After a few moments, Zakarus turned his head to look at the ceiling. "Those are some interesting paintings on the tiles."

"Yes." Amnicity nodded. "I was trying to decipher what was happening with the squirrels earlier until you distracted me."

"Ah," he paused. "Did you want to call Brother Quinn back in here to help us decipher them? He probably has another blessing, or—ouch!"

Amnicity smirked at Zakarus after pinching him. Her husband deserved it.

"Dear wife, I am sure he would make a wonderful blessing."

"I am sure it would be."

"Dear Lord," Zakarus muttered in a lower tone. "Please bless these two after their brief moment of intercourse."

Amnicity felt her cheeks redden as she let out a laugh. "Stop," she shook her head, moving to get off the bed.

His eyebrows furrowed together. "Where are you going?"

Amnicity picked her robe off the floor and slowly put it on. "They requested the sheets as further evidence."

"Ah," he sighed. "Since this was not enough to prove we have completed the union."

Amnicity shook her head while pulling softly on the edge of the sheet.

"Very well," he muttered, rising from the bed. In a swift motion, Zakarus ripped the sheet from the bed. He ignored Amnicity's scream of protest as he opened up the door and dropped it upon the floor. "Are there any more blessings?"

"No," Brother Quinn shook his head, motioning for a younger brother to take the sheet.

"Very good," Zakarus nodded while turning his attention to Valander. "Can you please step inside for a moment?"

Valander nodded, moving back into the room. "Are you sure you do not want a robe?"

"You were present when Brother Quinn examined me earlier. There is little else to hide," Zakarus sighed, moving towards the whisky.

"Father, what are you doing?" Amnicity moved towards the two men while wrapping her robe even tighter around herself.

Valander shrugged. "Apparently, your husband wished to share a glass of whisky with me."

"Show him your wrist," Zakarus instructed, motioning from Amnicity to her father.

Amnicity unconsciously pulled on the sleeves of her robe. "I told you that I am fine."

"What happened to your wrist?" Valander questioned while accepting the glass from Zakarus.

"Nothing happened to my wrist, Father. My new, dear, husband is simply overreacting," Amnicity finished with an almost hiss taking the glass from her father. She took a large sip and immediately spat it out. "Oh, that is disgusting! Please tell me there is wine."

"Yesterday, the guard I had left with Amnicity found her on the floor with High General Lessure standing above her. He stated that there appeared to have been an altercation between the two, which resulted in Princess Amnicity being injured. As her husband, and official member of this family, I would like him to be detained and stripped of his title."

"Zakarus!" Amnicity gasped, pausing in her search for wine.

Valander took his daughter's left arm to raise the sleeve.

"Other one," Zakarus commented.

Amnicity let out a soft hiss when her father accidentally touched the bruised portion of her wrist. Valander's eyes widened when he saw the soft blue discoloration and swelling around the injured area.

He gently moved her chin so that she would look at him. "You danced all night with this?"

"Yes," Amnicity hissed, trying to break free of the hold. "He is just an over-reactive husband. We do not need to cause further internal political turmoil by reacting so brashly."

"Your husband is not brash," Valander whispered in such a way that Amnicity flinched as if he shouted. "This is treasonous."

"Father—"

"I will have Henry locate some loyal guards to manage the situation." Valander nodded to Zakarus while ignoring her. "Thank you for being so diligent with my daughter. Please have your men stay with her for now."

"Father, I—"

"Nici," Valander halted his daughter's speech. "This is not something that can be settled with words. James Lessure has now shown me that he is not a man who can be trusted with anyone who stands to wear the Vetusian crown."

"I know, Father," Amnicity sighed, making both men pause. "My concern is how to manage the guards after he is taken away. What if they turn on us?"

"Darling," Zakarus smirked. "Did you forget that I am here for more than just coupling?"

Amnicity quickly flushed as her father snorted slightly.

"I think I may grow to like you," Valander sighed. "No more whisky for me. I must speak with Henry so that we will be able to manage this with loyal Vetusian guards tonight. Lock the doors when I leave, and stay in this room."

Zakarus nodded while sipping his whisky. "Have Henry inform Koman Sutter that the plan is in motion. He will know what to do."

Valander nodded before putting on a smile that Amnicity was sure she had not seen since her grandmother was alive.

"Now, now," her father bellowed. "I could not have another whisky. I must retire. Enjoy your evening."

"And you as well, Your Highness," Zakarus almost cheered while holding up his glass. "We plan to enjoy our festivities far into the night. Amnicity, darling, there is the wine you wanted."

Amnicity gasped and swatted at Zakarus for making the guards outside the door snort. Her husband playfully winced before moving to the door. She turned to pour herself a glass of wine.

This is most definitely needed.

"We will require our privacy, good sirs," he quipped, slamming the doors and turning the locks.

Once certain that the two doors were secured, he moved to the side entry doors. "Make sure the windows and balcony are locked," he whispered to Amnicity.

Amnicity nodded her head as she complied with the command. She took a steady sip of her wine after securing each lock. Once completed, Amnicity turned to her husband, who now sat on the edge of the bed. He motioned her over to him.

Amnicity stood still for a moment, causing Zakarus to make the motion again.

"Fine," she sighed, moving to him.

Zakarus wrapped his arms around her waist while placing his head on her stomach.

"You are my family now," he whispered. "Know that I did not do this because I am jealous of what once was between you two, or could still be there. I did this because you are mine to protect; he cannot be trusted."

Amnicity nodded her head. She knew his words were true, but they could not stop the feeling of dread that settled within her. The feeling slowly began to give way to another as she realized their position and his placement. This new feeling she now began to associate with him and this bed.

She used her free hand to ruffle his hair. "Let us go to bed and not worry about it until the morning."

Zakarus nodded his head. "Then put down your wine and come to bed. wife."

Amnicity laughed in response as she set her wine glass on a nearby vanity. She untied the cords of her robe with little fear as she moved towards the bed. Amnicity could not be sure if her husband and father secured their deaths this evening, but she did know that her husband made her laugh. She also knew that he would protect her.

Amnicity slid into the bed beside Zakarus. He moved the top cover to cocoon them within the folds before a lazy arm found its way across her waist.

"You may have secured our deaths," Amnicity whispered after a moment of silence.

"We will be fine," Zakarus muttered. "Just go to sleep, and we will discuss plans tomorrow."

Amnicity let out a small huff before closing her eyes. She did feel a bit fatigued, and Lady Elry did advise her to practice patience.

"Tomorrow," she yawned.

Then, the two newlyweds began their journey to sleep. While across the palace, Sir Henry led two guards to arrest a former High General. The Taurean Palace officially welcomed the start of a new couple.

***

I know this part is short, but Part 2 could be split into two smaller chapters for those who find it easier.  And I want to make it easier for y'all.  

James FINALLY is going to be arrested.  Now, what will his little guards do?  Hmmm... Provide your guesses below ;)