“Perhaps I could come with you to see this wise woman, but I believe Sol-ano has some business to attend to.”
Jules burst out laughing.
“You can’t dedicate a marriage when only one member of the party is present,” Ezra explained as Jules wiped tears from his eyes.
“Can you imagine what Sophie would say?” Jules asked Ezra, still chuckling. “That union surely wouldn’t last, and I mean you no offense, but I think the two of you could use all the help you can get.”
Meena straightened her back as she opened her mouth in shock. “What do you mean by that?”
Jules lifted his hands. “I mean you no disrespect, princess. I was merely observing that you and Prince Sirilian are quite new at all this and a special blessing could secure your future happiness together.”
Meena bristled. “I think our future happiness would be more assured if Prince Sirilian could attend to the business he needs to see to.”
“Business?” Ezra questioned.
“Just some letters and such to see to,” Meena said vaguely. “He has only just become a prince and is still getting used to his responsibilities.”
“Responsibility doesn’t start until you are home from your wedding trip,” Jules countered. “You cannot risk the future of your marriage for a seemingly urgent task. Come.”
Meena refused to budge. The Goldenreign Feast was just over a day away, and Sol still hadn’t even discovered the location of their target, much less developed a plan for getting through the soldiers defending it.
“Unfortunately,” Sol finally said, supporting her support of him. “My brilliant wife is right. King Frederich and Prince Onric specifically asked me to return with a detailed report on how you have managed to create such a well prepared defense system.”
“What with the upcoming Return of the Majis and all,” Meena added. “Defense is our highest priority in Iseldis.”
Jules’s smile seemed to falter at the mention of the fort. “If that is all you are after, I can have any of my men write that up for you in an afternoon.” He stepped between them, tucking Meena’s hand under his arm. Placing his other arm around Sol’s back, Jules forced them to step forward. “To Sophie’s!”
Meena leaned her head back, sharing another quick glance with Sol.
Jules was definitely trying to keep their time occupied.
The wise woman’shome was built of the same cream-colored sandstone as most of the buildings in the city.
It was also built partially below the ground, and required them to descend a handful of steps before pushing open the worn wooden door.
Meena entered the cool room with some excitement, squinting at the loss of light. It was not completely dark, but after the bright morning sun, it took a moment for her eyes to adjust. In other circumstances, she would have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of having her union dedicated by a wise old woman. She decided to enjoy this unique experience as it was.
Sophie was surprisingly tall, but her shoulders were stooped and her movements were slow. A loose gauzy fabric covered her hair. She greeted Jules with familiarity.
“Didn’t I just see the two of you?” she asked, looking between Jules and Ezra. “Are you having problems already? Your marriage is still very young, you have to give it time to grow along with you.”
Meena instantly liked the woman for pointing out that three months of marriage was not very long.
“Oh, no, Sophie,” Jules protested. “We are not here for us.” He stepped aside and gestured toward Meena and Sol.
Sophie eyed them with a neutral gaze.
“This is Princess Philomena of Iseldis, and her new husband, Prince Solano,” Jules introduced them.
“I had heard of your union,” Sophie said. “Though I did not expect the honor of seeing you so shortly afterward myself.” She smiled.
Jules beamed, seemingly pleased with himself for arranging such a fortuitous meeting.
When he said nothing further, Meena broke the awkwardness. “It would be an honor for us if you would be so kind as to dedicate our union.”
“Of course,” Sophie replied. “Give me a moment.” She disappeared behind a curtained doorway.
Meena took in the room around her. The harsh sandstone was softened by draping fabrics and bright plants. Cushioned chairs lined the walls of the room, but no one was currently making use of them.
