Constant

Chapter 14

(LYDIA)

James placed my hand in Peter's as he led us forward. We now stood a bit away from the tall gallows and I smiled at the turn of events. The crowd behind us had started dispersing and there were few people that remained. I found it odd that a public execution would get more attendance than a wedding. Eliza was one of the people remaining and she walked forward to stand at my side. My father had marched away and now there wasn't anyone to give me away. Eliza stood beside me to act as a stand in and give me to Peter in marriage. 

"What a turn of events!" James commented excitedly. I glanced over at Peter and he was facing forward not looking at me. I started to worry. In the few short days that I had known Peter he had been open and carefree. His silence worried me. We were still holding hands and I took that as a good sign. If he had been repulsed by me he would have let my hand go. 

"I promise," Peter whispered and it was then that I realized that James had begun. I had nearly missed everything because of my daydreaming. I glanced at their faces and realized that they were waiting for me to accept as well. 

"I promise," I said quickly realizing that I had just promised to honor and obey a man that I barely knew. James took our free hands and placed them together so now I was holding both of Peter's hands. His large hands wrapped around mine making them feel small and powerless. 

"I pronounce you husband and wife," James said then he took a step back. I looked up to search Peter's eyes but he was looking over my left shoulder. His eyes flickered down to mine and he swooped down to press his lips against mine. Then he was gone. The kiss was short and sweet and nothing like the kisses from Ruben. I felt more in the quick peck from Peter than from all of the kisses from Ruben combined. I was surprised at the quickening of my heart and the heat that was spreading across my cheeks. Peter released me to turn and talk with James. I turned around to see what Peter had been looking at over my shoulder. All that I saw was Ruben's retreating form. 

It had all been for him. 

A quick kiss as a show of possession. Peter had claimed me with his kiss letting Ruben know that he couldn't get to me anymore. I was grateful to be out of his reach even if it meant that I belonged to Peter now. I had promised to belong to Peter. 

Eliza walked over and took my hands in hers. Feeling the warmth of her fingers made me realize just how cold my own hands were. She had a smile on her face and it reached all the way up into her eyes. 

"That was a brave thing that you did," she said.

"I hope it was the right thing to do," I glanced at Peter and wondered what I had gotten myself into. I didn't even know the man.

"It was the right thing to do. He is rather handsome!" She whispered excitedly but by the changed in Peter's posture I knew that he had heard her. He had been listening in on our conversation. "What are you going to do now?"

"I don't know, I haven't thought that far ahead." 

"You're welcome to come and stay at my house for a few days. I will be leaving to go visit a friend and you would be able to have the place to yourselves."

"That's very kind of you," I replied as I tried to think of a polite way to refuse her offer. I didn't really want to be alone with Peter but I also didn't want to be at my house with him and my father. I couldn't think more than two minutes ahead. 

"Excellent! It is settled then." 

I heard Peter clear his throat and I knew that it was time for us to go. He came to stand at my side and he nodded at Eliza. Her wrinkled cheeks turned red. Her mouth opened and then closed like she was trying to think of something to say. She was like a little school girl standing in front of her first crush.