It was around 21:00 when the last guests left. The ceremony had been simple. Prepared in a rush. Yet it still carried the elegance and class of a noble event. The guest list was short: only the local nobles and the groom’s extended family. Though arranged on short notice, nobody was surprised. Gossip about the baron’s heir befriending his attendant had long been circulating. Of course, it was uncommon for nobility to marry a commoner, especially a poor one, but so far from the capital, rules and traditions were more flexible. The ceremony was over, but the main event was still to come: the wedding night.

“Katalya… sorry, my lady, is the water to your preference?” Sarah asked softly as she helped Katalya bathe.

“My lady? We have been friends for a lifetime. Katalya will do just fine! And the water is fine too!” Katalya snapped. “Besides, it was only by luck that I am marrying my beloved Klode. Until a few days ago, you were my superior, so please, speak casually with me.”

Sarah chuckled. “Of course, nothing has changed in our friendship. But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t give you the respect you deserve. After all, you will be the future lady of the house.”

“Would you believe me if I told you that status and riches mean nothing to me? What makes me happiest in the world is that today I married the love of my life, and we are finally family. Especially after coming so close to losing him forever. Nothing can be done against Sir Kartel, but I will do my best to protect Klode from every danger, even his father. And what better way than by being at his side?”

“I agree, it was a terrible thing that happened. You can try to protect him, but you must protect yourself too. It’s hard being a commoner married into this family,” Sarah said with a worried look.

“Okay, okay…” Katalya rushed to change the subject. “Let’s worry about these things later. The real problem now is how to control my heart, which is beating so fast at the thought of tonight.”

“Don’t worry about that, my dear. I will doll you up so beautifully for tonight that it will be his heart beating in a frenzy.”

“Whoa, that is a sinister grin I see on your face. I trust you to make those words a reality!”

And so it was. Katalya looked like a winter fairy that night. Her skin soft and rosy, her light blonde hair gleaming, her eyes sparkling. Yet her beloved was nowhere to be found...