Corporate Arrangement {love_and_poprocks & Starcry}

[love_and_poprocks]

The world, in another universe maybe another time-line, magic is still prevalent and technology only aiding its advancement. It never left its Mother Earth, it kept turning, evolving. While warriors and wizards still exist so do the monsters and being that inhabit it. For the most part there is peace between the races of beings but in many cities and countries there are somewhat segregated communities and our story takes place in one of them. Slouver City, metropolis to a large corporate human population and lush tourist destination due to the city being built around the ruins of a war winning fight 700 years ago. While there were demi-humans and other species the dominant race were that of humans. They owned the corporate scene and in once of the largest skyscrapers a meeting was taking place between two very wealthy very powerful families. The discussion of a merger was taking place though it seemed initial talks had gone sour but it seems things have taken a turn in one families favor. It was a small meeting of the minds the husbands and wives collaborating and blackmailing the of the Draconias. One family was thought to have descended from dragons, the other from holy angels neither was ever proven and over the years the blood from the ancients disappeared almost entirely. It never stopped them from pushing their weight around though as both families tended to be bullies not to mention natural enemies.

Carlos Draconia: "How did you find out about that?! This is blackmail you snake!" 

Darrion Knightly: "I have my ways. Dear friend, while I know you don't particularly care for your son I know you don't want this getting out to the public. So my proposition is you give your son's hand in marriage to our daughter and we get this merger up an running. Equal partners of course."

Darrion Knightly was a slick bastard, too smart for his own good as he had gotten the upper hand with ironically underhanded tactics. In general both families were corrupt mega giants of the corporate world but they were careful with what and who they do business with as there were many more powerful that is not money dominated. His wife was a little more apprehensive about all the details she had just heard and her discomfort but said nothing. The Draconias looked to one another and with a reluctant glare Carlos spoke once more; a grin slowly creeping on his lips.

Carlos Draconia: "You drive a hard bargain. Fine take the menace! 50/50 partners and rights to...." 

The conversation went on and contracts were drawn up in magical ink. With this the young adults fates were sealed to one another through business and not of their own choice. The Knightly daughter was eight years the Draconias son was; they had went to the same preparatory academy and even the same college as the elite tended to stick to the same circles. Callista Knightly was terrifyingly beautiful as she was intelligent; she never really interacted with the Draconia son all that much and so did not remember what he looked like. And once her parents came home to tell her the news she was shocked, disappointed and betrayed as she had been used as a bargaining tool for their greed. While she was hurt by their decision she had no choice but to obey as her family was her world and the only constant she knew. She would agree to the wedding that would be held in three days time; a dazzling bride she would be. 

Spoiler

 

Edited July 2, 2022 by love_and_poprocks
add pazzaz

[Starcry]

Volos Draconian was the lesser known and youngest son of the Draconian corporation. Unlike his siblings he had never been given a formal introduction to the public and he simply "existed." Although everyone who raised him had made it clear that he was an unwelcome addition to the family. He was considered "cursed" and "disgusting" to everyone who knew of his existence. This was due to the fact that they had dismissed rumours of their heritage and laughed at such absurdities.

Their dormant bloodline was that of Drakenfae. A race of thorn elemental fairies that were thought to have died out during the great fae purge over a hundred years ago. Their specialities were curses, hell fire, and shapeshifting. They were also rumoured to have an "other worldly" beauty to them. 

Volos was born with, what was assumed to be, several deformities on his body. Onyx diamond shaped scaly skin on his spine, forehead and arms. Two horns protruded from his temples, wings were on his shoulder blades, and a lizard tail from base of his spine. He also had elven ears, black nails that looked more like claws, fangs, a snake-like tongue, and Peridot eyes. All of which was hidden with a special ring once he hit schooling age. 

"VOLOS! COME HERE, NOW!" Carlos bellowed as he walked into the small, yet spotless apartment.

The young college student wasn't one to make his DNA donors wait. He shut his laptop, put on his silver charmed ring, and greeted his visitors, with a servant-like bow.

"Good day, Mr and Mrs Draconian. How may I assist yourselves?" This was not done in a sarcastic tone. It was how he was raised to speak to them. 

"You will finally be useful to us!" Roseline sneered as she eyed up the "thing" that stopped her being able to have any more children. She didn't care how beautiful he looked when he was wearing the ring. He was still a monster to her. 

"We have found some idiotic family who will take you as their son-in-law!" His father smirked and he crossed his arms. While he hated that the Knightly clan somehow got information about his deformed child he was also somewhat grateful that his leech of a child would no longer be his burden to deal with. Plus it meant he could rent out this property. "Be thankful that we have arranged this for you!"

Volos just gave them a fake cheerful smile in response that he had become accustomed to performing, daily. "I am honoured that you have shown me such generosity, sir." 

This earned a satisfied snort from Carlos and a big sadistic grin from Roseline. They loved it when their "son" submitted to them. They then both made themselves at home before showing Volos his "blushing bride" to be. He was unable to hide his surprise as he saw her picture and they spoke about the arrangement. His parents assumed it was at the looks of the perfect specimen of womanhood before him but it wasn't due to her looks or the details they spew forth. Volos had seen her around his campus and she was renown not just for her beauty but also for her intelligence. He had the impression that she was a bit too cocky for her own good and was a spoiled brat. While he was usually neutral of people in general, he didn't exactly want to associate himself with her. This was mostly down to how she had people wrapped around her little finger and how they would fawn over anything she did. Callista also had a habit of coming across as domineering and had surrounded herself with yes-men. This was something that he really disliked, that and the chaos she caused in his department. He was used to just keeping his head down and socialising when called upon to do so. He had perfected acting like a friendly gentleman but he was anything but that. And in three-days they would be locked together in holy matrimony... oh joys... 

Edited July 1, 2022 by Starcry

[love_and_poprocks]

Callista was not given the courtesy of a picture of her betrothed as apparently his parents never bothered to make even the tiniest effort to create memories. This was more annoying to her than anything as she wanted to know who she was being married off to. While a vague memory was there it was not enough for her to put a face to the name. She had one more year and she could graduate with her Master's in Business to follow her parents footsteps and take over the business on their end. However this arrangement put a damper in her plans, as the main reason her parents did this was because even in these fantastically modern times woman held few positions of power and a son, a true heir was better than leaving a woman in charge apparently. So sad really, she was never good enough; too emotional and immature. Though with that being said it was their fault for spoiling her since she was old enough to understand that she was 'special', meant for great things. Hence her hoity toity attitude in school. She excelled in most things she did, nonetheless when it came to relationships she kept people at arms length despite being fawned over and adored for her beauty and intelligence. No, she did this all for the sake of knowing who to trust and who not to, as people were wanting her families wealth and power. At least a good thing about this union was that her betrothed was equal to in social standing. So she figured that at least if they had to be together they could be miserable and wealthy together at the very least. "I wonder what my beloved husband will be like?" She mused to herself thinking about how she was just a pawn in her parents game. If that was how it was going to be then she was going to go all out.

Those three days came and went in a blink of an eye. The venue was set already; the old cathedral by the western port. Invitations were sent out via teleportation magic. A 'modest' wedding of 500 closest family and friends. This was all a farce; business as usual as most of the guests were their parents endorsers and partners from other regions. For their beloved daughter they only provided the best they could. In spite of that, the dress was not one that was able to be precured on short notice. Still it was beautiful and silver like starlight, made of the finest Drider silks and textiles that money could buy. Her raven hair left to its luscious waves and pulls back only slightly by pins and flowers. The food was all prepared and ready along with the alcohol as the business people needed to schmooze. "Gods I'm so ready for this evening to end. I have been starved all day. Been poked and prodded and now I am stuck in another chair for make-up?!" She growled in complaints to the staff as she was doing her best to contain her dislike for the whole situation. She was anxious not remembering what he looked like, and her shallow mind was really on concerned about that. From the lack of information she could only remember that he was quiet and kept to himself so his personality was not something she concerned herself with. She was also concerned because once this was over he would be coming back home with her. That made her even more nervous as she really didn't know about having a man in her bed. The very thought made her cheeks bloom in red and whimper as she was not being a good girl and squirming around. Her pedicure was finally finished too and her shoes were placed on her which would make her already five-five height a couple inches higher. Today everything needed to go perfectly. 

Spoiler

;

 

[Starcry]

The next three days consisted of Volos being taught how to be a "proper member of the household." The biggest difficulty he had was calling his DNA donors "Mother" and "Father"  due to the fact he had it hammered into him from an early age that he wasn't to call them that. Everything else was came easily to the point where his siblings began to see him as a threat to their positions in their father's company. Despite being scolded by their mother his siblings would often "remind" him of his place in the family and all he could do was take it. 

Soon the day finally arrived. 

Roseline hated what she was seeing as she glowered at Volos having the finishing touches done to his outfit, which suited him more than she would have liked to admit. It was a suit her grandfather had passed down to her and intended for her to give to her first born, who should have been married by now. But instead it was given to this... this thing that she given birth to. It was made from the finest Egyptian silk and all of the patterns had been handsewn by a designer that had long since passed on. This suit was truly one of a kind and not even his father had worn it. But there he was. How dare he look so civil and like he was one of THEM. If it weren't for the importance of the agreement made between the families then she would strip Volos of the ring that was hiding his real features and show the world exactly how hideous he was. Everything was covered, including the colours of his eyes - which were now as blue as his father's. The only thing it couldn't hide was the fair complexation of his skin. But no. If she did now then all of the years that they spend semi-hiding him would be for nought. 

Spoiler

"Don't fuck it up." Carlos reminded Volos as he gripped his shoulder hard enough to hurt any human.

"I won't, father."  He fake winced at the pressure.

Spoiler

 

Before he was guided into the main area where the ceremony would be held he could hear the soft sounds of a choir. Were they seriously trying to make this a holy event and their dedication to a god that they had NEVER worshiped in their entire family history?! Volos had to fight everything in his body to stop his eyes from rolling out of the sheer hypocrisy of it all. He, a monster, would be married in a place that was anti-monster? A paranoid part of him felt that it had been done on purpose to spite him, but he gave his soon-to-be in-laws the benefit of the doubt. 

With that he, as instructed by his father, slowly made his way to the front of the alter. It was hard to keep his face forward and neutral as he heard murmurs of those who had been invited to the farce of a wedding. While it was awkward hearing people praise how handsome he was he was also able to hear whispers of the tale in which his parents had woven to excuse his late introduction to the public. Apparently, he was fragile and needed special attention away from the public but the Draconian's had decided to put forward their most "precious" child for the union. Volos closed his eyes as he forced the anger down. Right now, in front of all of these people, was not the right place to give in to his rage. 

After brief and unofficial introduction to their youngest son, Volos finally made it to the alter, with his father taking a seat on one of the chairs at the front. His egg donor and his siblings quickly followed and joined Carlos. Standing at the alter with Volos were some of his father's underlings stood playing the part of "groomsmen." He let out a big sigh before he looked to the priest. It was a man in his late 60s who looked like an honest enough person. The priest gave Volos a genuine smile before giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder - mistaking his annoyance for nervousness. 

"There is no need to be nervous, my child."  He said softly.  

Volos gave a weak smile and nod to show that, while he had gotten the mood wrong, he appreciated the gesture. He was in a room of hypocrites, liars, thieves and about to be shackled to the biggest witch in college. All because is "father" forfeited his life for greed...

[love_and_poprocks]

Callista was in the dressing chamber as her hair was getting finished as one final curl needed to be placed in line as she was made up like a doll. Looking in the mirror as the sheer laced veil fell before her made up face. The look on her face was not that of a blushing bride but that of a sad young lady forced into this for her own families greed. While this was a corporate wedding it was not one of love but of contractual agreement that she had no say in. Still the norm of the world was saying she was becoming old and needed to marry young to have any value. Such a backwards way of thinking when the world had advanced even past flying cars, teleporters and magical spells that aided the advancements along the way. Emerald eyes looking over every detail of her being, not recognizing the person she saw; her inner monologue having rather invasive and negative things to say at what appeared before her. She could hear the crowd growing in number as the chattering could be heard over the fantastical orchestra that played whimsical melodies as the parent's guests waited for the ceremony to start. Her heart was pounding and her body became shaky as those pre-wedding jitters set in. Callista felt she was having a severe case of emotional distress as her breathing became heavy and shallow. Her stomach was doing flips and her vision became unfocused. The young lady broke out in a cold sweat as she leaned forward her head between her knees. So many high expectations and so little time to prepare herself for the rest of her life with a stranger. 

Soon the guests had all been seated as the wedding march started, the sky overhead changing into the sunsets glorious colors of oranges reds and purples. Even the lightning bugs seemed to flutter in creating those flittering fairy lights to look like stars, all planned with the help of magic and the best wedding planner money could buy. Cost was not a concern, appearances were though. Brides maids from her mother's friend group came down the aisle one by one in ivy green dresses of various designs as this was short notice and all. Next was the bride, one couldn't tell that she had a panic attack in the room just moments prior. Her face barely hid her discontent behind her fake smile. Callista's feet felt heavy and slow, much weighed on her mind as she could not bring herself to look up at the groom; in her hand a small bouquet of cream roses and ivy. Her heart pounded in her chest, her breathing uneven as the nerves were coming back as she took one step, two and then three. Their shoes aligned to face each other, doing her best to hide her trembling she slowly looked up and those jewels for eyes grew wide in surprise. The heart once heavy with grief and worry felt light and fluttered like that of a humming birds wings. Love at first sight was such a shallow thing but she could not have been more of a cliché; her heart stolen by a glance. The world around her silent besides the loud thumping from her chest to her ear drums. A flush of heat came across her cheeks as she could not stop staring at his angular and other worldly features. Could he be anymore perfect? For the life of her though she could not remember his face while they had a few classes together. Still her face did not dim as she was happy to be marrying such a handsome specimen of the male sex.

The priest broke the brief silence and Callista, in a slightly flustered manner, stood up straight and fixed herself. She was human through and through, while able to use some magic her affinity for it was rather low and so to her groom who was abundant with magic would probably find her even more unappealing despite her beautiful appearance. Still she was very much unaware of the information and of his true visage. “We stand here in the sight of gods and men to witness the union of man and wife: one flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever.” The old man would take a pause for dramatic effect before continuing by taking their hands and making them take each others hand and intertwine their fingers as a silk an linen ribbon wrapped around symbolizing an unwritten promise of everlasting bonds. To Callista his hands were a little cold especially his fingertips, but she was blushing heavily unable to keep herself from fawning over his handsome features in her mind. Though at some point she had to calm herself down as her betrothed looked less than amused. So stoic and yet cold, it made her feel stupid to be acting like a school girl with a crush so suddenly after having the appearance and grace of the noble house she was from. “Let it be known that Callista of house Knightly and Volos of house Draconia are one heart, one flesh, one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder. In the sight of the gods, I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one for eternity. Look upon one another and say your vows and be pronounced as husband and wife before the people who have come to witness the joining of these two houses.” And as tradition states the women usually go first. 

“While we may not know each other well now I know love will grow. I hope to care for you in sickness and in health; richer or poorer. I am yours and you are mine from this day until the end of my days, from this day until my last day. Before the gods I give my heart to you.” It was short and sweet, almost believable; though none of it was a lie. She had thought of these words on the spot from a spur in the moment glance to her future husband. Infatuation coursed through her however Callista did well to maintain her appearance as the calm collected shrew he knew her to be in school. And once his vows were done, a kiss was required to seal their union and release the crowd to the reception down the way in a more modern setting where a political battle will continue to test the young couple from this day until the end of their days till death do they part. 

[Starcry]

Volos kept his face forward and closed his eyes as the lights dimmed and the new music began to play. After a few moments he slowly opened his eyes and saw a pretty impressive light show. He only knew the sight before him was an illusion spell due to the fact the scent of what he was seeing did not match up. Still, he had to hand it to the individuals who were pulling off this simple spell on such a large scale; they fully deserved whatever they were being paid. He made a note to find out who they were so he could express his admiration for their talent when the two of them were done meeting everyone they needed to. 
 Before he knew it the gentle scent of roses mixed with nervousness grew stronger as his wife-to-be made her way to his side. Once there, he faced Callista and his fake icy blue eyes met with her dazzling green eyes, before they briefly explored her semi-hidden features and dress. Even if he had a dislike for her he had to admit that she looked very alluring in her bridal outfit. Her hair and make up made her look like beautiful elven princess and her dress clung to her and complimented every part of her desirable body. Her parents truly wanted to make a show of their daughter and clearly wanted to drive the point home that even women of her age were still gorgeous enough to have a husband. A point they had made very well judging from the reaction of the crowd. 

As they placed their hands together Volos could feel the signs of anxiousness and attraction on his cool hand. He was aware that he was pretty good looking but the fact that he some how managed to win her over was quite shocking considering how high a bar she had seemed to set at college. While remaining seemly emotionless, Volos gently squeezed Callista's hand to offer some reassurance to what they were having to do. He hadn't expected a woman of her age and reputation to be so easily swayed by someone much younger than her. He also wasn't expecting her to be dragged into this mess either.
He stayed neutral as the priest did his thing. It was easy to see why he had been approached to do this. He was clearly the only one in the room the legitimately care for the couple in front of him and seemed to want to share this with everyone. Once the pastor was done, Volos tilted his head slightly as Callista spoke her vows. While he knew she had a talent with words, he was confused that she was behaving the polar opposite of what he had experienced during one of her presentations. He gave a nod as she finished her vows to him. 

"While I am young and inexperienced in the ways of the heart, I promise you that I will treat you with respect, shelter you from the storms of life and stay loyal to you." Volos managed to mask the annoyance he felt as he heard the male members of his family chuckle when he mentioned being loyal to the woman before him. Then again it was no secret that his father had serval mistresses and at least one of his brothers had knocked up married film star in another country. "In front of all of these wonderful people and the gods who are looking upon us today I, Volos Draconia, give you my heart."

With that he used his free hand to put a blessed golden ring onto her finger. After she placed one on his he pull the veil that was semi-shielding her face and he gave her a soft smile as he gently touch her cheek. He then slowly leant forwards and gave her a delicate kiss on her trembling lips and again on her forehead. He figured he'd keep it family friendly, despite what his father had ordered. There was no way that he was going to "assert his dominance with a passionate kiss." Cheers erupted and both fathers looked at each other and gave a thumbs up. The contract was now complete. 

"Congratulations, to you both." The priest said as he shook both of their free hands. "To make this official we need to sign some paperwork." With that he took them to a table decorated with black thorns and black, white, and red roses. His family's signature flower pattern. Before they sat at the table the priest removed the ribbon from their hands. 

"Thank you, father."  Volos said as he was passed a pure silver fountain pen. 

Once his name was signed he pricked his finger on a thorn and pressed it onto his side of the paper. His sperm donor insisted that he do it to "prove" his loyalty to the Knightly household. Unfortunately, it had an effect that he wasn't warned about. Volos gritted his teeth as it took everything in him not to curse or raise his voice as a burning sensation was felt on his ring finger. Left on there was a small black rose mark. He had no idea what it meant but if his father was involved then it wasn't good...

"You don't have to do thorn bit. That's a household tradition that men in my family have to do..." He lied to her as he handed her the fountain pen. He didn't know what happened but he certainly didn't want it to happen to her. 

As he waited for his wife to chain herself to him he looked to his family. His father was chattering with hers and his mother... that bitch. She was actually smirking, as were his siblings. Was this down to her? Once this day was through and he'd performed his husbandly duties he would definitely be looking into what had just happened. Volos had no doubt that his family nor hers would tell him. Either way he was going to find out just what they did to him and who decided to do it. 

[love_and_poprocks]

During the ceremony she had noticed some more of his discontentment, or maybe it was confusion as he seemed to be expecting something else. People, big small and mystical all put on faces depending on who they spoke to. Being that Callista did not really remember him so much she felt both guilty and hopeful that this would be a way to properly get introduced and acquainted. Though his vows were sweet and his hand was gentle; he seemed to want to reassure her in this moment and maybe it was for appearances only but she appreciated it. She was after all no longer a spinster with this union. Though the comments and snickering she heard from the gallery made her head shoot in their direction and her brows furrowed, it seemed her eyes were affected by her emotions as they almost glowed bright from a good mood ruined. Despite any rumors that may have floated around Callista could not base that on someone she didn't know and it always pressed her buttons to see such blatant disrespect; she was a Knightly after all, well a Draconia - Knightly now. The stare of daggers continued until her mother would clear a cough in her throat with a scolding down and click of her teeth making her turn back towards her betrothed. 

The rings had been exchanged, even this matter was simple, the bands plain  and gold. She slipped his finger on and noticed how long his fingers were, how large his hands were. Even if he was younger he seemed to have grown into his body just fine. Even his actions were much more mature than hers as she had half expected a proper kiss; instead she was wet with a handsome kiss to the forehead and a light peck on the lips. She must have looked like a child to be treated as such, she knew she wasn't her usual self and this made her sigh in one of those self-realization as a small but disappointed smile came across her lips to herself and no one else. This whole farce was incredibly charming if you didn't know what was going on. A gaggle of geese really as the women would flock around the mothers and compliment them and the pack of dogs that were the men did the same as everything was getting ready for the reception. A perfectly impersonal affair. Being led to the altar where they were to sign the papers. 

"Thank you Father." Callista was very observant and could see that even after pricking a finger that his hand was hurting. It was trembling in pain and made her give him a quick look as she then listened to his explanation. Taking the pen she would click her teeth, "You don't have to lie for my sake. I may not know what's going on but we are married now so you can lean on me. We're in this together, their pawns." Her voice was soft so only they could hear but she put on her fake smile as she would turn to her parents and fondle the pen in her hand like it was a trophy. Signing her name on the dotted line she would leave everything as that . As they turned she could see their families mingling and she did not like this one bit. They never were close so it was a little daunting to see it so blatantly in their face. 

Callista would hold hands with her groom and walk down the steps and through the aisle letting the rice and white rose petals. They would participate in the bridal photos, proof of purchase essentially, and continue down to the reception. She wanted this to be over, it wasn't enough that the whole thing was conspicuous as the nine hells but they were putting a lot of effort for something that was rushed in three days. The reception was a normal one, large dancefloor, pretty black and red roses mixed with a sprinkle of white roses in the center pieces. The cake even was a large affair in itself as it was one of those party cakes that was in the shape of an elegant chandelier and hung from the ceiling. People took their seats or where going to the open bar getting drinks, but eyes were on the married couple as they took their seats at the head table where most couples would sit together. Callista was stiff as she sat there; her family did not prepare her another outfit to change into so she was uncomfortable for the most part. However it would be short lived as they were rushed to take their first dand and cut the cake. Their families finally made some short but disgustingly fake speeches that made their skin crawl. Even so Callista kept her cool as much as she possibly could. 

"Callista my daughter, you do the family proud. I am happy that your union not only expands our empire but makes the family that much bigger. I hope for grandchildren in the future dear; maybe even after tonight so we have a real heir." Her mother wasn't trying to be cruel but Callista was never going to inherit the company all because she was a woman. "Oh yeah Volos make sure to knock her up good. I look forward to showing you the ropes and making use of your son-in-law duties." Her father not caring who heard as people that weren't privy to the agreement had no idea what was going on. This mortified their daughter but she didn't show it; the more serious face of the girl he remembered from college. It was a type of defense mechanism as her eyes darkened and the party clapped, laughed and cheered. Volos' parents would put their two cents in with their inappropriate speeches and then they were free. Ushered to a company car they were driven away from the mass of people and lead to her condo. 

 

[Starcry]

Volos didn’t show it but was impressed that Callista would be taking this marriage seriously and wasn’t afraid to call him out on his lie, even though it was harmless. She was right in that they had to stick together in this situation that they had both been forced into. This was certainly going to be interesting and only time would tell if she was all talk or was actually going to make an effort to make this legitimately work. While he disliked being put into this situation and was wary of her intentions, he would just do whatever was needed to satisfy both families and his new wife. Even if it meant his freedom had now taken a massive blow.
 

When everything had been finished he made sure to pose like the perfect model husband and acted the parts he needed to, even greeting all the questionable people his father kept introducing him to. He kept all conversations vague as he had been commanded to but gave them enough information that no one would ask questions about anything. Once they were done with cutting the cake the dreaded speeches came. 

As they sat and listened to the speeches Volos cocked an eyebrow as his in-laws outright disrespected their own daughter simply for being born the “wrong” gender. He was slightly puzzled about what his father-in-law had meant since his father hadn’t mentioned anything about any arrangements their households had made. Once again Volos didn’t show his true emotions too much but simply smiled and nodded. Unfortunately, his father chose not to be so tactful… 

 

“Thank you for the honour of giving your daughter to us. I can assure you that she will be well looked after.” He said to Darron with a playful wink. “I can’t help but feel that my son is unworthy of such a beautiful young lady!” The lustful look in his eye towards his daughter-in-law didn’t escape Volos’ attention and it took everything he had not to reach over the table and punch his sperm donor. “Volos, my dear, dear son.” His father began as he walked over to his son’s side. “Use the gifts that you were blessed with and give her the true Draconia experience that she will never forget!” He paused for a moment as all the male members of the male cheered and jeered lewd comments. This just served to irritate him more. How much longer were they going to keep disrespecting his wife?  “Just don’t land her in the hospital like I did with your mother on our first night.” He finished. Surprisingly his mother actually hit his father with her handbag as he sat back down, which earned a chuckle from everyone. 

 

While he was sceptical about his new wife he wasn't about to ravage her like everyone was encouraging him to do. He was well aware that he was a monster without his ring but his relatives didn't have to keep going on about how he needed to use his "faults" to his advantage and breed her like an animal in their rut. She was not a broodmare she was being made out to be by both of their parents, and he was nowhere near as vile as his kin and refused to stoop to their level. If anything were to happen tonight he would treat her as normal humans would and be gentle and considerate. After all, he didn’t know her preferences as of yet and wasn’t about to frighten her into submission. That wasn’t his style nor fun in the slightest.

 

Volos sat opposite his wife as the car journey was silent. Awkwardly silent. He’d steal glances at her ethereal profile once in a while but apart from that he would look outside the window to memorise where they were heading. This was a habit he had picked up since he was a child, after all the attempts his older brother had made on his life. 
Once they arrived Volos didn't wait for Callista to step out of the car. He just took her hand and pulled her into his arms and before she could protest he lifted her with ease into the bridal position and involuntarily took in the scent of his better half. It was intoxicating and It took everything he had to not let the instinctual growl come out. He didn't want to cause any unnecessary alarm... especially after everything that had been said to them both today. He then slowly walked with her in his arms. His intention was to carry her like this all the way to her room but that plan was thrown outside the window as they reached her door. A few boxes of the small number of belongings that he owned could be seen piled outside her home. He put a hand on his face, let off a snort of contempt and shook his head. Was this a prank? Had his family seriously grabbed everything that was his life and dumped it outside his now-wife's home? This was a new low even for them. He knew that they wanted him out of their lives but this was just beyond a joke.

"They couldn't even wait until our wedding was done with." He muttered, primarily to himself, as he walked to the four large boxes. "My deepest apologies... wife." He said to her before gently placing her on the doorstep and returning to the boxes. He examined them carefully and thankfully none of them had been damaged in transit. “I hope you don’t mind me asking if there is a spare room where I can store these for the time being?”

If there was any romantic mood it had now been shot down. How could he even think about spending their first night together when this had happened? 

[love_and_poprocks]

The car ride was awkward as hell. The both of them stoic and silent in their own heads, sharing a quick glance here and there only to look out the window as the sounds around them seemed to envelope the whole situation. Callista was just seething knowing what all those men were talking about. Those leery glances sent shivers up her spine and left her wanting to leave. If only the imaginary shackles of mental and emotional abuse was not so prevalent; she may never be free of it but at least this was a good start by being left alone for a good while for the honeymoon phase of their existence together. 

Callista didn't even notice Volos headed her way until she was in his arms. It did indeed made her heart flutter and her cheeks flush pink with unexpected embarrassment. The most he got out of her though was a deep gasp and surprised expression of furrowed brows and wide eyes. Oh so he was playing the part of in love husband? Well it wasn't unlikely that their parents planted spies to watch them. "Of course my darling thank you so much for being such a gentleman~" A hand would release him so she could pick up the train of her dress to keep it all from dragging. Sighing softly she would just smile and wrap her arms around him and allowed her 'husband' to carry her through the threshold of the lobby. A big spectacle really as they got stares from neighbors and guests alike; they seemed to have an inkling of who they were and so it wasn't unreasonable to be at the center of the attention. 

Once down the hall of the twenty-fourth floor she saw the boxes and noticed his expression. "Oh look they made it easier for us darling~ Let me help you with these. I won't have waiting staff just yet. My parents said I needed t learn to do things on my own before I get married." She was trying to make the most of it, because really that must have really sucked to be shoved out of his home like this. While she was shallow she genuinely was a much kinder person than he probably anticipated. "Callista." She spoke bluntly to him and gave him a rather stern look. "We are married now so just use my name." Pressing her thumb to the automated key-fob and opened the door before reaching over to some boxes that she started to help bring in. 

"Follow me. I have an office that I guess I won't be using anymore so we can use that." That sentence stung her own heart a moment as she just realized all of her hard work was down the drain. By the time they went to her office, her laptop, desktop and files were all gone and it was essentially a fancy room with a desk that had imprints of items no longer there. Setting the boxes down on the desk she would look out the window as there was no curtains down at the elaborate city below. Callista was annoyed at the situation and now had to think about if their parents bugged the place. That was going to be a hassle to deal with on her own and she didn't know how to bring it up to Volos. "Will this do?" She asked as she heard his footsteps behind her when he put down the boxes he had. "I think I might need to get the place fumigated at some point. I don't know why but I feel some bugs got in. Is that okay with you?" Callista would turn to look at him smiling a small smile as she was clearly defeated in this moment, though it wasn't his fault.