I’m pacing the room so much, I’m surprised the hardwood floor hasn’t worn away.

“Calm down, Roman. She’ll be by your side in moments.”

I look over at Vlad, who’s leaning casually against the wall. I want to punch him in the face just to get some of my aggression out, but I know it won’t do any good. The only thing that will make me feel better is to have Alena by my side. Forever.

“What time is it?” I growl, and make another pass along my pacing route.

“It’s exactly fifteen seconds after you asked me the last time.” He rubs his face like he thinks I’m being ridiculous.

“You think you’d be so calm if the sister was the one coming down the aisle to you?” I challenge.

“Tabby would never make me lose control like that.”

I can’t believe he was able to say the words with a straight face. As soon as they are out of his mouth, he’s laughing.

“Okay, okay. I see your point. Just a few more minutes and the suspense will all be over.”

There’s a knock on my door, and I stop in my tracks as Vlad goes to answer it. He peeks out and then leans back, opening the door and allowing the person to enter.

“Cousin!”

I smile when I see my childhood friend, and as usual he’s taking up almost as much space as I do.

“It’s good to see you, Karim,” I say, giving him a big bear hug.

“It’s a happy day for you, Roman. One I hope to have myself.”

Karim is king over his own country, and soon he’ll choose his own bride. When I think about how we used to throw mud at each other as children, I cannot imagine him getting married. But I’m about to do the same thing. Tension automatically comes flooding back, and Karim notices.

“I’ll leave you and Vlad alone right now. I’m sure you’re anxious to claim your bride.” He gives me a smile and a pat on the back before walking out. Before he does, he turns and laughs. “We’ve got bets to see if you make it to the end of the ceremony before carrying your new bride to the honeymoon tower. Don’t let me down, cousin.”

I growl as the door shuts, and Vlad simply shakes his head.

I pace for a few more moments, and after what seems like an age to me, it’s time. In a traditional ceremony, the bride is presented with both her parents while the groom waits with the officiant. As I wait, I note that a large crowd is present, even though the wedding came at short notice to everyone. But they could all be invisible for how many of them I see. My sole focus is on the doors at the end of the room as I wait for them to open.

It’s maddening torture, but finally the sun beams through them, and I see Alena standing there with her parents on either side of her as she walks to me.

She’s wearing a long dress that covers almost every inch of her skin. Good. I don’t want anyone to see what now belongs to me. The dress has long sleeves and is high around her neck. The soft cream-colored material is molded to her body, showing off her small waist and wide hips. Her chest is small, but her rounded lower half is made to breed heirs. I’ve chosen the best for making me sons.

My cock lengthens at the sight of her, and I want to rip her dress off and sink deep into her. My eyes trail down to the bottom and see her dress flares out, layers of material hiding what’s mine. I could easily tear through that, and the idea makes me smile.

A thin veil lies in front of her face and blocks her eyes from me. I hate it. I go to take a step forward to remove it, but I feel a grip on my arm pulling me back. When I turn, I see Vlad beside me, holding my arm and shaking his head. Goddamn him.

I clench my fists at my side and wait until Alena reaches me. The officiant says a few words I don’t really pay attention to, and finally her family is kissing her cheek and handing her over to me.

Once I’ve got her hand in mine, my pulse slows a little. I want to steal her away from all of this and have her only to myself, but I know I have to wait for the words to be said.

While the officiant speaks, I ignore him and reach out, pulling the veil away from her face and pushing it back behind her. I want to be able to see her eyes when she’s made mine.

“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, my princess,” I say, touching her cheek.

She blushes a deep shade of red, and I take both of her hands in mine while we wait.

More words are spoken, but I only stare at my princess and think of all the things I will do to her once she’s under me. How will she sound? What will she beg for when I’ve give her more pleasure that she’s ever imagined?

“You may kiss your princess,” I hear the officiant say, and that’s the signal that the ceremony is over.

I grab her face gently with both of my big hands. I place my lips gently on hers and then give her the barest hint of my tongue. I growl against her lips as I feel her own tongue touch mine. It’s a promise of things to come, and I don’t know how long I will make it before I make good on my promises.

I wanted to walk out of here with her over my shoulder, but I know that she deserves a beautiful wedding day, even though I care for none of it. The wedding was merely a means to make her mine. But every princess should have the day she’s wanted since birth, and I am determined to give it to her.

“Shall we, my wife?” I offer, holding out my arm and leading her to the reception line.

Alena looks at me with a little shock before she puts her hand in the crook of my arm and nods for me to lead.

The receiving line is long, and I know we’ll be greeted by well-wishers and dignitaries for quite a long time. But I don’t plan on letting Alena go while this is happening. People can say hello to her, but no one touches my princess.