"Your father won't agree," Martha said. "He wants the ceremony to be grand, impressive. A quick wedding looks suspicious."
"Then we'll give him what he wants during the day and do the real binding in secret." Draven looked at Martha. "You said you studied with priestesses. Can you perform a shadow marriage?"
Martha's eyes widened. "That's old magic. Forbidden in most kingdoms."
"But possible?"
"Yes. But it requires both parties to willingly give themselves to the darkness. There's no going back from it." Martha looked between them. "Are you both sure about this? A shadow marriage is more permanent than any royal ceremony. It binds your souls, not just your lives."
Elaria's heart raced. "What does that mean exactly?"
"It means you'll feel what he feels. Think what he thinks. When one
