67 A Dangerous Proposal (2/2)
”This man who is not of standing to appear before me and ask such a thing deserves punishment!” her father bellowed. ”But it is taboo to bring death when we are to celebrate a marriage! So in honor of Princess Esti, kindness be her name, he will be spared.”
Usoa glanced at Esti where she sat next to her prince. The girl shot daggers at her but her intended stared at the spectacle, a sick light in his green eyes, his pink tongue licking at his lip absently as if he tasted something in the air. Usoa released her breath and the threads on her fingers began to loosen, slipping downward.
”But not without punishment!” her father's words filled the tent and she watched Ferran flinch, his head still bowed.
”No word will be given on my daughter's hand. This man must serve! He will accompany the princesses to the Dark lands. He will serve as their guard. If he follows his duty well, then he may be, in time, rewarded with the honor of asking for my daughter's hand again.”
Usoa watched in shock as Ferran peeked up, a small smile on his face.
”Twenty lashes!” her father ordered and the smile dropped from Ferran's face. He would still be punished, but at least left alive.
Two guards appeared from the their cloaks of light and hauled him up by his arms. He turned to Usoa, his dark eyes locked on hers, lips in a straight line. He expected her to do something.
She shifted to move her arms, to say something but the shadows that had petted her so gently held her arms down fast. She looked at Lloren but his eyes were turned to Ferran. She tried again and the shadows held her, invisible ropes.
Why is he keeping me from speaking, she thought nearly panicked. The air around Ferran and the guards shimmered and rippled. A moment later, they were gone, the guard having wrapped him in a shield of light to remove him.
The shadows loosened on her. I'm sorry, father. I didn't know he would do that, she explained.
”We will speak later, daughter. Take your seat. There's still time left in the game,” the Emperor spoke curtly as he took up his chair. He motioned for a servant to bring wine and clapped for the game to begin afresh, a new player to take the spot that Ferran had vacated.
Did you plan this, Esti asked quickly while Guifre spoke to the Emperor.
Usoa shook her head and took the offered cup from the servant, thankful for the calming effects of the drink on her system, the tart taste strong but welcome after the trying ordeal. Around her wrists, the shadows that she could feel but not see stroked her skin as the game started and attention moved away from her. She found their touch curious but in the midst of everything else, not unwelcome.
A hand touched her shoulder and looked back to find her brother, a small smile on his face. He had been so silent during it all, so well hidden in his seat she had forgotten him. ”Don't worry sister, it's going to be fine.”
He grinned, clicked his cup against hers and then returned to the girl that had amused him before, leaving her alone with the strange touch of darkness and a troubled heart.