I'll try to weekly update this story, though I wasn't sure if I would manage this week. However, I'll try to upload a chapter every Sunday or Saturday, but know that I will sometimes have to wait until the release of a new episode to continue with the story.

Here's chapter 2, hope you all enjoy it!

CHAPTER TWO

Lola woke up early the next morning. The sun hadn't even risen yet and the chirping birds, which would have usually lulled her back into a light sleep, hadn't yet woken. In a few hours she would be wed to a man whom she barely knew, and this only to repay the death of his only son, whom Mary had thrown in a dungeon filled with servants infested with the plague. She was being used as a mean of truce between the King and the Nobles. She should have felt offended and yes, she should have tried to talk to Francis and convince him to find another suitable young Lady. But Lola didn't have the strength to fight anymore. Her reputation pursued her everywhere she went, people whispered horrible things behind her back, called her names, defamed her… she was sick of having to listen to those unknowing servants, guards and nobles that were so greedy to judge and so unwilling to understand. If they had walked a few miles in her shoes, would their opinion on her have changed? Probably not. And Francis was right when he said that her union with Lord Narcisse would make people forget about her indiscretions… and yet, it might only make them think less of Lord Narcisse, which will make him feel shameful and maybe, make him want to annul their marriage. And what then? Well then, she'd be back to square one: alone, broken, put to shame. Simple as that.

Unable to find anymore sleep, Lola stood up and went to sit on the window sill, patiently waiting for the sun to rise. She could already see nuances of orange and red in the sky: soon, a new day would start. And soon, she would start a new life. She wasn't really sure what she should expect from a man like Lord Narcisse. He had been pleasant enough the previous night, had not made any attempts to get her into his bed the first night. Well, he didn't have long to wait now, did he? In less than a few hours, he would have the right to command her to lay with him. And yet, Lola didn't think that Lord Narcisse was the kind of man to force himself upon his wife, however those rumours… those damnable rumours that followed him just the way her bad reputation followed her. Maybe they weren't so different from one another. Maybe he would surprise her by being a gentleman, a respectful and tolerant husband. Lola wished she could believe in those naïve hopes, but she knew deep inside her heart that Lord Narcisse was no man to play too long with. Although their conversation the previous night had been pleasant enough, yes even entertaining. She smiled as she recalled his words:

"I was told by the King and your beloved friend the Queen (those words were not said without irony) that you are a woman of surprising intelligence and talent." He looked at her with those piercing blue eyes that were filled with curiosity. Lola blushed at the compliment and yet, she couldn't help but wonder why either Francis or Mary would have used the word 'surprising' to speak of her virtues.

"Well…", Lola began, taking a sip of her wine, "I am interested in a lot of things, mainly history and literature. I read a lot, any book I can get a hand on actually… when I was young, I would always go to my neighbour's house who would teach me how to read and write. And he often lent me some of his books…" Lola wasn't very sure if that story interested Lord Narcisse, but if it didn't, he didn't show his boredom. She just felt like telling this to someone. It had never interested anybody, and yet Narcisse seemed to be paying attention, though his eyes were not always looking at her pretty face…

"You'll see, I have a huge library back at home. I'm sure you'll find it quite comfortable to stay in for a bit of reading. And if you're truly as interested in books as you claim, you'll be allowed to spend as much time in there as you want" His smile was somehow disconcerting. There was something wolfish about it that made goose bumps rise on Lola's tender skin.

"Thank you, my Lord."

"And know that I'll provide you with whatever your heart desires. Even freedom, if that's what you need in order to be happy. I only expect a few things in return but… we still have time to talk about that later on. For now, let us enjoy this evening…" He raised his glass slightly and took a long sip.

Her eyelids were starting to feel heavy again and she had trouble keeping them open. Shame, she would have enjoyed to watch the sun rise in the horizon. She had always liked the sight of sunsets and sunrises. Sleepily, Lola made it to her own bed again and lay comfortably on her side, waiting for sleep to come. Her last thought was for her future husband.

Kenna was softly shaking her awake and it felt as if only minutes had passed since Lola had fallen asleep. Her head was still blurry and her body felt heavy and numb. She was tired and wished she still had more hours left to sleep, but she knew now that there was no going back. In a few hours, she would be standing before the priest, together with her future husband, and would have to consent to this marriage. It was not as if she couldn't have stood up for herself, but she didn't have another choice. She had to marry Narcisse. There was no way around it. Mary and Francis wouldn't let her. It was harsh, but it was their decision and Lola was forced to follow her Queen's orders. Somehow, she didn't even feel scared or angered. There was only room in her heart for frustration.

"So… today's the big day" Kenna said with a comforting smile. Lola could tell by her uneasiness and her red puffy eyes that her friend had been crying again. It saddened Lola to know that Kenna felt so upset about the whole situation. And yet, she also knew that she had gone through the same when she had been forced to marry Bash, so Kenna understood her better than anybody else and she knew how hard it was to give up all your beliefs and give yourself to a man you had never even considered marrying or loving…

"Don't worry for me, okay? Apparently they couldn't have chosen a better man for me… I'll never be in need of anything, he has the money to keep any woman happy it is said…"

"Yes… but you, Lola, are no woman to be bought with jewellery and fancy dresses. You need love, understanding and freedom. You need someone who treats you as an equal and not as an object…"

"I'll be just fine, Kenna. I have talked to him yesterday evening and he doesn't seem like that kind of man… besides, I wonder if the rumours concerning his past wives are even founded" Her friend didn't seem reassured and this hesitation showed in her eyes. Lola hugged her tightly in a comforting way. "You know I have a talent to guess when someone's trustworthy… and Lord Narcisse doesn't seem that dangerous to me. Maybe he'll prove himself to be a very caring husband…"

"I hope you'll be as lucky as I was with Bash… your positiveness amazes me, Lola. You are such an incredible person. I really want what is best for you"

"I know Kenna" They hugged for a long time, both craving tenderness in those difficult times. Kenna knew Lola would be fine, yet she couldn't help but wonder if Narcisse would treat her well. After a few long minutes, they parted.

"Come now", said Kenna with a smile on her lips, "let's get you ready for you wedding. I can assure you you'll be the prettiest bride I've ever seen, even prettier and more sublime than Mary…"

"Thank you Kenna"

"So, what do you think?" Lola, who had been told to close her eyes until Kenna was done with her, opened her eyes and saw her reflection in the mirror. What she saw made tears well up in her eyes. She was absolutely stunning, drop-dead beautiful. Her long brown hair had been left loose, only a small tiara kept it out of her face. It cascaded in a wave of curls down her back and made her look like a true princess indeed. Her dress, which had been made by three servants in less than five hours, fitted tightly and slightly sparkled in the sunlight. It was long, reaching to the floor and Lola thought it was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. She looked twice her age now and felt slightly dizzy and light-headed when she heard Kenna tell her that they needed to go downstairs.

"The ceremony will begin very soon. Come on now, we can't be late" Lola nodded and looked at her reflection one last time. She lifted her chin slightly, deciding that she would look proud and strong in front of the other nobles. She didn't want anybody thinking that Lord Narcisse could have her way with her if he wanted to. She would show them what she was capable of. And her future-husband wouldn't be disappointed with her. Determined, she followed Kenna downstairs to the throne room.

On their way, both friends remained silent. Lola wondered if Lord Narcisse would be wearing white or red. Red was a majestical colour, a symbol of power. Red would certainly suit him, she thought. And yet, she found herself hoping he would wear white garments. They reached the throne room too quickly for Lola's liking, who felt nervousness rise in her, overwhelm her. Soon, she'd be Lady Narcisse. It sounded awkward to her ears: Lola Narcisse. Lady Narcisse. Lady Lola Narcisse…

"Ready?", Kenna asked.

"No"

"I thought as much"

Maybe now was the right moment to tell her that all of this had been a big joke. Maybe now was the time for Francis, Mary and Lord Narcisse to step out and tell her that all had been a set-up, that none of this would actually happen because they all respected Lola's decision to marry a man she loved. Nothing happened. Nobody stepped out to free her from this madness, no one told her that she wouldn't have to marry Lord Narcisse. Everything remained quiet. The only thing she could hear was the soft clapping of heels on marble. Lord Narcisse appeared before her. He looked proud, confident and yes, even handsome in his black trousers and red vest. His sword hung on his left side, as if he would have need of it in the middle of the ceremony. It represented his power and his strength. Lola swallowed the lump in her throat and looked at him defiantly. She wouldn't lower her eyes, she wouldn't lower her eyes, she wouldn't lower her eyes…

He held her gaze. His beautiful blue eyes seemed to pierce right through her soul and she felt as vulnerable as a lamb facing the wolf. His grin disconcerted her, made her feel uncomfortable and exposed. He stretched out his hand and took hold of hers, placing a soft kiss on its back, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Lady Lola… you look absolutely stunning in this dress. And your hair…" Narcisse softly passed his hand through her curly hair and brushed a strand behind her ear. "Shall we?..." Lola nodded and embraced Kenna one last time, thanking her for her help. Then, she held onto Narcisse's arm and walked into the throne room, where Mary, Francis and other nobles were assembled. Lola saw Greer and her husband and smiled at them. The priest stood in the middle of the room, holding a copy of the Holy Bible in his right hand, waiting for the ceremony to begin. All eyes were on the couple walking arm in arm towards the priest. Lola felt slightly uneasy, but she didn't let it show. Only the shaking of her hands betrayed her nervousness.

They both stopped mere inches before the priest and stood facing each other, as was the protocol. Lola's hands were still shaking, but she kept her head high, although she didn't manage to look into her future husband's eyes any longer. She thought she might faint right now and then. Why was she feeling so hot? She needed some fresh air… she needed to leave this place and never return.

"Lords and Ladies, we are assembled here today to celebrate the Union of Lord Stéphane Narcisse and Lady Lola of Scotland… "Lola wasn't listening, too concentrated on keeping up appearance. Though she would never have admitted it, she was grateful for Narcisse's comforting touch when the shaking became too obvious. His hands covered hers and his thumb soothingly rubbed the back of her hand. She expressed her gratitude with a quick thankful smile.

The ceremony went on and on… and seemed to last an eternity. Lola discretely looked around and saw some Lords yawn and others staring into the distance without actually looking. She hoped the priest would soon end this forever lasting preach. She shared a brief glance with Narcisse, who offered her a small grin that told her that he, too, was feeling more than just a little bit bored, especially since he had gone through three wedding ceremonies already.

"If anyone opposes this union, speak now or forever hold your peace"

Somehow, Lola hoped someone would yell that this was wrong, that she shouldn't be marrying a complete stranger, that this marriage should be cancelled. But no one spoke. The room was silent for a few seconds, a silence that was almost unbearable for Lola and that was filled with her unheard frustrated screams. Narcisse noticed her disappointment, she could see it in his eyes. He didn't say anything. He didn't let anything show. He waited, patiently, for the priest to go on.

"In this case, may God bless you with many years of happiness and prosperity, and may you both fulfil his will until you bask in his ever-lasting light." Now, everyone would expect the newly-wed couple to kiss, of course. Lola wished Narcisse would simply leave her alone. She didn't want all this. How could she kiss a man she didn't even love? Tears welled up in her eyes against her will. She tried to blink them away, but it was already too late. Narcisse had witnessed them and didn't look as confident anymore. His hands rested on her hips and she closed her eyes, expecting to feel his lips on her mouth anytime soon. Instead, she felt the softest of kisses being placed on her forehead.