Chapter 6: Walking to His Execution

"Oh!" she exclaimed with some embarrassment. "I will feed you from your plate then."

"That's not necessary" he protested.

He tried to prevent her from accessing his plate, but she was surprisingly swift. She tried to stab his food with her fork. And he tried to prevent her from doing so. Their quick maneuvers of trying to dodge each other's forks resulted in his full wine goblet being overturned onto his plate and the whole thing clattering loudly to the floor between them.

Despite the noise of guests eating and conversing, the commotion drew everyone's attention. A collective gasp was elicited from the crowd as everyone awaited the clumsy bride's fate with bated breath. This would be an even better show than they had previously anticipated!

"Please forgive me!" Rowena begged pitifully, only adding to the tension.

"No harm done." Daimon said smoothly. "However, now you will have to feed me from your own plate."

Of all the possible reactions the Crown Prince could have had, this was one no one could have predicted. Even General Zhan, seated next to the bride, nearly choked on his wine and looked at his friend in surprise. It was as if the entire banquet was frozen in time.

"Is the food not to my guests' liking?" Daimon inquired with a smile that barely curled his lips and did not reach his eyes. He surveyed the assembled guests.

This broke the spell. With hastily murmured apologies, everyone slowly resumed talking and eating. The atmosphere, however, had irrevocably changed.

The newly wedded pair were acting every bit the happy and loving couple despite having just met. Rowena fed her husband. Occasionally, he'd lift her veil indicting her turn to eat. Thus, the time passed quickly.

During the newlyweds' show, a young maid quietly cleaned the mess. Fortunately, there were no more mishaps.

Once the meal was finished, it was time to present the wedding gifts. Diplomats from each vassal-state presented tributes to the couple along with blessings for their union. Daimon's eyes were glazing over with boredom, and it took all of his discipline not to yawn.

He cared nothing for treasure. Besides, he knew that his father would take the majority of it for 'safekeeping' anyways, so there was no use in getting attached to it. It was just 'stuff.'

With his peripheral vision, he saw his bride fidgeting uncomfortably in her seat. 'She must be tired and hot in that heavy gown' he thought.

Daimon learned toward his father. "Father," he said, "I think my bride is overwhelmed and needs to rest." He spoke in low tones near his father's ear.

His father smiled meaningfully. "Eager to be alone with your new wife, hmm?"

'Licentious old fool' Daimon thought disgustedly. 'But if it gets me out of here, I'll play along.'

He faked a lustful smirk. "I am most anxious to…get better acquainted with my wife."

"It's about time you took after me." He grinned. It took every ounce of willpower Daimon possessed not to roll his eyes and punch his father's lewd old face.

"Your attention please!" the Emperor commanded. People quickly started tapping their goblets with their spoons to signal for quiet.

"The newlyweds are grateful for your gifts and well-wishes. But they are ready to retire to their rooms and give each other their own gifts in private." His obscene wink earned knowing chuckles from the equally lewd audience.

Daimon's knuckles were almost white as he gripped the arms of his chair. With remarkable control, Daimon stood and bowed to his father first then his guests. "My wife and I would like to offer our sincerest thanks for your generosity and presence at our wedding. Please continue to enjoy yourselves."

He gracefully pulled Rowena's chair out enough for her to rise. Then he offered her his hand just as he had when they exited the chapel after their vows.

She took his offered hand and they proceeded to exit the hall under the watchful gaze of hundreds of curious onlookers.

They walked in silence for a few minutes.

"You must be tired" he said finally.

"I am" she admitted.

Before either one could say anything else, a group of maids surrounded them and bustled the Lady Empress Rowena off to the bridal chamber to prepare her for her wedding night.

Daimon stood for a moment watching his bride and her gaggle of maids disappear down the hall. He pondered his next move when Zhan approached him and clapped him on the back.

"Eager to be alone with your bride or just eager to escape from being part of your father's grotesque display of wealth and power."

"The latter, of course." Daimon replied grimly.

Zhan chuckled. "I'm sure your bride is lovely."

"It's not that and you know it." He retorted sternly.

Zhan's smile fell and he nodded. "I know. I just don't know what to tell you." He admitted.

"What if…what if I hurt her? Or worse?" For the first time, Zhan saw his friend's vulnerability.

"At the very least, I'll terrify her." He said gloomily.

"But you aren't certain you'll transform in an intimate situation, correct?" Zhan tried to offer helpfully.

"Strong desires bring it out of me. I can control it most of the time, but…" he sighed unwilling to continue his train of thought.

Unused to comforting anyone, let alone the Crown Prince, Zhan stood by his friend. He could only silently offer his support.

Some time passed before he finally spoke again, "Don't worry so much, my friend. Whatever happens, she'll do her duty. It will be alright in the end."

"Go. Enjoy yourself. You need to relieve some stress. And take it from me, there's no better tension reliever than sweet lips and a full bosom."

"You sound like my father." Daimon retorted.

"Ouch!" Zhan laughed. "But I suppose I deserve that."

"I'm sure you have your own stress release lined up."

"I've no ill intentions towards any of the fine young ladies attending this soiree." Zhan said pretending to be offended.

"I'm merely trying to improve diplomatic relations with as many of our vassal states as possible." Zhan feigned innocence, but his grin gave away that it was a lie.

Daimon couldn't help but laugh. Zhan was a brilliant tactician, formidable warrior, and well-respected leader. Somehow, his prowess on the battlefield was matched only by his skills in seducing women. As his troops eagerly and willingly followed him into battle, so too did women eagerly and willingly follow him into the bedroom.

"Be careful." He warned his friend with a mixture of humor and seriousness. "I can't afford to lose you to the life of a stay-at-home dad to a hundred children that are all around the same age."

Zhan laughed. "I'm always careful. I know plenty of ways to prevent that. And so do the women I entertain."

They shared another hearty laugh. Then Zhan turned serious and gave his friend a quick, yet firm, brotherly hug.

"Trust your strength and control. You know better than anyone not to let worries and fears interfere with your mental state. I don't know why or how, but I know it will be alright."

"Thank you." Daimon said sincerely. He wanted to believe everything would be alright.

"Now, go enjoy yourself. But not too much." Daimon said jokingly pushing Zhan away.

"You too" Zhan replied in all earnestness.

Daimon watched his friend's retreating back, then sighed heavily. He looked down the long corridor towards the bridal chamber where he knew his surely nervous, if not downright terrified, new wife would be waiting. One thing he did know for certain, was that he would not force her into anything.

His heart and mind heavy, he walked as slowly as possible down the long and twisting hallways to the relatively secluded part of the enormous castle that was to his and his wife's home. If one didn't know better, they would think he was walking towards his own torture and eventual execution.