“I understand the influence you have all too well. The commander will do exactly what you want, bend to your will. That alone should prove to you that strength is a woman's endowment, not a man's.”

“We don't have marriage in Cokyri." My eyebrows shot upward. "You don't have... marriage? Well then, how do you... I mean where... where do your children come from?”

“Saadi, what do you think you're doing?" I demanded."Well I thought I was helping you. As it turns out, I'm bleeding.”

“The choice is yours.Either way, I will be faultless. So ask yourself, would you rather take credit for an eyesore or for a work of art?"His speech complete, he sank onto the sofa, stretching his arms out across its back, a grin spreading across his face. I had not thought this through, that much was evident, but now that I had commenced it, I would not give n to him."You could change. More easily than could I.""True," he ackowledged with a chuckle. "But I look perfect.""Well,I'm sure you could look perfect in something else.""Oh,doubtless, but why duplicate what is perfect when one could improve what is not?"I wanted to kill him. I wanted to close that infuriatingly divine mouth once and for all, and if ending his life were the way to do it, I was willing to take that step.Instead, I took a deep breath and tried again."If I change, my hair will be ruined.""You know,dear, something really should be done about your hair in any case. I told you to wear it down. And mind you switch tiaras.""We're almost last as it is," blustered, trying to keep my tone civil, thought inside I was burning. "You could change more quickly.""Not necessarily.You already know the gown into which you will change. I would have to search for something less elegant to match the dress you have on, but still formal enough for the occasion. And honestly,have you ever seen me in anything that might go with sky blue?"I fell silent, for as much as I hated to admit it, he had a valid argument. He generally wore dark or rich colors, nothing similar to my gown. I despised myself for what I was about to do."I'll wait," Steldor said, accurately reading my expression.”

“Shaselle?""What now?" I incredulously exclaimed."Do you have plans tomorrow?""What?""I have a day off duty. We could-""No!" I shouted. "What is this?”

“Do you take this man as your husband?"I receive you as mine," she began with a pretty blush, "so that you become my husband and I your wife. And I commit to you the fidelity of my body, and I will keep you in health and in sickness, nor for..." Like Galen she trailed off, but it was clear from the widening of her eyes that she had simply forgotten the words. As her blush spread, I heard Galen lean toward her and tenderly advise, "Just Promise to love me." "And I will love you until the day I die.”

“This is not what you want to hear, but to me, it doesn't seem there was a time before I loved you. And though I try to keep my distance from you... even now you keep giving me reasons to love you more.”