Page 92 of Unbetrothed

I straightened my back, ready to shout yes!

Cosme hunched and tossed a shrimp into his mouth.

Laude handed me a small plate and a tiny fork to spear shrimp onto my plate. She strolled over to pour lime water for Cosme.

“I can arrange it, but I will need time.” Zichri raked his fingers through his hair. No hint of joy crossed his face. Why did he look almost sullen?

“You may have up to a year. Giddel is a generous kingdom, but we do not take an attack lightly. If you do not produce the treaty, Giddel has no choice but to send its full force against your kingdom.”

Cosme shifted in his seat, and a creak echoed through the room. Tension pressed around me like a palpable force. Laude kept her head down and shook her head as if realizing she was supposed to be pouring Mamá her drink.

At that moment, Zichri could have been chiseled from stone, showing no sign of emotion. “I understand. I have but one request. Once I attain the treaty, will you allow for a short engagement?” He glanced in my direction for the first time since the conversation began. His dark chocolate eyes gleamed from the sunlight pouring in through the windows.

If he could produce a treaty quickly, I could be a married woman before my eighteenth birthday. I pressed my lips together to stop from smiling too wide.

Mamá patted Papá’s knee. “If that is Beatriz’s wish, you may marry whenever she sees fit.”

Papá rose to his feet, reaching out an arm. Zichri shot up, fitting his shoulder under Papá’s hand. Like a mirror image, Zichri placed a hand on Papá’s shoulder, settling the agreement in one simple gesture.

Servants led four steeds to the palace portico. Zichri held my hand, grazing his thumb in my palm.

“You could leave in a few weeks.” I squared up to him. “The healers say you will do better with some rest.”

He gazed down at me with a sympathetic smile.

The moment Papá explained what was required for us to marry, anxiety leaked out his skin, without me having to reach for it. He wouldn’t say what ailed him.

Drawing my knuckles to his lips, he assured me, “I will be back for you. If I tarry, I will send word. Your father leaves the direct road open.”

“When did you speak to Papá?” I considered yesterday when he spent the entire day with me and the day before when we met with my family. That was odd of Papá to have spoken to him twice in one day when he had so much work because of the political fallout.

Zichri smirked. “Your brother shared some choice words.”

“Please say he hid the daggers.”

“No. They were pointed at my neck.” He chuckled.

I clenched my fists. Cosme had no business threatening Zichri.

“Don’t get so upset. I would have done the same thing for my sister. Why do you think Milo is under my command?”

“Well, that’s different than putting a dagger to Milo’s neck.”

“It’s worse. We found all sorts of cruel rituals to start in order for him to be accepted into our group.” He drew me in closer. “Enough about that.”

Inhaling deeply, I smelled castile soap on his skin.

“Don’t worry,” he traced my jawline, “I’ll get my regular forest aroma on the road.”

I smacked his chest, flustered that he always caught me smelling him. Holding back a giggle and tears, I whispered, “You come back soon, Zichri of Himzo.”

“Like I said, I will no matter what.” He leaned in, pressing his warm lips to my forehead. “I dreamt you kissed me.”

“I did.” My throat tightened.

“When I come back, we willfinish that kiss.” He stepped toward the horses.

Blas and Gonzalo had already mounted and were bantering. Laude embraced Jaime in a way that made me believe I’d need to pry them apart. But one tap on the shoulder from Zichri and the two separated. Laude swooped to my side. A breeze undid some of my hair, and I tucked it behind my ear. I petted the steeds, speaking peace to each one—anything to help them ride safely.

The mares clomped the stone and trotted away. Zichri promised to come back, and he was a man of his word. I waved as they made it under the giant arch at the front gate. Sadness flooded within me, though I had almost all that I wanted. My gift. Respect. And now the hope of a betrothal to a man I loved. How could I be anything but happy? I lifted my chin high and stretched a practiced smile across my face, watching the horses disappear into the city.

THE END