"I feel fine, sir—I'm just not embarrassed by his display, the way I'd have expected, and I … admire Colonel Cortin's work, which I wouldn't have expected at all."
"Just how strong is this admiration, Lieutenant?"
Keith looked from Ranger to Inquisitor and back, his expression answering Medart's question before he spoke. "Strongly enough that if I thought there was any chance of acceptance, I would offer her my fealty."
Cortin looked at him thoughtfully, then smiled. "If that means what I believe it does, Lieutenant, you'd be in no danger of refusal."
Keith returned the smile, then acted on her promise and knelt. "Colonel Joan Cortin, I wish you as my chosen lady, if that should be your will. I offer all that is in me to give: body and mind, will and honor, whatever courage is mine. And death itself may not deny the service I offer, in whatever afterlife is to come."
Oh, dear God! Odeon thought in a mixture of fear and awe. An oath like that, to the acting Protector? And Ivan's prediction that the true one could come from the Empire, which he'd accepted without really believing. And the timing—over four months ago, Shayan had declared himself their reluctant and temporary ally, informing them the true Protector would manifest in less than six months. He sent that ally a thought. *It has to be Keith, doesn't it?*
He felt Shayan exploring his recent memories, then agreement. *It would seem so. I cannot say when or how the exchange will be made, however.*
*Then will come what you've been calling the decision point.*
*Indeed. Were I you, I would increase my devotional activities, particularly the Mass—I give you leave to say it as often as you wish—the Rosary, and the Litany of the archangel whose name you share. Now I would recommend you get back to work.*
*Yes, Your Holiness.* Odeon's attention returned to his surroundings in time to see Cortin extend her hands to Keith, smiling.