I've updated! (Gasp! Shock! Horror!) I know this chapter is shorter than usual, but I promise you, there is a good chapter coming very soon. Hope you will enjoy this. As always, reviews are greatly appreciated.

Chapter 10

Two days later, Daine found herself pacing up and down the well-tended garden of her personal quarter. She breathed raggedly, feeling the smother of restlessness clogging onto her face.

Fuming, the girl kicked viciously at a nearby flower, breaking the delicate stem with an audible snap. It was a pity really, for the flower happened to be one of the most rare and prized specimens in Carthak, and destroying such valuables was a sure crime.

'Just see if I care.' Daine growled inwardly, glaring at the wilting flower, fists clenched tight.

For the past two days, she had neither seen nor spoken to anyone, save the slaves who quietly left food for her through a slot in the main door. After having declared her decision to the Emperor, she was escorted to a special quarter in the far north of the Imperial Palace. Despite the well-furnished rooms and the generous cuisines, Daine had discovered – to her outrage – that she was forbidden to leave the premises. Furious, she had banged on the thick door, demanding to be let out. No one came. Daine suspected that guards have been stationed outside her room for she had occasionally heard the muffled murmurs and strained coughs through the door. If the guards were there however, they gave no notice to her furious cries.

Confined behind forced walls, Daine had to endure two long, torturing days of worrying and not understanding what was going on. Had the Tortallen delegates left Carthak yet? Did her friends know of her decision? Did Numair? Was he even free?

Questions like these screamed and tormented inside Daine's head; agonized her so brutally that she feared she was going mad. She had thought agreeing to an unwanted marriage was bad, she now discovered the simple feeling of not knowing was even worse. If it was not for the small garden provided for her long brooding walks, Daine didn't think she could have kept her sanity.

The wildmage bit her lip. She believed – no, she knew what she did that day was right, that she had made the correct decision of using herself as a bargain to set Numair free, but now that she had made her choice, now that she had plunged too far in to be pulled out, the cord of fear begin to fasten around her, unmoving and inextinguishable.

More than anything in the world, Daine wished to see Numair. She wanted know if he was safe, wanted to talk to him – to explain why she was suddenly getting married. More than that, she wanted to thank him, for taking care of her all those years and for being her closest and dearest friend. She would never see him again, and there were things that must be said.

A tear trickled down the girl's cheek, splashing on to the earth. Hastily, Daine brushed the remaining tears from her eyes as her senses prickled to the coming of light footsteps.

'Veralidaine, there you are.' Ozorne's voice was warm and courteous, and it made Daine's blood roar.

He stopped in front of her, studying her hostile face. He did not seem daunted by it. 'I have come to ask how you find the comforts of your new quarter.'

Daine regarded him icily. 'It is as comfortable as a prison can ever get.'

The Emperor was amused. 'Come now, I would not be as drastic as to call it that.'

'Oh?' Daine narrowed her eyes. 'What else would you call a room where one is kept against one's will?'

Ozorne laughed, his voice rich and full. 'I like your spirit Veralidaine. You continue to fascinate me.' So saying, he took one step towards Daine. Immediately the girl drew back, eyes wary.

Ozorne raised an eyebrow. 'You hate me, I can tell – well it is understandable. But I promise you, Veralidaine, you will learn to accept me eventually. Someday, you will embrace me with an open heart.' Swift as a fox, Ozorne grabbed Daine's hand and pulled her towards him. Daine stiffened but did not struggle.

Ozorne lowered his head and whispered softly, 'you may hate me for what I did. You may hate me for a long time, but mark my words, Veralidaine, I will win your heart.'

Daine trembled, wanting to wrench the burning hand away from her shoulder. Instead, she forced herself to calmly ease her way out of Ozorne's grasp. Face set like stone, she said, 'if that is all you wanted to say – please excuse me.'

She made to walk away.

'One moment.'

She stopped.

'I have asked a servant to prepare a gown for you. I plan to announce our marriage to court tonight, and I wish you to make an appearance.'

Daine's heart gave an unpleasant leap. 'Has the…will the–'

'The Tortallen delegates will be present,' Ozorne answered, a small smile tugging at his mouth, 'and they will be departing for Tortall tomorrow.'

'And Numair?'

'He amongst them.'

Daine gave an inward sigh of relief. So Ozorne did keep to his words.

'However, you should know that I have only let Numair out on a probation period, during which his eventual fate is still yet to be decided. If all goes well, I will allow him to be freed. Should there be any…mishaps…'

Daine did not need to hear the rest. 'All right,' she growled, 'you want me to make an appearance. Am I to say anything as well?'

'Only that you wish to marry me, and it is completely based on your free will.'

Daine snorted. 'They won't believe that you know,' she said loudly. 'They'll never fall for it!'

'It does not matter what they believe. As long as you make it absolutely clear the marriage is on your own accord, they can do nothing to object. Choices are, after all, free to the chooser.'

'Funny. It doesn't look it.'

Ozorne ignored her remark. 'After the announcement, you may return to your place. My servants will show you back.'

Daine was outraged. 'Hang on – aren't I even allowed to say goodbye to my friends? They'll be gone tomorrow!'

Ozorne smoothed out a crease in his scarlet robe. 'I forgot to mention to you, Veralidaine – It is a strict custom of Carthak for the bride-to-be to converse with no one save her personal servants and the groom until the betrothal day.'

Daine gritted her teeth. 'So I have no freedom at all?'

'Veralidaine, you may have all that you wish for once you become my bride. And you may be rest assured that I will pass your farewells to all of your friends.'