Chapter 49

Taker had made some mental notes not to be pissing her off during their relationship because he had just watched her verbally shred Shane to bits. Brave face for most of it or not, he knew that those poisonous words had probably bit the McMahon Prince to his very core. No thanks, he liked his pride where it was and his spine still up straight.

"You, precious, are evil." He commended when she walked right into his waiting arms.

"I know…and you love it."

Tahlia hadn't done her makeup yet, just her hair, which was half up and half down. The down part had spiral curls that flowed over her shoulders while the top half was in a crown style. The veil would fit perfectly on top of her head. Crooking her finger, Tahlia gently gripped his chin and plundered her mouth with his, pouring every ounce of feeling into it. The Acolytes were on their way to the arena with the precious cargo of Shane McMahon, taking backroads since Vince was on the lookout for his son.

"Alright, enough distracting me. I have to get ready." Pecking him one final time, Tahlia undid her robe and let it flutter to the floor, unzipping the bag that had her wedding dress in it.

He stopped distracting her, as requested, but… he also helped her prepare for the mock wedding. It was odd… helping his beloved, his dark mistress, dress for a marriage to another man, even if it was entirely fake. Taker wasn't sure if he was annoyed or amused, finally settling for somewhere in between.

"Are you ready for this?" He asked quietly, knowing she had some reservations and just really good at hiding them.

"You're not trying to talk me out of this like Paul did earlier, are you?" Tahlia sounded amused, letting him clip the halter around her neck in place and turned to face him. "We've come too far to stop now, Taker. It's not like we're really going to kill him. It's all to cause Shane a mental breakdown so he stays away from the WWF and it weakens the Corporation drastically." Picking the veil up, Tahlia held it in front of her and chewed her bottom lip while staring into his eyes. "This has all been building for months and we're about to be rewarded with the results tonight. I can do this. Thank you for helping me get ready." Turning to stare in the mirror, Tahlia placed the veil on her head and nodded, deciding her face would be makeup free to make her look more innocent. All she had was clear gloss and thin black liner around her eyes to make them pop. "Let's go get me married!"

There was no way he was going to try talking her out of it; this was his brainchild. She had made it hers, sure, taken that strange little ball and waltzed down crazy lane with it. But, he wouldn't force her to do it, not now. Things had changed between them. Taker mockingly bowed and extended his arm to her, the perfect gentleman, giving away the perfect bride.

"Shall we then?"

Paul silently prayed for Shane McMahon to pull through this with minimal psychological scarring.

Accept the Lord of Darkness as your savior – And allow the purity of evil to guide you

"JR, what is this?"

"Does it look like I – oh my god in heaven…"

"JR, that's-"

The Ministry slowly made their way down to the ring with Shane McMahon strapped to the Undertaker's symbol. Behind the Acolytes, Viscera, Edge and Christian walked the Lord of Darkness, Paul Bearer and a dark bride. Tahlia kept her eyes straight ahead, smiling as a funeral dirge began throughout the arena. It wasn't just any funeral dirge either – it had a slight twist to it. It was the wedding march that sounded like a funeral dirge. Slowly, they made their way down to the ring with Tahlia's arm looped through Taker's, a sinister smile on her face. Nobody would come to Shane McMahon's rescue. Vince was on strict orders not to come near this ring, or any of the Corporation, or else Stephanie would be targeted next and then his wife, Linda. Slipping through the ropes, Tahlia made her way to stand beside Shane and slid her fingers down his cheek, enjoying the fact he was gagged so his screams were muffled.

"This is it, my Dark Prince." She murmured in his ear, nodding at Paul to precede with the prenuptials.

"Who gives this dark bride to this man?" Paul Bearer wailed, purposefully stressing his vowels and adjusting his voice to its usual high, wailing pitch he used when in character.

"I do." Taker said, his voice dark and sinister.

Shane McMahon looked ready to piss himself and might've if not for the fact that they hadn't been letting him have anything to drink for a while, just to avoid dealing with him actually… wetting himself.

Nodding, Paul proceeded, smiling his ghastly smile down at a terrified Shane McMahon.

Tahlia enjoyed every second of this, the fear and terror in Shane's eyes was worth everything she'd gone through. She listened intently as Paul did the introduction most weddings had, putting his own dark spine on the words used. She would have to buy him something amazing after this was over with since he'd been a key player in this entire plan. When it came time for her vows, Tahlia spoke clearly and in her haunting tone.

"I, Tahlia, take you, Shane McMahon, to be my husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, until death do us part."

Her eyes locked with his when she said the word death, making him fully believe he would die shortly. Taking the ring from Taker, she slipped it on Shane's finger before the microphone was held up to the Dark Lord's mouth. He would be speaking on behalf of Shane.

"Shane McMahon takes you, Tahlia, to be his lawfully wedded wife, through sickness and in health, for… richer," A wicked chuckle escaped his lips. "And poorer… in this life and the next." Because Shane was never, ever, going to escape Tahlia or this memory. Taker slid the ring on her finger, which was a simple diamond Paul had purchased from a local jewelry store earlier that day.

Paul almost felt bad for Shane and continued on. He had half been expecting someone to come out, someone to come try saving the McMahon Prince. Was Vince actually going to play this smart?

"By the powers vested in me and the Dark Lord, I now pronounce you as the unholy union of darkness. You may now kiss your bride..."

This was the moment Tahlia had been waiting for. Months of scheming and planning, infiltrating the Corporation and making Shane McMahon fall in love with her…all of it culminated to this moment. Taking the dagger Taker handed her, Tahlia moved to Shane's side and quickly pecked his mouth before raising the dagger in the air.

"Goodbye, Dark Prince."

The kiss had sealed their marriage and now all that was left to do was fulfill the rest of the plan. Slamming the dagger down, it didn't pierce Shane's heart like everyone thought and Tahlia could hear a hush come over the crowd. Fear, doubt, disbelief…the dagger's blade sank into the symbol's black painted wood and cut the bind on Shane's wrist perfectly, freeing him. Tahlia ripped the veil off and took the dagger, slicing the gag from his mouth before doing the other wrist. He was white as a sheet, shaky and stared at her wide eyed, wondering what she would do next. Laughing, Tahlia took the microphone from Paul and held the dagger up to Shane while speaking.

"Let this be a lesson to ANYONE in the back who THINKS they can screw with the Ministry of Darkness, especially your old man. You're free to go, little Prince. Oh and one more thing: This wasn't real – none of it." She watched him scamper out of the ring, falling on his backside several times and felt Taker's arm wrap around her waist, leaning back against him.

The ultimate mind game had been played and it was finally over.

Backstage, everyone was taking notes: never mess with the Undertaker, his Ministry, or his woman. They would destroy lives and minds.

Taker was laughing wickedly as they watched Shane stumble his way backstage where Vince was no doubt waiting to put his son in the finest therapy he could find. "You are truly magnificence personified." He whispered against her head.

"Thank you."

Tahlia took her WWF Women's championship and held it against her shoulder proudly. The Ministry left the ring, leaving the symbol on the ring ropes where Shane McMahon had watched his life flash before his eyes. Indeed, a message had been sent to the entire WWF and Tahlia sincerely hoped Austin watched his backside because Taker was coming from him…and his title next. Everyone parted for them as the group made their way backstage toward the Ministry locker room. Tahlia couldn't wait to get out of this dress, but had promised Taker could help her, so they were heading straight for the hotel.

Hyper aware of the looks they were getting, the Ministry made their way down the halls to their dressing room. Respect. Fear. Revulsion. All of it combined in one. Taker enjoyed it, his head high, hand placed firmly on the small of her back. Everyone now knew who ruled this place. Maybe not owned it, but he definitely ruled it with his dark mistress. Once in the room with the door closed, he mockingly bowed as the Ministry applauded them.

"May I present the finest actress ever?" He ushered her forward.

It was her turn to mock curtsy, since she was in a wedding dress, and gestured to Taker. "Couldn't have done it without our Dark Lord, boys. And of course the mastermind, Brother Paul."

Walking over to him, she kissed each of his cheeks and hugged him, her way of thanking him for all his help to pull this master mind game off. The true backbone of the Ministry. The boys all swarmed her, kissing her cheek and hugging her, showing her what true family was all about. The Ministry was just that – a family. It would be a sad day when the group was disbanded and Tahlia hoped that day was far off. Something told her it wasn't, however. She thanked each and every one of them for their hard work and help, kissing their cheeks along with hugs.

While everyone was winding down and preparing to call it a night, Taker took a moment to gesture Bradshaw and Farooq to a corner. "Tomorrow night, I was thinking we'd have us a game and some beers." He offered, after a minute or two of casual conversation. "Tahlia insists she's a decent poker player," He mocked rolled his eyes. "So…"

"I get'cha boss," Bradshaw laughed, though he hushed quickly when Tahlia looked at them curiously. "Gotta keep the little woman happy."

"You've seen the little woman… she's… a handful."

Farooq nodded, wholeheartedly agreeing with that one.

These two were screwed.

Little woman? Did he really just call her a little woman? Tahlia kept a phony smile on her face, but in her mind, she was strangling Bradshaw with his long black hair. "Sounds good to me. Taker, we should get going so I can get out of this dress. I didn't bring any other clothes to the arena with me." They had some practice to do because Bradshaw and Farooq were going down…along with their wallets.

Payday arrived tomorrow – it was the perfect opportunity to capitalize.

Oh yeah, she was going to send those boys straight to poor man's hell and he had every intention of helping her do it. If she didn't think she'd be able to handle it, or wasn't good enough, then he had absolutely no problem in teaching her how to cheat. Not after the shit they had pulled when they had 'taught' her how to play. Taker said goodnight to everyone and grabbed his bag, not bothering to change out of his gear. He was just fine as he was; that and he had every intention of relaxing in the whirlpool as soon as they were back at the hotel, along with a bottle of something expensive.

They had a celebration to commence.

Unfortunately, due to the dress, she couldn't ride on the motorcycle, so Paul had it stored on a nearby truck for safekeeping. She was helped into the back of a long stretch limousine, scooting over so Taker could join her. The dress was ridiculous, but also gorgeous and she would probably never wear it again after tonight. It'd been worth it to see the color drain out of Shane McMahon's face and eyes, making him think she would murder him on live television. How stupid was he? It wasn't until they took off Taker informed her this was supposed to be Vince's limousine and they'd stolen it. She laughed, kissing him and accepted a glass of expensive champagne the limousine had, toasting to a job well done.

"Ugh, I'll take beer or heavy liquor over this shit any day of the week." She set the glass down and leaned her head back against the seat, the smile superglued on her face.

"Oh I don't know, darlin'," He was studying his own glass, eyeballing the liquid. "I kind of enjoy the bubbles." Taker wasn't a champagne drinker, at all, but… he liked the way they tickled and drained it. "That is expensive stuff." Even if they didn't drink it all and there were several bottles… he was going to tip the hotel staff with it. No point in leaving any for the McMahons; he was just that kind of asshole tonight. "Feel better?"

"I'll feel a lot better once I'm out of this dress and in something more comfortable. If you're referring to this situation with McMahon being over, yes I'm much better."

Looking down, Tahlia saw the ring on her left ring finger and immediately removed it, not believing she'd forgotten to take it off. That was supposed to be part of the plan, throwing the ring in Shane's face. Oh well, not everything could go absolutely perfect, she supposed. She simply held the ring in her hand, not sure what she would do with it and turned to stare out the window.

Noticing that, Taker sighed and reached over to grab her hand with the ring in it. He plucked it from her palm and then held it up under the light, revealing the inscription on the band. Doing the shopping the best he could, Taker told Paul the ring size, what he was looking for, all the details required. Paul had come back with samples and he had gotten to select which one would be best. It wasn't anything overly fancy, just a simple white gold band with a beautiful but tasteful diamond.

"It says nunc scio quid sit amor." He said quietly, almost smiling at the bemused look on her face. "I had it put there for you." Because he knew she wasn't really marrying Shane and where her heart lay. "It's Latin, Tahlia." He took a deep breath. "It means now I know what love is." He had known it before, briefly, but nothing like this. That was been simple, wholesome and he had loved his wife dearly, but this was something else entirely.

Something passionate, dangerous, all consuming.