Fishere appeared amused. “Do share, then, Corporal,” he said.
Ethenn straightened his shoulders to address the archminister. “I’ll speak of the benefits to Allund first,” he said. “I’m not wholly certain of all the...outcomes, but Ilain and I want to Bond, which means we will be as Allore intended and capable of serving Allund as a nation in whatever way the Administration sees fit. As Ilain is the most powerful Mage in two centuries, I should think our union would be of great use to your government and, thus, a great boon to the people of Allund. You can correct me if I’m wrong on that, sir.”
Fishere said nothing, so Ethenn continued, “As to our marriage being in Ilain’s best interest...” He paused as though to keep himself from faltering as the red flush spread up his neck. “I love her. I would do anything for her. As she wishes to marry a Warrior and Bond with him, I don’t believe there is a single other man in this world so uniquely qualified to ensure her happiness.”
The room was silent as they let his words sink in.
Deckard shifted awkwardly behind the young man. Had he sounded this impassioned when he asked to marry Evylin? He doubted it. Because, despite the interest he’d held for Evylin at the time, he hadn’t loved her. He’d only wanted to.
But Ethenn... If his words were true, he already loved Ilain.
Did she love him in return?
“Well,” Fishere said and flashed a grin in Ilain’s direction. “It appears you misjudged your young suitor, my lady. I’d say that was satisfactorily eloquent.”
Ilain returned the dry grin, though her eyes kept darting to Ethenn as though she was surprised by the feelings he’d expressed.
“Thank you, Corporal,” Fishere said. “Now, let’s hear Highlady Calder’s testament: Please state why you believe your marriage to Corporal Ethenn Loxley will be in his best interest as well as the interest of Allund.”
Ilain hesitated, playing with the ruby ring on her index finger. At last, she rested her hands in her lap and sat up straight. “I’ll be as straightforward as I can,” she said. “You heard Ethenn—he loves me. What better interest could there be than returning his love with my undying dedication and affection? Our marriage will give me the opportunity to love him the same way he loves me.”
Deckard wet his bottom lip, recognizing the truth Ilain had skirted with her words.
“And you know perfectly well, Edmaund, that my Bonding is what the Administration has wanted for nearly thirty years. Allund’s best interest is my appointment as the head of the Order of the Flame.” The light caught Ilain’s hair, making it glow brightly as she leaned forward in her seat. “You’ve prepared me for this since I was sixteen. All you required of me was to find a Warrior to whom I’d pledge my troth. Well—” She motioned toward Ethenn. “I’ve found him.”
Her face grew serious. “This marriage isn’t for me, and it isn’t for Ethenn,” she said flatly. “It’s for the Allund we’ve all sacrificed to build.”
Drawing back, Deckard frowned. No one in the room showed surprise—not even Ethenn. They’d all known this marriage was political from the start. Deckard should have known it himself. More than a month ago, Auden had told Deckard about the Alliance’s plan to use eight Bonded couples to carry the Relics. Though he was sure the Alliance would request that he and Evylin be one of those pairs, he had little interest in the position. They would deny it unless Evylin surprised him by wishing to take the job.
But Ilain wanted this. She’d been preparing her entire life to Bond and carry a Relic. Auden told him that she’d unlocked the secrets of Bonding herself, making her the foremost expert onthe subject. Of course, the Alliance would want her to carry a Relic and take her rightful place.
As Ethenn didn’t protest at Ilain’s statement, it appeared he wanted that too.
Archminister Fishere drew a hand along his clean-shaven jaw, and his eyes narrowed on Ilain. “You left out the part about loving him,” he noted.
Ilain flinched, but Ethenn spoke in her stead. “I know she doesn’t love me,” he said.
The man pursed his lips. “Yet, you wish to marry her?”
Ethenn gave a firm nod. “I do.”
“And you have no problem with her using you and your love as a means to an end?” Fishere pressed.
Ilain’s chin dipped as Ethenn replied. “I was aware of that reality when I requested to marry her.”
A corner of Deckard’s heart ached, pulsing with feeling for the young man. He knew very well what it was like to be married to a woman who didn’t return his affections. But he also knew how wonderful it felt once she finally did. Their relationship might start with a one-sided love, but it could grow into something much purer and mutual over time.
“Hm.” Fishere shook his head as though bemused. “It sounds as though you’ve made up your minds. We can commence with the advocacy.”
Sweeping his gaze over Deckard, Auden, and Vayden, the archminister addressed them. “As the advocates for Highlady Calder and Corporal Loxley, it is your place to offer what you wish on behalf of or against the marriage. We’ll start with Mr. Calder. What is your view on this marriage?”
Vayden stood tall on the far side of the small room, his blond hair golden in the early morning light. “What can I say?” he asked with a chuckle. “My sister isn’t a child. She knows the wishes of her own mind and heart, and if this young man is theone she desires to spend the rest of her life with...I can’t stand in her way. However, as her brother, I will admit to feeling hesitant.”
“Vayd!”
He met Ilain’s agitated glare steadily. “I’m not suggesting it shouldn’t happen, Lainy,” he said soothingly. “I’m simply stating my reservations. You’ve known this young man for all of two months. Moreover, he’s twenty years your junior.”
“Says the man whose wife is twenty-five years older than he.”
