Atakan gathered more blood from his goblet first. Delight brightened his eyes as he took his time decorating my lips. “Mothers above, witness and bless my love, as I bind myself to thee.” The word love sucked the air from my lungs and threatened to send heat climbing up my neck. I fought it, and smiled to feign nonchalance, as I dipped my finger into the goblet of my blood and painted his lips. “Mothers above, witness and bless my love, as I bind myself to thee.” “Seal it,” the priestess instructed. Against my mouth, Atakan whispered, “You have no right making that monstrosity of a dress look
...more
