Free Eternal Vows by Chrissy Peebles

finally came to your senses.”
    “Well, Victor, sitting in a cold dungeon will do that to a girl—that and threats of execution will nudge a gal in the right direction.”
    “You’re taking all of this rather calmly. Your reputation preceded you, and I expected more of a fight.”
    “My father doesn’t care if I live or die, so I hope he chokes on my new title.” She smiled inwardly. Getting into character wasn’t as hard as she thought.
    “That’s the spirit! You would never have been queen in your own kingdom. I have a feeling your mother is going to hold on to that title for a long time.”
    “Exactly, and that’s why I’ve decided to take this wonderful opportunity, though I must admit I would have preferred a bit more romance and a proper courting.” She blinked her lashes, amused. “May I give you some dating…er, courting advice, my King?”
    “You may.” A note of amusement rang in his tone.
    “It works best to woo a girl and sweep her off her feet rather than throw her in a dungeon. When you propose, try kneeling and stating your undying love. That works better than threatening your future bride with impending death or impregnating her with ten kids.”
    Victor laughed, the delicious dimples forming on his cheeks again. “You’re here to marry me, are you not?”
    She bit her lip. “Guess you got me there,” she said, knowing she didn’t have much of a choice.
    He inched closer, a shadow passing over his features as he peered into her eyes. “You know the consequences of the ring, yet you are still willing to move forward with the marriage?”
    Yeah, she knew the consequences. She’d wear a ball and chain for a few hours before she cut it off with a hacksaw and ran as far away from the guy as she could—no matter how gorgeous he was. “I’m aware.”
    “I knew you were, but I had to make sure. I wouldn’t want you to blame me for…” He winced slightly. “Keeping it from you.”
    Whoa! Is there more to this thing than he’s letting on, more to it than what that Jules told Frank? She thought maybe she could play up the amnesia angle, leftover from the bump on the head. She narrowed her eyes to tiny slits, considering her words. “Uh, just to be on the safe side, would you be so kind and refresh my memory? Things are a little fuzzy from the fall.”
    He nodded. “Of course, my love. It’s said that—”
    A knock on the door interrupted him.
    Victor held up a hand. “Ah, the priest. I want this done quickly.”
    Sarah grabbed hold of his arm. “Wait! What about your bad conscious? You wouldn’t want me to blame you later, would you?”
    He laughed, motioning in a short man with white, thinning hair. He was dressed in a wide-sleeved, kimono-style, monk’s robe with a knotted rope belt tied at the waist.
    Victor shut the door, then met Sarah’s gaze. “All royalty knows about the ring’s secrets. And I’m certain you wouldn’t forget something so important. Let’s get started.”
    “You don’t waste time,” she said. “Nothing says love better than a shotgun wedding.”
    The priest bowed. “It’s nice to meet you, Princess.”
    She nodded. Frank had better be right about this ring being the key we need to get outta here. I hope his sources really are reliable, because if I go through with this all for nothing, I’m gonna kick his butt into the next century!
    “Is anyone else attending the ceremony?” the priest asked.
    “No, Father,” Victor said.
    Sarah chuckled and motioned around her. “I think the only guests we have are the guards.”
    “I need you to stand to my left, and King Victor, please stand to the right,” the priest continued.
    Sarah moved into position, butterflies dancing in her stomach. Can I really go through with this? Staring at all the polished swords and shields hanging on the wall, she gulped. She’d always planned to get married in a church filled with smiling friends and family, not alone on some King Arthur movie set. And what’s