Becoming Calder (A Sign of Love Novel)(85)

It was so unusual it alarmed me.
Hector leaned back in his chair, regarding me with a small smile on his face. "I hear your bridal gown is coming along nicely."
I looked down. "Yes, my veil is complete. It's lovely. Of course, it means all the more that I have something handmade by Maya Raynes."
Hector was quiet for a minute. "Yes, Maya Raynes." He looked out the window thoughtfully. "Even the gods make mistakes sometimes. It's up to us to create balance. It pleases them. It makes us worthy."
My eyes flew to his. "Mistakes?"
Hector raised his eyebrows. "Surely you noticed the mistake Maya Raynes was?"
I blinked at him, sadness and anger rising in my chest. "I didn't see Maya as a mistake," I said. "She was a beautiful, talented girl."
Hector regarded me. "You're very generous with your praise, Eden, a lovely trait. It never ceases to amaze me how very pure you are."
You know nothing of me, I thought. You're blind to who I am.
I looked down at my hands, wanting nothing more than to leave Hector's office. "What can I do for you, Father?"
"First, stop calling me Father. Call me Hector now as I've already asked you."
I cleared my throat. "Yes, Hector."
"Good. Now speaking of Maya Raynes, I have some good news. Her brother, Calder Raynes will be married in the Temple a little over a month from now. I'd schedule it sooner, but the workers need a little time to prepare a proper wedding."
My heart dropped into my feet and my eyes flew to Hector. "What?" I croaked out.
Hector looked to his left, out the large window. "You're going to be my wife, Eden, in this life and the one after. As the leader of Acadia, I won't seek your council. But you are allowed to know my reasons, and especially on this matter, I think it prudent that you do."
I sat silent, still trying to wrap my brain around what Hector had just said. Surely this was some kind of mistake, trick? "Married to whom, Fa—Hector?" My throat felt like it was closing up.
"To Hannah Jacobson. She was born here, just like Calder. She's only seventeen, but her father has consented to her marriage."
I conjured a vision of Hannah . . . the small, dark-haired girl with the pretty smile who had caused me a moment of intense jealousy the year before. I sat up straighter. "And why are you telling me about this?" I asked. Hector had never called me to his office to tell me about the unions of the workers before.
Hector steepled his fingers and regarded me for a minute. "When I built Acadia, it was my vision that this be a place of peace and harmony for those who chose to make their home. The lucky ones are the ones who don't have to adjust to life here. It's all they've ever known. However, what I neglected to consider is that young men, especially, need continued purpose. I tried to give Calder Raynes that by appointing him my personal water bearer, but that didn't work and I excused him from that position. I don't often make mistakes, but I've watched him grow increasingly dissatisfied with Acadia. I've watched him stray from our righteous path. And if Calder, a boy," he paused, "no, a man now, whom many other boys look up to, begins to stray, what will that do? It will cause them to consider straying as well. The balance here, the harmony, will cease to exist. Clearly, our family can't have that if we're to stay intact, strong, and free of sin. Do you agree, Eden?"
I stared at him. I clasped my hands in my lap, attempting to control the trembling. "I just don't understand what marriage has to do with this, Hector?" I looked down.
"Marriage and family, they focus a man, give him purpose, something bigger than himself. The gods have spoken to me and they have made it clear it's what Calder Raynes needs." He paused, a storm passing over his face. "Him especially. He has sin and evil in him, Eden. You have no idea." He paused, his expression going neutral again. "It's my job to care for my family, and although Calder has disappointed me, it's my duty to help him back onto the righteous path. I believe a wife will do that. I suggested it to him, and he agreed."
I swallowed. "He agreed?" I whispered.
"Yes, he did, quite enthusiastically so."
"But . . . his sister just died," I said, feeling bile rise up in my throat. Please don't let me be sick right here. This couldn't be right. This was all some kind of mistake. Calder was taking me and leaving here. He wasn't marrying someone else. Calder loved me. Doubt crept in. Had Maya's death done something to Calder's commitment to leave here with me? Dread settled in my belly, and a heavy lump rose up my throat.