Vivienne clutches our bound hands tighter, her blunt nails digging into my skin. If looks could kill, Aldric would be little more than a pile of ash at our feet.
Her father motions to one of the servants. “Take the bride and groom to their wedding chambers.”
Vivienne goes still. Then, as realization dawns, her head jerks toward me, eyes blazing with fury. “Untie it,” she orders.
I tilt my head, feigning innocence. “I cannot.”
Her nostrils flare. “And why not?”
“Because, mylovely wife”—I give her what I hope is my best smile—“the bond is sacred.”
She blinks, caught off guard for a half-second before scoffing. “Oh, please. It’s just a ribbon.”
“No, Princess.” I exhale, shaking my head. “To you, it’s a ribbon. To me, it is fate.”
If she was a Dark Elf, she’d recognize the bond as I do. But because she is not, I must show her through my words and actions that I cherish her.
Our newlywed chambers are warm and inviting. A roaring fire burns in the hearth, and the air is thick with the scent of lavender and cedar. A sprawling four-poster bed sits in the center, draped in gold linens, clearly prepared for this occasion.
Vivienne’s panic is nearly palpable as we stand in the doorway.
I turn back to my guards and Dain steps forward. He is not just my second-in-command, he is my friend. He dips his chin. “We’ll be just outside if you need us, your Ma—” He stops short, remembering at the last minute that he is not to refer to me as his king. Not until I’ve informed my new bride of who I really am. He clears his throat. “Auren,” he says, correcting himself.
I smile at him. “Thank you, my friend.”
Dain claps a fist to his chest in salute, but before he leaves, I turn back to Vivienne.
“My lovely wife,” I say smoothly, “allow me to introduce you. This is Dain, my brother-in-arms.”
She narrows her eyes at me, before she gives Dain a curt nod and then drags me into the room, slamming the door shut behind us. I barely have time to turn before she’s whirling on me, her fury blazing hotter than the hearth.
“I amnotyour wife,” she seethes.
Arching a brow, I lift our still-bound hands. “I believe we took vows before the gods.”
She lets out a frustrated groan.
I try my best to keep my amusement in check, but she catches the slight twitch of my lips.
“I’ll bet you’re very pleased with yourself right now, aren’t you?”
“Yes,” I reply, not bothering to hide my grin this time. “I never expected to have such a beautiful and spirited wife. The gods have truly blessed me.”
She stares at me as if I’ve grown two heads, before she gives me a suspicious look. “I cannot tell if you’re being sarcastic or not.”
“I would never joke about this.” I meet her gaze evenly. “I truly feel blessed to be bound to you, Vivienne.”
Her cheeks flush, and I bite back a smile. It seems I’ve rendered her speechless once again.
I glance at the clock on the mantle. It’s getting late, and we have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow. With my free hand, I begin to unbuckle my chest plate and then set it aside.
Her eyes widen. “What are you doing?”
“Removing my armor.”
Her breath catches. “Why?”
“To go to sleep.”
