14. Sorcha

Chapter fourteen

I tumbled between the soft sheets and sighed. It felt nice being able to stretch out across the large bed.

Wait.

I sat up and looked around. I was in a large bed. The large bed in the room I shared with Zarios. How did I get here? When did I fall asleep? I remembered looking through a set of invoices for grain.

Oh no. Was he able to finish? Did he return the files? I threw the blanket off, worried he was in trouble, when the door clicked open.

I turned to see Zarios carrying two trays in his hands. His eyes landed on mine, and the same heat from the night before returned.

"Morning," he said with a slight huff. "I brought breakfast."

"Thank you," I said as he set them down on the small tables the files were no longer sitting on. The same oats, berries, and honey sat in my bowl. Though some of the fruits were different from the ones I had normally, they still looked delicious. It was a small gesture, but every time he brought me breakfast, heat rose to my cheeks .

"Did you find anything last night?" I asked, sitting in the chair across to join him. I picked up the bowl and took a bite. One of the berries popped in my mouth, and the sweet juice exploded on my tongue. I would have to ask him what these fruits were later.

"No," he said, sounding almost relieved.

I waited for him to tell me more, but he didn't continue. I huffed. "Did you get them back without anyone noticing?"

"Of course," he said with an eye roll.

I narrowed my gaze. "I apologize for inquiring about a mission I'm a part of. It wouldn't be good for either of us if you got caught."

He looked to contemplate my words, his expression softening. "You're right. I'm sorry. I'm not used to doing these things with others. I'll be more conscious of it in the future."

I hadn't expected that from him. Though this man could be a grumpy asshole, he did seem to be sincere. "It's fine," I sighed. "Just try not to be an ass all the time."

He smirked. "An ass. Is that a donkey joke?"

I giggled at that, almost spitting my coffee in the process. "No. Just an observation."

I walked to our suitcases to grab my clothes, eager to get out of the dress from the night before, and headed for the bathroom.

Once I was showered and dressed, now in more comfortable loose pants and a t-shirt, I stepped out. Zarios was still there, looking over more paperwork. I assumed it wasn't one we found the night before, based on the Ashmore crest on the front.

"So, what now?" I asked as I approached.

"Now, we perform the mating ceremony and head to Mertis." He stood and stretched his arms over his head, his large chest sticking out even further.

I had to turn to hide my blush. "Anything I should know for this ceremony?"

"I don't think so. Just follow my lead and you should be fine."

I scoffed. "Because that has worked so well so far."

We finished getting ready to go, and I stared at my dresses in disdain. I had no interest in putting it back on.

"What's wrong?" Zarios asked from behind, startling me from my thoughts.

"Nothing," I snapped quickly. I didn't need him to tell me I was being ridiculous, as everyone else had. I didn't mind dresses on occasion, but the fact it was a requirement, one only expected of women, drove me mad.

He quirked his brow and looked to the dress in my hands. "Are you changing?" he asked.

"I'm expected to," I said bitterly.

His head cocked in confusion. "By whom?"

"Everyone," I said, his confusion matched. "Women wear dresses out. That's how it is. Even here, women wear them."

"By choice," he cut in. "Many women here wear them because not only are they stylish, but the double slits make them more comfortable. This nation may need a lot of changes, but women's clothing expectations thankfully isn't one of them."

"Oh," I said. "I was unaware. So I can wear this?" I asked, gesturing to my current attire.

"I do not care," he said. "I would prefer you dress up for the balls, but that's merely for appearances."

"So what—I could just show up naked?" I joked. I folded my dress and tucked it back into my bag.

I turned, realizing he wasn't saying anything, and I was caught in his heated gaze. It reminded me of the one he gave me the night before when he kissed me, as if he was imagining me…

I cleared my throat, and it seemed to snap him out of whatever he was thinking. "As I said, wear whatever you'd like." His voice was rough. He turned away quickly, his tail swishing behind him in small, quick motions.

I put my hand over my mouth to cover my amused laugh, but I was sure he heard it anyway.

We walked to the back garden hand-in-hand, and it looked almost like a wedding was set up. People stood on either side, forming an aisle, Atalin standing at the end, looking as regal as she did the night before.

Even though I'd kept my pants on, I'd still put on the make-shift horns and braided my hair around them. I paused as we approached. I'd been surprised by many things coming here, and I wanted to make sure a surprise wedding wasn't in the plans.

Zarios looked to me when I stopped. I gestured for him to lean in, and he did. "Is this a wedding?" I asked in a whisper. "Because I didn't agree to get married."

He let out his amused huff. "No, Princess. This is just the acceptance ceremony. Every clan leader needs to approve of our union before we move forward. That's what the visits are about."

My eyes widened. "What if they reject me?"

"That won't happen," he said with certainty. "And if it does, I will handle it."

That didn't make me feel confident. Though this was just for show, I didn't want anything more to complicate it. There was enough going on without the added stress.

I needed to do this. I needed to prove myself—not just to these people, but to my parents. When I went home, I would be a hero, one who couldn't be pushed to the side under the guise of my safety. Maybe I could even run my own battalion.

I rolled my neck to recenter myself, the way I did in training, and faced forward. I continued my stride towards Atalin, sure to keep my head high. If this visit taught me anything, it was that minotaurs valued strength, and while I was in no way stronger than them physically, I could show it in other ways.

By the time we reached the end, I was exuding confidence. My back was straight, shoulders relaxed. I was truly feeling the confidence I was faking, and Zarios' hand in mine definitely helped.

"We welcome Grand Clarak Zarios of Ashmore and his intended, Princess Sorcha Yulean of Peradona." She motioned to each of us. "It has been an honor to have you here," she continued, "and now, I must impart my ruling."

She paused, and it felt like the audience was watching with bated breath. Her gaze traveled to me, and I stood a bit straighter, meeting her eye. She gave a slight smirk before she said, "I accept Sorcha Yulean as the mate of Grand Clarak Zarios. May your union be long and prosperous."

The crowd cheered, and I let out a sigh of relief. When I looked to Zarios, he appeared more relaxed in his own small way. "Thank you, Atalin," he said with a warmth in his voice I'd never heard.

She smiled, patting his cheek. "I wish you nothing but happiness, and I think you've found it."

Her gaze found mine, and for the first time, I didn't hold it, shifting on my feet.

"Well, you best be off," she said. "I wish you luck in Mertis. Remember, if you give Naram enough drink, he will agree to almost anything."

I laughed at that, and to my further shock, so did Zarios. It was a low chuckle that rattled my bones. The sound was lovely, and I wished to hear more.