Promises of Gold

6. To Pass or Not to Pass?

Cordelia's POV;

I felt myself get more and more nervous as I followed Taylor and Peter. They led me through more jungle and more empty areas until we reached a large white tent with what seemed like jars of fireflies around it. I gaped at the sight. Peter and Taylor led me forwards toward the entrance, where light music could be heard. The music sounded as if it was the flute.

Taylor and Peter stopped and Peter reached his arm out for me. I took it knowing I would be walking down the aisle to my wedding in a few moments. Taylor walked behind me and held my veil. Peter nodded and I entered. I walked down the aisle and noticed all the children were there. Along with Oliver. James stood at the end of the aisle with two other boys his age. It was an odd looking scene. I walked the best I could suddenly relieved Peter was holding me since I could lean on him. I knew he would not let me fall.

I reached the end and Peter let me go as James stepped up to pull me forward. Taylor lifted my veil and I followed James to the very front. I looked at the boys beside James with curiosity. One was a pale ginger with freckles and green eyes, while the other had tan skin, brown hair and hazel eyes. They were both slightly muscular and wore almost identical black outfits. Where were they before? Snapping me out of my confusion,  one stepped forward and welcomed everyone.

"Hello everyone! It's a great night! Cordelia and our wonderful James are here to get married. Cordelia has accepted the task ahead of her and will now be living alongside us. I will be marrying these two bright souls tonight." The tanned brunette boy said with a playful grin.

James reached for my hands with a smile and I grimaced. I looked at the other boy and he gave me a soft smile as if to encourage me. All these people knew me, and believed in me. I wanted to impress them.

"Cordelia, do you take James as your husband?" The boy asked, proceeding with the ceremony.

As soon as the question was asked I realized what I would be doing. I had no idea what would happen if I did marry James. Would I hurt Peter? I knew I hadn't remembered anything about Peter but I still cared. I looked at Oliver who sat at the front. He had pleading eyes as if to beg me to not do this. He knew I would have done all the running for nothing. I would be in the same place. My brain was going over millions of decisions and possibilities. Suddenly I couldn't do it anymore. I uttered one simple word that no one expected to hear.

"No."

***

Chatter erupted in the tent. Children giggled and whispered in each other's ears. Oliver looked at me with shock and worry. Have I failed?

"No?" James asked not fazed, a smile almost tug at his lips. As if this was all a joke to him.

"No. I will not. I do not know you despite your claims that I do. I also have just escaped being forced into a marriage. I am not about to return to that predicament. I am saying no. I came here to not be miserable. If you even lay a finger on me I will use my magic." I stated, conjuring some static to come out of the tips of my fingers for effect. I had not used magic in years. It felt strange, but right.

James just chuckled and Peter smiled. Everyone around me began to clap and stand up. I looked around in confusion. Were they mocking me? What was going on? I looked at Oliver who shared the same look of confusion.

"What is going on? I said no" I demanded, making James' laugh more.

"Cordelia, Cordelia. You just passed the test"