With Amelia’s help, I get to my knees while she sweeps my dress to the side.
“Scout Lee Turner, you may proceed.”
I swallow, my legs shaking beneath me. “I pledge fealty to fidelity, a covenant to constancy, and an oath to obedience.” The words taste like iron, but I repeat what’s been engrained in us since first year. Ones I went over three times last night so I wouldn’t mess up.
“Apollo Christos Griffin. Your vow.”
Apollo squints as he beholds me, so small beneath him. He looks uncomfortable. Even as he replies, “I appoint you as my vassal.”
Per tradition, I bow my head and say the final line, “Surrendering all my veneration to my Viscount.”
This is typically the part where weird ritual stuff happens. But I’m not exactly sure they’ll make us do things in front ofthisaudience. With the press lining the back of the nave.
I can’t even think about the next step because, suddenly, Apollo is kneelingwith meand taking my hands. Louder than normal, he states, “And I surrender my heart toyou, my Viscountess.”
What in the actual fuck?
Was he given instructions to deviate from the script by the president? The POT?
And,Caliphylla, help me, he lookssincereabout what he’s saying. Who knew Apollo was such a great actor?
My eyes narrow as fury ripples through my blood. With a glance, I spot President Damon and her ilk. The men she always keeps with her. Some from the POT committee. Hell, even Ayan’s father is here.
They all look just as stunned as me. The air is vacuumed into nothing in the large cathedral. No one breathes.
Before I can spit out the question of what game he’s trying to play, Apollo helps me stand. He places my hand in his, though I try to weasel it out. The squeeze he grips me with is firm and unyielding.
I can’t even hear the last part of the ceremony due to the pounding of my pulse in my ears. All I know is that my newhusbandjust tried to make our wedding look like a love commitment.
And now? Ihatehim.
We’re not alone for one moment for me to ask him what that was. Nope. We have ahandlerfrom the university leading us to the steps of the cathedral for late winter pictures with the press.
President Damon takes the lead and says a bunch of bullshit about this being the new era for marriages at Northview University. “Our flagship couple,” or something stupid.
“Give her a kiss!”
“Let’s see the happy couple!”
Apollo approaches the stand and smiles broadly. “My wife and I are thrilled to be the first couple to have our new ceremony in the cathedral with our honored guests. Mrs. Griffin? They want us to kiss.”
I look around for who he’s talking to, then petrify on the spot when I realize he meansme. It’s probably the world’s mostawkwardkiss. Certainly not like that first one at theBetaparty. I’m frozen. Lips tight. Despite Apollo’s hands, gentle and firm, against my lower back. He crooks a finger and taps my chin up with a shy glance into my eyes once he’s done. His dark eyebrow curls as if asking me a question. I shake my head no.
When he faces the cameras again, he tugs me into his side. Like he’s showing me off. Or hiding me. I’m not sure which.
“But did theychooseeach other?”
“Our tribunal uses several methods to ensure the perfect pairings are made.”
“Oh, yeah? Like what?” Elle Joseph’s voice pierces the crowd as she wields her microphone toward President Damon like a weapon.
“A combination of behavioral, psychological, and historical examinations, but most of those are guarded secrets. For now.” She smiles like she’s selling something. The other members of the press take notes eagerly withoohsandaahs. “Maybe someday we’ll release the battery of tests to the public and they can find their perfect match, too.”
Elle looks skeptical and opens her mouth to ask another question, but she’s cut off when the president continues.
“And the Griffins are wearing our new government-approvedwellnessbracelets. Ones that monitor their sleep, moods, appetites, everything…” And here’s where I almost faint. “And…ovulation. So expect a pregnancy announcement soon!”
Apollo takes a deep breath, and my knees give out.
