But it created a barrier.
Now, when families approached, they shook Maldenis’s hand instead or waved politely. No more crowding around Liora, no more grabbing her shoulders.
He felt her exhale slowly. “You good?” he murmured near her ear.
She nodded faintly. “Yeah.”
Another camera flashed.
He stopped thinking about the elders, the ceremony, or the ridiculous mountain of gifts. He was just focused on making sure the human in front of him didn’t bolt from the stage.
He kept his arms loosely around her while the next family approached. Each time someone came forward, he angled his body just enough that they greeted him instead of crowding her. A handshake. A nod. A quick exchange for the cameras.
Behind him, the elder continued announcing gifts like a town crier.
But Maldenis barely heard it because mostly he was aware of Liora. The warmth of her back against his chest. The way she had relaxed slightly once the stream of touching stopped. The faint scent of whatever the stylists had put in her hair. He shifted his hold a little to keep the illusion natural.
It’s just to keep up the farce, he reminded himself.
That’s all.
Anyone watching expected it with a newly married couple. The protective husband and a sweet little moment for the cameras. He was just playing the part.
Still.
He had to admit something to himself. Having her this close was…nice. Unexpectedly nice.
What struck him was that, with how strong Liora actually was—with the power she carried, the way she handled herself with monsters who could tear buildings down—this might be the only moment he’d ever get to play the role of the strong one. The protector. Keeping the crowd back and shielding her from something.
He snorted quietly under his breath.Ridiculous. This was all for show and just another part of the spectacle.
Eventually, the last family moved away. Liora shifted slightly in his arms and tilted her head back to look up at him.
The tension that had tightened her features earlier had eased. Her expression was softer and calmer, the strain still present but finally fading. “Thanks,” she said quietly.
“Part of the act.” He shrugged a little, trying not to make a big deal out of it.
She studied him for a moment, then smiled. Not the polite smile she’d been wearing all evening, but a real one. And before he could stop himself, Maldenis smiled back.
Eventually, the elder raised his hands again, signaling for the room to be quiet. “We thank all of you for your generosity and your blessings upon this union.”
Polite applause rippled through the hall.
“May those who gave tonight share in the favor of the sacred spring.”
More applause.
Then the elder lifted his glass. “And now,” he announced, voice brightening, “we begin the dancing!”
Music immediately swelled from the musicians’ platform. The crowd responded with cheers and movement as the crowd began shifting toward the center of the hall.
Maldenis felt Liora go completely rigid in front of him.
Then she tilted her head slightly toward him and whispered, very quietly, “I can’t do anymore of this.”
“Right.” He didn’t hesitate and scooped her straight up into his arms. A startled sound escaped her while the room erupted into laughter and cheers.
Maldenis grinned broadly at the audience, as if this were all part of the show.
