AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I carved this for you, as is our custom when asking for a mate. You are the bravest, most determined woman I’ve ever met. Your spirit inspires me to become better too. I know in my heart we were meant to be together. Will you accept this betrothal necklace and stay here as my wife?”
Kate’s eyes misted over as she gazed at the necklace. She threw her arms around me.
“Yes, of course I’ll be your wife!” she cried. My heart swelled at her acceptance. I fastened the necklace around her slender neck. She admired the colorful stones.
“It’s beautiful, Kian. I’ll treasure it always.”
We kissed passionately beneath the setting suns. In that perfect moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the universe.
Hand in hand, we returned to the village to share the joyous news. Alya shrieked in excitement when she noticed the betrothal necklace.
“I’m so thrilled for you both!” she exclaimed, hugging Kate tightly.
As word spread, the other Surlons offered their congratulations and well wishes. I basked in their support, optimistic that even my harshest critic would welcome Kate now that we planned to unite our lives.
We held a celebratory bonfire that night and feasted under the stars. Spirits soared as we danced and laughed together. Kate fit right in, conversing easily with everyone. My heart swelled seeing her connect so deeply with my tribe.
After the revelry, Kate and I slipped away to be alone. I led her up a hill to a private spot overlooking the village. The binary moons cast a soft glow as we settled onto the grass. Kate snuggled against me contentedly.
“I can’t believe I’m really staying here, about to marry you,” she murmured. “My whole life has changed since crashing on Surlon. For the better.”
I smiled and kissed her forehead. “Fate brought you here. I know we’ll have a wonderful life together.”
She nodded, then her expression grew serious. “But what about Turok? Do you think he’ll accept me now?”
I tensed. Our tribe’s elder had made no secret of his animosity toward Kate.
“Turok is set in his ways,” I said carefully. “This may challenge his notions. But our union is meant to be. In time, he will see that.”
Kate looked unconvinced, but then shrugged. “Well, whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”
“Yes, together,” I agreed, pulling her close once more. No matter what the future held, just having Kate by my side would make me strong enough to weather any storm.
***
I took a deep breath to steady my nerves as I entered the council hall. Turok and the village elders were already seated at the large stone table, their expressions grim. Kate squeezed my hand supportively before going to sit with Alya and the other women along the side.
“Kian,” Turok began without preamble. “I have asked you here to formally renounce this misguided betrothal you’ve entered into with the human woman.”
I met his stern gaze unflinchingly. “Elder Turok, I cannot do that. Kate has proven herself worthy to join our people through her actions. Our love is true. I intend to take her as my wife.”
Angry murmurs rippled through the hall. Turok slammed his fist down. “You are blinded, boy! She is manipulating you to her own ends. No good can come of mixing bloodlines in this unnatural way.”
“I am no boy,” I retorted. “I am a man grown, free to choose my own bride. What reason have you to object, beyond dusty old prejudice?”
Turok’s eyes flashed. “You dare take that tone? I have guided this tribe since before you were born. I object because it is my duty to safeguard our people!”
“From what? New perspectives? Change?” I argued passionately. “Our tribe has stagnated in recent times. We’ve grown insular, mistrustful of outsiders. Perhaps my union with Kate is the renewal we need.”
I saw some of the elders nod thoughtfully at my words. Turok scowled. “This is dangerous idealism. We have preserved our ways for generations untold. I will not see an impulsive youth and his infatuation undermine that.”
“Nor will you see a rigid elder’s antipathy rob a man of love and happiness,” I shot back. The room erupted into chaotic shouting as the council argued. I stood firm, weathering the storm.
Finally, Weylin, one of the more moderate elders, raised his hands for quiet. “Brothers, hear me. Kian makes a valid point - we have become too set in our thinking. Yet Turok’s caution is wise. Perhaps a compromise is in order.”
He turned to me. “Kian, if you intend to take this woman as wife, you must make binding vows to honor our laws and traditions always. She must do the same. Will you pledge this before the ancestors?”
“I so swear,” I agreed readily. Kate echoed the vow beside me. I saw consideration replacing some of the hostility in the elders’ eyes.
