The Arrangement

Matthew’s mother paired up with James my dad for a long speech on unity and strength. I tried to follow their words, but they spoke of places I had never even heard of and followed that with examples of ‘great evil’ as they put it. Maria Mathews mom made it a point to say that bravery pulsed through dad’s veins, something I’m sure was greatly exaggerated. Dad followed her comment with some laughter and confidence.
The time was finally here to sign our ‘Contract of Binding’. I started to second guess the situation, I would be with Matthew until he died. I looked around the room, everyone was staring as if they knew what I was thinking.
Matthew gently took my hand in his with a reassuring smile, maybe he was also scared. Maybe he had someone who he loved but was unable to be with.
“Now I’m sure many of you have come to celebrate this union that has been centuries in the making, only to have the honor or offering your self to our soon to be King and Queen. Now is your time.” Maria held her glass so gracefully as she spoke.
If the room was quiet before now you could even hear the bubbles rising in the champagne glasses. I had to lightly pull on Matthews hand because this was the second time I have heard someone say that I was some how involved with a throne.
“What does she mean,” I whispered in his ear.
“Don’t you know, you are the heir to the throne Elizabeth.” He whispered.
“What throne,” I asked looking around.
“Don’t worry about that right now, let’s just get through this. I promise you will be okay.” He kissed the back of my hand and straightened up.
“I offer my self as partisan for Matthew,” Val kneeled in in front of Mathew and I but more towards him.
“I offer my self as partisan for Matthew,” came another woman. This one looked strikingly similar to Val, so much so that I would not be surprised to learn that they were related.
“I offer my self as partisan for Matthew,” Launa stepped forward smirking over to me.
Matthew seemed pleased when Val and her relative came up, however when Launa stepped up he looked intrigued. I wasn’t sure why these women were offering themselves or if it was normal, but I did know that I was uncomfortable with it. About three more women offered them selves and took a knee in front of Matthew.
“I offer my self as partisan for Elizabeth,” a man I didn’t know walked up and took a knee in front of me. He was tall and pale, his nose was pierced right through the middle and so were the sides of his bottom lip.
“I offer my self as partisan for Elizabeth,” came another man. This one was shorter and had a mohawk.
“I offer myself as partisan for Elizabeth,” came an older man with silver hair.
“I offer my self as partisan for Elizabeth,” Brian stepped up with his stone cold serious face and took a knee.
I looked up at Matthew wondering what was happening. He gave my hand a squeeze and pulled me closer to him.
“listen I know your confused right now, but we each need to pick one of the partisan’s that volunteered. I want you to pick Zacky or Brian. Zacky is the one with the piercings. Who ever we pick will stay by our side for as long as we live and possibly longer.” Matthew explained what I was expected to do.
“I don’t understand, I don’t even know these people.” I tried to reason with him.
“I know, just pick who your drawn to. I will pick first just follow my lead okay,” he winked turning the butterflies in my stomach.
After pulling away from me he walked over to the ladies and smiled when he got to Val. He looked back at me and then put his hand out to her.
“Val I accept your offer, please stand and join me in this special moment of peace and unity.”
Val lifted her head and took his hand in hers, after standing she gave him a small hug and turned back to the others. She wore a cocky smile as if she just won the grand prize.
“Ladies, thank you for your offers but I must decline, please return to your factions.” Matthew nodded and lead Val over to me.
“Elizabeth, it is time for you to choose,” he let go of Val’s hand and stared at the men on their knees.
“I don’t think I can.” I stepped away. The room erupted in to whispers.
“I implore you Elizabeth,” Matthew sighed.
“Brian, I accept your offer, please stand and join me In this special moment,” I forgot what came after.
“Of peace and unity,” whispered Zacky with the piercings.
“Of peace and unity,” I finished with my hand out to Brian. I smiled when he took my hand.
Brian firmly held my hand as he stood and stepped close enough to easily press his lips to the back of my hand. After he leaned in and gave me a stiff hug he pulled me over by Matthew and put my hand in his before standing next to Val.
Matthew turned me so that I could see that the other men where still on their knees.
“Oh shoot, I’m so sorry, Gentlemen thank you for your gracious offers, but I must decline. Do me the honor and return to your families,” I smiled proud that I remembered most of what Matthew had said.
“Just one more ritual and we will be joined forever,” Matthew spoke while the men all returned to their places. Then Matthew pulled me in to an embrace and pressed his lips gently on mine.

Notes

I know its going a bit slow ! how would you feel about a wedding night in detail? you know for those of us over 17 years old lol.