AN: Here we are already at the third chapter! I know these chapters have been on the shorter side but that will change soon.

So, I don't really have an update schedule for this story or anything. I'm trying to stay a few chapters ahead of what I post in case I hit a wall so that I'm not leaving you guys hanging for too terribly long. Basically that means that once I finish a future chapter I post a current chapter. That can happen on a weekday or weekend at any given time so it's kind of up in the air as to when I'll post; just fyi in case anybody was wondering.

I love reading all your reviews and seeing everyone's take on the events so far! There's definitely some interesting theories floating around but these lips are sealed. ;) I'm sorry I haven't taken the time to reply personally to the reviews. I usually just don't know what to say in response and end up feeling really awkward. But know that they're all amazing and I love them!

Please enjoy this chapter and let me know what you think!


When Sofia had been a child she'd often imagined what her wedding day would be like; surrounded by friends and family at a small celebration, standing across from the man of her dreams vowing to love him until the end of their days.

The reality was revolting.

While the ceremony was indeed small, that was the only semblance it had to the fantasies of her youth. She knew almost no one at her wedding outside of Grimtrix, whom Cedric had chosen to officiate the ceremony. The irony that she and Cedric were to be wed by the only man she loathed more than her future husband was not lost on her.

Despite the ornate décor and the lavish gown the entirety of the event was very sterile. There were no vows of love or promises of forever and, mercifully, there was no kiss. There were only the most clinical and necessary statements that legally bound them as husband and wife giving Cedric the unfettered claim to the crown that he so desired. Sofia knew it would only temporarily quell the discontent growing within the citizens of the kingdom but that wasn't her problem to worry about.

Her only concern was to care for her family.

Immediately after the ceremony she removed the gown and jewels Cedric had commissioned for her. Though these items were real, they were every bit as much of an illusion to her as the gown he'd created with magic when he'd first made his proposal. The ring with which he'd wed her, however, would not budge from her finger.

A constant reminder.

Unwilling to let her know the exact location of her family, Cedric had each member brought to her one at a time in a designated room. It was a painstaking task to bathe and groom them all but it was something she did with no amount of hesitation.

By far the hardest to accept was her sister. Seeing the woman who at one time took such pride in her appearance look so unkempt and soiled was like a knife to her heart. She took extra care to comb through her sister's hair, making certain that every last tangle was removed.

She tried speaking to each of them but she only received small grunts and groans in response. It was almost as if they wanted to speak but couldn't. She wondered if they were still there inside, seeing this all from some dark hole within themselves where they couldn't climb out.

All of this only made her despise Cedric even more.

When it came time to eat, Sofia didn't have much of an appetite but Cedric insisted she join him for dinner anyhow. It was awkward, sitting across the table from him, watching him eat as though nothing was out of the ordinary when inside she was willing him to choke on his meal. She ate sparingly and kept her eyes downcast until she heard him clear his throat to gain her attention.

"How was your day?" Cedric asked, hoping to break the terrible silence in the room.

Sofia stared at him, mild disbelief at his audacity to ask such a question, though it really shouldn't have come as a shock. "I cleaned years of filth from my family's bodies. How do you think it went?"

Cedric cringed but forced a smile anyhow. "I was thinking that I might try to find someone trustworthy enough to care for them. You shouldn't have to-"

"I agreed to marry you on the condition that I would be allowed to care for my family. You will not take that from me." Sofia said bitterly.

"Yes, of course." Cedric said quickly. "I only meant that it seemed to take you all day. I'm sure there is more you'd like to do with your time."

"Not really." Sofia said turning her eyes back to her food.

Cedric looked away from the woman, sucking in a deep breath as he tried to think of a way to smooth things over with her. He knew life would be miserable for both of them if he didn't make an effort to make amends. "I was thinking, perhaps you could help out with some of the royal duties. I'm sure it would go over much more swimmingly if you handled things."

"I'm not here to do your job for you." Sofia said plainly. "You wanted to be king. You got it."

Cedric sighed heavily and placed his hands on the table in front of him. "Sofia, please. I know this isn't the life you wanted but this can benefit us both if you let it."

Benefit. It was a laughable idea. Nothing was ever going to be for her benefit ever again. She pushed her food away and crossed her arms over her chest. "Can I return to my cell now?"

"Your cell?" Cedric's brow furrowed and he cast the woman a half-smile. "You're not sleeping in a prison cell. You're my wife."

"I'm not sharing your bed if that's what you're suggesting." Sofia retorted.

Cedric chuckled softly and shook his head. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood, motioning for the woman to follow. "Come along."

Sofia watched Cedric warily for a moment but he only seemed to find amusement in the situation. Reluctantly she followed after him as he led her out of the dining room, up the stairs and down a long, once familiar hall. He stopped at a room that had at one time been used as a guest room for visiting royalty. She watched him push the door open and urge her inside.

The room looked unlived in and meticulously clean. She looked it over in confusion before turning to face him. "Why this room?"

"Your old room is unlivable at the moment." Cedric answered. "But this room is right across the hall from mine. I'll be close by, should you need me."

Sofia let out a snort and rolled her eyes. "You mean you'll be close by if I try to escape."

"That as well." Cedric said with a small laugh. "But I hope that one day I'll be able to trust that you won't leave."

"My family is here." Sofia muttered. "I'm not going anywhere without them."

Cedric watched the young woman calmly as she turned away from him and stepped further into the room. He watched her run her hands over the expensive bedspread, a twinge of hope spiking within him that she would be pleased. "Is this room to your liking?"

"So long as you're not in it." Sofia answered, casting a sour glance at the man over her shoulder. "Leave me alone."

"As you wish." Cedric replied, casting the woman a regretful smile.

Sofia kept her gaze narrowed in Cedric's direction as he backed away from the room, closing the door as he went. She allowed herself the small reprieve of flopping down onto the bed where she sunk into the overstuffed mattress before the feeling of overwhelming anguish crept up on her. She grabbed the nearest pillow and latched onto it as she buried her face against it and sobbed her way into slumber.