The Hidden Crystal

Chapter 64

Iris was familiar with the concept of pre-marital counseling. It was one of Father John's favorite parts of the priesthood. He liked to say that if he did it right, he was going to put himself out of a job. She could hear his jovial laughter in her mind, and although she knew it wasn't as simple as that to stop new orphans from coming his way, she always laughed, too. Strong couples who stayed together gave their kids the best chance at a happy life. Men who left their wives and abandoned their families forced mothers into compromising situations to provide for their children.

Like prostitution, which led to more children and, often, diseased women who died young.

And then there were the mothers who couldn't handle the pressure and ended up abandoning their children.

But orphans came from many other sources, too.

Iris wondered if her mother resorted to prostitution. It seemed likely. She had to feed herself and Iris somehow, and she was a beautiful girl. Iris hadn't seen anything in her visions that pointed to prostitution, but she didn't see everything, only what her mother allowed her to see.

"Ready for this?" Char asked, breaking into her thoughts.

She looked up at him and smiled. They were walking hand in hand down the smooth stone street, heading toward the church and their own pre-marital counseling session.

"If he asks the same questions as Father John, then yes, I am," she replied.

"What did Father John ask?"

"Basic questions about family background, how the couple met, why they wanted to get married, did they get their families' blessings, that sort of thing."

Char grinned. "So, nothing we can give a normal answer to. Maybe I should be asking if the priest is ready for us."

She had thought of that, and she was nervous. Father John would take all the strange answers in stride and focus on evaluating the couple so he could best advise them. If there were any problem areas, he would offer solutions or suggestions to help, and sometimes he even recommended a couple wait longer to get married. It was rare for him to refuse to perform a wedding. It had happened, though, and she was secretly concerned this dragon priest would do that.

"Do you think he's ever married a dragon and a human before?" she asked tentatively.

Char shrugged. "I don't know. Probably not. I know it happens, but it's pretty rare." He leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek.

"Char!" she whispered, blushing as her eyes darted around the busy street.

He chuckled. "You humans are too reserved."

"Well, you dragons are too bold," she retorted.

"A kiss on the cheek in public is not bold," he teased, leaning in again.

She pulled her hand free from his and stepped away. "No," she said firmly, fighting a smile.

He laughed and caught her hand again, tugging her back to his side. "Don't worry. I won't embarrass you anymore until we get to the church."

"Why did you have to say it that way?" she moaned.

"This is the same priest who married my parents. He's not going to refuse to marry us, so just relax."

She let out a deep breath. "Well, if he'd marry them, I guess I don't have anything to worry about."

"What are you trying to say?"

She smiled innocently up at Char's sparkling green eyes. "I only know what I've been told."

"Hm. After this is over, what do you say we go someplace private so I can tell you more?" he asked, dropping his voice suggestively.