Page 149 of North Queen
People entered, filling the tables. As expected, lords made their way to offer their well-wishes. For once, Norah welcomed the distraction, hoping it would free her of the image of Alexander’s eyes still in her mind. But their congratulations reminded her that…
Mikael. He was her husband now, and she, his wife.
He clenched his jaw so tightly he thought his teeth might crack. He couldn’t peel his eyes from Norah’s hand in the Shadow King’s during the wedding ceremony. She’d almost looked at Alexander before she took it but stopped herself. Why had she stopped herself? He knew… she tried to hide her torment, but he knew. And it gutted him.
And when the Shadow King tied the rope around her waist… like he owned her… Instinctively, Alexander’s hand moved to his sword. But Caspian stepped slightly forward, bumping a shoulder in front of him and discreetly pushing him back.
Still, fight rippled under his skin. Why wait for battle? Why not kill the Shadow King now? If he waited, Norah would suffer. This man was a monster. Alexander swallowed, but the knot in his throat threatened to choke him. This king wouldn’t be kind. He wouldn’t be gentle. He wouldn’t take care of her the way that she needed.
His pulse thrummed faster as his hand tightened around his sword. The Shadow King wouldn’t hold her as Alexander would. He wouldn’t kiss her softly. Alexander’s breath shook. This man wouldn’t love her.
Suddenly, the hall erupted in cheers, jolting him. He caught Norah’s gaze for the briefest of moments. Her lips parted as she sucked in a breath. Then she pulled away, and the king led her down the center and toward the celebration feast.
Alexander followed. Caspian walked in front of him, Titus at his side. It wasn’t their proper places, but it was their necessary places.
He sat at the table reserved for the Northmen—a table of honor that had been positioned close to Norah and the king. It wasn’t close enough. He barely noticed Caspian waving off servants who offered wine and ale as he kept his eyes focused on Norah. She avoided meeting his gaze, but she knew he was there.
Well-wishers lined up to congratulate them, and with each conversation, Norah’s forced smile staled even more. She rolled the edges of the tablecloth between her fingertips, keeping her hands busy as she often did when she was anxious… and when she was afraid and trying not to show it. Was she afraid now?
Alexander was afraid. For her. And for tonight. As of earlier that morning, the Mercian priest hadn’t yet heard when the Witness would be held. But it wasn’t uncommon to wait a day or two after the ceremony. He wasn’t sure if it was a blessing or a curse that he didn’t know when. Regardless, it consumed him.
The line of well-wishers was too long and too short. When they were finished, and the Shadow King stood and pulled Norah up with him to leave, Alexander would have given anything for more time. The hall rose to their feet, and Alexander rose with them.
Norah’s eyes stared down in front of her. He silently begged her to look at him, to let him know she was all right. She’d avoided his gaze for the whole celebration. If she would just look at him…
And then she did.
Eyes, the deepest blue. Eyes, afraid.
The Shadow King pulled her hand, but she didn’t move as their stares remained locked. Her lip trembled, and pain—a ripping, clawing, burning—cracked through his chest. He couldn’t let her go. Alexander stepped forward, but firm hands held him.
She turned and let the Shadow King take her away.
All too soon, the celebration ended, and Norah found herself being led back to Mikael’s chamber. Alexander’s eyes haunted her mind, and her heart. She’d tried not to look at him. She’d made her decision, and more than anything, she hoped it was the right one, but she couldn’t escape the fear seeding inside her that maybe this wasn’t right at all.
Except… walking now, with her arm looped through Mikael’s, it didn’t feel entirely wrong.
Then her mind shifted to what was to come, and the fear came rushing back.
The room was dimly lit, and Norah forced back the nervous sickness in her stomach as she stepped inside. He followed, closing the doors behind them without taking his eyes from her. The pulsing of her heartbeat in her ears was deafening.
But the room was empty.
“Where is everyone?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Mikael glanced around the room. His brows drew together. “Why would anyone be here?”
“For the Witness.”
“The witness of what?”
Was he really going to make her say it? “Of our union, to ensure it’s consummated. To complete the contract.”
His mouth moved to speak, but no words came. He tilted his head. “But you’re here. You’ll know what has been done.”
“It’s not for us. It’s so our kingdoms can be assured.” She couldn’t believe she was defending the Witness. Not defending, she told herself—explaining.
“Is your word not enough?” Mikael gave a small snort of amusement. “What a strange place the North is. That is normal?”
