The Bridge Kingdom

A priestess approached on her left and tied an azure ribbon around their hands, binding them together before belting out the Maridrinian marriage vows so that all could hear over the growing storm. Vows of obedience on her part. Vows to create a hundred sons on his. Lara could’ve sworn she heard a soft snort of amusement from behind the king’s helmet.

He shouted, “Do you, Aren Kertell, King of Ithicana, swear to fight by this woman’s side, to defend her to your dying breath, to cherish her body and none other, and to be loyal to her as long as you both live?”

What have I gotten myself into with you?”

They stood watching for a long time, neither of them speaking, and it occurred to Aren that he should kiss her, but instead he said, “What changed?”

Everything had changed. And nothing.

You are a fool, she thought as darkness took her. And that made two of them.