“Thank you, beloved,” he murmurs for only us to hear.
James offers his hand and leads Phoenix to stand beside him, and I’m profoundly aware in that moment of just how off-balance it is. There’s no one there that is just mine. I’m an island once again, and that might change in the future as I settle as the queen of the Walsh empire, but for now, it’s only me.
Kane catches my gaze, and I can see the question in his eyes.
‘I’m fine,’ I tap on his palm.
His lips stretch into a smile, and we both turn to face the officiant.
This isn’t a moment for romance, of course. This is a statement. There are no vows written from the depths of our souls declaring our love for one another. This is a transaction meant to be witnessed by everyone—word to be spread that Kane is solidifying his power. I am carrying the heir to his throne, and he is not weak.
He had taken me as the spoils of war, and I had come willingly, understanding that he was the stronger man.
None of that is a lie.
There’s just more to it, but the world doesn’t need to know the softer bits.
I stand quietly as the officiant goes through the motions, and I repeat the words when told. Kane slides a ring on my finger that fits perfectly, and I slide one onto his hand that for a moment I think replaces the one he wears for Phoenix. Then he takes both my hands in his, and I see the other one has just shifted.
His thumb grazes my ring, but his eyes never leave mine.
‘I love you,’ he mouths.
I smile. I think maybe if Phoenix is right and we have some ceremony binding the five of us together, I might cry then. It might be the thing I need for all of this to feel real, but I don’thate this either. I glance over my shoulder at the rapt attention on both me and their would-be god, and I feel powerful.
My shoulders square, and I brace myself before we’re told to kiss, and Kane holds me by the face as his lips press against mine. His tongue briefly slips into my mouth, hot, tasting like mint and cigars.
And then it’s over.
A rush comes over me, and I fight the urge to laugh as we’re declared husband and wife. There’s applause, but it’s born of trepidation and fear of the unknown, not joy. That makes me feel powerful too.
I glance up and see the look on Kane’s face, and my whole body goes hot. It’s the same look he had at the engagement party, but this time, it’s more. I’ve never had the chance to observe him as a real leader, but I see it now.
The man.
The emperor.
The god.
And now, I’m by his side.
Everything after the kiss feels like a whirlwind as Kane takes me back down the aisle. The boys are close at our heels, and he leads me to a table in a small room where the marriage license is waiting, along with the officiant.
I watch as Kane’s thick fingers grasp the pen, and he scrolls his signature with looping letters that look almost gothic and ancient. Mine is pathetic next to his. I never practiced it. I never thought it would be used for anything important.
The old man is last, his arthritic knuckles and stretched skin covered in liver spots looking strange. He doesn’t take his time, almost like he wants this to end quickly.
I look at Kane when the old man takes the papers and whisks them away in a folder, and Kane glances behind his shoulder toward the hall, where people are filing out. There are guardsoutside the door, and all three of the misfits are standing there with their arms crossed and shoulders tense.
“So,” I say, breaking the silence.
James jolts. “Bloody hell, darling. Warn a man.”
I huff, but I step toward him, and he suddenly tugs me close, wrapping his hand around the back of my neck before kissing me. His fingers are tangled in my hair, and it feels so good.
“You’re a wife now. How does it feel?”
I turn my head to look at Kane, whose face is passive, but there’s something in his eyes full of heat and passion. “I wish we didn’t have to do some ridiculous reception with a bunch of people I don’t even know.”