The cheers silence down, and I hear the praises turn into gossip.
"Isn't she his daughter? Your Highness hasn't left her? The agreement is void."
"What is he doing with her? I thought he killed her with her family."
Her hands, held in mine, tremble, and I tighten my grip on them. She looks up with those innocent eyes, and I pull her along to take her inside. People bow and step away from us.
The council was waiting for us inside, but her legs were faltering. Her head was lowered, and I feel a strange protectiveness hit me. I lean closer to her and whisper in her ear, making her eyes snap up at me.
"The only person you should bow in front of is me, doll. Now, look up and watch everyone in their eyes like the queen that you are."
She looks up, and soon, all those who were gossiping stop and drop their heads, not meeting her eyes.
"That's like my woman," I think.
