Maria
A canopy is erected from the circular drive to the front door to conceal the guest from prying eyes. And perhaps bullets. I watch from a window as Mikhail greets the first guests. I recognize Popov from a distance with his thick brown beard and a large smile. He grips Mikhail’s hand in a firm handshake before the canopy conceals them. Popov has brought his own men, and they scatter in all directions like ants around the outer walls of the fort. Scanning the open surroundings makes me feel less nervous at being able to see out a great distance.
But despite all the precautions in the world, my heart hammers in my chest.
“Don’t stand so close to the window, koshka.” Dominika’s firm hand guides me away. “It will do you no good.”
But we stay at the window a moment longer and watch Zhanna exit her limo with a young man.
“Her grandson,” whispers Dominika. “Stepan. Oh, that stupid, foolish boy; he thought he was about to marry not too long ago. But his would-be bride’s sister put a stop to it. And who dares defy the will of Andrei Barinov’s wife?”
Mercy helps fasten the delicate pearl necklace, and her steady fingers work quickly. Her gaze meets mine in the mirror’s reflection, offering a comforting smile. I place my hand on the pearls and feel a closeness to a woman I’ll never remember. I quickly wipe a tear away.
“Marie, you look gorgeous,” she says.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my heart pounding against my chest.
Her dress is a deep yellow fitted in the body and full at the skirt, the same as Larissa’s. I give Mercy a hug before we step out of the bridal suite. The excitement is palpable, but so is the fear-the gnawing worry that Zakhar will somehow ruin my happiness on the most important day of my life.
“Ready?” Larissa asks as she slips her arm through mine.
I nod, swallowing hard, and hold onto Mercy’s hand. I think that maybe, just maybe, everything will work out in the end. The hugs soothe my nerves and I’m eager to go downstairs, tempted to skip down the aisle straight into Mikhail’s arms.
Anton enters the room. “It’s time, Maria Zakharovna.” He holds out his arm. “They told me that I’ll walk you down the aisle.”
I take one last look in the mirror, and I feel deep down that everything will be perfect today. It’s not the dream I had tucked away in my old bedroom. It’s better than what I could have hoped for. To find true love when I wasn’t looking for it.
Anton holds onto my arm firmly as we walk down the stairs headed to the chapel. I smile as I hear the music playing and see the open door. A giggle slips out, and Anton squeezes my hand. But as we wait in the hallway, the sounds of guests chattering and taking their seats echoing through the grand fort, I can’t help but feel like I’m walking toward my own demise.
“You’ve brought him happiness, Maria. He’s been alone for too long.”
“He’s brought me happiness too. Unexpected, considering everything, but I know this is real.”
We make our way toward the chapel, and I picture Mikhail standing at the altar, his piercing green eyes locking onto mine.
The haunting melody of a string quartet echoes through the air as we approach. My pulse quickens, but my baby’s presence grounds me, its strength reinforcing my own.
Mercy whispers as she and Larissa take their places. “He loves you, Marie. Remember that.”
I nod as I firmly push away the fear-both good and bad. This is our day, and I refuse to let my father’s hate darken it. The doors to the chapel open, and I see Mikhail and fall in love with him again. My love drowns out the whispers of doubt in my mind.
Anton squeezes my hand as we walk through the open archway into the chapel. The spectacle is almost overwhelming; there is nothing small about our wedding. A string quartet begins to play the first notes of the processional music.
“Here she comes,” someone whispers, and a shiver of excitement runs down my spine as the music swells in the room. It’s a beautiful sound, but it’s also the soundtrack to my surrender-I am about to no longer be Maria Rostova but Maria Ivanov, a pakhan’s wife and no longer daddy’s little girl.
Banners of gold and ivory hang from the high ceilings while tall columns adorn with greenery and flowers frame the space. The scent of chrysanthemums fills the air, mingling with the flickering light of candles on the altar. Something glimmers over my head, and my eyes dart up to see a dazzling crown held up by an unknown person walking behind me.
I take a deep breath and step forward.
The guests turn to look as I walk down the aisle, but my gaze is firmly fixed on Mikhail. He looks so handsome in his morning coat. His eyes sparkle as a gentle grin plays upon his lips. My face heats up with a blush as he mouths the words, I love you. I clutch my bouquet of chrysanthemums and roses even tighter as I take my place beside the man I love.
“Ready?” he asks, his voice low and smooth as silk.
“Ready,” I reply, beaming like a girl who’s lucky in love.
Anton and Pavel stand beside Mikhail while Mercy and Larissa take their places. I want to pinch myself. It’s so much more than marrying Mikhail. I found a new family, one that wants me as much as I want them.
I will be part of the Ivanov Bratva. I found my tribe.
Mikhail takes my hand, his touch warm and comforting. I focus on him, letting the love between us be my anchor in this storm of emotions. An ancient-looking priest begins the ceremony, raising his voice in the liturgy as another crown is raised above Mikhail’s head. When he finishes, our two crowns are lowered, and I feel the immense weight upon my shoulders.
I feel a strange mixture of relief when we finally reach the part where we exchange our vows.
“Maria,” Mikhail says, his voice deep with emotion. “You’ve brought light into the darkest corners of my life, and I can’t imagine facing another day without you by my side. Together, we’ve defied the odds, and I promise that no matter what obstacles life throws at us, I will always be here for you. I will protect you, cherish you, and love you with every fiber of my being.”
“Maria Zakharovna,” the priest prompts gently. “It’s your turn to say your vows.”
I look up into Mikhail’s eyes, knowing that the life we’re building will succeed. But before I can open my mouth to speak, a hissing sound fills the room.
I stare at Mikhail when a loud sound like firecrackers echoes through the large room, but I know it’s not firecrackers as Mikhail pushes me down onto the floor. The screaming starts, and I feel Mercy on top of me, covering me with her body and holding me close.