The world fell away until only Roman and I stood in a cocoon of love. My heart swelled as I looked at him, grinning so hard I thought my cheeks would break.
“And so it is done!” the chief said, breaking the spell between us.
Roman and I gently peeled our hands apart. Both our palms were crusted with dried blood. We drew together for a kiss.
I swear sparks flew between us as our mouths connected.
The tribespeople cheered and shouted, surging forward to enfold us, jostling us apart.
I tried to catch Roman’s gaze as we were pulled from one another, him by the men and me by the women.
Woman after woman expressed her joy at our union. They grabbed me and patted me, turning me this way and that to greet another tribal member.
I nodded and smiled while longing to be in my new husband’s arms.
Drums beat, and people danced all around me. Everywhere I looked, tribal members were celebrating. But I couldn’t find Roman anywhere.
Marcellious and Emily stood close to one another, laughing and chatting. Marcellious leaned in close and planted a quick kiss on Emily’s cheek. He nuzzled the side of her head before drawing away.
My mouth dropped open.
Marcellious turned to leave, and Emily caught my eye. She gestured for me to approach.
When I stood before her, she threw her arms around me and squealed, “I’m so happy for you and Roman, sister! You both deserve happiness—you are true soul mates.”
I embraced her before easing back. “Thank you, Emily! I’ll be even happier when I get to spend some time alone with him.”
She looked absolutely radiant, with a flush to her cheeks and bright, sparkling eyes.
“I know that look isn’t entirely because of Roman and me,” I said. “What’s going on with you and Marcellious?”
Emily clasped her hands and twirled in a circle. “Oh, Olivia! I think I’m falling in love with him!”
A surge of protectiveness rocked through me. Sure, Marcellious was behaving kindly toward everyone. But I’d seen him at his worst, and Roman’s words about their father being a part of the darkness troubled me.
Emily frowned. “Aren’t you happy for me?”
“Of course I am, Emily!” I said, forcing a smile. “But don’t forget—I’ve known him longer than you and seen him at his most treacherous.”
“People can change, Olivia! Marcellious has confessed some of his crimes against Roman and you and begged me to see him in a different light. He’s changed, I swear it!”
“He told you how he tried to kill Roman on many occasions and captured me?” I said.
“Not exactly,” Emily said, shadows flitting across her cheeks. “But he told me he was a bad man for a while. Still, he’s seen the error of his ways. I know it.”
She cast an earnest gaze in my direction.
“Okay, Emily.” I reached for both her hands. “It’s good to see both of you happy. I know you have each suffered much. Maybe you can bring out the best in each other.”
“Oh, we will, Olivia; you just watch. I will make him a better man and heal his broken heart.”
Marcellious reappeared, bearing two plates of food. “Hello, Olivia. Congratulations on your nuptials. I’m sorry I didn’t bring you any food.”
“It’s okay,” I said. “You didn’t know I’d be standing here when you returned.”
I smiled at him.
“I’ll go get Olivia some food,” Emily said.
