There was rustling and then the door opened and closed. Qina wrapped her arms around me.
"If he hurts you, I'll kill him. I swear it. I'll take one of those guns and put a hole into his head."
I leaned against her.
"He survived the the world war and the hyenas, and he's the most feared fighter in this country. He'd kill you first before you even raise your gun."
She shrugged.
"I'd do it for you."
I pulled back.
"You're still my little sister. I should protect you."
"We will protect each other," she whispered.
"Our bond is stronger than their stupid oaths and and their blood vows."
"I don't want to leave you. I hate that I have to move to this country."
Qina swallowed.
"I'll visit often. Father will be glad to be rid of me."
There was a knock and Mother walked in.
"It's time." She scanned our faces but didn't comment.
Qina took a step back, eyes burning into me. Then she turned and walked out.
Mother's eyes zoomed in on the white lace garter on my vanity.
"Do you need help putting it on?"
I shook my head and slid it up until it came to rest on my upper thigh.
Later tonight, Fu Shao would remove it with his mouth and throw it into the group of gathered bachelors. I smoothed down my wedding dress.
"Come," Mother said.
"Everyone's waiting." She handed me my flower bouquet, a beautiful arrangement of white roses, mother of pearl roses, and daisy.
We walked in silence through the empty house, my heels clacking on the marble floors.
My heart was pounding in my chest as we stepped through the glass sliding door onto the veranda overlooking the backyard and the ocean.
The front of the garden was occupied by the huge white pavilion where the wedding ceremony would be held. But behind the pavilion dozens of tables had been set up for the following feast.
Voices carried over to me from inside the pavilion where the guests were waiting for my arrival.
A path of white rose petals led from the veranda toward the entrance of the pavilion. I followed mother into the small room between the outside and the main part of the pavilion.
Father was waiting and straightened when we entered. Mother gave him the briefest nod before slipping into the makeshift chapel.
His smile was earnest when he offered me his arm. "You look beautiful," he said quietly.
"Fu Shao won't know what hit him."
I ducked my head.
"Thanks, Father."
"Be a good wife, Su Shen Mi. He is powerful and once he takes his father's place, his word will be law. Make me proud, make the Su Clans proud."
I nodded, my throat too tight for words. The music started to play, a string quartet and a piano.
Father lowered my veil. I was glad for the extra layer of protection, no matter how thin.
Maybe it would hide my expression from afar.
Father led me toward the entrance and gave a low command. The fabric was pulled apart, revealing the long aisle and the many hundred guests to either side of it.