He hugged her, laughing softly. "It's all for you. I'll make our bond grand."
Her face lit up, though she didn't reply.
The day after Isabella broke her bond with Adrian, Stone Manor burst into celebration. Red lanterns and streamers decked the halls, as if shouting to all of Belmor Town that a new bond was being forged.
The manor's spending soared past its usual limits. Watching Sylvia pick out the priciest decorations, Adrian teased, "What happened to the ten-cent-a-day rule?"
Sylvia laughed, a playful lilt in her voice. "That's for normal days. This is our binding ceremony, Adrian. You wouldn't skimp on my dowry, would you?"
Adrian wouldn't dream of it. A cheap ceremony would be a disgrace. But before he could agree, a sharp voice cut through.
"Is your binding day worth more than
