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fight the inevitable. Don’t fight at all, is my advice. Just do what women always do—endure.”
    I dropped back on the bed and let the tears escape. I hadn’t cried out of sorrow since the day my father died. And yet tonight it seemed almost the same. Only it wasn’t my father’s death I was mourning, it was mine.
     

Chapter Three
    My wedding day was bright and clear, if cold. The entire morning was filled with preparations for the wedding—servants bathed me and did my hair and pushed clothes at me. I simply did as they wished in a fog of sadness from which I couldn’t seem to escape. I’d never considered that a person’s spirit could be broken, less even that anyone would want to do such a thing. I suddenly saw Max—the Regent, in an entirely new light. The light was harsh and tainted with despair. In a short time this man would be my husband, and I would be under his eye and thumb. What chance did I have?
    At some point in the night I’d even considered running. But I had a feeling he would have prepared for that, and the next day I heard the servants talking to each other as they worked on me. They mentioned a guard had been set at the top of the stairs in the tower where Callista and I resided. Short of growing wings and flying out the window, I would have had to get by the guard in order to leave. Callista was right—he wouldn’t allow any disobedience. He would always get whatever it was he wanted.  I was so lost in my despondency I was nearly surprised to find myself standing next to Max as the priest blessed our union. I repeated the words swearing to subjugate myself to Max, and I felt my spirit wither further. I noted dully Devlin was next to Max, and he’d smiled at me. I couldn’t find a smile to return, however. Both men looked really attractive in their dark clothes and dark hair. Max and Devlin looked no more alike than any brothers, but both had an undeniable handsomeness about them. I should be considering myself favored that such a man would even want me. But I felt nothing but sorrow and a fervent wish his eye had fallen on someone else.
    After the ceremony, there was a feast of sorts, and all enjoyed themselves immensely. Or I assume they did. I barely noticed anything. I sat quietly at the table where Max had told me to sit at his left. I’d eaten when he’d bade me to, and not said one word the entire time. He hadn’t pressed me for conversation, although I did notice him watching me sometimes, as if thinking deeply about something. It didn’t matter. I’d survive tonight, and then I’d worry about getting through the following day.
    Eventually Max rose and taking my hand pulled me to my feet as well. No one dared call out any sort of bawdy advice to Max as they might have if the groom had been anyone else. I followed Max quietly through the halls to his quarters and then inside. Once the door was closed he set the bar, and I felt a shiver run through me. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck as he considered me.
    “You were quiet today, wife,” he said in his deep voice. “I wonder what thoughts you were having.”
    I said softly, “What thoughts would you wish me to have, my lord?”
    He frowned. “What game do you play, Katrina?”
    “No game, my lord,” I assured him sadly. “I know when I’ve lost.”
    He came to me and lifted my chin to look into my eyes. In spite of my freakish height, he was significantly taller. I tried not to drop my eyes or let them fill with tears. I knew either action would anger him. “Katrina, you do not know as much as you think you do.”
    I was momentarily intrigued. What could he mean by this? But it didn’t last as he pulled me against him and kissed me hard, sliding his arms around me and holding me so tightly I could barely breathe. I forced myself not to react in any way, not wanting to anger him more.
    Callista had told me women were to simply lie still, not fight, and endure what men did to them on their wedding night.