Promises of Gold

5. Adventures and Vows

Cordelia's POV;

I felt as if someone had just punched me in the stomach. Oliver's head whipped around at me in shock and I met his eyes with the same look. James chuckled at our reactions and examined our interaction. He walked up to me leaving mere inches in between us. I forced myself to meet his icy cold blue eyes. His eyes only showed amusement. Peter also stayed silent and looked concerned. I wondered if he hadn't known. Why wasn't Peter doing anything?

"Do you accept?" James asked still standing close to me. 

I didn't know what to do. I stayed silent, still unsure if I could speak or had to nod. This was not how I expected this to go. I didn't expect to be put in the same position I had been in at home. I was utterly distressed. My mind was scattered. I knew if I said no, I would be banished. I did not want to return home. I knew if I had, I would be banished from our own home. They certainly had to have realized Oliver and I's absence by now. They would never accept me again. 

"You can speak. Only Cordelia, not you Oliver." James stated, still sounding amused and as if he found our predicament funny.

"I-..If I do not accept, I will be banished correct? And I cannot make negotiations and my own terms?" I asked after a moment of silence.

"Correct. I might reconsider allowing some terms for you but not until we are married." James agreed, nodding. He began to circle me as if he was attempting to analyze me and intimidate me. 

"Then..I accept your terms and task. I will be your bride." I gave in, almost not believing that I gave up so easily.  I watched James' face light up with joy and satisfaction. Oliver looked as if he was distraught and felt terrible. I hoped he did not blame himself. He did have to put his life at risk soon after all. 

"Very good. Our wedding shall be tonight. Elizabeth will make you a dress and Oliver will do his task tomorrow. I do not want you changing your mind due to some poor friend failing. Peter will take you to meet Elizabeth now. Again, Oliver you may not speak a word. Cordelia you are not yet accepted, so I would limit your words. I do not want anyone getting too attached to any of you yet." 

***

Elizabeth was very kind. She showed me a handful of designs and I nodded at which I would like. She measured my waist along with other measurements and let me know to come back with Peter in an hour. She was a fast worker. At least, I seemed to like how the dresses looked. As Peter led me back to the main area, I thought about Oliver. How would he complete that task? He knew nothing about mermaids or the lagoon. How could he even hold his breath long enough to be able to breathe underwater. I also wondered about James. I couldn't put my finger on if he was kind or cruel. These tasks were designed to test us he had said. I understood how  Oliver would be tested. Loyalty and bravery. How am I tested? Devotion? I shook my head in confusion. 

"What? You can speak to me." Peter reminded me.

"I forgot." I admitted sheepishly.

"So what were you thinking of?"

"Is James kind? He was very odd. Almost cruel but kind at once. I can't put my finger on why he chose me as his bride? How does this test me and force me to face what I run from?" I asked as i pushed away some plants that we passed through.