The Baron's lands had one small chapel nestled in a quiet garden by a river. It was rustic and old, and mostly used by the men and women that worked the Baron's fields. 

The road in front was rough and uneven, meant for walking, not a carriage. 

If nerves hadn't already unsettled Anise's stomach, the final stretch of that ride certainly would have. 

There were small flowers blooming around the chapel. Someone had coaxed a vine to grow up and around the gate, and everything from the benches in the garden to the rope swing hanging from the largest tree spoke of care and love. The people who prayed here had made it their home. 

"Ugh... The wheels had better not get stuck in one of these holes," the Baron grumbled as he stepped out of the carriage. 

He did not offer Anise a hand down. 

"Where is that priest?" He called out. "I want to get home in time for lunch."

Anise dropped the makeshift veil over her face. She struggled down the carriage's steps, trying to hold the skirts away from the dust of the road while maintaining her balance and barely able to see through the shimmering fabric... 

A hand appeared before her, rough with calouses and scars. 

Anise jerked her head up. 

"My lady," Sir Dathis bowed his head. "Do you need help?" 

"Um, yes, um... Thank you."

Her hand looked so small and pale in his. As soon as her feet were steady, she pulled away from him. 

"Anise! Come," her father snapped. 

She hurried as best she could over the uneven path. When they made it up the church's steps, things were slightly easier.

It took a moment for her eyes to adjust from the bright daylight to the soft candlelight of the chapel. Stained glass cast rainbow shapes across the humble pews. 

Her father did not walk her down the aisle. He and a few of his knights stood in the back as she walked slowly through the empty rows. 

The tap tap tap of her cane on the floorboards was the only sound. There was no music, no whispering guests. 

Through the veil, she could make out Sir Dathis's form - an imposing figure blocking the light. She startled when she felt him take her hands in his for the ceremony. 

"We are gathered here today to bless the--" 

Her father cleared his throat. 

The priest sighed. "Sir Linden Dathis, do you swear before your Lord and all the gods, to love this woman?" 

"With all my heart," his low voice replied. 

"To care for her, provide for her, and strive for her happiness?" 

"With all I have."

"And to be her shield, protect her, and defend her against all others?" 

"With my life."

Anise's hands were trembling in his. She'd been in a daze since he announced his claim the night before. It hadn't even been a full day! None of it felt real. She knew her heart was racing, her mouth dry as she tried to swallow, but it was all so far away. 

"Miss Anise Brown," continued the priest. "Do you swear before your Lord and all the gods, to love this man?" 

She tried to speak but no words came out. 

Her father cleared his throat again. 

"Yes! Um. Yes."

The priest paused, waiting for the proper line. When it did not come, he continued, "To care for him, keep his household, and bear his children?" 

"With all I... Have?" 

She felt like she might pass out. Deep breaths, Anise. Breathe! 

"And to be his comfort, supporting and aiding him as you remain by his side?"

"With... with all I am." Were those the right words? 

"Then on this day, the gods bind you together as one, Sir and Lady Linden Dathis, from now until you meet your final rest."

Anise blinked as Linden Dathis carefully lifted the thin wisp of fabric to reveal her face. 

For a brief second, she thought she saw him smile. 

"You may now ki--" 

The door to the chapel opened with a loud creak, sunlight pouring down the aisle as the Baron and his knights marched out of the building.

 Her husband turned his head, glaring after them with his brow furrowed, teeth bared in a snarl. 

Anise felt her heart drop straight through her. 

He looked every bit the animal she'd heard him to be. 

With no warning, Sir Dathis bent and lifted her into his arms. 

"S-sir!" The priest squawked. "What are you--" 

"My wife has difficulty walking," he said as he carried her back down the aisle and into the daylight. 

"I-I can manage, m-my lor- I mean... Sir..."

"Linden."

"Sir?" 

He stopped walking. "Linden. My name is Linden."

"I know..." She could feel his voice through her whole body when he spoke. She ducked her head, muscles tight, trying to shrink away even though he held her to his chest. 

She awkwardly held her walking stick with both hands. 

Linden sighed. "Here."

Shifting her in his arms, he freed his hand enough to take the stick from her. The blue ribbon had mostly come undone, its streamers draping over his hand. It reminded her very much of the flower garland he had wrapped around his wrist. 

He strode to his horse. "Hold on to me."

"Um..?"

He gently took one of her hands and placed it at his shoulder. "Hold here."

"O-oh. Okay..."

Anise rested her hand on him as little as possible... 

... But when he stepped into the stirrup and hoisted himself onto the horse, holding her with only one arm, she squeaked and clung around his neck with both arms. 

Linden made a sound. Is he... Laughing at me? 

"It's alright. I won't let you fall."

They did appear to be stable now. He was seated on the horse with her draped over his lap. 

Anise felt her entire face go hot. 

"I... I see." She let go of him and folded her hands primly in her lap. 

He rumbled his maybe laugh again and flicked the reins. 

The moment they were in motion, she gripped his sleeve in her fists. 

"You don't ride much, do you?" His voice definitely held some amusement. She heard it so clearly now. 

"I... No! I don't." She sounded very indignant for someone currently clinging to his shirt like a liferaft. 

"Here." He adjusted, moving so one arm supported her back. His hand rested on her thigh. 

The red on her cheeks spread down her neck and across her chest. 

"Th-that's, um...! Well. It's..."

"It's a short ride. Try to relax. Horses can sense when their riders are anxious."

I think that's the most I've ever heard him speak at one time... 

Anise stared at his hand holding the reins and tried to breathe, focused on taking her mind somewhere else, making the world fade away...