A part of me wanted to laugh at how different this was from the last time I’d been in a bridal suite. By comparison, preparing for Lucas had felt like walking into a trap, my heart warring with the unease of it. Back then, I’d just wanted to make my father happy at last, but I wasn’t sure if he was
Violet’s POV We’d made it to the waiting area just outside of the hall and behind some curtains so that none of the guests would see me when I heard Theodore’s voice. The soft murmur of everyone inside came to an abrupt halt, and I straightened in my spine, leaning to hear what was going on. A kno
The easiest thing to do would be to stall. “I didn't expect you all to come…” I said, addressing Owen and his little family. “Don't you think you should be sitting in my family section?” The air in the garden shifted, thick with tension. Everyone seemed tense. My eyes stayed locked on Owen. He l
Violet I expected a lot of things when the music changed, signaling that it was my turn to walk. I thought I would be nervous. I thought I would hesitate, and yet I walked forward without thinking about it. I even thought that I would miss my father in this moment, but I didn't. The whispers ros
The whispers had dulled, replaced by an expectant silence. “Nonsense old friend,” the High Priest said. “There is nothing ceremonial about your presence here.” Her lips twitched. “For the law within this country, my appearance is completely ceremonial.” “Ah, I do forget that.” He chuckled to h
Violet’s POV I swallowed, turning to Theodore. My eyes were wide, but I did as I was told. My hands were so small and delicate looking in his, trembling subtly. He smiled at me as the smoke weaved around our hands, tying them together. I wasn’t prepared for the jolt of awareness that went throug
“Violet,” I whispered, my voice hoarse, but she didn’t seem to hear me. Her tears didn’t stop, and I couldn’t tell if they were from pain, relief, or something else entirely. The High Priest’s voice cut through the quiet. “You may now kiss your bride.” The weight of his words hit me like a tid
Violet The grand doors to the banquet hall swung open, and the hum of voices swelled into a roar. I held my head high, schooling my expression into one of serene confidence as Theodore and I walked in together. The crowns of light still lingered, drawing everyone’s attention. The banquet hall of M
The afternoon sun had begun to dip, casting a warm, golden hue over the gathering. By the time the matches concluded, a festive air had settled over the estate. The nobles gathered in clusters, laughing and chatting as the servants began setting up for the reception. Theodore was surrounded, drawing
Violet I turned back at the sound of a sharp clatter and caught sight of Nora dumping the plate of food into a small waste bin by the cot. Her expression was tight with anger as she muttered, “I don’t need your pity.” I didn’t flinch. The action—and her defiance—meant nothing to me. I wasn't going
I shook my head. My conscience would nag at me all night if I didn't, and I had better plans to enact tonight with my husband than worrying about my ex-husband's mistress. I licked my lips thinking about the look in Theodore's eye before he'd stolen that kiss. Yeah. A lot better things to think ab
Violet The combat matches drew to a close rather quickly. No one was dragging it out after Lucas and Owen had been tossed around like helpless chickens for nearly an hour. I won't say that it wasn't entertaining to watch Lucas land hard and fast at the feet of men several times his age. Owen was no
Finally, in one coordinated movement, we both struck—our blades flying from our hands and landing in the grass at the same time. The crowd erupted in applause as we stood there, breathless and staring at each other. “Well,” I said, panting. "What happens--" I yelped as she tossed me over her shoul
Theodore She came in fast and hard, cutting low and quick, faster than I expected. Faster than should have been possible with her still laboring under her bond with Violet. She aimed a solid kick to my shoulder, pushing me enough that my feet slipped and skidded across the ground. The sleeve of my
“You’ve already won most of them over,” she murmured, her voice calm and confident. “Consider this a chance to seal the deal. Having noble allies is always a good thing.” That didn’t stop the knot of unease forming in my stomach. Fighting Violet? In front of an audience this critical? It felt lik
Theodore As we crossed the area towards the seating, around the combat pitch, I struggled to keep a straight face. The scene unfolding was almost too good to be true. Owen’s wife and Nora trailed behind him and Lucas, looking thoroughly out of place and entirely ignored. The nobles, who had been so
My eyes widened. "What?" She smiled. "The Vainthott Events are quite expensive, and it would be to every noble in attendance in accordance to their cost of attendance and any cost that could be proven." I blinked and looked at her. "You'd probably annex Twining River with ease." And I'd do everyt