Page 51 of Glass and Bone
“Yes, Your Grace. All of your guests already left the palace, so it will have to be a small affair.” I nod as he walks over to us. He steps around Tobias until he is directly in front of us.
“Please hold out your hands.” He says softly. I lift my left arm and Tobias places his right arm next to mine. The thin crimson ribbon is wrapped around our wrists, tying us together. He looks over at me with hopeful eyes. “We are gathered here today to bestow upon Tobias Rosenthal, Prince of Noterra, and Elaenor Pinewell, Princess of Chatis, a union.” He stops and looks at both of us. “Did you write vows?” My eyes widen and I turn towards Tobias who shakes his head.
“We didn’t have time.” Tobias responds.
“Repeat after me, then, my dear.” He looks at me and I give him a small nod. Fear courses through my veins as I am about to get married. Tobias is a confusing man. A man who makes me question everything about myself. A man who has hit me, whether accidentally or not, he laid a hand on me, and now in a few short moments, I will be his property by law. I am hopeful that his apology was sincere, but I can’t even imagine what could happen in the future should I get in the way again.
“I, Elaenor, Princess of Chatis, pledge my life and loyalty to you.”
“I, Elaenor, Princess of Chatis, pledge–” My voice catches and the priest's eyebrows raise. I swallow the lump forming in my throat as I try to will the tears away. Tobias looks over at me with fear. As if he’s worried I’m going to back out. My heart skips a beat. I meet his eyes and continue. “Pledge my life and loyalty to you.” I finish.
“This union is a promise to the gods and goddesses as well as the kingdoms in which we reside.”
“This union is a promise to the gods and goddesses as well as the kingdoms in which we reside.” I repeat while maintaining eye contact with Tobias.
“I will be yours and yours alone.”
“I will be yours and yours alone.” A single tear trickles down my face, and I turn away. His free hand finds my face as he forces me to look at him. His sorrow mirrors mine in a way I am only hoping is regret for what he’s done.
“Wonderful, my dear.” He turns his head to Tobias. “Do you know them, or would you like me to recite them?”
“I know them.” The priest nods. “I, Tobias, King Regent of Noterra,” Regent.He’s already been crowned regent?“Pledge my life and loyalty to you. This union is a promise to the gods and goddesses as well as the kingdoms in which we reside. I will be yours,” His hand finds my face again and his eyes bore into mine. “And yours alone.” I smile, relieved that we for once seem to be on the same page.
“By the grace of the gods and goddesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife. A union formed by the will of the late King Evreux, and a promise for forever.”Forever. He gestures towards Tobias, who turns to face me. Our arms are untied and Tobias leans into me, pressing a sweet and soft kiss on my mouth.
“Will we be undergoing the consummation ceremony?” The priest asks Tobias.
“No, Father Reynolds, we will not.” He smiles at me.
“Then if I can just get you two love birds to sign here?” Father Reynolds holds out the scroll which is filled with neat handwriting and two lines down below with our names written beneath. Our marriage certificate. I take the quill from him and sign my name above the line on the right. Tobias does the same on the other, before nodding to dismiss Father Reynolds. This took less time than I expected, maybe because it was a short ceremony? I thought it would be a little more grand. I’m not disappointed, just confused.
“Was that it?” I ask, waiting for something else to happen.
“Yes.” His voice is strained, filled with emotions hard to decipher.
“Tobias, about before–” He lifts his hand to silence me, but I reject it. “Tobias, don’t dismiss me like that.” His eyebrows furrow and he drops his hand. “Talk to me, say something.” I beg.
“Whatever feelings you have for my brother will end. You are not to have contact with him. You two will never be alone.” His voice is flat, monotone. As if he is giving me an order. “You will be accompanied by a guard at all times. A guard that answers to me, either Laris or Tano. You will do as I say, when I say it, or I will have you beheaded for adultery.” I roll my eyes at his attempted threat.
“Tobias, for gods sake!” I snap. “Nothing happened between Theo and I.Hekissedme. I will not allow you to treat me this way. I am your wife, and I will soon be a queen. I will not spend my life being threatened and fearful of you.” I spit and rip my hand out of his.
“You don’t have a choice.” He exhales loudly. “Elaenor, we are wed. All I’m asking is for you to focus on me and not on my brother.” His voice is soft, saddened.
“Tobias, I already told you that I choose you. I already told you that I had no feelings for your brother. Do you think I would marry you if my heart belongs to another?” I plead. I grab his hands and bring them up to my face. He leans down and rests his forehead against mine, our lips just barely touching.
“Say it.” He begs against my lips. “Please.” I pull back and look at him.
“What do you want me to say?” I ask, searching his eyes.
“Tell me you love me.” I can see the moisture gather in his eyes and he frantically holds onto me. “Tell me you forgive me.”
“I love you. I forgive you.” I whisper. I don’t know if it’s the truth I speak, but in this moment, I needed to say it. He presses his lips back to mine. I amhis. I let the tears fall freely as I kiss him back. He starts walking, pushing me with him until my back meets the wall. His hands leave my waist, and he starts to hike up my skirt.
“Is this alright?” He asks in between kisses, his hands pulling at the fabric. My pulse skips as I find that I was in a similar situation with Evreux the other day.
“Not here, Tobias, please.” I push on his chest. I can’t even bear the thought of someone walking in on us. He nods and kisses my cheek before pulling me out of the throne room, nausea blooming deep in my stomach.
The walk to our chambers seems like it takes forever. We’ve passed every person that seems to work here, they all bow and greet us. The regent and his bride. Hands shake mine; a few men clap Tobias on the back in congratulations. Subtle bows of condolences follow. The short trip takes an hour.
