Page 35 of Tragic Empire

I squeeze her untied hand, a small gesture that she’s done perfectly.

“With my blood, I dedicate my life to you.” I pick up where she’s left off, taking my turn. “I shed who I once was, sacrificing my past for our future. All my strength, I share with you. With this ribbon, we are tied. Even as it is cut, our bond remains sealed. Now, and in every moment on, I am yours.”

I slip her wedding band on, watching as it joins her engagement ring.

Taking the ceremonial knife once again, I guide it to the ribbon connecting us. With one quick slash, it severs, leaving only the individual pieces hanging from our wrists.

“You may kiss the bride.”

I’m already leaning down before Apollo’s cue is finished. Ana’s lips part, her breath softly mingling with mine. My ribbon-adorned hand cups the side of her face, and one small press forward seals our fate.

Our lips meet in a chaste but soft kiss, molding together naturally. Loud cheers arise from our audience, and I realize that without the sound of clapping, I may not have been so quick to pull back.

The flush on my wife’s face says the same may be true for her.

What have we gotten ourselves into?

ChapterTwelve

Ana

Cassio and I walk hand and hand all the way inside. Before any sort of debrief, he takes me to the nearest bathroom and begins tending to my cut finger. He disinfects the area, adds some sort of healing cream and then covers it in a plain band-aid. He doesn’t do any of the same for his own finger, merely running it under some warm water and ignoring the small opening that remains.

“You’re still bleeding,” I point out softly.

“It’ll stop.” Cassio shrugs.

Before he can consider leaving, I take his hand. I’m not sure what comes over me when I pick up another bandage and secure it over his small bleed. He watches me intently, almost as if trying to read my mind.

“They’ll be setting up the reception tables now,” he eventually says. “Would you like a few minutes to yourself?”

“Yes,” I agree quickly. “Just to freshen up, I think.”

And to prepare myself for more human interaction.

“Call for me if you need me, okay? I’ll be right outside.”

“I will.”

Cassio looks at the door, hesitating. The back of his knuckle softly caresses the apple of my cheek. “You did so well,forza.”

“Forza,” I echo. “You called me that before. What does it mean?”

“Force,” Cassio translates, a light smile on his lips. “You, my wife, are a force to be reckoned with. I can’t wait until everyone sees for themselves.”

He leaves me to contemplate his words, too stunned to reply.

Overwhelmed and alone, I use the bathroom sink to brush some cold water on the back of my neck and sigh. My makeup is still in perfect condition, even my lips—despite the kiss that Cassio and I shared.

Agoodkiss.

Short and sweet, but somehow meaningful, almost passionate.

Needing to sit down, I find myself looking for a quiet corner of the house. Stumbling upon an unoccupied lounge, I forgo a chair in favor of collapsing against a wall and sliding down to the floor. The hard wood is cool to the touch, the temperature helping me ground myself.

You’re fine,I tell myself with a sigh.

You did well, Cassio told you so.