The Enforcer's Bride

Chapter 10

Hannah

The week following the exam room incident, was a quiet re-introduction into the monotony I’d know for more than half my life. I’d graduated from the dirt floor cell to a small windowless initiate room about the size of a closet within the Enforcers building where I was brought two meals a day. I was given a small cot, sink, toilet bucket, and hook on the wall to hang my dress or night shirt. For the last few mind numbingly boring days I’d been forced to stay in the small room unless escorted down the hall to the shower. I could tell you how many bricks were in each wall and how many cracks were in the ceiling. I was close to even counting the threads in the sheets.

On the fifth day Sister Leah opened my door. “He is Salvation Hannah.”

“We are Saved,” answering dutifully and bowing my head, playing the part of 'reformed sinner.'

“Head Enforcer Jude is ready to see you.” My breath caught in my chest. Why does he need to see me? Is today the day? I tied my hair back in my kerchief and followed Sister Leah down a long series of hallways. Sister Leah lead me to a nicer part of the building, where I’d never been before. There was carpet on the floor and windows to look out on the training grounds. Enforcers were everywhere, marching in their training uniforms or walking along the hallways in their regular all black attire.

Sister Leah lead me into a small alcove with a seating area and knocked on a firm metal door, “Enter,” came a voice inside.

“Wait one moment,” Sister Leah instructed me and the door shut behind her. I examined the little waiting room, no stale magazines or stock photos like you may see in a real world doctors office. Sister Leah stepped out and held the door open, “You may enter, and” she added in a hushed tone, “be on your best behavior.”

“I can take it from here, thank you Sister.” Jude stood in the doorway, cleaning his glasses with a small cloth. It’s an old habit of his that after all these years he still hasn’t managed to shake. He was dressed in his Enforcer all black attire, smelling like a fresh shower.

“He is Salvation,” I bowed my head to Jude.

“We are Saved, Hannah please join me for a meal.” Jude motioned me to follow him inside his office where a small table had been set by his office window. Jude pulled out a seat and motioned for me to sit down. I sat and smoothed my pale yellow skirt dress over my knees. Jude sat down opposite of me and radioed for a maid to bring in the food cart. The maid unloaded covered dishes of steak, potatoes, greens, cornbread, every single food item made my mouth water. I stared at the full table in front of us, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen so much food meant for only one meal.

Jude smiled, “Do you like it?”

My breath caught, “How did you know…Did you remember that I liked all of these foods?”

“I’m glad I got it right, I was worried you’d adopted weird eating habits in the outside world. What do they call them? Vereans?” Jude teased.

I smiled, “Vegans. And no, it’d making baking too difficult.” Jude took my hand and a jolt of electricity went through my body. I immediately pulled it back like I’d been shocked.

“Will you allow me to bless the food?” Jude asked, holding his palms out for mine. I gingerly placed my hands in his large, calloused palms, his fingers engulfing mine and tracing little circles. I bowed my head and closed my eyes, trying to ignore how natural and good it felt to have my hands in his.

“We give thanks for a lost sheep returning to the fold, we give thanks for a union soon to be blessed, we give thanks for this food laid before us, amen.” Jude pulled back his hands and looked at me, “You may eat.” We ate in silence for a little while, the only sounds coming from forks scraping plates. I took a moment to look out the window, not realizing how much I'd missed seeing the sky. 

“Hannah I wanted to apologize for the way I’ve gone about certain things. I could’ve been more sensitive to your situation. I could’ve done things differently and I recognize this, I hope you will forgive me and allow me to be a good husband for you.” Jude pushed a wrapped kerchief toward me and I gently took it and unwrapped it.

“My bracelet,” I breathed, the same one Jude gave me before I ran away, “How did you…?”

“They found it in your things after the arrests, I took ownership of giving it to you. One good thing that came out of the debacle was after I plead my case to the Elder Council, justifying my actions on basis that couples, married or betrothed, should be able to display signs of their union, is now couples are allowed to give each other adornment to wear.” Jude shrugged, “Small, handmade items of course but it is progress.”

I traced my hands over the geometric markings, the smooth inner surface. I couldn’t believe he kept it, I wanted so badly to take it with me when I left, but I tried to take as little as possible to remind me of this prison. I slipped it gently onto my wrist, “It still fits.”

“It was made for you.”

“Jude, can I asking you something…I’ve been having nightmares, the death knots and the public square, did Abigail and Gabriel, did they see?” I could feel tears pricking the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill over. I couldn’t stomach the thought of my two innocent little sisters having to witness the fallout of my actions.

“Somehow a cart rolled directly in front of them blocking their view, so no they did not see.” Jude smiled at me conspiratorially. Relief washed over me and I bowed my head as tears spilled over my cheeks, of course he made sure my sisters were taken care of. Jude was always there, always helping. He wouldn’t want them to hurt, he loved my family too. Jude put his future on the line to give me a bracelet, and I left him at the temple. All he ever did was love me and I left him. He would sacrifice everything to give me anything.

“This is true love,” the little voice in my head whispered.

Before I could think twice, I knelt in front of Jude, took his hands in mine and said the words I should’ve said eight years ago.

“I am yours, you are my protector. I promise to share my body and strength. To support you in times of need, to be your place of solace and pleasure. This I promise to you until the end of my days.”