Page 96 of Bride By Coronation

He turns to face me, firmly places his hands on my cheeks, and leans over me.

I inhale sharply.

In a stern voice, he states, "This is the last thing you must do. It will be over shortly. I will take care of you after."

I swallow hard.

"It will be okay. It's short-term pain and won't last long. I promise I will help you now and after," he vows.

I glance at the fire and release an anxious breath.

"Trust me. And we can go home after this," he adds.

Home.

With Kirill.

He's my husband.

This is crazy.

The gong sounds, and I jump.

"There won't be another warning. We must follow through," Kirill softly states.

I nod and shakily step forward.

He leads me to the wooden contraption and instructs, "Put your head through the circle."

I wince. "Really?"

"Yes," he says in his no-nonsense voice.

I don't move.

"Short term," he reminds me.

"What will they do to me?" I gaze over at the hot fire.

Kirill answers, "You must wear your father's mark."

I grimace. "On my neck?"

He nods. "That is correct."

"Why don't I tattoo it instead?" I suggest.

He shakes his head. "It is not how your father wrote the law. Your golden color will be added via tattoo when the branded mark fullyheals."

I bite on my lip.

The gong echoes throughout the arena. Stomping resumes.

"We're out of time. Fiona, please, put your head through the circle," Kirill begs.

I take a deep breath and step in front of the contraption. I put my head against the wood, my pulse skyrocketing and stomach quivering.

Kirill steps in front of me. He circles his arm around my back. He takes his other hand, holds the back of my head, and pushes my face into his chest. He murmurs, "Don't move, my little bird."

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