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(Page 3 of 7) Ivaris - Chapter 10 by Jennifer Raney
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She didn't look at him when she reached him, just turned and faced the Emperor as he took her arm. His touch sent chills down her spine, and she sucked in her breath. Her outward composure was perfect, however, and nobody noticed the revulsion.
Time slowed to a crawl for the princess, and the half hour production seemed to take all afternoon. Finally the Emperor pronounced their marriage, and Jovraan gathered her in his arms for a kiss. She retreated to the inner sanctuary of her mind, like Gerianne had taught her, and she neither felt nor returned his embrace.
No one noticed the coldness of the bride as the couple was carried out to the main hall by the cheering audience. The crowd waiting in the Great Hall joined in the cheer and the celebration began.
Though Jovraan held her arm, he ignored her, much to her relief. She followed her father and her new husband around the Great Hall with the demure shyness Gerianne had coached her for, but she did not smile, could not smile. Her only comfort was the secret knowledge of her plot against this man. It gave her the strength to dominate her despair, for she knew she would not live long in his presence – she would see him dead, or die trying.
Finally Shrinan noticed his daughter's lack of enthusiasm, "If you have a headache, my angel, you may retire," he suggested knowingly.
"Thank you, Father," she said and hastily excused herself and retreated with her maids in tow.
Jovraan watched her go, "Everything alright?" he asked.
"She's fine, the excitement of the wedding has her a bit worn out," he lied.
"Ah."
"Shall we sit? I believe the evening feast is to be served any moment."
"Of course, Highness. After you."
When she reached her chambers Gerianne was waiting and Malynna fell into her arms, "Oh thank the Stars that's over!" she cried.
"Ha ha, my lady, you made it," the maid said encouragingly. Then she took the princess by the shoulders and turned serious, "But the hardest part is still ahead of you, are you ready?"
Malynna straightened, "Yes, I'm ready."
The wedding reception was wild and wonderful and ran late into the night. Jovraan took his leave around midnight to dress and call on his new wife. He found her in his chambers, ready to accept him as her husband. She fortified herself against his selfish touch, and fell into her role as the shy, naive virgin. He paid no notice either way, suspecting nothing different about the girl, and he used her to his satisfaction until he slept.
When he awoke the next morning she was gone, "Embroidery, with her maids," his steward explained when he asked where she was. Jovraan dressed and thought nothing more about her.
* * *
The Empress called me to Seroan's room and excused the guards. When the three of us were alone she began, "I have been informed that Jovraan married the princess of Itriscia yesterday." Her face was clouded with the news of her son, "The wedding was to be in six months, but was held yesterday instead, with only a week's notice."
I listened attentively, but I wasn't sure where she was going with this, so I said nothing.
"So, if he does have ambition to rule Itriscia and Enora, it appears that he is taking steps to get things moving much sooner than expected.
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