A/N – Well, I got quite a few responses to this…on the whole, people seemed to like it, so I'm gonna keep at it for a while.
This chapter skips a few months; they're getting married. I'm not completely happy with the…tone of this chapter, but…here it is.
A GOLDEN CAGE
She stared at herself in the silver mirror. Her lifeless hair had been plaited and curled into an atrocious mound atop her head. Her pale skin blended with the stiff satin of her white gown. The only color came from the cornflowers at her waist, shaded to exactly match her eyes.
Her grandmother sighed. "I suppose this is the best we will be able to manage. Come along, dear, we mustn't keep your intended waiting."
She nodded mutely, unable to speak, and followed the matriarch out of her cold rooms.
They entered the great hall, and Emily left her side. Rory steeled herself, and proceeded down the aisle, to where her betrothed stood, waiting. She heard the murmurs from the crowds around her, and knew that they weren't whispering about the beauty of the bride, but rather, the handsome young man who had agreed to marry her.
When she arrived at the altar, he took her hand in his, and squeezed it lightly. She squeezed back, grateful for his show of support.
The priest rambled on, but she didn't hear a word of it. Her mind was filled with thoughts of the last several months, in which she and her intended had reached their agreement, and then gone on to…well, they weren't friends, but they had achieved an understanding of sorts. While the next year would not be heaven, neither would it be hell.
With a shock, she realized that it was over. She was married. She would be leaving the Gilmore lands tomorrow, and begin her new life.
The rest of the day flew by, essentially ignoring Rory, just as she essentially ignored the day. She felt as though she were in a dream world, though it was unlike any dream she had experienced. She smiled when required to smile, and exchanged inane pleasantries with the various guests.
That night, long after the rest had retired, she sat up, hidden in a corner of her grandfather's library.
"Rory."
"Tristan."
"We should retire."
She raised an eyebrow at him.
"Rory…we ARE married, now."
She shook her head slightly, and turned her attention back to her book.
With an almost angry snarl, he pulled the book from her hands, grabbed her arm, and forced her upright. "Come. We're going to bed. Now."
She stared at him, unable to hide the fear in her eyes. "We might be married, Tristan, but you are not going to force yourself on me." She bit out.
He laughed, somewhat maniacally. "My dear lady…I have no intention of forcing myself on you. However, you are going to bed. To sleep."
When they reached their bedchamber, he threw her onto the bed. "Do not move from there until I give you permission to do so."
She glared at him, but made no attempt to get up.
"Dammit, Rory, why are you doing this? You agreed to marry me. You knew what that entailed! I'm sorry that I can't free you from your cage yet, but you have to remember, I'm still trapped, too! I need a son! And, as my wife, you are required by law to give me one."
She looked down at the linen sheets and embroidered quilts, avoiding his eyes.
He sat next to her, and took her hands in his. "Rory, please. I know you don't love me, and you know I don't love you. But I thought we…I thought we had agreed to aid one another. The sooner we have a son, the sooner this sham can end, and we will both be free. I gave you my word that I would assist your escape, but you have to help me, first!"
She sighed, and finally spoke. "I know, Tristan…but, not tonight, please?"
He echoed her sigh. "Fine…not tonight. But I will not wait forever."
"I know."
He wrapped his arms around her, and lay back, so that her head was resting on his chest. "Goodnight, Rory."
"Goodnight, Tristan."
She listened as his breathing steadied and became rhythmic, indicating sleep. When he issued a soft snore, she sat up, and looked down at his sleeping face. He looked peaceful and innocent, and almost angelic. She touched his cheek lightly, tracing the line of his jaw with a single finger. Seeing you asleep, like this, I almost believe that I could fall in love with you. But… I cannot allow myself to love you. With a final sigh, she settled back down, leaning against him, and closed her eyes.
A/N – Okay, what do you think? I'm still unsure of this story, so I'm depending on you guys to tell me whether to keep trying, or to scrap it entirely.