3 The Dreaded Wedding Night

The Knight's First Love was a novel that was set in the early 1800s. It depicted a lot of modernity and early technologies. Also, despite its supposed Japanese background and names, it was set in an alternate world with a history entirely divergent. Their styles and attire were often more westernized.

The warm sunlight lingered on Natalie's face as it hit the glass window of her carriage. The scenery of the city still amazed Natalie. She watched from left to right, catching a glimpse of the wandering people, the busy streets and the rattling trains. Despite being within a novel, she couldn't help but feel that it was real. The people, the sunlight and even Hina Kudo. Everything felt too real to be otherwise.

Soon the scenery changed and all in sight were tall white street lamps and vast beautiful green lands.

"Young Miss, all these lands belong to your husband. He likes flowers a lot so you'll get to enjoy the beautiful gardens at the estate" the nosy old woman kept on babbling about the riches and "good deeds" of the merchant until the carriage eventually came to a halt.

"We're finally here, young miss. Let me help you out"

Natalie came down from the carriage with some help from the attendant. The Merchant's Estate was quiet. It was an irony for a marriage but Natalie barely recalled details of Hina's marriage. The novel never dived into Hina's story except when needed. All Natalie knew at the moment was that Hina would most likely be raped tonight in the Merchant's room and then tossed into one of the empty rooms, while the maids mock her for being a mere prostitute sold off in fine clothing. Hina Kudo was never respected or treated properly as the lady the of house. Natalie shivered down her spine as fear and anxiety suddenly overcame her.

[Now that I'm Hina, am I going to have to go through all the abuse too?]

She was unsure of what form of action to take to prevent the old geezer from mistreating his new wife. 

"Follow me, young miss"

Natalie strolled behind the woman, wondering what would happen if she decided to make a run for it. She would most definitely get shot by one of the guards before she reached the gates. She was catching cold feet but unlike any other bride, hers was due to the uncertainty of how her life was bound to end today. She could either get raped or die while fleeing; none of which she liked thought of.

"Welcome home!"

She was distracted by the oddly cheerful voice as her eyes followed the direction of the sound.

"I've been waiting for you, my Hina"

Natalie slowly rose her head to stare at the owner of the voice who stood tall before her.

"The young miss was eager to look beautiful for you, My Lord" the elderly woman bowed at the tall figure. Her face glowed with utmost respect for the figure.

"Forgive my tardiness, My Lord" Natalie quickly bowed to greet the tall man as she imitated the other woman's form of greeting. Despite the overwhelming situation, Hina's voice held so much boldness and clarity that even Natalie was amazed. Silence lingered in the air for a brief moment before the tall man broke it with a loud laugh

"You don't have to call me "My Lord", my dear Hina. You also don't have to apologise. Seeing you now, it was worth all the wait." He laughed again, allowing his huge scruffy hands to pat her shoulders as he added "besides, we're now husband and wife"

Natalie could see the hunger in his grey eyes as he fixated on Hina's body.

[Disgusting old geezer!] Natalie wished she could slap him across the face or spit on that ugly nose of his but knew better. She was in no position to do anything right now. For now.

She plastered a perfect smile on her face, allowing her eyes to meet his. She hated to admit it, but the merchant was much younger than she imagined. With his thick brown hair and his grey eyes, he looked like someone in his late thirties who worked out a lot. No pot belly nor grey hair in sight. Despite these, it didn't change the fact that Hina was young enough to be his child. He suddenly cupped her face in his palm as he said, "You're extremely beautiful"

Natalie felt the hair behind her neck stand as goosebumps gathered over her skin.

[Ugh. Disgusting shiet! He's a fucking paedophile, that's for sure!]

A servant led them to a garden filled with beautiful white roses and purple hyacinths.The flowers reminded Natalie of Hina.

It was a beautiful sight on a terrible day. A wedding ceremony had been set up but there was no one from the bride's family present. The only witnesses were some of the servants, a few attendants, the supposed priest and the guards in place. It was the swiftest marriage ceremony Natalie had ever witnessed. With their vows made, they were declared husband and wife within a matter of minutes. No music, no celebration, no smiles and drinks. Just a beautiful weather and the sun's beam that constantly reminded Natalie how real her circumstances were.

The middle-aged attendant once again led Natalie towards the main estates. The interior of the estates was beyond stunning. Everything was aesthetically pleasing and refreshing, from the elegant lamps and chandeliers to the artworks and furnishings. Compared to Hina's old place, this was paradise.

The woman led Natalie to the second floor and down the hall, pushing the big white doors open. The space behind the doors was a girl's bedroom. Natalie stared in amazement at how beautifully decorated the room was. The walls were a gorgeous combination of velvet purple, white and gold. The princess-like bedding and the gold-white furniture and lamps lit up the room. The small intricate designs on the flower vases and even the huge circular windows all seemed to have some sort of gold on them. Not to mention the size of the room. Natalie's parents were quite well off so she did have a really comfortable life, but this was beyond anything she had ever witnessed. The space was at least four times the size of her parents' house.

[How could this be just one room?!!]

"Is the room to your liking, Young miss?" The woman seemed concerned as she wondered if the new young lady was somewhat displeased.

[Of course! It's breathtaking!!']

"Hmm, it's fine. It's very decent and nice" she gave a slight nod.

"The Lord was really excited and personally saw to the construction"

"Yes. I like it"

"That's good to hear. Then please rest well, Young miss. Your brunch will be brought in a few minutes."

"Okay. Is there any other thing I ought to know?"

"The Lord has some business to finish up in the town so he'll be back in the evening in time for dinner. He has promised to dine with the Young miss tonight"

"Okay. If that's all, you may go now"

"Yes, Young miss"

With the attendant gone, Natalie took a minute to take in the room. It was splendid. She shifted towards one of the several glass windows and watched the warm blue sky.

[This would have been such a perfect event if it wasn't so messed up.]

A mother selling her daughter. A shameless man taking in a child-wife. It still gave her goose pimples to recall. All that was just the tip of the damn iceberg. Hina went through so much at such a young age. Natalie pondered over what she could do to change the situation or lessen Hina's coming pain but there was nothing she could come up with. Escaping was entirely impossible; she'd be killed in the process or caught alive, suffering a much worse fate. Was there a way she could talk the old merchant out of the evil plans he had towards Hina tonight? He was just a pawn in the author's hand. One of the factors in the novel that would eventually lead Hina Kudo to become the villainess she was made to be. The only silver lining was that the real Hina Kudo was no longer here. Natalie was still confused about what the heck had happened. She took a heavy sigh and sat on the huge bed. She was sleepy and her head ached from riding a carriage for so long. She decided to lay down for a few minutes before her brunch arrives.

_____

The day went fast and it was soon nighttime. The cold air filled the room and the moonlight graced her balcony. 

Natalie had enjoyed a quiet brunch alone, as the maids stared at her either with adoration or envy. She was bathed again by the middle-aged lady right before dinner. The attendant had awkwardly tried to advise her about what a husband and wife did together on their first night and how a wife must make sure her husband is satisfied.

"Do not anger him, Young miss" she said with an indifferent tone.

Natalie nodded and acted timid as she boiled with anger. To think she had somehow ended up in Hina's body only to be raped! Why did it have to be today of all days? This very scene of the novel?

She shook her head and refocused on the desserts placed before her. All the maids had been sent away and the only thing present was the deafening silence between Natalie and Hina's rapist.

"You look even more beautiful tonight" he finally broke the silence, shifting closer towards her.

"Thank you"

"Husband"

"What?"

"Call me 'husband'. I am your husband after all"

Natalie stared at his expressionless eyes and wondered if this also happened to the real Hina. Hina was very stubborn and strong-willed despite her frail appearance. Could it be that he got angry because she refused to do what he told her to? It was plausible. After a few seconds, Natalie called out to him as he wanted

"My husband"

The words disgusted Natalie to a point she could barf but it seemed to have the opposite effect on him. His eyes suddenly lit up and he smiled at her.

[That's right. There's nothing I can do to escape this night. Hina was destined to be with this man tonight either way. As long as he doesn't hurt her. As long as he doesn't beat and throw her out, everything won't be so bad.]

"You have no idea how happy you just made me, my wife" he held onto Hina's small hands.

"You're freezing. Are you ill?" He suddenly asked.

Natalie recalled the water incident with Hina's mother in the morning.

"Ah. I think I have a slight cold"

"I see. You should rest then. I'll ask the maids to make you some ginger tea. Be sure to drink it"

He carried her small body and laid her on the bed, covering her with the duvet.

"Don't worry. I'll only sleep next to you but I won't touch you tonight"

With the tea served and the night fastly changing, Natalie stared at the sleeping figure on the other side of the bed.

[He didn't touch me or demand anything from me]

This was such a great difference from the novel but it was also scary because she couldn't pinpoint why the scenario changed. Was it because she called him ''husband''? Or because she was ill? Or maybe because the real Hina wasn't here anymore? All that aside, why did his behaviour suddenly switch up? He was supposed to be the man that rapes his new wife and then throws her into some random small room, so why was he suddenly acting caring? Natalie couldn't fall asleep as her thoughts were keeping her awake, but with this sudden development, she felt slightly optimistic about making new plans to further change Hina's tragic life. Even more, she wished to wake up and find out that this was all one long dream.