Liar's Shadow

3

"What is it that you want with me?" Vorstag had asked her. Of course I could not get a straight answer out of her.

"The only reason I agreed to follow her is because I trusted Byhalia. He was the centaur who essentially raised me after my father slaughtered my mother along with the royal house of Lotus. Byhalia was a traveling nomadic trader like most Centaur. After what happened I fled the city walls Byhalia found me. He taught me to fight, and I grew up protecting their caravans as one of them.

"Not many people know this about the centaurs, but they are a very spiritual people. They have the gift of prophesy. Byhalia saw something in me the day he took me in, and by default I had to believe that whatever plan Lace had, Byhalia knew it to be my calling. He would not sanction it unless it were essential and in line with God."

Tiff shrugged, perhaps skeptical, but respectfully nodded for Vorstag to continue his story.

"Did you murder Estanee?" Tiff asked seemingly without judgement.

"No." Vorstag said.

"Then why are you here?"

Vorstag shook his head exasperated and continued, lost in thought as he recounted the events that took place.

"I had given up asking questions.

"Are you going to mope about for the entire journey?" Lace asked playfully.

This warranted no answer. It seemed two could play that game.

"You," she began, "will be my husband for all rights and purposes."

"husband? I barely know you, and I certainly don't trust you."

He gave her a grim look as she steered him into an alley and through a back door. The room was lit with candles around an alter, the priest greeted them expectantly.

"Glad to see that you made it to your own wedding Lace."

"HOLD ON!" Vorstag protested, "I DID NOT-"

"Thank you for your patience Percival, I know this was not easy to arrange."

"I have the documents you requested right here," the monk pulled parchment from the sleeve of his robe and bowed. "Anything for the house of Lotus."

Vorstag just prayed, if you object give me a sign. I will follow where you lead. Through the ceremony witnessed by a handful of monks, no sign was given despite Vorstag's silent protests.

"Do you Vorstag take Lace to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have to hold to cherish and protect all the days of your life."
Vorstag felt the weight of the words and looked around for a sign that he should not, and without finding one, he accepted this as his new sacred duty just long enough to say "I do"

"Then by the power vested in me, I name you married under God, go in peace house of Alabaster, Knight and Duchess of Moorefield."

"Knight of what?" Vorstag whispered. My name is Bored at Finnius-" she nudged him knowingly.

He missed his que and she took him by surprise with her kiss.  In that moment he let himself imagine that he loved her. In time he hoped to.

He followed his wife out of the chapel, she walked determined and knew her destination, him, confused followed too distracted by his thoughts to wonder what else she had planned next.

"WILL YOU SLOW DOWN WOMAN!" Vorstag halted and waited.
She turned around surprise clear on her face as she slowed back toward the alley.
"So is this real? Are we truly married then? And I am titled?" Vorstag demanded, although it came out more forceful than he intended.