Chapter 17: The First Night With The Devil
Ivan and Lydia stood at the altar.
Lydia’s thoughts were spinning. Her body stood still, but her mind was far from the cathedral. She couldn’t believe this was really happening.
The priest began the proceedings.
"We are gathered here today to witness the union of Grand Duke Ivan Romanov and Lady Lydia Andreyevna. If anyone has any objection, speak now or forever hold your peace..."
Silence.
Lydia’s heart raced. Her chest felt tight, her hands cold. This didn’t feel like her life anymore.
The priest turned to the groom. "Do you, Ivan Romanov, take Lydia Andreyevna to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love and to protect, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Ivan said, without hesitation.
The priest then turned to her. His voice broke through her trance.
"And do you, Lydia Andreyevna, take Ivan Romanov to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Lydia blinked and found her voice. "I... I do."