I don’t think so.
The light pulses between us, visible to everyone in the hall, bright enough to cast shadows. I see Lord Valorian’s eyes go wide. See Lady Valorian’s mask crack for the first time—not with disapproval, but with something that looks almost like awe.
And then, slowly, the light fades. The marks settle back to their usual soft glow.
But something has changed. The bond feels... more. Deeper. Like roots that have finally found purchase.
“Well,” I manage. “That was dramatic.”
Rynn laughs—actually laughs, out loud, in front of everyone—and pulls me into a kiss.
The hall erupts.
The reception is going suspiciously well.
Food has been served—a bizarre fusion of Valorian delicacies and Zaterran meat-heavy dishes that somehow works. Wine flows freely. The Valorian nobles are doing their best to look dignified while the OOPS couriers get progressively louder and the Zaterran warriors start what I can only describe as competitive toasting.
I’m starting to relax. Maybe this will actually be okay. Maybe we’ll get through the whole night without any major disasters—
“ATTENTION, HONORED GUESTS.”
The voice comes from the speakers, mechanical and familiar.
My blood runs cold.
“RUSTY HAS PREPARED ENTERTAINMENT FOR THIS MOMENTOUS OCCASION.”
“No,” I whisper.
Rynn’s hand finds mine under the table.What did you do?
I did NOTHING. This is THEM.
Rusty—the fortress’s maintenance bot who’s somehow become friends with Zip during our stay—rolls into the center of the room. Its speakers crackle.
“AS HAVE I,” Zip’s voice announces from my wrist comm, projecting to join Rusty’s. “WE HAVE COLLABORATED ON A TRADITIONAL WEDDING BALLAD.”
“It’s not traditional anything,” I hiss, but it’s too late.
Music begins. Actual music, with what sounds like synthesized instruments and a beat that is definitely not appropriate for a formal ceremony.
And then Rusty begins tosing.
“A COURIER CAME FLYING THROUGH THE STARS SO BRIGHT,
WITH PINK HAIR BLAZING LIKE A BEACON IN THE NIGHT,
SHE CARRIED PRECIOUS CARGO—DIPLOMATIC, SHE WAS TOLD,
BUT THE PACKAGE CAME WITH EXTRAS THAT MADE HER BLOOD RUN BOLD!”
I put my face in my hands.
Zip’s voice joins in, harmonizing in a way that should not be possible for two AIs:
“OH, THE NOBLE LORD WAS PROPER, STIFF AS STARCHED LAPELS,
BUT UNDERNEATH THAT ARMOR, OTHER STIFFNESS DID DWELL,
