Page 163 of Uncrowned

“As a matter of fact I do.”

“I will not wear it. I’m picking out my own.”

She stood taller, and I didn’t argue as the Magister began talking.

“By decree of The Collective High Council, under the authority of The Order of the Unavowed, we gather together to witness the joining of blood, power, and future. This union is not of love. It is of purpose. Not desire, nor choice. This is about legacy and law.”

The Magister turned to Drayton.

“Drayton Pennington, do you accept Marian LaRoe as your wife, bound to you by order of The Council? To protect and be there for her in accordance with our law? To preserve her life until your debt is fulfilled? To use her blood to produce the heir required of this union?”

Drayton nodded, letting out a deep breath. “I do.”

“Marian LaRoe, do you accept Drayton Pennington as your intended husband under decree? To submit your body as required? To endure what is necessary for the continuation of this line? To carry the heir commanded by The Council?”

“I… do.”

Monotone.

Distant.

Flat.

“By witness of The Order, by the will of The Council, and by the blood already paid, you are bound. I now pronounce you man and wife. Kiss your bride so that we can seal this contract.”

A mass of emotions flashed on Drayton’s face as he cupped Marian’s cheeks and lowered to brush his lips over hers. Tears raced down her face the moment he pulled away, but she seemed to fade within herself just as fast. The brand was brought forward, and Marian didn’t even flinch or make a sound as it was pressed into her ring finger. Her lids closed and she inhaled deeply, never showing an ounce of pain. Drayton didn’t fare as well. He winced as the upside-down crown was burned into his ring finger. When his eyes cut over to Marian, I knew he was thinking the same thing I was.

This was bad. Really bad. Marian was not okay. She was going in and out—here but not. And I was going to fix that. I knew her personality. I knew what was coming, and although I couldn’t have predicted how this would go down, I knew her revenge would lay somewhere, and the death of my men worked out perfectly.

“Excellent.”

Pride within me swelled. Another piece of history was fitting into place as the Magister headed over to me. I thanked him, taking my time to make it to Drayton and Marian’s side as I exchanged greetings with my Masters who attended.

Marian and Drayton were already whispering, almost seeming to argue as they watched me and Penelope approach. The pride on Marian’s face couldn’t be ignored. She was afraid, but the stubbornness shined through. She didn’t know how not to fight, and she was about to prove me right.

Elec stepped in closer to them as we closed the distance, watching me just as intently as the couple.

“Congratulations. You both made it through the ceremony in agreement.” My gaze went to Marian. “I waited for rebellion. I didn’t get it. I’m not sure if I’m impressed or disappointed.”

“I know my place.”

I smiled. “You learn it quickly. I can’t say that for others.” I glanced down at Penelope. She straightened, but her eyes stayed on Marian, who was barely keeping it together as she kept her gaze averted.

“It’s time we get down to business. Why don’t we walk the women to Penelope’s sitting room.”

Marian’s arm wrapped around Drayton’s. She wouldn’t leave him, just like I predicted. “I’d like to stay with my husband. Please.”

My brow drew in. “You still don’t feel safe? I said no one would hurt you. I meant it.”

Back and forth Marian shifted on her feet. “They were fighting, but I said it. I told him to kill Joel. I—I did this. If you’ll allow me, I will take his punishment. I⁠—”

“Marian, enough. She doesn’t know what she’s saying. I killed the guard, and I did it happily. I’m ready to get this part over with.”

I held in my smile—my victory. I lowered, closer to Marian.

“Well, this changes things, doesn’t it. You want his punishment?”

“She didn’t mean that. She⁠—”