I laugh, taking it from him and carefully nestling it into the bag. “I thought Sabine might like it. She has all those little figurines in her room at your estate, and I’m not above bribing her to like me.”
Giving me a curious look, Brahm’s smile softens. “She’ll love it.”
When I pull out the letter opener, Brahm’s eyes go wide.
“Don’t touch it,” I warn.
He eyes the little tool with great distaste. “I wasn’t going to.”
“It’s a precaution, that’s all,” I explain. “If a human is going to live in Faerie, with a mad queen as her mother-in-law, she must be able to protect herself somehow. I know you said the tether will keep me safe, but…”
I shrug instead of finishing the sentence.
“I understand—but now I must be extra cautious not to anger you.”
I laugh, rolling my eyes as I slip the letter opener back into the bag. “I have no intention of using it on you.”
Brahm’s expression becomes serious. “I hope you don’t have to use it at all.”
* * *
When we returnto the magistrate’s office, we find a blond-haired man with a short, trim beard speaking with the receptionist.
“Ah, hello,” the woman says, turning to us as we enter the room. “Good timing. Magistrate Rodgers has just returned.”
The magistrate scans the paper and then turns to us. “All seems to be in order. All that’s left is your signatures and the exchanging of vows, and then I’ll notarize the license.”
Brahm and I step up to the desk together. My hands shake, though I’m not having second thoughts. I want this.
“Shall we begin?” Magistrate Rodgers asks patiently.
Brahm’s hand finds mine, and he interlaces our fingers. Together, we nod.
“Are you both acting of your own free will?” the man begins.
“We are,” we both parrot obediently.
“And your father, miss?” he asks kindly. “Does he agree to this marriage?”
“My father is deceased, sir,” I say. “I am now my own guardian.”
“Very well. Do you”—he glances at the license—“Alice Elizabeth Gravely take Brahm Ambrose Severin to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you swear to honor, love, protect, and cherish him through sickness and health, for better or worse, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” I say softly, feeling as if the butterflies in my stomach will carry me away.
“And do you Brahm Ambrose Severin take Alice Elizabeth Gravely to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you swear to honor, love, protect, and cherish her through sickness and health, for better or worse, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” Brahm answers confidently.
“Then by the power vested in me by the Holy Sovereign and King Balthus of Valsta, I pronounce you husband and wife. Brahm, you may kiss your bride.”
Tears sheen over my eyes as Brahm turns to me.
I didn’t wear a white gown. We had no flowers or girls in fluffy dresses. There were no wreath-decked aisles, no candles, and not even a family member was present.
But it’s perfect because Brahm is mine, and I am his—officially, bound by something more meaningful than the tether.
Brahm kisses me softly, sealing the promise.