Page 67 of To Save a Kingdom

Elessan’s gaze skated down her body. Aliya would’ve managed to pull off the combination of casual and formal attire that such a rushed ceremony demanded. On the princess it just felt… forced.

Much like this whole charade.

His throat went dry as Tsara glided up the center aisle, a serene smile on her face as her eyes stayed glued to him.

No doubt Aliya would be hurt when she learned of today’s events. He could only hope she understood and was as forgiving of him as she’d been of her father.

Tsara settled next to him, facing the priestess. Her gaze flicked once to her father, who gave her a solemn nod.

The officiant continued, “Let all who stand with…”

Elessan drowned out the monotonous words as his fingers tapped a relentless rhythm against his thighs. This whole ceremony was a waste of time. They should all be out working with Aliya to reclaim her castle, rescue the hostages and kill Brooks. Not pretending like he and Tsara were some destined love match, fated to rule the kingdom with wisdom and grace. No… theirs would be a union based on blackmail and manipulation, as ruined and rotten as the rest of Roland’s reign.

“Please extend your hands for the binding.” The priestess’ words cut through Elessan’s thoughts.

Wordlessly, he held out his right hand as Tsara did the same with her left.

Elessan tried not to flinch as the satin caressed his skin.

Using the traditional knot of two oversized loops above their wrists in an infinity circle, the officiant stepped back. Holding her arms in front of her, she lifted her face to the sun.

“What has been bound in the light today, let no force pull asunder.” She met first Elessan’s then Tsara’s eyes. “Seal this union.”

Turning to face Elessan, Tsara’s mouth curled into a simper as she reached up with her free hand, wrapped her fingers around his neck and guided his lips to hers.

Even the strong scent of her perfume couldn’t dispel the bitter aftertaste in the back of his throat.

“Smile,” she hissed, pulling back just far enough for him to make out her words. “At least pretend to be happy.”

He plastered a tight grin that he was certain didn’t reach his eyes as they turned together to face Roland and the two nobles selected as witnesses.

With a flourish, the priestess pulled out a rolled sheet of parchment and spread it across the altar. The marriage agreement. She handed a quill to Tsara who signed and passed the pen to Elessan. Moments later, the king and the two aristocrats had added their signatures as well.

An iron gate in Elessan’s chest slammed shut with a final-sounding clank that echoed through his head.

That was it. He’d bargained his life away in exchange for Brooks’ hostages, Aliya and the humans.

And most of them would never know.

The ink was barely dry as the priestess rolled up the contract and secreted it in a hidden pocket in her robes, no doubt to be taken to the capital for recording in the official records.

As the female and the two nobles drifted out of the chapel, Elessan turned to Roland and Tsara.

“I’ve done my part. Now do yours. Save my mother and the others.”

Chapter 26

Aliya

Aliya stalked through the endless hallways, sticking to the shadows and being as subtle as she could, considering the two guards following less than five paces behind her. She understood why Elessan had insisted she bring them. She had no formal training with a sword, even if she wasn’t the queen. Her heart still twisted at the thought of putting her life above anyone else’s, even if these men had sworn to do just that.

She peered into each dark alcove they passed, searching for Zadé’s curly brown hair and the slightly rounded tips of her pointed ears. Not that she expected to find the woman lurking. Normally, Zadé would be off somewhere making herself useful, like a general should. If she’d learned of Brooks’ intrusion, she was probably already scouting out his position and strategizing the best way to take him down.

Aliya swallowed past her thickened throat.

Or, Zadé could be wallowing in the cruelty of King Roland’s words. Brooks’ escape hadn’t been her fault. Eventually, the other woman would realize it, too, but there’s been no denying the pain that flashed across her expression at the accusation. No one would blame Zadé for taking some time by herself.

Brushing a loose strand of hair out of her face, Aliya exhaled as she came to an intersection. Going up the stairs to her right would take her to the rooms in the east wing, where Brooks was. Down to her left would take her to the kitchens, where it was unlikely she’d find Zadé. Straight ahead would take her past the great hall, a parlor she’d only seen in passing once, and out into the queen’s gardens and the stables.