Married To Darkness
Chapter 282: Preparing For The Grand Day 1

Chapter 282: Preparing For The Grand Day 1

The castle was abuzz with excitement as preparations for the king’s birthday reached a fever pitch. The recent killings and kidnappings were now behind them, leaving the kingdom in a rare state of relief and happiness. Everywhere, maids bustled around, ironing their finest dresses, chefs scurried in the kitchens preparing elaborate feasts, and courtiers polished their jewelry to perfection.

Even the villages outside the castle were alive with celebration as banners were hung, marketplaces thrived, and the air hummed with chatter about the grand event.

Jean sat in her chambers, staring at her modest collection of dresses with growing dissatisfaction. She sighed heavily, hands on her hips, and muttered to herself, "None of these will do. Not for the king’s birthday."

Lucius, leaning casually against the doorframe, watched her with a small smile playing on his lips. "Then let’s get you something new," he offered.

Jean turned to him, raising a skeptical brow. "And who’s going to help me find it? You? In the middle of the day?"

Lucius’s smile widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I’ve handled worse than a bit of sunlight for you, Jean. Love makes you do reckless things, doesn’t it?"

She crossed her arms, trying to hide the smile threatening to tug at her lips. "You’re hopeless."

"And yet you still put up with me," he teased, pushing off the doorframe. "Come on. Let’s go find Manni. He’ll take us into the market."

Jean hesitated. "Are you sure? You’ll need your umbrella, and it’s risky—"

Lucius cut her off with a wave of his hand. "I’ve dealt with far greater dangers than the sun. Besides, I’d rather be by your side than let you wander alone. Let’s call it a compromise."

With a reluctant nod, Jean grabbed her shawl, and the two headed out to find Manni, the coachman. The stables were bustling with activity as horses were prepped for the big day, but Manni, ever reliable, stood near his carriage, adjusting the reins.

"Manni," Lucius called out, and the coachman turned, his face lighting up with a warm grin.

"Master Lucius! Miss Jean! What brings you out here in all this chaos?"

"We need a trip to the market," Lucius explained. "Jean has decided she needs the perfect dress for the king’s celebration."

Manni chuckled, tipping his hat. "Ah, the perfect dress. Say no more. Hop in. I’ll get you there in no time."

Jean and Lucius climbed into the carriage, the latter carefully positioning his umbrella to shield himself from the sun. As the carriage rolled out of the castle gates, the noise and energy of the preparations faded slightly, replaced by the gentle rhythm of the horses’ hooves.

Jean glanced at Lucius, who was sitting with an air of calm confidence despite the obvious danger he was putting himself in. "You’re really doing this for me?" she asked softly.

He turned to her, his dark eyes warm. "I’d do anything for you, Jean."

Her heart fluttered at his words, and for a moment, the bustling world outside the carriage seemed to fade away.

The bustling marketplace was alive with vibrant colors and the hum of cheerful chatter as Jean and Lucius stepped off the carriage. Lucius ensured his umbrella was secure, his whole body carefully covered in layers of dark fabric to shield himself from the sun. He held Jean’s hand as they walked, her small, shy grip in his contrasting with his steady confidence.

Jean glanced at him, her cheeks dusted with pink. She wasn’t used to his touch being so open, and his protective nature only made her more flustered. "You’re really determined, aren’t you?" she mumbled, watching how he maneuvered through the crowds with ease despite the sun being his greatest enemy.

He glanced at her, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "You think I’d let you shop for the king’s birthday alone? Not a chance."

They wandered from stall to stall, Jean picking through racks of gowns as Lucius stayed close by, his umbrella tilted to keep him in the shadows. Eventually, she found a stunning dress—a soft, flowing garment in deep emerald green with intricate golden embroidery. It sparkled subtly in the light, the perfect blend of elegance and charm.

"This one," Jean said, holding it up against herself and turning to Lucius. "What do you think?"

Lucius tilted his head, his dark eyes scanning her with a gaze that made her heart race. "It’s perfect," he said simply.

She smiled shyly, taking the dress to the vendor. Before she could reach for her coin pouch, Lucius stepped forward and handed over payment without hesitation.

"Lucius!" she protested, frowning. "I could have paid for that myself."

He shrugged, a playful smile on his face. "What kind of man would I be if I didn’t spoil you a little? Besides, consider it a thank-you for putting up with me."

Jean rolled her eyes, but there was no hiding the soft smile tugging at her lips. As they turned to leave, she asked, "What about you? Did you find anything for yourself?"

Lucius gave a light laugh, tapping the side of his umbrella. "No need. I searched the house before we left and found a little treasure tucked away. I’ve got my outfit ready."

She blinked at him, curiosity sparking. "A treasure? What kind of treasure?"

"You’ll see tomorrow," he teased, his grin widening as he held her gaze.

By the time they returned to the castle, the sun was dipping low, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. The carriage ride back had been quiet but comfortable, the two of them snacking on sweet pastries Jean had insisted on buying before they left the market.

As they stepped into the castle, Jean felt the warmth of Lucius’s hand still in hers, steady and reassuring. But as they moved toward the stairs leading to their respective chambers, she caught him staring at her. His gaze wasn’t on her face, though—it lingered on her neck.

"Lucius?" she asked softly, her voice pulling his attention back to her eyes.

For a moment, he hesitated, his expression unreadable. Then, with a small shake of his head, he gave her a lopsided smile. "Nothing. Just... admiring you."

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