Chapter 13

But Jareth didn't leave like she'd hoped. Instead, he pulled a gown out from behind his back and tossed it onto the bed, his voice cold and commanding. "Put it on. There's an event tonight. You're coming as my date." Every word rang with authority. Celestia just glanced at the dress, her tone flat. "I'm not feeling well. Go with someone else." She knew he had no shortage of women dying to be his plus-one. "I won't repeat myself." His voice dropped low and hard, leaving no room for negotiation. Celestia ignored him completely, turned her back, and lay down on the bed, eyes shut tight. For someone like Jareth, always surrounded by women falling over themselves to please him, being ignored like this lit a fire under him. His brows drew together in a sharp frown, and his eyes turned icy cold despite the blazing July heat-he looked like walking winter. "Not gonna wear it? You really want me to force you?" He stormed over, reached out, and yanked her up from the bed. One hand gripped her shoulder, the other went straight for the silk nightgown on her body. Before Celestia could react, she heard the nasty sound of fabric tearing. Her gown was ripped wide open. Only then did she panic. "Stop it!" she cried, trying to push him back. But she was no match-he was too strong, too ruthless. The more she struggled, the rougher he got. Within moments, her gown was in shreds, and her fair skin was marked with bright red scrapes from the scuffle. Jareth's dark eyes flicked over her bare figure, desire burning hot behind his frosty gaze. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. Realizing his look was far from innocent, Celestia's heart sank. She instantly pulled her arms across her chest and scrambled backward. "Wear it," he repeated, voice rough and low, something about it unmistakably intense. When she didn't move fast enough, the corner of his lips curved up. "Or do you need me to help you change into it?" "Fine! I'll do it, okay?" Celestia gave in, her voice shaky with frustration and fear. "Hmph." His expression chilled again, satisfied just enough. "Don't forget to do your makeup." And with that, he turned and walked out. The banquet was decadent. She wore a floor-length black chiffon dress with an off-shoulder cut that showed off her pale skin like porcelain. Diamonds sparkled on the neckline, catching the light and making her delicate features shine like a star. Her soft smoky makeup added just the right amount of drama-she looked breathtaking. When Celestia stepped into the ballroom holding Jareth's arm, all eyes turned to them instantly. This was Celestia' first time attending an event like this after getting married, and she knew damn well that most people here couldn't stand her. In their eyes, she was the scheming woman who stole her best friend's fiancé-a homewrecker, plain and simple. Of course she wanted to leave, but she had no choice. All she could do was grit her teeth and push through. "Smile. Don't let everyone think I've been abusing you," Jareth leaned in, voice low but firm. Celestia curved her lips into a smile, though it was more bitter than anything else. Abusing her? Was that even a question? From the second she married him, he'd been making her life hell. She reluctantly let Jareth pull her close by the waist. "Jareth! You're finally here-I've been waiting forever!" A shrill, sugar-sweet voice rang out before Celestia could even react. A glamorous figure shoved past her, forcing her aside like she wasn't even there. Of course it was Natalie. Natalie's gaze darkened the second she laid eyes on Celestia. "Why'd you even bring her? That scandal in the papers wasn't enough?" Jareth shot Celestia, who was wearing a blank expression, a sideways glance. "No matter how much she flirts around, she's still my wife on paper," he said lazily, then leaned in and kissed Natalie full on the lips without a care for the audience. "babe," he murmured to her, "I'll come find you in a bit." His "babe" came out so naturally it made Celestia's stomach twist. Natalie pouted for a second before shifting back into a sultry smile. "Coming over after the party? Or should I come over to yours...?" "Can't tonight," Jareth cut her off coolly. "Gotta take my wife home first." The moment he said that, Natalie's glare shot straight to Celestia like daggers. And it wasn't just her-suddenly, every pair of eyes in the room seemed fixed on Celestia, like she was the one who'd done something wrong. So that was the whole point of dragging her here? To humiliate her in front of everyone? Celestia's heart went cold. Without saying a word, she turned and walked toward the exit. But Jareth moved faster, grabbing her wrist. "Where do you think you're going?" She looked at him calmly. "You've already got a date. I'll just head home." "Did I say you could leave?" His sharp glare silenced her instantly. After Natalie begrudgingly walked off, Jareth slid his arm back around Celestia's waist, leading her somewhere without saying a word. When they finally stopped, Jareth spoke, "Sorry we're late." Celestia looked up-and froze. Standing in front of her was Marigold Carrington. Out of all the Carringtons, Celestia had only met Marigold once, the night before Sophia and Jareth's wedding. Even though it had been brief, the woman had left a strong impression: strict, dignified-intimidating. "Grandmother, this is Celestia. My wife," Jareth introduced her, then turned to Celestia. "What're you standing there for? Aren't you gonna say hello?" Celestia blinked, her lips parting hesitantly. She managed a soft, "Gran-" but before the word was fully out, a sharp voice cut through like a knife. "Who gave you permission to call me that?" Marigold's icy tone sliced the air. Her face was stern, commanding. "So the rumors were true. You really stole your friend's fiancé. I don't accept you as part of this family!" A verbal slap right out of the gate.