Page 102 of Shift of Morals
Cernunnos stilled and glanced behind him.Do you want this Lord to marry this creature?
I almost laughed at his description of Gianna.I want him to be happy. That’s all.
And you believe he’d be happy with her?
I didn’t say that.
His ancient stare burned into my heart before he turned once more.
You will thank me for this one day.
He overestimated my ability to be grateful for taking my choices out of my hands.
“You are the seekers of my blessing?” Cernunnos asked.
Gianna’s face had lit up at Cernunnos’ presence. The physical manifestation of a god had never been documented at such an occasion, so this was already one for the books.
Caelan bowed. “We are. Your presence in my domain gives me the highest honor.”
Cernunnos didn’t acknowledge Caelan’s words. His attention went to Gianna. “How long have you been pretending?”
Gianna froze. “Sire?”
The smile he gave her held barely leashed violence. “You cannot fool a god.”
Gianna’s pleasure upon seeing the god slid off her face like melting wax. Her eyes went cold, but Cernunnos appeared to be done with her.
Confusion flashed over Caelan’s face as he watched the byplay between them. He opened his mouth to speak, but Cernunnos interrupted.
“Ancient traditions dictate the gods’ blessing on certain occasions. A celebration like today is cause for joy and wonder, but I see none of that before me. The Lords sit in their pews like they are above our law, waiting for this woman to bring about your downfall.”
I closed my eyes for a brief moment, knowing somehow even though Cernunnos was going totally rogue and I had no control of what a god decides to do, that somehow, I’d be blamed for this going awry.
The Lords in question shifted uncomfortably. All except for Rowan who was watching this with unfettered delight on his face.
I bit back my smile.
“All except for one who honors you with his loyalty and friendship.”
Rowan blinked in surprise, awe overtaking the amusement.
Cernunnos continued. “Love might be considered a tradeable commodity in your world, but I believe in a union blessed by a joining of two compatible hearts. Your bride has misrepresented herself to you and your Council, and you, Lord Caelan, havehidden the deepest truths of your heart in order to perform your duty as someone else has dictated it be done.”
Caelan paled.
Cernunnos turned to the Lords, his ancient gaze sweeping over them. All sat in awe of the god, except for Donovan whose forehead was beaded with sweat. “As of today, any practice of forcible marriage is banned in this country. Any law of your Council attempting to enforce such is hereby deemed illegal.”
Hazel’s grip tightened as my knees threatened to collapse from under me.
What was happening right now?
Rowan’s eyes were suspiciously wet. If only he and I weren’t such good friends, I might have pursued him. He was a good man with a good heart and how he’d landed on the Council…
But Cernunnos wasn’t done. He returned his attention to the couple.
“You will not receive my blessing today, young Lord. Whether you decide to move forward with your wedding is up to you, though I would urge you to think long and hard about the secrets you hold in your heart before taking such action. Some things aren’t meant to happen right away and will require a long, difficult fight.” Cernunnos’ gaze flicked to me for a brief moment. “But sometimes those fights are worth it.”
Gianna’s lips curled with fury.
