Find A Way

Henry sat across from Florence in the carriage with a clenched jaw. They did not exchange any words the whole ride. He had a terrible headache and felt nauseous from all the drinking he had done until dawn. He felt miserable and the ride to the temple made him feel like cattle, being taken to the slaughter house.

He glared at Florence then looked away. He tried to reason with her one last time the night before, but she still refused to be honest and stop this sham. Deep down, he knew it was too late, but he had hoped for a miracle.

He sighed. 'It was foolish.'

Only a few weeks before, he was happy with the arrangement he had with Gisela. His life was perfect and peaceful. He loved her, but there were no expectations of marriage or starting a family. He never wanted those things, and thankfully he was not the first-born of the house, so he could indulge in his freedom and adventures. Then came Florence Kalwen and destroyed it all.

Henry was angry, he felt a fire rage in his chest, and it only got worse the closer they were to the temple.

Florence, on the other hand, was a ball of nerves. She fidgeted with her dress and occasionally stole glances at Henry. She had expected him to say something–to express the anger that was evident on his face–but he did not utter a word.

The carriage finally came to a stop and Florence almost jumped from her seat when the door opened.

Henry stepped down and looked at the sky. It was sunny and cloudless, as if the heavens supported his marriage as well. He sighed before offering his hand to Florence. She took it with trembling fingers.

Florence inhaled a deep breath to try to calm her nerves. She stared at Henry for a moment, she could not believe that he did not ask her to annule the wedding again. His silence scared her even more than his bursts of anger.

'Is he planning on refusing in front of the Gods and the guests?' The thought made her heart shiver. But if he did, she could not blame him.

Suddenly, a silhouette in the far end of the temple wall drew Florence's attention. The person disappeared as soon as she looked though. 'Was that one of the guests?'

"The high priest is waiting," a temple lad informed them, urging them to head to the temple.

Henry and Florence took slow steps as they entered. The temple was packed, every seat was taken. The guests stood as soon as the bride and groom appeared, then the young boys and girls of the choir started to chant as the two walked down the aisle.

"Please, stand on each side of the fountain and hold each other's left hand over the water," the high priest asked.

They complied and Henry took Florence's hand in his. His jaw was clenched tightly, Florence reckoned that it had to hurt.

The priest poured water on their hands. "May this pure water clear your pasts and purify your future path, together, as husband and wife. May the Gods bless this marriage and watch over you, till death do you part."

Florence studied Henry's face. 'Is he not going to say anything?'

The high priest held his hands over theirs. "Please, turn your palms up." Then, he used magic to imprint the Flock crest on both their wrists, a soft light beamed from his hands and brushed against their skin. The crests quickly disappeared as if they never existed.

"Lord and Lady Flock, you are now husband and wife."

It was customary for the groom to kiss his bride's wrist, right on the spot where his family crest was imprinted.

Henry stared at Florence, he loathed the woman and it showed on his face. For a moment, the close family members held their breaths. It looked like he was not going to do it. Even Florence watched him with wide eyes, fearing that he would just walk away.

It took him great strength to reach for her hand.

'There is no going back now, Henry. This charade has gone too far already.' He told himself.

He bowed and planted a kiss on the inside of Florence's wrist. Everyone stood to applaud and cheer, bringing Florence back from her shock.

She blinked a few times. 'Is it over?' She looked at Henry then at the guests.

"Congratulations." Sofia kissed her cheeks with a wide smile, then she kissed Henry's. "May the Gods bless this marriage."

'I am married.' Florence sighed in relief. 'He went through with it.' A smile tugged on her lips.

"Let us ride home for the banquet," the marquis said as he patted his son's shoulder.

Florence and Henry were the first to be guided to their carriage, followed by the crowds of attendees.

The noise of the chatting guests was soon replaced with the sound of the carriage wheels. Both Henry and Florence were silent. Somehow, they were both trying to come to term with the fact that they were now married. The thought brought rage back to Henry.

"I hope you are not greedy, Lady Flock," he uttered through gritted teeth. "Because my name and that crest on your wrist are the only things you are getting from this marriage," he added before looking away.

Florence opened her mouth but no words came out. 'How do you respond to something like that?' She pressed her lips together before turning away as well.

'I will find a way to make this work.'