Count Benedict Arval The Third had also resigned himself to his fate.

His so called lover Lady Rosaline, had left him the moment she found out about his family's low monetary stature.

He rolled his eyes at the thought of her. She was just like the rest of the female species, like a wolf, searching for the biggest fattest prey to sink her claws into.

With his father dead, his sister married, and his eldest brothers often away in battle, it was his duty to reclaim the families wealth, or so his mother says. Marriage to this wealthy commoner seemed to be the only option.

He didn't know much about this girl, but the fact that she was mute stood out above the rest.

He didn't want to marry an invalid, but his mother had forced his hand. With his Eldest brothers wife barren, and his middle brother producing only daughters, it was his responsibility to produce a male heir for the Arval lineage.

He stood tall at the alter, or at least as tall as he could, given the circumstances. He was the laughing stock of the royal society. His mother so in debt he had to marry a mute commoner.

The organ music began to play in the beautiful church. A small figure veiled in white gripped the arm of his future father in law. A man he had minutes ago just met, and had been threatened with bodily harm by if he did not treat his only daughter with the respect she deserves, despite her condition.

He could see whisps of golden blonde hair peaking out from under the white lace vail that covered his future bride.

She placed her dainty hand into his, it was shaking. But as soon as her eyes, which had been downcast the entire time lifted to gaze upon him, the shaking stopped.

He cut a breathtaking figure in the deep blue wedding attire he bore. Dark locks of raven hair hung dangerously close to his brown eyes, a jawline so sharp she feared she would cut herself touching it.

Her hand began to shake again.

Poor thing, she's terrified. He thought to himself.

When Asked to take this man as her husband, Angelica could only nod her response.

Benedict could just hear the mocking hints of laughter in the crowd seated behind him.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife." The vicar announced, rolling up his scroll.

"Kiss the bride."

Benedict released her hand and lightly gripped her veil, removing it from her face.

What he saw surprised him. A pair of the biggest blue eyes he had ever seen greeted him from under the white lace.

He silently gasped. He had seen many beautiful woman in his life, but this girl wasn't beautiful, no she was angelic.

He didn't have to force himself to lean down and kiss her.

It was hard not to want to, she had a sweet face that seemed to just draw him in.

A kiss from the young count was surprisingly pleasant.

So much so that it took Angelica by surprise, it was warm and sweet. Not Slobbery like the one she'd received from the drunken Lord.