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He offered me his arm and began walking, though silent as we moved to the center of the courtyard, where everyone was gathered in anticipation of the ceremony. As we stepped into the ring of onlookers, Antonio's eyes sought mine out across the crowd, and it took all my strength not to throw myself into his arms then and there.
There were so many people in one space. The music started, and I let out a long breath.
As we walked down the staircase, surrounded by an abundant display of flowers and flickering candles, my thoughts were a tangled web, impossible to make sense of.
The ceremony passed in a blur of whispered vows and solemn promises, each word spoken like a dagger to my heart. And as we were pronounced husband and wife, the crowd's applause rang hollow in my ears—Antonio wouldn't look at me after our rushed kiss.
"Felicidades," Señora Morales said, her hands clasped tightly around mine as she looked at me with pride and sadness. "I hope you find happiness in this new life. And now, you can call me your suegrita."
I nodded, too overwhelmed to speak.
"Ahora," she continued, motioning for us to follow her. "Let the festivities begin!"
And so Antonio and I began our first dance as husband and wife, surrounded by an adoring crowd of family and friends. He was so quiet, and his eyes kept slipping away from mine. My body felt awkward in his arms, a stark contrast to the way he had held me just moments before. I could feel my leg throbbing in the prosthetic’s socket with pain as we moved in perfect unison across the floor. Still, it couldn't compare to the ache that had settled deep within my chest—the sharp sting of regret at what might have been if only I had said yes….
"Antonio," I said, my voice quiet in contrast to the din of the celebration.
He shook his head. "It's okay. You don't have to love me. I will respect your space."
My throat constricted.
But before I could respond, a voice from behind cut through the night like a beacon of hope.
“Antonio,” a baritone voice floated across the crowd as he gracefully stepped into the circle. “Can I steal a dance from your new wife, Tono?”
Antonio smiled—a smile that took years off his face—and hugged the man. “You’re one of the only men I’d trust her with."
Son laughed. The two turned to face me, and it was like seeing Antonio for the first time. "This is Son. He was my Key Bearer when I competed."
Son stepped forward and bowed slightly in deference to us both.
I smiled. “The man named after a poem.”
Soneto laughed again. His short, dark hair framed a face that radiated warmth and kindness. His eyes were an unusual shade of olive green, sparkling with life as he surveyed the surrounding crowd with an air of casual ease.
“That’s why I started calling him Tono, instead of Toño like everyone else.”
“Sonnet and tone?” It was a delicious image to imagine Antonio connected so closely to the arts, I couldn’t deny it. Things felt normal again, instead of desolate. "Why don't you live here?"
Son grinned. "My husband is Eskosian. I prefer it there—we have more space.”
I smiled, charmed by this man. He reminded me of Fercho, the young man who saved me from the streets. We only talked for a few minutes more before my new husband was pulled away, my dance with Son forgotten. But for those few minutes, I felt light. Everything faded away. The night kept turning, however, and I wasn't allotted relief.
Canciller Duarte came over. “Everything is beautiful. Come with me,” he said before taking my hand and leading me to his wife. Señora Duarte was breathtaking in her emerald gown, her dark hair piled elegantly atop her head. She looked at me with curiosity and contemplation, as if trying to decipher the thoughts whirling through my mind.
"Is everything okay, my dear?" she asked softly, placing a comforting hand on my arm.
I bit my lip, unsure of how to respond. "It's just a lot to take in," I admitted, my gaze drifting across the glittering hall.
Señora Duarte nodded knowingly. "Yes, it is. But you are young and resilient. You will learn to navigate this world in time."
I let out a humorless laugh. "I don't think I'll ever learn to navigate a world like this."
She smiled sympathetically. "It is not easy, no. But you have a strong support system here. And you have Antonio."
I shot her what I hoped was a charming look and winked. "Do I? He hasn't spoken more than a few words to me all night."
Señora Duarte's expression softened. "I'm sure all will be well."
