Meena’s own hand began to feel uncomfortably wet and hot. She hoped Sol hadn’t noticed.
“And you?” the monk whispered.
“I know the words,” Meena replied. She’d memorized the words in her ninth silverreign. Her tongue suddenly felt dry and time seemed to stop as she tried to pry it from the roof of her mouth. “I choose to bind myself to you.” Her voice was loud, but squeaked a little. She inhaled, but her lungs still felt desperate for air. She couldn’t say the words out loud and not mean them. She paused.For the purpose of our joint mission.Adding the words in her head gave her strength. “Under the eyes of the people gathered here today, I pledge my life, happiness, health, and belongings to thee.”During this time, as we work to accomplish the same goal.“May these witnesses see that I keep my promise to thee for all time.”My promise being to protect them as is my royal duty.
As soon as the words had been said, Meena felt her body relax. They’d done it.
Meena let the next several minutes wash over her in a haze. She and Sol stood in front of the dais, their hands still bound, as their guests approached and continued to offer them well wishes. Meena did her best to smile even when the older married couples leaned in to offer advice about a happy union. It all sounded the same to Meena, and she couldn’t tell if everyone was repeating the same few platitudes, or if she was just too tired to listen properly.
Sol watchedas an endless wave of guests lined up to greet them—or greet Meena, rather, since no one there actually knew him. He watched the princess laugh anew each time an older man patted her on the cheek, told her to stay young forever, and called him a lucky man. She thanked each older lady who told her the secret to lasting happiness was to laugh often together.
Lords and ladies, advisors and relatives each came forward to touch the yellow binding around their hands and whisper some quick message that got lost in the noise of the crowd.
Sol tried to remember to smile if anyone directed these well wishes at him, but after the first few, every face seemed to look the same.
Every face except for that of the raven-haired beauty standing at his side. She was too bright and happy. Untouched. He was afraid to squeeze her hand for fear she might break.
He didn’t want to watch her crumble at the first sign of hardship. She’d never known a single difficulty. And here he was, about to take her into the hands of a heartless enemy, away from the protective father and brothers who had squeezed his shoulder, slapped his back, and given him imperious looks.
His head started to throb. His plan had been so simple and straightforward, now it was more complicated than he’d ever imagined. And why had Meena not looked at him a single time since she’d spoken the words that bound them together?
Finally, the musicians started to play again as trays of mouthwatering food were brought into the room and spread out on the tables. It still took an agonizing long moment for the final members of the crowd to congratulate them before the lure of food and drink called them away.
Sol felt his shoulders sink, not in relaxation, but in exhaustion. His arm was stiff from holding his hand up and his hand was numb from not moving.
Finally, she looked up at him.
Sol turned to face her. He desperately wanted to tear his hand out of the silken prison and hide from the watching eyes of everyone in the room.
“I’ve seen some couples keep the binding on for the entire wedding feast,” Meena said, as though she had read his mind. “But I’d rather enjoy the food before our travel tonight if you don’t mind.”
Sol fumbled for the end of the yellow ribbon, pulling it loose as fast as his free hand could move. “Food is a smart decision.”
“You don’t need to look like you are trying to escape from my side,” Meena whispered, lifting her hand to help untie the ridiculously long length of silk.
“Right.” Sol slowed his frantic movements, glancing at her face.
She was focused on the ribbon, and he could not read her expression.
Chapter 14
As the third round of wine was poured, Meena felt Sol’s gaze on her.
She nodded back at him, imperceptibly. It was time to leave.
Onric approached them from around the table, Ashlin at his side. He leaned down between them, a wide smile on his face. “Once again, I’m stuck here at the palace while one of my younger siblings leaves on a dangerous trip.”
“Defending the palace is actually your one responsibility,” Meena responded with a small smile of her own. “Besides, something tells me you are jesting, and you don’t truly want to leave the city this time.” She looked up at Ashlin.
“Take care, little sister.” Onric dropped his jesting voice as he put his arm around her, though he kept the smile on his face. “Best of luck.” He turned to Sol. “Keep us informed. And keep her safe.”
Sol nodded in response.
Ashlin reached out and Meena immediately jumped from her chair, throwing her arms around her friend.
“You can do this,” Ashlin whispered in her ear.
“Of course I can,” Meena responded, her throat tightening. “All I have to do is be a princess, something I’m particularly good at.”
