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Jade stole a glance in the small window of an office door. Her red hair was twisted in glossy twirls underneath a heavy jeweled crown that threatened to slip down over her head like a necklace. What she’d thought was a necklace was a belt, but she’d had to unclasp it and wind it twice around her middle to keep it from falling off. Even the purple sash looked beautiful against the white of her dress.
“Pretty?” she asked needlessly.
“As beautiful as my own daughter on her wedding day. This Leopardine is one lucky fella. Come on now, the moon is up. I’m sure these couples want to get home.” Griselda looked around the crowded hall where couples were still dancing slowly, talking in low voices, drinking, and eating. Those with partners were as close as decently possible. “I think this whole damn town’ll be in heat come the morning. Where’s your groom?”
“He’s somewhere.” Jade waved her hand vaguely. If he doesn’t show, I keep the money he gave me. And I’ll sue him for the credits he promised, too.
No. I won’t. I’ll just keep what he gave me. And these jewels. She touched the opals at her waist.
“Don’t think you need to worry. I see the preacher leading him up. Time to go back into the meeting room and have our third wedding of the day. Sweet Bastet, this day ought to go down in Hillhead history!” Griselda fanned herself with her paw.
Jade was glad Griselda was larger and stronger than her. Her feet had suddenly frozen to the floor, but Griselda’s gentle tugging caused her to move.
She didn’t stumble, though. She was too used to walking into horrible, uncomfortable situations.
Wedding.
Marriage.
I was supposed to get out of that life and never, ever go back in.
Jade clutched her jeweled belt—cold, valuable stones somehow giving her warmth and calm. This is better. Different.
I’m not afraid.
I’m not fucking scared.
ARDOL SIGHED IN SILENCE. His crewmates were sitting in the front rows. His bride approached, cool and graceful in white and purple, jewels glittering from her hair to her waist.
Gratitude and relief filled his heart and lifted his lips in a genuine smile.
Jade gave him back a small, shaky half-grin that she quickly concealed under something larger, a brilliant beam that was for the benefit of the crowd.
But that little smile was just for me.
The preacher, an aged Lynxian with a snowy pelt and wide, glittering eyes, smiled, showing age-smoothed, rounded fangs.
“Leonid, Tigerite, and now Leopardine. My service book has gotten quite the workout today!”
The congregants chuckled, but Ardol didn’t. He resisted the urge to snarl with impatience. He wanted the wedding to be over so he could report back to his Father that a Queen was secured. An insistent voice in his head also whispered that carnal delights were in store tonight.
“A Queen enters into the noble house of this young King,” the preacher read directly from the small blue book in his paw. “This is a sacred invitation, for once she enters, she may never leave, but is forever his, another jewel to enrich his stores.”
Ardol frowned. He had attended a pawful of weddings on Leopardine-One, but he had never listened to the voices of the priests in the lavish temples.
It sounds like she is becoming property, not a partner. He scanned Jade’s face for signs of disapproval, but her features were frozen in a placid mask.
The old Lynxian was droning on, simile after simile that all meant the same thing. Ardol almost cheered when the preacher finally addressed him directly.
“Ardol, you have chosen your Queen. What vows do you make to her?”
“I will protect you, provide for you, and treasure you.”
“Jade, do you accept Ardol’s vow, made before the heavens and all who rule them?”
“I... Yes. Yes, I do. I do.” Jade’s words were firm and rang with quiet conviction.
“Then your King must now instruct you on the vows he requires of you.”
