Now that Marielle and Augustus could speak again with their own voices, they spent the rest of the evening talking outside, apart from the merriment of her family and his attendants. They sat on two chairs in the garden watching the sunset. Everyone else knew enough to not intrude. Augustus seemed kind and understanding. She talked at length of her homeland, using the topic to fill the pauses in their conversation. Augustus would just listen quietly, barely interjecting, saying only enough to show he paid attention.

"I can tell from the way you talk, that you'll miss this place."

"Yes, wouldn't anyone feel the same way? Not that I mean… I am happy that if I have to leave, it will be with you to Venocia." Covering her mouth with her hand, she worried she had offended him.

“That’s not what I meant, I’m not offended that you will miss this place,” Augustus said in a soft voice. He looked away from her, back at the light coming from her home. “I wasn’t worried that you were angry at me for taking you away from here. But you just said that everyone would feel attached to their home, but that’s not true.”

“You’re right,” she said, “I guess now that I think about it, it isn’t true. It just seems natural to me to be attached to a place you’ve lived for so long.”

“It’s clear that you have plenty of pleasant memories here. I’m sorry to be taking you away from your family.”

“There’s no need for you to be sorry. It wasn’t your decision.”

“True. Still, I feel I bear responsibility.” Augustus smiled, looking down at his lap. “I think we should head back inside, we will leave early tomorrow morning and we should get our rest in.”

They walked down the path, made of large buried stones, through the garden. Marielle observed Augustus as he walked, he had his hands crossed behind his back and would stop occasionally to take a closer look at certain plants.

“This is a fine garden,” said Augustus. “I didn’t expect to see so much effort put into respecting Ophelia so far away from the temple in Venocia.”

“It’s not just about respecting and praising the goddess Ophelia. My family and all our servants appreciate the beauty. Because of our personal desire for the garden, among all the gods, her worship isn’t an unreasonable burden.”

“I grew up so close to the temple, so I suppose I looked at the labours of tending a garden only as a duty to show piety. In Venocia, those of wealth are expected to have an exotic garden and hire gardeners, or else their reputation would be ruined. I can see how I was mistaken to apply that logic here.”

“It will be strange to have to suddenly worry so much about how other people think of us.”

“Don’t worry about that,” said Augustus with a smile, “I can worry enough for both of us.”

They met with Augustus' guard on the porch. He had been watching over them. As they went to enter, he walked in step beside her husband. The guard had a grin on his face as if he held a joke in his head. Her father often made the same face, but she was familiar enough with him to infer what he found funny. “Is something funny?” she asked the guard.

“Just proud of my ward,” he said.

“Heratio,” said Augustus, “I need you to act more formally now. At least until Marielle becomes more familiar with you. I apologize for my servant’s inappropriateness. He is from Bren, I have no idea why but their people always seem to have a friendly smile, even at the oddest times.”

“I’ve heard of Bren!” Marielle recalled a lesson about the city, although the details were vague in her mind.

“Haven’t we all?” said Heratio, attempting to hide his grin.

“It is not your place to question your betters.” Augustus’ words were sharp. He stared at Heratio, making him hang his head in submission.

“I apologize, I have gotten too complacent on our voyage.”

When they entered, the wall of heat she experienced crossing the threshold of the door made her realize how chilly it was outside. The heat from the lanterns, the lit fireplace, and all the warm bodies celebrating made the inside feel especially cozy that night. All the people turned to see them enter and in unison, they all lifted up their glasses and shouted, “Huzzah!”

“I’m sorry to do this to all of you but we will be heading straight to bed. We have an early rising tomorrow.” Augustus bowed to signify his grand exit then took her hand in his. “Lead the way.”

She led him through her home to her now barren bedroom. All the decorations and personal belonging, except her bed linens, had been packed, probably hauled down to the dock, loaded on the ship they were to board.

They attempted to sleep, despite the sound of the festivities still being faintly heard. Despite her attempt, she couldn’t sleep. She stared up at the ceiling, in the darkness, imagining her new life to come, a vivid image conjured from all the stories and descriptions her tutor had told her over the past years. She stared over to her side, seeing her husband had already passed out. He was more comfortable in that bed at that moment than her. Suddenly, it felt like she were an outsider in her own home and the bed she slept in a strange and unfamiliar one. She stared into nothingness in that darkness for what seemed like the whole night, even though it wasn’t. She woke to the shifting of her mattress when her husband got up. The morning light had come, time for them to leave.

Sara and Cressa were waiting when she left her room. They were to be her dedicated personal attendants. Castor had arranged Sara’s transfer of ownership, a small gesture to help ease the transition to her new home. Together they helped her into clothes fit for travel and packed the last of her belonging in a chest, then carried it as they headed to the carriage.

She gave a tight hug and parting words to everyone she saw as she headed to the front door, crying a bit at the sweet farewells. Her father waited at the front door, giving her a tight hug and said, “Live a good life in Venocia and come back to visit when you have the opportunity. Augustus has already left for the port. They should be ready to set sail as soon as you get there.”

It was the hardest and the easiest goodbye at the same time. Her father was not much for long talks, so a simple nod and her saying the word, “Goodbye,” was all he expected of her. But as the carriage rolled away, her eyes teared up uncontrollably. Sara rubbed her shoulder blade in a circular motion. That feeling of contact managed to comfort her and she quickly regained her composure.

“Thank you, Sara,” said Marielle.

Sara was assigned to be Marielle’s primary grooming attendant, which meant her duties were bathing, dressing, and anything else of a personal nature. Because they were so close in age, with Marielle being only a few years younger than Sara, they ended up as friends. Or as close to friends as two could be, with such a divide in standing. Sara was raven-haired, with pale white skin, despite her duties requiring her to be out in the sun on occasion. She was a bit taller than Marielle, but still shorter than Augustus. Marielle thought Sara could look pretty if she cleaned herself up, but she either didn’t have the time or simply didn’t want to. Usually, she would use her long hair to hide her face, and would purposefully choose oversized clothing. Always slouching her shoulders, and hiding herself away when she wasn't needed.

“I would return the comfort but it looks like you don’t need it,” said Marielle, looking at Sara. She was less slouched and her face brighter than usual. “I would have thought you too would be anxious to leave.”

“I am just happy to still be in your service.”

“There’s no need to be sad today, Venocia is a wonderful place,” said Cressa cheerfully. She wiggled in her seat with glee. “You’ll be in awe of the culture there. There are luxuries there you just don’t have here.”

“Yes, I know… I know,” nodded Marielle.

She boarded the ship, walking up the railed gangway and onto the busy deck. Augustus was present, waving his hand at her and calling her over.

“I’d like you to meet our captain, Yander DeMerio,” said Augustus.

“Greetings Captain,” she said.

“Greetings Lady Marielle,” Yander returned, bowing with one hand over his heart. “We will be departing, I see the last of your belonging are on board.”

Marielle looked back to see her two servants bewildered on deck, carrying the heavy chest. “Can you have someone show them where to put that chest?”

“Certainly, we already have quarters prepared for you.” Yander clicked his tongue and gestured one of the crew members towards her servants. The burly man went over to them in a hurry.

“Set sail!” Yander cried out. The crew retracted the gangway and rowed the ship out of the dock.

Marielle went to the railing of the ship and looked out at her homeland, watching it slowly retreat into the distance. When they were far enough away from land, the sail was unfurled, billowing immediately.

As Marielle's two attendants were busy setting up her quarters, she went to have breakfast with her husband in the captain's quarters. They were joined by Castor and Heratio at a large table and a crewman brought platters of food from below deck, food reminiscent of her home, as the ingredients were freshly acquired. Castor performed the opening ritual, with the captain playing the part of lord of the manor. Once done, the meal could truly begin.

"Given the winds, it should only take two nights to get to Venocia," said Captain Yander DeMerio.

"Marielle, you haven't been to Venocia before, have you?" Augustus asked.

"No. Other than Jorland, I've only been to Honland," Marielle answered before taking a bite of her food.

"You know, before I left on this voyage, I had never left greater Venocia. Greater Venocia being the city of Venocia, some farmlands, the mountains, and the lakes atop those mountains, from which the city’s aqueducts flow," said her husband.

"Oh, I wouldn't have guessed that. But from what I've heard, one wouldn't have to leave Venocia. I've heard it has everything."

"So you've been told about Venocia? I'm glad to hear that.”

“Of course. The tutor you sent told tales at length of your city.” Marielle stitched her brow. She was told by Cressa that Augustus expected her to know all that was being taught, but here he was oblivious to the contents of her studies. “I know of the bustling docks, the busy markets, and the grand temples of Aurelia and Ophelia.”

“Well, the temple of Ophelia is more known for its beautiful garden. That temple is actually quite plain, in comparison, to the temple of Aurelia,” said Augustus.

He smiled and looked over to Castor, who must have seen some signal, as the same smile appeared on his face. "Have you heard about the great pillars of Venocia?" asked Castor.

Marielle thought through all she had learned about Venocia looking for a clue about any pillars. "No," she said, finally giving up. "I wonder why Cressa wouldn't mention buildings that important."

Castor rubbed his chin. "Well, they aren't buildings. The great pillars of Venocia are like philosophies and beliefs that form the bedrock of Venocia. They form the foundation of the true greatness of the city. Even though you haven't heard of them, would you care to guess? You might be able to figure it out on your own."

Marielle brainstormed her guesses. Money? Loyalty? Family? It was probably family, she thought. Venocia had many great houses, bound together by their strong familial ties. "Family?" she said, unsure of herself. Everyone burst out laughing.

"No, none of them are family. Good guess though," said Castor, wiping tears from his eyes. His laughing, however, contradicted his sentiment that it was, in fact, a good guess.

She looked over at her husband watching, he was on the verge of bursting into laughter. Although he managed to keep it in, his eyes showed his amusement. They were all in on the same joke.

"Money?" she guessed again. This time they didn't laugh.

"No, none of them are money. That was a very good guess," Castor said, having composed himself. "Augustus, why don't you help out your wife a bit? Name one of the great pillars."

Augustus paused and started counting on his fingers, mouthing words she couldn’t make out while deep in thought. "I'm gonna go with bureaucracy," he said grinning.

"Yes, bureaucracy is one of the great pillars. You do so well Master Augustus," said Castor. Then turning back to Marielle, asked, “Did that help? Why don’t you try and take another guess."

"The Senate!" She felt confident this time. She had extrapolated from bureaucracy. Politics and education were probably pillars too, she surmised. They all helped the city function without collapsing.

"No," Castor said. They all laughed, except Marielle. "Augustus, tell Marielle the other three pillars."

Bureaucracy, bureaucracy and ... bureaucracy. They're all bureaucracy!" Augustus laughed while rubbing Marielle's shoulder.

It felt as if they were all laughing at her, like she was also an outsider here. She looked down at her lap, feeling so out of place.

“Sorry, sorry,” said Augustus with urgency. “It’s a stupid joke from Venocia. I suppose that came off meaner than I wanted. We were just having fun.”

“It’s fine,” she said, forcing a smile onto her face.

She soaked in the ambience of their conversation. They discussed places and people she was unfamiliar with in a lively discussion. She remained silent, never finding a good place to contribute something interesting. It would have been awkward, except Augustus always made sure to give him a warm look, then grab her hand under the table, squeezing it to reassure her that she was now a part of his inner circle.

Eventually, he paused the conversation to slowly explain the details. “You see, Cladius, my brother, is a bit of a scoundrel. He has a good eye for good ideas, the problem being he will then try his best to take credit for that idea, saying he came up with it in the first place.”

“Sorry, Marielle, we were leaving you out,” said Castor, taking his cue from his master.

“So, Cladius didn’t come up with the idea?” she asked.

Augustus nodded. “Of course not.”

“So, he is a man of no honour? Why hasn’t he been banished from the city?” Despite the explanation, it only made her more confused. They were calling him a liar, a very serious accusation.

“In Venocia, people lie,” responded Castor, “it is expected. There’s nothing in Venocian law about exiling people who lack honour.”

“Why not? How could you trade with someone you think could lie?”

“I think it’s because, unlike in Jorland, our robust laws, some of which I’m sure you’ve already learned of from your tutor, the people have come to rely on the law more than on a person’s honour. You don’t need to trust a man’s word if he sells you bad goods, you can take him before a magistrate and argue he is a cheat and get reimbursement.”

“Even still,” interjected Augustus, “you should always weigh your coins. You are still expected to take reasonable measures to protect yourself from being misled.”

“I know to weigh my coins. Cressa made sure to stress that repeatedly.”

“Good, very good,” said Castor.

The conversation continued, with Castor working hard with Augustus to aide Marielle in following their talk. Now Castor seemed so much kinder than her memories told her. In her mind, he had been a grumpy old man who treated her rudely, but now he acted incredibly patiently, willing to explain anything calmly and without judgement.

Marielle thanked them for the meal then headed back to her quarters, guided by one of the crewmen. Her quarters were incredibly small, something she commented about to the crewman, he responded that they were actually quite generous accommodations for a ship at sea, and that her husband didn’t even receive quarters that large. There was space for a reasonable bed, her chests filled with belongings, and a side room where her attendants could sleep separately from her.

She was glad to finally be alone. The whole wedding had been nerve-wracking. In particular, the consummation was embarrassing, awkward and physically uncomfortable. But at least it was over, she thought to herself. Seeing the room was mostly ready, she laid down and slept half the day.

For the rest of the voyage, Marielle would eat her meals with her husband in the Captain's quarters. Between meals, she would walk on the deck, gazing out in marvel at the views of the ocean, or at a ship passing by in the distance, or a settlement on the shore that was barely distinguishable from the surrounding landscape. When she got tired of that, she returned to her quarters where Cressa would continue her lessons.

The morning the Captain had predicted, The Scarlet Wind caught sight of its homeport of Venocia. Marielle rushed to the bow of the ship to gaze out at the city she had heard so much about. It was indeed a massive city. Houses filled the visible shore. To the sides, there was the sprawl of villas with their large estates. In the center, where they were headed, the concentration of buildings gradually increased. Marielle could spot buildings that were six stories tall, and among them, the tall spire of a majestic temple that she knew must be the temple of Aurelia she had heard so much about. As she got closer to shore, the port dominated the view, where seemingly hundreds of ships docked, with room for a hundred more.

The Scarlet Wind furled its sails as the crewmen scrambled below deck to ready the oars. Another crewman walked up near Marielle at the bow of the ship with a large horn. He would blow it, causing a thunderous sound, whenever another ship would get too close. Gently and slowly, the Scarlet Wind rowed into port.

Augustus appeared on deck in a turquoise robe similar to the one she had worn in Jorland. “Castor will get us a carriage and send a messenger to my family for us. We will head to the main house or, as we call it, the manse of the Castellian family, where my parents live. We will travel by carriage but we must make two stops. The magistrate building, for something you need not concern yourself with, and the temple of Aurelia, to confirm the time for our wedding ceremony at the temple. Since we will be stopping in the temple, you must wear the religious dress you wore during the wedding ceremony.”

Marielle went back to her quarters to have Sara help her change. When she returned she found Augustus talking with a man she didn’t recognize. They were standing apart from the rest of the crew, facing away from everyone, looking out at the ships still moving around the harbour.

“I’m back,” Marielle said, and Augustus turned around, startled.

“Oh, allow me to introduce my wife, the lovely Lady Marielle DeCastellian,” Augustus said as the unknown man gave a bow. “Marielle, this is my second cousin, Vernius Castellian. He managed the Castellian docks today.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you,” Marielle said, giving a bow.

“No. The pleasure is all mine. I assure you, ” said Vernius.

“I would love for you two to have a familial chat at some point, but today will be a busy day. First day back in port, you know how it is.” Augustus said with a hurried pace. “So, let us deal with the import tax.” Augustus glanced at Marielle to make sure she was paying attention. “Marielle, you'll need to learn all this, so pay attention.”

“Yes, the aprivo tax. Cressa taught me.”

“Did she explain the entire process? Do you know what will happen next?”

She paused a moment in thought. “No, I just know that all goods brought into the city are taxed. And all goods that leave the city are taxed as well but at a lower rate. I know that the rates can change from year to year and it’s always a contentious topic in the Senate.”

“What has your tutor been up to? It’s so much more important that you understand the hands-on details rather than the theory. Vernius, explain to her exactly what will transpire here while I handle something.” Augustus looked away while talking, distracted by something.

“My pleasure,” said Vernius in response, to the quickly departing Augustus. Augustus didn’t turn at all to even acknowledge the response. Vernius rubbed his forehead, wearing a forlorn expression on his face. “Alright, first a man from the import ministry will arrive and come aboard. He will check below decks and document all the cargo. Once that is filled out can we begin unloading the ship of anything that passed their inspection. They will take that list back to the ministry, and use it to calculate the aprivo tax based on a table, updated yearly, of the value of each good. I’ve never seen the table myself, but I’ve heard its volumes and volumes of books. If it’s not in the table, they will approximate the value based on other entries in the table with the consultation of a relevant craftsman, the tax will be charged based on that estimate. But, then the next year, the updated table would have an entry for what the new item actually sold for. Every so often, though, a product will appear that’s so different there’s no way to estimate its value. In that case, the inspector will create a ‘letter of taxation’. When that happens the tax will be paid after the product is sold. Documents will then have to be provided to prove its sale price, a contract of sale or the like.” Vernius smiled as if all he said was the simplest thing in the world. “I only mentioned the last bit because Augustus has told us there is a new spice, I think he called it kisum, that will be requiring a letter of taxation.”

Marielle nodded with a blank expression.

“Do not worry, I don’t think you have to do much to do with this information immediately, but if you are to be handling business for the family, you will need to familiarise yourself with these processes. The important point, that might be relevant to you now, is that the price of that spice is unknown and it will likely take a long time to be sold completely.”

Augustus walked back to her, with Castor and Heratio at his side. “The carriage is ready. It’s time to leave. Where are your servants?”

“They are back in my quarters, I thought it would take a while to unload all our supplies.”

“The wagons can be loaded without us here and head directly to the Castellian estate. Get them now and we will head out immediately.” Augustus’ nostrils flared and he looked around impatiently.

“I’ll be back quickly,” she said.

True to her word, it didn’t take long. Once they were all gathered they went to the carriage and off down the busy street. The first thing she noticed what how much smoother the carriage ride was, compared to the dirt roads of Jorland. She remembered being tossed around lightly from small bumps. Here, it was so comfortable she could relax and enjoy the scenery out the window.

Marielle watched the streets pass by, each one of them filled with crowds. The streets were lined on each side by buildings taller than any she had seen before. “There are so many people,” said Marielle, looking to Augustus. Augustus just stared out into the street. “So, we are headed to the magistrate building, right? I believe I’ve heard of magistrates before, but would you mind explaining it to me?” Marielle asked Augustus but he didn’t respond in the slightest.

“A magistrate is an agent of the law. They have the authority to order people around and declare punishments for people who break the laws of the city. The building is their administrative office, where they keep documents pertaining to their actions. See, when a magistrate invokes their authority they have a responsibility to document what orders they gave, and what punishments they gave out and the reasons for doing so,” explained Castor, once he had seen that Augustus had no interest in responding.

“Why would we need to go there?” Marielle asked, again directing the question directly at Augustus. She had grown fond of their rapport during meals and the attention Augustus would pay to properly explain things to her.

“I’m sorry but I have a lot on my mind right now. I need silence while I think.” Augustus didn’t even turn his head.

They all sat in a heavy silence as the carriage drove along. Marielle with her head down as she tried to figure out what had caused Augustus’ demeanour to change so much. She looked over to each other passenger in turn but their glares back all told the same thing, that they would not dare be the first to speak.

At last, the carriage creaked to a halt. Wordlessly, Augustus picked up a few documents that were sitting next to him and left the carriage and Heratio followed. They entered into a grand building that dwarfed those that surrounded it, made of large expertly cut marble blocks. The building design was ornate, with relief art decorating the front, depicting scenes. One of a man being handed a book by a lady, the distinct structure of a halo surrounding her body indicating she was Aurelia, the goddess of the ocean. Another of a man sitting in a chair, his right arm raised.

“Did I do something wrong?” Marielle asked, allowing the concern to show on her face.

“You mustn’t nag Master Augustus,” said Cressa. “Yes, you should focus on being independent. Master Augustus wants a wife, not a child. A partner who can help him enact his business plans.”

“I guess you are right, ” Marielle said while looking out the window.

After some time Augustus and Heratio reappeared and got back in the carriage. There was silence, once again, as the carriage moved towards the next destination. In the silence, all Marielle could do was look out the window, watching the people pass by. She looked at the details of the city. The clothing of the commoners was impressive, most having quality linens that would rival her nicer clothing back in Jorland. All along the streets were shops, selling a variety of goods, some she had never seen before. Gradually the clothing became more uniform in colour, turning turquoise, white, and blue. She looked up and saw the majestic spire of a massive temple. An arched stained glass window depicted Aurelia, the goddess of the ocean, leading a group of people, with Aurelia pointing off at the bay of Venocia. Except, in the depiction, the city of Venocia wasn’t there.

The temple’s architecture was lavish. Every part of the building had so much detail work, it must have taken a generation to complete. The carriage halted in front of the main entrance, with relief artwork similar to the magistrate building. It depicted the high priests of Aurelia, wearing their baggy hooded robes and masks covering every trace of skin.

“Marielle, you’ll come in this time,” Augustus said. He grabbed a new package of documents from beside him, opened the door, and exited the carriage. Heratio didn’t even try to move from his seat. Maybe it was insulting to bring a bodyguard into the temple. Augustus reached out to take her hand as she descended out of the carriage.

The inside was beautifully decorated. Paintings lined the walls, depicting the ocean in various ways. One of a trading vessel at sea, another of a whale springing out of the water, and another just had the waves rolling onto a beach. They walked down the long hallway, and into the main hall. It was a massive room, in the middle was a huge pool that had a depth that would come up to your stomach, if you attempted to wade through it. In the pool were lily pads, and the floating bulbs of flowers. Large supporting pillars were spaced around the room, many coming up from within the pool. The room was well lit by the large, arched, stained glass windows. Behind her was the reverse of what she saw from the carriage. There were two other windows, one of Aurelia being plucked out of the ocean by a white-robed figure, and the other showed Aurelia addressing the Senate of Venocia.

They circumvented the pool, walking along the side of the room, until they reach a door, opposite the one they came from. Augustus opened it. They entered a much smaller room with a man in a turquoise robe sitting behind a desk. He was not a high priest as he lacked a mask, the skin of his face was on clear display. He had brown hair and light skin, what many might consider a true Venocian. He noticed them enter immediately and greeted them. “May the blessings of Aurelia be upon you.”

“May the blessings of Aurelia be upon you. Humbly, I stand before you, Augustus DeCastellian, here to confirm my wedding.”

“Of course! I recognized you when I saw you. Is this your bride?”

“Yes, she was Marielle Jorland, daughter of Count Anthony Jorland. A ceremony has already been held, by a priest of Cyril back in Jorland. As she is marrying into the Castellian family, we still would like a marriage ceremony here in this temple, one befitting the Castellian name.”

“Quite the beautiful bride, I must say.” The priest stared at her, looking her over with a piercing gaze. The sides of his mouth curled upwards in a smile. “Soft yellow hair, high cheekbones, and a slender waist. If only I were born to such grand parentage like you.”

Insolent words that were far too presumptuous for his station. No man in Jorland would dare speak to her that way, not even the priest of Cyril. However, Augustus’ expression didn’t change, he just reached out and with an extended finger, lifted the bottom of her jaw back in place, closing her mouth.

“He only says what’s on his mind, there is no need to be so shocked,” he said calmly. “Can we verify the date of our marriage ceremony?”

The priest pulled out a large book and started flipping through the pages. “Since your marriage was arranged, I believe your family already had a date booked. Yes, here it is. Two weeks from today. Hilday, the twelfth of Aurdos… but, oh, this is unfortunate.”

“What is unfortunate?” asked Augustus.

“You were to present yourself with your wife a month before the date of the wedding, to verify that the wedding was to take place. It appears that you are late, and now, on that date, the main hall has been given to another couple, as an upgrade.” He glanced down to carefully read the document he was holding. “I recognize these names. They are nowhere near as prestigious as the two of you, but I remember them hearing the news that their wedding would be taking place in the main hall. Oh, they were so ecstatic with such joyous energy. Such a pity, as I would do anything for the Castellian family because of our temple’s close connection with your family. It will be a burden I must bear to break such terrible news to them.” The man looked down, both hands over his chest, pantomiming his sorrow.

“Then I must compensate you directly for the burden my negligence has placed on you.” Augustus reached into his robe, and brought out two silver coins and placed them on the desk. “For being so kind as to keep the date we were registered to.”

The man quickly reached under his desk to fetch a conveniently placed scale and coin-standard weight. He weighed the two coins, both of them passing the test. “I thank you graciously for this unnecessary gift. Your family has always been so generous with the temple.”

Augustus handed an envelope to the man and he started reading it.

“I see. This is a document of consummation. I take it by you handing this to me, you do not want to document a separate consummation here? It is quite important that your god’s representative witness your consummation, so that she may fully bless your union. We have a perfect place on the beach. Also, these names you have as witnesses, they are nowhere near the stature that someone as important as yourself should have.”

“I do not wish to put our child-making on display again. This document will suffice.” Augustus turned now to her. “I have no plans to challenge the marriage.”

“Very well, then I wish you a blessed union,” said the priest.

With that, they left, back into the empty main hall.

“You didn’t greet the priest,” said Augustus, quietly, in almost a whisper. He grabbed her hand and walked, dragging her along as he moved quickly, with purpose. “You should have said 'may the blessings of Aurelia be upon you' when he greeted us. It’s the same tradition as with a priest of Cyril so I assumed you would know that.”

“I’m… I’m sorry. I just didn’t want to interrupt.”

“It doesn’t matter. He wasn’t even a high priest, I don’t even know who that was, so it was an unimportant mistake. But it’s the small mistakes that are insidious in their own way, being so little to breed complacency. If you aren’t vigilant they will pile up and multiply.” Augustus stopped and turned to look directly at Marielle. “I see now how ill-prepared you are. Right now, you are nothing but a liability to me. A disaster awaits us at my family’s manse!” His eyes were intense.

“You’ve been acting so strangely,” she said, stopping herself, and in doing, pulling back Augustus. “You were kind on the ship.”

“We don’t have time to have a discussion here. You’ll understand soon enough. Everything has fallen apart here in my absence. I can’t coddle your ineptitude right now.” He pulled her arm, and she relented, following at the set pace.

They continued until a passing man in a turquoise robe stopped them. “Aurelia blesses you, ” the man said as he hugged Marielle. “The waters of Aurelia are always a blessing here.”

Augustus turned around in confusion, but when the hug was over he understood. “Oh, you’re crying.”

Once out of the temple, Augustus spoke again. “In the temple, crying is a type of prayer. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. But you must stop it before we go to the Castellian manse, and you must make every effort not to show any of your emotions while we are there.”