His Father-in-Law Forced Him to Marry a Bride in a Locked Barrel
Previously: Prince Vincent is forced into an arranged marriage to save his family. But when he unlocks his bride's wooden barrel, a shocking secret turns his wedding into a fight for survival.
A Deadly Toast
The realization hit Vincent like a physical blow. King George had discovered their secret romance. This was not a marriage; it was a public execution disguised as a wedding. If Vincent cried out or revealed that the woman in the barrel was not the princess, the King’s guards would execute Clara on the spot for treason. He had to play along to keep her alive, even if it meant pretending she was the royal bride.
Steeling his nerves, Vincent reached into the dark wooden barrel and gently pulled the silk gag from Clara's trembling lips. He leaned in close, pretending to offer a husband's kiss, but Clara quickly whispered, her voice cracking with terror.
"Vincent, you must listen to me. The King knows everything. He has poisoned the wedding chalice. The moment you drink, you will die, and he will seize your family's lands."
Vincent's blood ran cold. He looked toward the altar, where the priest was already pouring dark, shimmering red wine into a massive golden chalice. King George stepped forward, raising his own silver goblet high.
"A toast to the newlywed couple!"the King boomed, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Drink deep, Prince Vincent, and seal the bond between our houses forever."
The royal guards took a step forward, their hands resting ominously on the hilts of their swords. The tension in the cathedral was thick enough to cut. Refusing the cup meant instant death for both him and Clara. Drinking it meant a slow, agonizing demise. Vincent looked at Clara, whose tear-filled eyes begged him to find a way out. He had only seconds to act before his hesitation betrayed them both.
”He had only seconds to act before his hesitation betrayed them both.