However, even though Loriel said those sweet vows aloud for everyone to hear, he found the need to clarify it to Elise.
The temple priest approached them and gave Loriel the second goblet for him to use and the jug of wine.
"Elise, today, I married you to fulfill the agreement between our two mothers," he said underneath his breath so nobody else would hear it except for her. "I promise to always care for you and to protect you for as long as we live. And I will keep my promise because I am a man of my word."
Loriel said those words as he poured the wine into their cups and asked Elise to drink to finalize the wedding rituals.
Elise forced a smile as she tried hard to hold back her tears from falling down to her cheeks. She was well aware that Loriel didn't mention anything about love. He didn't love her now, and he didn't say that he would.
