"When you said that I was allowed to look at you as much as I pleased…?" Jet started asking, breaking the silence.
"Yes…?"
"Did that mean you wanted to look at me as much as you pleased as well?"
'I mean, why else is she just staring at me like that?' Jet asked himself. It felt like she had stared at him for an eternity after he explained his reasoning behind keeping his name.
Now, he didn't necessarily mind it. He was just worried that she would forget to blink and tire her pretty eyes.
"I certainly don't mind the view," Taira said with a charming smile that sent an arrow straight into Jet's heart. It was a miracle he still breathed, a miracle brought on by Taira. He wouldn't forgive himself if he shamed himself by dying in front of her.
"Right. So, uh, does that mean you didn't know my name before you asked?" Taira's reaction had seemed too real for her to have known it before he introduced himself.
"Yes. Did the maids not tell you?"
"I'm sure they did, but I haven't heard a word from anyone since you asked me to marry you."
"Ah." For someone as green as Jet, he sure had a way with words.
"It is Nu tradition. Marriage is done on feeling, not knowledge. I saw you on my way to the capital. You saw me. I saw the look in your eyes. I could tell right then that I would not find a better man.
"So, I had us get married before I could discover anything that would make me doubt my decision. However, that also means that the first year of our marriage will be spent getting to know each other, learning the other's likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. A year from now, you will know me better than you know yourself, and I will know you better than you know yourself." Taira's voice was as light on Jet's ears as a peacock's feather. Just listening to her was enough to put him in a trance.
But this was serious business.
"I see." Jet nodded. According to Nu tradition, getting married was just the first step. It made sense.
"Nu marriage is…"
"Until death."
Neither Taira nor Jet would be getting out of it anytime soon.
"Are you sure you won't regret choosing me?" Jet asked worriedly. Someone like Taira could have anyone in the world, and Jet had a feeling she would still be without equal.
"If I were going to regret it, I wouldn't have chosen you. But it's up to you whether I'm disappointed with my choice or if I take pride in it," She said teasingly.
Unfortunately, Jet took her words completely seriously.
"I won't let you down!" He said, thumping his hand against his chest.
Taira nodded with a mysterious expression.
"Don't worry, Husband. I'll be there every step of the way to make sure you rise to the highest of expectations."
Jet felt the pressure on his shoulders double, but it wasn't any heavier than the plow Auntie made him pull when he got in fights.
Right then, Taira's gaze shifted to Jet's broad shoulders.
"Have you ever worn a suit, Husband?"
***
Jet thought back to one week and one day ago. It was the moment his life would change forever. Until a day ago, he was convinced it was for the better. Right now, he wasn't so sure.
It was a day like any other. He had been whacking away at and pulling weeds out of the ground when a carriage stopped on the road leading past their fields. Jet turned to look out of curiosity.
Carriages rarely passed by, and he hadn't even noticed it approach. And when he saw the majestic, snow-white steeds pulling the carriage, he couldn't help but look at the door in the center.
He doubted a noble classy enough to have such fine horses pull a carriage would deign to step out in the middle of nowhere for no reason. But he still looked.
How fortunate he was that he was wrong. Otherwise, he would have never been blessed with the sight of the most beautiful woman ever.
The door opened, and a silver-haired fairy walked out with steps as graceful as flower petals dancing on a moonlit pond's still surface.
She looked at him. He looked at her.
He quickly averted his gaze. She wasn't someone a guy like him could look at freely.
'Will you marry me?' She said with a voice like diamond honey.
Jet didn't understand what was happening. Fortunately, Auntie and Uncle, who were working nearby, did.
They rushed over. Auntie smacked the backs of his knees, while Uncle bowed his head.
He hadn't heard anything once he realized she was asking him. But apparently, Uncle and Auntie had shouted yes with more fervor than when they had their greatest harvest year.
The week following that sudden proposal had been a chaotic, hustling, bustling mess. Preparations were made. Grooms were groomed and prepared. Traditions were being shared and ignored.
Guests were invited. Feasts were prepared. Bells were rung. Fireworks were shot into the sky.
Throughout it all, Jet was in a daze, mindlessly going along with it all, nothing but Taira's appearance on his mind.
Right now, he wanted to return to a dazed state where time and space flowed past him like he was a steady rock in the middle of a river.
Unfortunately, Taira told him to sharpen up, focus, and do his best as her Husband.
How could he do anything else when she asked so sweetly?
Jet looked at the crowd below. His free hand held onto the railing like he was about to fall off a building. His other arm was being held by Taira.
The crowd below all looked at them.
"Now entering, Lady Nu and her husband!" Someone announced their arrival, not that it was necessary.
Jet only heard it because they said Taira's name.
"Did I ever tell you that I'm not good with parties, Taira?" Jet asked.
"Yes. You've said it twice since we arrived, Husband."
"Oh. Then, I'll say it again. I'm not good with parties."
"It's part of your duties as my Husband, Husband."
"Suddenly, I feel like I excel at parties."
"As long as you don't party too hard. Do you remember what we practiced?"
"We practiced?"
Taira was starting to get a little worried. This party was important, after all.
But then she looked Jet up and down. He looked very good. As long as he stayed silent, they didn't have anything to worry about.