“Ehh, yes, any movie or book that contains emotionally charged content such as horror or romance is banned too.”
Tyton added, “They even have a new policy where they can’t swear or they’ll get reported for inappropriate speech.”
“It’s called improper communication,” I corrected him.
“Improper my ass,” Emmerson scoffed. “Now I see why you want to live on this side.”
“Yeah, but mostly it’s because of me, right?” Tyton gave me a loving gaze.
“Yes.” I smiled back at him.
“So, let’s get this party started.” Emmerson clapped his hands together. “This king slayer has a wedding to prepare.”
CHAPTER 36
Magic Words
Tyton
The six hours I had to wait until I could marry Devina felt like six years. Emmerson was a new emperor and we were all on edge since he hadn’t established complete control of the Northlands yet. I understood why Emmerson wanted to perform the ceremony in front of an audience and transmit it to the entire country, but all I wanted was for him to say the magic words that would formally bond Devina and me together.
Frederick had been trying to calm my nerves for the last hours with little success. “Relax, brother, no one is going to challenge you for her. She might not have a ring on her finger, but her pregnancy is visible and that alone will make other men treat her as a married woman.”
“I fucking hope so.” I was pacing the room and kept looking toward the door. “What’s taking them so long?”
He handed me a beer. “Have something to drink.”
“No. I’m not thirsty.” No food or beverages would ever satisfy the craving I felt. “I just want Devina back here and for Emmerson to say the words.”
Frederick moved to the window and looked down into the courtyard. “The press is here.”
“Good, then we can get started.”
“Yeah, I’m sure it won’t be long now, and don’t worry about Devina; the women are taking good care of her. It shouldn’t have surprised you that Mom insisted they should dress her up and do her hair. A woman only marries once, and all that.”
I groaned. “We can have a wedding party later. Right now I just want to make it official that she’s mine and I’m hers.”
Loud steps sounded outside just before the doors opened and Emmerson strode in. “Are you ready?”
“Yes!” I was already moving to the door, where Emmerson stopped me with a hand to my shoulder.
“First, I’ll speak to the nation and then I’ll perform the ceremony. The press will have questions and I think it’s better if you answer at least a few of them.”
“Okay, can we go now?”
“Damn, you’re eager.”
“Hey, I saw you fall to your knees in relief when my sister picked you. What don’t you understand about my eagerness?”
“But Devina already picked you. The ceremony is just a formality.”
I pushed his hand away. “Emmerson, stop wasting my time. I want to marry my woman, now!”
He laughed and smacked me on my back. “It will be my privilege.”
The banquet hall was filled with friends and family that had flown in on short notice. A few looked hung over because yesterday had been New Year’s Eve, and many had celebrated the death of King Jeremiah.
A group of people from the press were present and filmed as the new emperor strode in with Frederick and me at his sides.
