Lani was furious. Tomorrow, she was going to be presented to a man she had never met, yet was going to have to marry. She waited until the household fell asleep and quietly tiptoed to the camp where her intended was sleeping.

It wasn't hard to find his tent. The large blue tent dominated the tiny encampment. Cautiously, she made her way to it, noticing the light glowing within.

Was it possible her intended was still awake? Perhaps she could learn something of him.

A low voice rumbled the edge of the tent, "I hope she's a docile creature who knows her place."

"I have no patience for someone who walks a step behind me, Edwin. Why would you wish for it?"

The voice was arrogant, haughty, "I have no tolerance for a spirited woman. They always argue with you."

Lani's heart sank. This Edwin was going to hate her. With a deep sigh, she returned to her room. It didn't matter what he thought of her. Her father wasn't going to let her out of it.

The next morning, she allowed herself to be dressed. By the time her father arrived to escort her to be presented, Lani had made her peace with the situation.

As she was led into the meeting hall, she noticed the visiting entourage was already waiting. They bowed formally as she entered on her father's arm. She quickly surveyed the assembled group, trying to determine which one was attached to the deep voice she had heard the night before, the one she was certain was her new husband.

Her father stopped in the center of the room, and Lani's eyes dropped to the floor of their own free will.

"Lord Sel, I am most pleased to present my daughter Lani." Her father's gentle tone rumbled in the empty space. 'Sel? What about Edwin?'

Silence followed, and then Lani felt a gentle pair of hands wrap around hers and guide it to a pair of warm lips. "My lady, I am honored."

Lani froze. This wasn't the arrogant voice from the tent. This was the other voice, a rich tenor. Hesitantly, she brought her eyes up to meet his. Through the veil, she could see he was handsome.

He removed the veil and smiled faintly. In his eyes, she could see disappointment. He had hoped for a strong-willed woman, and she was too quiet. "Thank you, my lord."

Lord Sel offered his arm to his new bride. Lani took his arm so commandingly that he nearly jumped. He then looked down into her eyes and saw the fire there. She noticed his smile radiated with warmth and sincerity.

"is there something wrong, Lord Sel?" Lani could tell in her father's worried tone that he couldn't see the prince's face.

That same warm tenor thought wished for an independent woman the night before spoke again, "No, my lord. Everything is perfect."

Lani smiled.