“Muzzle,” he calls out as she continues to fight.
Someone arrives with a cock-shaped stone at the end of leather straps. The klerick forces the stone into her mouth and secures it.
She chokes and gags, tears falling onto her reddened cheeks. Her face, reflected in the large, magnifying mirror in front of her, shows both terror and defiance, and I regret not speaking to my two fellow victims when I had the chance.
“Silence.” The klerick smacks her ass with a leather strap that leaves an immediate welt. “Show some respect before Othrix.” He smacks her again.
“Behold our savior’s prospective brides,” one of the klericks calls out to the crowd. “See how hungry their cunts are. See how they long for Othrix’s love. Soon these cunts will be cleansed by holy gifts, and through today’s sacred ritual they will earn their eternal bonds of service to Othrix.”
Fire erupts from the effigy’s mouth again.
The crowd shouts their approval, some of them making lewd comments about the women’s spread legs and exposed clefts.
“This prospective bride is a blasphemer.” The klericks holding me tug off my hood and push me forward. “She calls herselfprincess, and therefore must atone, before her cunt earns the right to serve Othrix.”
Hearing a familiar growl, I turn. Zogar is standing at the far side of the altar, dressed in royal finery and wearing a crown. What the thrix is going on?
His gaze meets mine, but he shakes his head and turns away.
“This blasphemer’s guilt has been established,” the klerick holding me says.
“Prepare her for atonement,” says the Prime Klerick.
I’m dragged toward a wooden structure shaped like an X.
I struggle, but my captors are too strong. The rope holding my bound wrists together is released, but my wrists and ankles are quickly tied to the wooden posts, leaving me in the shape of a starfish.
My robe is tugged. A knife slices into its fabric, and the burlap rips to the sides. It tears from both top and bottom to fullyexpose my back, and the robe’s remnants are left hanging from my bound arms.
“Come, my groom,” the Prime Klerick beckons.
Tynan’s father strides toward her. Out of my peripheral vision, I spot Tynan behind him—pure panic and confusion on his face.
“Not you!” The Prime Klerick holds up her hand, and Tynan’s father stops as if he’s hit a stone wall. “I have chosen a king far more worthy.” She turns toward Zogar.
Zogar strides stiffly toward her. His gaze darts around the stage, behind and above the effigy of Othrix. He’s surveying the situation, concocting a plan. I hope.
Taking the Prime Klerick’s hand, Zogar helps her down from the platform.
Instantaneously, an arch appears above them. But it’s not nearly as beautiful as the ones Zogar’s created in the past. Assuming it’s him who created this illusion.
Behind me, the crowd goes wild, exclamations of disbelief, followed by chants praising Othrix.
“Everyone gathered before me today,” says the amplified male voice, “will bear witness to a sacred union. A union between klericy and sovereignty, erasing the artificial separation betwixt them. Behold, your King and Queen—destined to govern for all of eternity.”
Tynan’s father shouts something and tries to step forward, but he’s quickly restrained by guards. It’s clear he thought he was the one who’d marry the Prime Klerick today.
Fire again streams from the mouth of Othrix, and the creature’s eyes flare and flash as if it’s truly alive. I wonder if the Prime Klerick, Vanora, is using her magic to create this intimidating three-dimensional image of Othrix. Even this close, it looks more real than I care to admit. A long tail lashes forward, narrowly missing the other brides. The crowd cheers.
I turn my attention back to Vanora. She’s undeniably beautiful, and the way Zogar is looking at her fills me with irrational, jealous anger. I trust him. This is part of his plan. I must trust that hehasa plan.
“King Zogar,” Vanora’s voice is amplified and carrying through the space. “We have known each other since the dark times before Othrix created the protection of the Light. Then, we were adversaries, but today we unite. From this day forward, throughout all time to come, we will be united to maintain peace and safety in the Light.”
Zogarknowsher? He knew her before the Separation? A moment of doubt shivers through me.
Zogar can’t marry Vanora, if he’s already married to me.Can he?He did say he’d do anything to expose the klericks. Does that include marrying one?
“Before we speak our vows.” Zogar’s voice vibrates through the large space. “I feel compelled to extol the accomplishments of my intended.”
