Ren glanced at Kathryn as Lorrin continued to grip her arm insistently, but her face was unreadable. Inwardly, Kathryn felt her anger inexplicably rising at the word “wife,” despite the fact she could not deny that this was all her own doing. But she kept back her emotions. “No, thank you,” she said quietly. “As you said, I am going to be your wife. But tonight, I am the princess of Iridays. Goodnight, your highness.” 

She shook off his hand and strode out with Ren at her heels. “You sure showed him, Princess,” Ren said cheerfully. 

When they reached her door, Ren stopped her. “One sec. I almost forgot; I overheard something weird earlier.” He glanced at the Vipers at the door. “Can we talk about it inside?” 

Inside, he told her about the conversation he’d heard. 

Kathryn frowned. “I wonder what they’re planning,” she remarked. “It would be utterly pointless to kill me. That would instantly result in a war, and they would know that.” 

“They may want a war,” Ren said grimly. “At least, I could see that Lorrin guy wanting a war.” 

“From what I’ve seen, the Protectors only follow Gregory’s lead,” Kathryn said thoughtfully. “And even if they want a war, I think they know they can’t win, particularly if they start a war with something as deceptive and unjust as calling me here for a marriage and then killing me. It would damage their trade relations with neutral nations.” As always, she found comfort in cold reason. It was not as simple for Ren. 

“Do you even hear yourself?” Ren muttered in a voice taut with frustration. “You’re talking about possibly losing your life here! Why don’t you and I just leave?” 

She stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. “Don’t be ridiculous.” Her voice was firm, but there was a hint of pleading in her eyes. If Ren kept saying things like that, she might just be weak enough to give in. 

“I’m not being ridiculous! I don’t want you to be in danger,” Ren began. 

Kathryn put a hand on his arm to stop him, and her face softened. “I know. But Ren, I need you to support me. So please, stop…don’t try to ruin things for me. Be patient, and treat Lorrin with respect.” 

Ren grumbled, “He’s just a spoiled idiot.” 

“Yes, which will make him all the more easy to manage, whether he realizes it or not,” Kathryn replied coolly. She paused. “I think you’d better go before someone tells him we’re having midnight chats.” 

“Whatever. Sleep tight, Princess Pout.” Ren forced a grin “And don’t worry. If you’re determined to do crazy things like this, I’ll still keep you safe.” 

He left, and with a sigh, she sank onto the bed, the weight of the night pressing down on her. She could feel her hatred for Lorrin rapidly overwhelming her desire - or perhaps more accurately, her desperate need - for peace with Navinor. But those were just feelings. They were pointless, and she had to bury them. Anything to avoid another awful war. 

For a long moment, she sat still, her fingers gently massaging her throbbing temples, before finally reaching for the bell.

Her maid came in a moment later. “Your highness, let me help you undress,” she said cheerfully. She paused when she noticed how worn out the princess looked. “Are you all right, my lady?” 

“Yes, Dena,” Kathryn said. “I’m fine.” And that was all she said. 

Over the next few days, some of Kathryn’s relatives and friends began to arrive. Ren rarely saw Kathryn. She was spending large amounts of time with the woman who had decorated her room, learning about the etiquette and manners of Navinorian royalty. She spent the rest of her time with a dressmaker, posing while the woman pinned the fabric around her slender frame. 

The dressmaker said admiringly, “You have an almost perfect figure, princess. Your coloring is quite interesting too. You’ll be wearing blue, of course.” 

“Not white?” Kathryn asked curiously. “I thought wedding dresses were supposed to be white.” 

“Not in Navinor, my lady. There will be white accents, of course, but other than that, it will be blue to indicate that you are becoming part of the Navinorian royal family,” the dressmaker explained. 

As Kathryn got swept up in a whirlwind of dresses and etiquette, Ren relentlessly swung his sword in the training grounds, his face a mask of concentration as he tried to drive away the boredom and the gnawing anxiety for what lay ahead. He knew Xian was watching him, and he suspected they were trying to gauge his strength. But it didn’t really bother him. “Let ‘em see it’s a bad idea to make a fuss,” he told himself. 

Gregory also occasionally came by to watch. Lorrin avoided Ren entirely. 

Until, that is, one night before the wedding, when Lorrin sought Ren out at his quarters. “I want to talk to you alone, General,” the prince said in a friendly tone.

Ren glared at him suspiciously. “I’m busy,” he said. 

Lorrin reddened. “Fine. I’ll say it here. As of tomorrow, your presence will no longer be required here. It’s obvious you harbor inappropriate feelings towards the woman who is about to be my wife, and you are going to leave the moment we’re married.” 

Ren shrugged. “Well, it seems to me like you’re jumping things a little bit. You’re not married yet.” He smirked. “Why don’t you wait until after your wedding night to start ordering me around?”

Lorrin reddened. “Someone like you being in love with a princess is a disgrace. It’s a wonder you haven’t been banished from your own kingdom,” he sneered. 

Ren could feel his face growing hot, but he controlled himself with a massive effort and said coldly, “All I hear is a lot of buzzing, like an annoying fly. Like I said, wait till after your wedding night.” 

Lorrin stomped away, grumbling to himself. Ren watched him go, his eyes narrowed into slits. Then he picked up his staff and went to work on a practice post with so much vigor that it sent splinters flying in all directions. He muttered, “I’d like to see you try to send me off!”

Illian arrived two hours before the marriage was supposed to take place on Kathryn’s wedding day. No one else in the royal family would be attending. 

Illian was granted an audience with the princess, and his eyes widened slightly as he saw the gorgeous, sapphire-decorated dress she wore. A tiara made of silver leaves rested on her hair and her shoes were made of pure silver. 

Illian remarked, “That dress suits you, sister.” 

Kathryn turned her back on him as Dena and half a dozen other maids continued to pin her dress in various places and add even more jewels. “Thank you,” she said briefly. “Did you bring Carina?” 

“No, I’m afraid not. She’s sick. Nothing serious, I believe, but she’s not well enough to travel.” Illian saw her freeze at the words, but he couldn’t see the bitter disappointment and concern in her face. He went on lightly, “But I did bring Brenin. I imagine he’s talking to Ren about now.” Illian cocked his head. “I’m sorry to have to bring you bad news on such a happy day.” 

“Is it a happy day for you, Illian?” Kathryn composed her face and glanced over her shoulder to see his eyes as she spoke. They were as emotionless as ever. 

“Of course, sister. I am overjoyed.” Illian smiled. “You look beautiful. I’m sure you will make a wonderful bride for Prince Lorrin.” 

“Do you think I don’t know about what was said at the meeting of the Generals?” Kathryn said frostily. “You do not need to force yourself. I’m sure this is a difficult day for you.” 

Illian maintained his smile. “Not at all. Your success is the success of our kingdom.” 

The maids finished their work, and Kathryn stepped forward to face her brother. “Then I will thank you for your congratulations, your highness.” She curtseyed. 

Illian studied her. “It’s not too late, you know,” he remarked. “Just because Father wants you to marry-”

“This is what I want,” Kathryn interrupted. 

“Is it?”

Kathryn hated the way his eyes seemed to bore into her soul and that he seemed to know her so well when she felt like she hardly knew him at all. 

“It is,” she said firmly. 

Illian sighed. “I suppose it would be a shame to let all of that royal training go to waste. But I must say, I feel rather bad for Ren.” 

Kathryn flinched. “Ren understands. It’s not as though I’ve kept my plans a secret,” she said in as even a voice as she could manage. 

“Indeed. He was right by your side all that time you were getting ready to be a queen. I suppose for you it’s a pity I came back; you ended up marrying your enemy to become a princess of a foreign land instead of being the queen of your own. I would say that’s a step down from what you originally intended. What a shame.” Illian’s tone was respectful, but his eyes were suddenly mocking. He turned to leave. 

Kathryn said, “The greater shame would be for you if I find some way to ascend to the position of queen.” 

Illin paused. She saw his hand twitch at his side. Then he said, “I can only wish you the best. Prepare yourself well, little sister. I am sure the wedding will be spectacular.”