Bride To His Darkness
Chapter 210: Her Dream Wedding

Chapter 210: Her Dream Wedding

Opening her eyelids to reveal her tear-glazed eyes, Samantha’s body shuddered involuntarily as she released a shaky breath, and although the morning temperature was pleasant, she could feel her nerves growing freakishly cold that she shuddered once more, instinctively hugging herself to get a hold on her resolve.

The nightmare had ended, and she was back in Ivan’s chamber, sitting up on the comfort of his bed, but even so, she was unable to stop her sobs due to what she had seen. It was so vivid, so sad, more depressing than what she had expected, and just recalling the innocent child who had gone through so much brought renewed tears to her eyes. She had seen everything, why and how he became the way he was... she would never have imagined it, and those... How could his brothers do that to a human child? How did they even get away with it?? Now she wished she hadn’t fed them to her baby plants yet, because if they were still alive, she would make them apologize to Ivan for causing him that amount of pain.

What was even sadder was witnessing the death of both his parents. He had been the first to witness his Father die, and his Mother was no different. How traumatizing it must have been for him, and yet these people refused to leave him alone. When he needed a hug they gave him knives and daggers to hold, they made him into a weapon and still expected him to find peace! Samantha could feel her heart becoming heavy with emotions, and she seriously cried for all the silent aches he endured.

Sniffling back her sobs, her teary eyes moved to the man who was sleeping peacefully, and if someone told her he had to face that many challenges in his life, she would never believe it. He had to bear so much pain all by himself, the loneliness, she could swear she felt every bit of his emotions running through her core and it was just... how on Earth did he survive such a trauma? If she had been in his place, she would have done the same thing as him, and that option would only be susceptible if she hasn’t killed herself due to prolonged depression.

Averting her eyes so she could control her sobs, she failed to notice the flicker in Ivan’s eyes. His ears twitched when he detected her stifled sobs, and that prompted him to open his eyes so he could understand better exactly what he was perceiving. His sleepy eyes glanced at the blonde-haired woman who was wiping her tears with her palms, and her green eyes were displaying tiny streaks of red, as if she had cried terribly.

"Little Lamb?" Fully awake by the disturbing sight, Ivan propped himself up so he could sit properly. His crimson eyes were a display of concern and evident worry when she looked at him, he couldn’t help but ask,

"Did something happen? Was it a bad dream? The Whispers? Why are you–!!" Ivan’s attempt to question her was cut short when she suddenly threw her arms around him. His eyes widened slightly when she hugged him tight– too tight that he could feel his body tense from the emotions that came with her unexpected embrace.

"I’m sorry." She apologized, further confusing him, "I’m sorry for the times when you hoped to hear these words from the people who hurt you, but they never said it to you. You didn’t have to go through any of that... you didn’t deserve that treatment. You would have been better off born in another family than a royal."

"Little Lamb." Placing his hands on the sides of her shoulder, he gently pushed her back so he could look into her eyes. New tears had started to flow freely from the brims of her eyes, and he lifted a hand to wipe them from her beautiful eyes. As he continued to stare deeply into her own, his pupils widened when he mirrored his own past in her green orbs, and a look of recognition dawned on his visage.

"You saw my past."

Samantha nodded her head, raising her own hand to touch the hand that affectionately cupped her right cheek. "I saw it, it was horrible. You were never a burden to them, you were never weak." She shook her head, disagreeing with the words of everyone. "You are the strongest man I’ve ever encountered, you never gave up despite the hardships, and you have proved that with your present status." She leaned into his palm, offering him a tender smile that made his eyes flicker with emotions.

"That was my past," Ivan proceeded to wipe off the remnants of tears from her eyes. "It isn’t one of my best memories, but I’m still thankful for the past, because without it, I wouldn’t have met the woman who was capable of making me feel anew. I have heard that a bite mark forged by bond can alter the partner into visiting the other’s past, but I didn’t know how true it was until now. I’m sorry you had to see that."

"No," Samantha shook her head gently as she took his hands away from her cheek, entwining their fingers together. "You have absolutely nothing to apologize for. I am glad that I got to share in on your pain, but I won’t let anyone or anything hurt you like that ever again." She vowed, and it brought a smile to Ivan’s lips.

"My beautiful little lamb," he opened his arms, beckoning her to come closer, and Samantha didn’t hesitate to go into his open arms as she embraced him. He caressed the top of her head while she rested it on his chest, feeling the steady beating of his heart. It was soothing to hear them beat like that, and then she heard him say,

"Did you really cry your eyes out for me? If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t have made my life that depressing if it could bring this much tears to my precious girl. I’ve regretted a lot of things, but this I regret more."

"These aren’t my tears alone," Samantha answered meekly, "most of them are the tears you were deprived of shedding. It’s okay if you can’t cry your pains out, I’m here, I’ll do them for both of us." She tilted her chin up to look into his crimson eyes, "don’t you feel relieved?"

"More than ever." And he pecked her lips, "though I hate to see my angel cry, so no more tears. You won’t cry again, will you?"

Samantha shook her head, and he kissed the top of her forehead. "You make falling in love with you so easy. Everything will be fine."

Samantha yielded to his caresses and his sincere words. He’s the one with the past, but he was the one comforting her. It made her wonder if she truly deserves all the love he was showering her presently, it all felt too good to be true. They remained that way, in each other’s arms, and Samantha could feel her heart turn light when he whispered words of affection into her hair.

{Music recommendation; Wildest Dreams by Duomo}

"Little Lamb, what is your dream wedding?" Ivan asked, switching the topic into something more pleasant, and Samantha, who wasn’t expecting he’d be interested in things like this, pulled back to look at his face, surprisingly dazed.

"What?"

"Tell me, do you want them big, or something simple? I’ve heard a girl’s wedding happens to be one of her most cherished moments so I’m asking you, what is your dream wedding?" He questioned, his voice holding a tinge of excitement. A delightful blush creeped upon Samantha’s cheeks as she pulled her knees up to her stomach, folding her hands on them so she could rest her chin on it. She seemed quite shy to begin under his unyielding gaze, but she mustered up the courage to speak.

"Well.. I’ve always dreamed of marrying a man who would love me just as much as I love him." She began, her voice filled with sincerity as she let out a daydreaming sigh. "I’ve always wanted my wedding to be a celebration of love and unity. I’ve imagined it taking place under the canopy of flowers, with the breeze carrying the scents of roses. The air will be filled with soft music, played by musicians hidden amongst the trees. Oh what a wonderful sight that will be." She happily mused.

Ivan’s eyes lit up as he listened intently to her words, his imagination painting vivid pictures of their future together. "And what do you see yourself wearing?" He inquired, his tone laced with fascination as her eyes beamed.

Samantha’s orbs sparkled with excitement as she playfully tapped her fingers against her chin, and she said, "I would wear a flowing dress made of delicate lace, adorned with intricate beadwork. The dress will shimmer like stardust, reflecting our ethereal love. And a crown of white roses and a baby’s breath would rest upon my head, like a Queen! Not for the kingdom, but for the man I’m getting married to." She revealed with a gentle smile.

Ivan couldn’t help but imagine his little lamb, his radiant Queen, wearing such a regal attire. His heart swelled with devotion as he made a mental note of everything she listed, determined to bring her imaginations to life.

"And how do you envision our guests?" He questioned further, whilst he noticed how her eyes softened, and she leaned into the warmth of his chest. It was a subconscious movement that had Ivan smiling, and he heard her say. "I’ve never really liked the crowd, so I’d say, our guests would be those who have been close to us, our loved ones who will willingly gather to witness our eternal bond. Our laughter, joy and love will fill the air, creating memories that will be etched in our hearts forever." She shared, her voice carrying a dreamy quality as she gestured with her hands in the air.

Ivan’s admiration for his little lamb grew with each passing moment. He reveled in her dreams, cherishing the opportunity to make them her reality. "Now I’m more ecstatic for the day when we will be joined as one." He whispered, his voice filled with love, "I want you to be the happiest you can be for me. In the meantime, I’ll have to find ways to make your brother not kill me and dispose of my head as a treaty."

"He wouldn’t do that." Samantha shook her head before moving away from Ivan. "That reminds me, I have to go see him. Last night’s announcement must have taken him by surprise so I’ll have to explain–!! What are you doing?"

Her eyes widened when she suddenly found her back resting on the surface of the bed, and more surprisingly, Ivan was on top of her, his handsome face hovering above hers.

"Off so quick hmm?"

"Ivan...!"

"The way you say my name turns me on. Never speak to me in public or I might just..." he kissed her quickly on the lips, causing Samantha to blush instantly, whilst she covered her mouth with both of her palm. A playful look glinted in his eyes as his lips curled mischievously, portraying further intentions that are yet to come.

"Ivan... I have morning breath."

"And what part of me shows I’m bothered?" He arched an eyebrow before tearing her hands away from that sweetener he craved to taste. Staring at her luscious lips that were made just for him, his thumb grazed the sensuous curve of her bottom lip.

"I want to wake up, everyday, like this. I want to wake up to your sunshine smile, to your heavenly presence, and when I do, I’m going to hold you, and I’m going to kiss you, cause when I kiss you, I can taste your soul." There was a possessive glint that hinted at his demons in his crimson eyes.

And he captured her lips again.

It didn’t take long before Samantha reciprocated to his need, their hearts entwined in a dance of everlasting love.