Free Possessing Allura by Reese Gabriel

words, ancient and unchanging, memorized by every child as an early warning against future misdemeanors.
    â€˜Accused, by the graciousness of the gods, there is one chance open to you for redemption from your sentence,’ her uncle pronounced. ‘Should the man you offended claim you as his bride, then you shall be neither killed nor enslaved. Instead, you will be delivered over and made subject to him in all things. Do you understand this reality?’
    Allura quavered at the word ‘subject’. She had not thought of marriage in such terms. Surely such a thing would be unenforceable. ‘I understand, yes.’
    â€˜And you further acknowledge that this man is under no obligation to take you? That he may, if he wishes, cast you away?’
    Her, cast away? Never. ‘I know all this, yes,’ she said, somewhat curtly.
    â€˜In that case, before the gods and these witnesses,’ recited Fortragian, ‘I now require you to acknowledge your indebtedness to this man. You must now beseech him.’
    Allura drew her shoulders back proudly. Now would she begin to recoup herself; now would she shine as she ought, dazzling the loathsome man and all the others. Surely even the likes of this iron-hearted baron would melt in the face of such a largess on her part. Weak as her position might be, given that the man could have her or not, there could be no mistaking the honor befalling him.
    â€˜I, Princess Al… I, Allura,’ she corrected herself, ‘do beseech you, Baron Montreico, to accept my favors, knowing that I humbly seek to belong to you in the state of matrimony, before the gods and these witnesses, till death do us part.’ She paused briefly before adding the following sentiment of her own to the formula. ‘Marry me, baron, by the light of my blue eyes under witness of my beating heart, and let us rule together, now and always.’
    A murmur went through the assembly, and Allura allowed herself a discreet smile.
    â€˜Baron, having heard these proceedings, being aware of your rights and privileges, are you prepared to render your decision?’
    â€˜I am,’ he replied without emotion.
    â€˜In that case,’ Fortragian declared, ‘I bid you speak.’
    â€˜I, Baron Montreico, son of Alexo, do hereby reject this female,’ said he, ‘in front of any gods and witnesses you may wish to present… now and forever.’
    Allura felt as though the floor gave way beneath her, and in a swirl of velvet she collapsed, her attendants rushing to her.
    â€˜Good day,’ bowed the baron to the grand duke. ‘Your hospitality has been most appreciated.’
    Allura heard the retreating footsteps. ‘Get off me, you imbeciles!’ she snapped, slapping away the many hands fawning over her. ‘Montreico, I forbid you to leave this room! Do you hear me? I will not permit it.’ He had reached the door. ‘I… wait, please. Don’t go.’
    This final entreaty caused him to stop, and he turned, a look of interest on his face. ‘What reason have I to stay, princess, when my decision is made?’
    â€˜But you must marry me; unmake your decision.’
    â€˜Are you giving me an ultimatum?’
    Allura’s heart pounded. She had not fully realized until this exact moment how little leverage she had anymore. ‘No,’ she sought to swallow her venom, ‘I intend no disrespect. I only ask that we have a chance to discuss the matter. Alone.’
    Her head span with ideas. There was much she could offer in the way of bribes. With her at his side, as an ally, he could become king, powerful and effective. And she would rule behind the scenes. But first she must survive as a free woman.
    â€˜Anything to be said may be done so in the presence of this court,’ he stated uncompromisingly, returning to stand in front of her.
    She looked around at the inquisitive, nosey onlookers. A pin could be heard to drop amidst the