- Genesis 2: 22-24, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures

- Dave Grohl

- Robert Brault

Today was the day where Rhea was to be wedded to Hadrian Adams, the Duke of Vale. Rhea put a hand to her throat to calm herself. After just a month and a half of courting they were to be officially wedded.

Rhea needed to sit down.

"Oh, Rhea." Lucinda breathed, her eyes shining as she looked at her daughter excitedly. "I cannot believe it is your wedding day. It seems quite impossible."

"Quite," Rhea murmured. She glanced around the room and then at the mirror where it reflected Lady Hemmingway's features. Apparently, Rhea's mother was more excited than Rhea.

Of course, she was thrilled at the fact that she would finally be Hadrian's wife, but it still made her spine shiver. She was more than excited.

Today was the day where she would walk towards Hadrian at the altar, where her father would hand her over to him to care for her until the end of their lives, where he would take her to his home, where she would become the lady of his manor, where he would take her to his bed and consummate the marriage.

Dear God.

Rhea's eyes fluttered down to avoid the paralyzing shock that emanated through her eyes. Tonight she would be fully Hadrian's. She would lie in his arms at night while they slept together.

She'd never, in her life, slept with a man before, not even her father when she was a child. What a difference T'would be to have to share a bed with a man, with Hadrian no less!

"Rhea?" Rhea slowly lifted her eyes to her mothers in the mirror. Lucinda seemed to be hesitating, not sure. She gazed at her daughter with obvious affection and admiration.

For a moment, Rhea reveled in the fact that perhaps someday she would manage to build a relationship with her mother. Unfortunately the events of the past two months have turned for the worst on their relationship, making a strain between the two.

"I can't tell you how much appreciation I have for you, my daughter. On other circumstances, I wish this day would have had come together differently. But, I cannot make up for past mistakes that have no fixing. I know there is no way for you to fully forgive me yet, but I would never agree to this marriage if I did not think you would be happy with Hadrian."

Rhea took a minute to soak in the words of her mother. She admitted to herself that this speech had come unawares, but not unwelcome. In the past few days, Rhea had been yearning for wise advice from her mother.

Now that she had it, she would put it to good use. "I'm grateful, mother, that you have told me this. I have forgiven you for a while now."

Lucinda's eyes became watery and she nodded jerkily. There was a sudden knock on the door, initiating the beginning of the wedding ceremony.

Rhea quickly glanced at herself in the mirror, brushing her hand delicately against the lace and satin. It was a beautiful white gown, made for a princess.

"Alright, my dear." Lucinda smiled. "It is time for your union with the Duke of Vale."

Rhea sucked in a quick breath and then breathed out. She was going to become the Duchess of Vale in a matter of moments. She walked towards the door and down the hallway. The ceremony would be held in the Hemmingway's own home, where the reception would follow and then soon after where Hadrian would take Rhea to his manor.

She caught a glance of her father waiting for her by the front of the doors where it would lead to a pathway outside.

Abraham saw his daughter descending the steps and felt pride swell fast in him. "You are the loveliest young woman I know, my dear."

Rhea's eyes shined. "Thank you, father."

"I couldn't be more proud of you." Abraham said honestly. "You honor the Hemmingway name."

Rhea nodded and let her father lead her away to the altar. They stepped on the threshold of where the ceremony's citizens were held.

The music began and the people stood up.

Rhea's eyes came up and saw Hadrian. His black and white suit enhanced his handsomeness. He was a sight to bear. He caught and held her eyes with his.

He slowly dragged his gaze on her dressed up form. Rhea felt a thrill of pleasure watching his possessive eyes steal hers again. He stood straight and tall, proud to be wedding a beautiful young girl.

Rhea smiled shyly and cast her eyes down. She breathed in deep.

Finally, her father arrived at the platform to hand her to her future husband. Rhea felt Hadrian's large, warm hand encase hers firmly. She looked up into his eyes.

The pastor who would perform the ceremony stood straight and cleared his throat to begin the union.

Hadrian watched as Rhea finally became his. He felt a fierce sense of possession of his young wife. It terrified him immensely to come to the realization of this fact.

Hadrian watched as her facial features became flushed as he stepped into his duty to make her officially his. He slid his hands along her arms and pulled her toward him.

Rhea looked into his eyes and then gave a fleeting glance toward his mouth. Hadrian smiled wryly. He leaned down and gave her a hot-searing kiss that left her dazed when he pulled away.

The crowd roared with approval and Rhea blushed all the way to her toes.

"Come, wife, it is time for the reception." Hadrian said softly. He took pleasure in the way she shivered when he called her wife.

Rhea nodded jerkily and took his arm as he led her to the Hemmingway ballroom. Hadrian nodded at an old couple that stopped to give them congratulations on their matrimony.

"Wise choice, Your Grace, wise choice indeed." Lord Grisham nodded eagerly.

"Thank you, my lord." Hadrian murmured. His eyes switched to Rhea's moving form as she was ushered around for congratulatory comments from friends and family. He gazed at her alight face and smiled when she flushed with pleasure.

She was finally his. He was her husband as she was now his wife. No one could take her away, not even the young Ashwin fool.

"I must say, old friend, that this was very much unexpected." Hadrian turned to greet Matthew. "But," Matthew grinned, "not foolish."

Hadrian shrugged. "Our union was planned not long ago."

Matthew smirked. "But I can see you are very proud of the outcome. The late Miss Hemmingway is a beauty."

Hadrian gave a sharp glance towards Matt. "Be careful of your words, friend. That is my wife now."

"Ah, you act like a wounded pup. Come, come, I did not mean anything by it. You are very fortunate for such a compelling beauty."

Hadrian grunted. "Just so." He looked around warily until he saw Rhea speaking to a man. His eyes narrowed, trying to identify the man. When he finally turned towards Hadrian's view he clenched his fists.

Lord Utteridge.

Hadrian tightened his hold on the wine glass that he held. Matthew watched as his friend became stony. One glance in the direction of where Rhea was had him shaking his head ruefully.

Matthew could see very clearly the vulnerability Hadrian's young wife had on him. "Go to your wife. I must see to Lord Brigham."

Hadrian nodded and gave a smile. "Thank you for coming."

"Felicitations to you and your wife, I would not have missed it. You have been similar to a brother since I've known you as a boy."

Hadrian grinned ruefully. "As I remember, you were one lanky boy."

"Off with you," Matthew shooed his hand towards Lady Vale. Hadrian shook his head and walked towards his wife. When Lord Utteridge looked up from his speech he gave Hadrian a scathing look and then excused himself.

Rhea watched the man go away with confusion. Hadrian reached his wife's side and took her elbow in his warm hand.

"I assume you are enjoying yourself, Your Grace." Hadrian murmured in her ear. Rhea's eyes closed fleetingly and nodded.

"Yes, of course. Everyone has been wonderful," Rhea smiled once she faced Hadrian.

He nodded, "Good."

"Rhea!" Rhea turned and Hadrian watched as two girls came from the crowd. Once they reached his wife's side they squealed and giggled.

Hadrian recognized one as Lady Edmond; Leia, he believed her name was. Leia and the other young girl grabbed hold of Rhea and eagerly chattered to one another.

"Oh, Rhea you were absolutely beautiful. Really, you were - are." Leia waved her hands animatedly.

"Oh yes. Your wedding gown was completely enthralling, oh and the Duke; Dear God, Rhea, why did you not tell me the man was handsome?"

"Beth!-" Rhea's eyes widened as she connected with Hadrian's.

"No, Rhea, for once I'd love to here someone sing my praises." Hadrian smirked.

Gasps emanated from the tiny group, the young woman, Beth, blushed erratically. "Y-your Grace?!"

"Do not worry, my lady, all is well." He smiled gently. Beth nodded quickly and cast her eyes downward in shame. "I do not think I had the pleasure of seeing your face recently."

Beth blushed and Rhea smiled gratefully at her husband. "My lord, may I introduce Lady Beth Oakenshield, she is one of my closest childhood friends."

"Darling, I believe everybody could be you closest friend, you are hard to not like." Hadrian commented wryly. Rhea blushed and smiled shyly. "It is my utmost pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady."

Beth curtsied and grinned.

Hadrian glanced at Rhea's friends. "I am sorry to say that I must steal my wife away now. Unfortunately, it is getting late and I am sure that my wife is weary." The unrepentant smile he wore contradicted his statements.

"Of course, Your Grace." Leia smiled mischievously. "Good bye, Lady Vale."

Hadrian slipped a hand into Rhea's and made his farewells around the room to the entrance. The last people to greet were the Hemmingway's.

"I must take my wife home now; I appreciate your graciousness in opening your home for this ceremony." Hadrian said amiably.

"Of course," Lord Hemmingway said gruffly. "Only the best for our daughter."

"Of course." Hadrian murmured. He looked to where his wife was holding Lucinda. They spoke in soft tones and then embraced once more.

Hadrian walked towards them and wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Good eve, my lord." Lady Hemmingway smiled lightly. "I wish the best for you and my daughter's marriage. Take care of her, Hadrian."

Hadrian nodded solemnly. After making the last of their farewells he brought Rhea outside to their awaiting carriage. He sighed and glanced down at her.

They entered the carriage and he sat to the seat next her. He took her hand in his and held it firmly.

"You looked beautiful, my love." Hadrian said softly. He could feel Rhea's blush, even if he could not see it. "I cannot wait to make you mine in every sense, my wife."

Rhea sighed shakily as Hadrian planted kisses along her neck and then finally pulled her to him to give her a scorching hot kiss. When he pulled away, Rhea's lips were swollen and glistening; she could not look lovelier.

She looked up at him questioningly. He grinned unabashedly at her innocent expression. He cupped her cheek in his hand.

"I have been waiting to that all evening, little wife." He brushed her lips with his again. "I will not take you in this carriage, not our first night together, but mark my words; there is more to come."

Rhea trembled with desire in his arms.