match for the gown. Their heels were adorned with sparkling crystals that caught the light with every step.

My lady-in-waiting handed me a petite box. The label indicated it was a present for me from Captain Blackthorn. Trembling, I carefully opened the box to reveal a stunning sapphire necklace and earrings set. With a gentle touch, my lady-in-waiting fastened the necklace around my neck and delicately placed the earrings on my ears.

The last thing they added was a long white veil. The delicate lace cascaded around me. Small diamonds were weaved into the folds of the veil. I knew that all of this was courtesy of Captain Blackthorn. I knew that my parents would never have been able to afford all of this finery.

My thoughts were interrupted as my father walked into the room.

“Isabella, you look beautiful.”

“Thank you, Father,” I said with a forced smile.

“Isabella, I know this is not what you wanted.”

“We did not want this for you either, we had no other choice.”

Without another word my father gently took my arm in his. He pulled the veil over my face. The assembly stood up as we stepped through the door. I could not see my groom to be. While I made my way down the aisle, I noticed, the grand hall of the castle was transformed into a breathtaking tableau of regal splendor. Rows of intricately carved wooden pews lined either side of the aisle, adorned with plush velvet cushions in hues of deep crimson and royal purple.

Above, the vaulted ceiling soared high overhead, its ornate arches adorned with golden chandeliers that cast a warm, inviting glow over the assembly below. Tapestries depicting scenes of valor and triumph hung from the walls, their rich colors and intricate designs adding to the air of majesty that pervaded the space.

At the far end of the hall, beneath a canopy of silk and satin, stood the altar—a grand structure of polished marble adorned with garlands of fresh flowers and trailing ivy. Behind it, a tapestry embroidered with the kingdom's crest served as a backdrop, its vibrant hues catching the light and casting a colorful cascade of shadows upon the stone floor below.

While I walked slowly down the aisle, my footsteps echoing softly against the polished marble, all eyes turned to gaze upon me with awe and reverence. My gown trailed behind me in a graceful cascade of silk and lace, the intricate patterns shimmering in the flickering candlelight that danced across the room.

The guests, assembled in their finest attire, watched in hushed silence as I made my way toward the altar, my beauty a radiant beacon of hope amidst the somber atmosphere that pervaded the hall. Tears welled in the eyes of many as they beheld me.

At last, I saw my groom-to-be. Captain Blackthorn stood at the altar, awaiting my arrival. He cut a striking figure amidst the opulent surroundings of the grand hall. Tall and imposing, with a commanding presence that demanded attention, he exuded an aura of confidence and authority that belied the tumult of emotions swirling beneath the surface.

His dark hair fell in tousled waves around his shoulders, framing a ruggedly handsome face that bore the marks of a life lived on the high seas. Piercing eyes, the color of stormy skies, gazed out from beneath furrowed brows, their intensity matched only by the steely resolve that burned within them.

Though a few years older than me, Captain Blackthorn possessed a youthful vitality that belied his age, his muscled physique honed by years of rigorous training and physical exertion. He stood tall and proud, every inch the epitome of strength and masculinity, his broad shoulders clad in a finely tailored coat of deep black velvet that accentuated his imposing presence.

The only hint of his piratical past was a single golden hoop earring that dangled from his left earlobe, glinting softly in the candlelight. It was a small yet potent symbol of his defiance.

We reached the altar. The vile once again rose in my throat. My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest. It took all of my strength not to run back down the aisle and out the door. My father took his seat on his crown. I tried not to step back as Captain Blackthorn took a step towards me.

He pulled the veil up and gave me a wicked smile.

“You are more beautiful in person pet.” He whispered low enough for only me to hear.

The preacher stepped forward.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and woman in holy matrimony.”

“Do you Captain Blackthorn take this woman to be your wife?”

“I do.”

The preacher turned to me.

“Do you Princess Isabella take this man to be your husband.”

I hesitated. Captain Blackthorn took a threatening step towards me.

He whispered in my ear, “Get a move on, woman, or you'll regret it when I unleash my fury upon you later.”

“I do.”

“I now pronounce you man and wife.”

“You may now kiss your bride.”

Captain Blackthorn acted swiftly, forcefully yanking me towards him. Our lips collided in a passionate kiss, leaving me gasping for air. At last, he released me, but his firm hold on my waist remained unyielding. While the room cleared out, he forcefully pushed me against the wall.

I moaned in pain at the sudden impact.

"You drive me mad," he growled, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down my spine.

I could feel the hard, unyielding wall pressing against my back, matching the intensity of his grip on my waist. My breath hitched as I struggled to regain my composure, my heart pounding wildly against my chest.

With a fierce urgency, Captain Blackthorn claimed my lips once more. I cried out as he pushed me further against the wall. His weight was crushing me.

“Get ready to be stripped of that dress, you're going to be my new favorite toy.”

His fingers loosened their tight hold, relief washed over me, but it was short-lived. Before I could fully process what was happening, he seized my wrist with a force that startled me. I stumbled forward, caught off guard by his sudden movement, as he dragged me toward the ballroom.

The cool air of the corridor gave way to the warmth emanating from the grand ballroom ahead. The sound of music and chatter grew louder with each step, drowning out the frantic thud of my heart. I glanced back, hoping for an escape route, but his grip remained firm, his determination unwavering.

We reached the threshold of the ballroom. The swirling sea of guests came into view. Chandeliers cast a soft glow over the room. Dancers twirled gracefully across the polished floor, and the air heavy with the scent of flowers and perfume.

He stopped abruptly, causing me to stumble once again. For a moment, we stood at the entrance. His grip on my wrist tightened briefly before he released it, his eyes holding mine in a silent command.

Without a word, he gestured for me to follow, disappearing into the throng of guests. With a hesitant step forward, I entered the ballroom, my senses overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the extravagant affair.

I navigated through the bustling ballroom, my eyes darted around, searching for any sign of him. The crowd swirled and shifted, obscuring my view and adding to my sense of unease. Was he leading me somewhere specific, or was I simply meant to follow him blindly into the chaos?

Amidst the sea of faces, I caught a glimpse of his dark silhouette weaving through the throng. With a quickening pulse, I pushed my way through the crowd, determined to keep him in sight.

Finally, I broke free from the mass of bodies and found myself in a quieter corner of the ballroom. The strains of conversation and laughter faded into the background as I scanned the room for any trace of him.

I found him standing at the edge of the dance floor, his gaze fixed on me. Without a word, he extended his hand toward me. I stepped forward, my hand trembling slightly as it reached out to meet his.