Page 12 of Vows of Sacrifice

“And you, far too naive. She and her brother are wolves in sheep’s clothing. You trust them more than you trust the divine plans of our Father!”

I raised my hand to force him to change the subject. Paivrin hated Elendur’s younger sister Nadrisse. It was no secret to me. He saw her as a schemer, and no matter how many times I told him that she wasn’t, that she was just a spoiled brat at most, he simply refused to believe it, convinced that he was right.

“I’m glad to see you married,” added my brother with a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

I rolled my eyes.

“I knew that would please you. It takes so little to make you happy, I suppose. You think you’ve beaten Nadrisse? After all this time, don’t you know how common arranged marriages are among humans?”

Paivrin replied with a childish grimace.

“All I know is that Lady Ashana has blood hair, like your wife in the memory I saw in my dream. She’s your flame. Not the other harlot.”

I pounded my fist on the table.

“That’s enough! You’re going too far.”

“I say what I want. That Nadrisse has deceived you. She made you believe that she was your destiny, when she was not. But our Father sent you your true half. I just have to be patient and wait for you to realize it.”

With that, he stood up.

“Aren’t you coming with us?”

Paivrin shook his head.

“I just wanted to celebrate your marriage according to our rite. Besides, I can smell your blood,” he finished with a beaming smile.

I immediately frowned.

“It’s not what you think.”

“Oh no?” he asked, with a feigned innocence that got on my nerves.

“No. It’s just a precaution.”

“Of course,” whispered my brother. “You’ve bound her to you with your blood only to protect her from the many dangers that lurk in the dark night to do the Abyss’ bidding, not because you also feel that Princess Ashana is now yours and you’d hate the idea of a human trying to take her away from you.”

I didn’t answer right away.

“Go away,” I said grimly.

“She’s your soul’s half, believe me. Try to behave well with her. If I can, I’ll try to come to Tarnton Palace in a few days. Otherwise, you and the princess are welcome in Gulan.”

With that, he smiled at me. A slightly sad smile.

“I long for the day when we will all be free and reunited with our Father.”

I preferred to remain silent. Personally, I’d given up hope a long time ago.

* * *

Even my horse was getting impatient during Ashana’s farewell to her family members. All women, in fact. I knew that every one of them was casting furtive glances at me, certainly trying to gauge my character to see if the princess would survive by my side. I immediately took out a cigar, then realized I only had three left. I grimaced. With a bit of luck, we’d come across a few monsters that would calm my blood.

My blood . . .

At this thought, I looked at my wife. She had put that horrible bonnet back on. With it on her head, she looked like a nun! I ordered Vulcan, my stallion, to move forward to Ashana. Once close enough, I leaned over. She turned towards me at the same moment, and I took the opportunity to remove the horror from her head. She shrieked in surprise. I smiled wickedly in return.

“Don’t put that thing on again. That’s a direct order.”

---