Chapter 14 - A Marriage Put on Trial
The challenge wasn't personal.
That almost made it worse.
A federal mining corporation claimed earlier territorial agreements gave it extraction rights.
Lawyers arrived.
Surveyors followed.
This time guns wouldn't solve anything.
Naya traveled with Elias to testify again.
She refused to let others speak for her.
Her English had become stronger.
When an attorney asked whether she understood property law, she answered:
“I understand when someone takes what is not theirs.”
The courtroom fell silent.
Documents supported her.
So did Taza's surveys.
Judge Whitaker ruled that the company had no valid claim under the fraudulent Calder transfers.
The valley remained protected.
Outside the courthouse, reporters surrounded Naya.
One asked about Elias.
“Is Mr. Mercer your legal representative?”
Naya smiled.
“No.”
“Your business partner?”
“No.”
“Then what is he?”
She looked at Elias.
“My husband.”
Elias raised a finger.
“Technically not until Saturday.”
Naya smiled.
“He slow.”
The quote appeared in newspapers.
By the time they returned, half the territory seemed to know their story.
Elias hated the attention.
Naya found it hilarious.
Their wedding was planned beside the river.
Simple.
No spectacle.
No expensive clothing.
Aiyana prepared Naya's dress.
Thomas somehow appointed himself best man without being asked.
Keme agreed to stand with Elias.
The morning before the ceremony, Elias woke to discover Naya gone.
His heart stopped.
He found a note.
RIVER.
COME ALONE.
Every old fear returned.
He ran.
Naya stood beside the water.
Safe.
Elias nearly collapsed.
“What happened?”
“Nothing.”
“You left that note like you'd been kidnapped!”
She frowned.
“I say river.”
“You could've written, ‘Good morning, Elias, please meet me by the river.’”
“Too many words.”
He stared.
Then laughed.
Naya took his hands.
“Tomorrow marriage.”
“Yes.”
“You afraid?”
“Yes.”
“Me too.”
That surprised him.
“Why?”
“Because happiness can leave.”
Elias understood.
He touched her cheek.
“Yes.”
Naya's eyes lowered.
“But we choose anyway?”
He remembered Sarah's letter.
He remembered the desert.
The first knife.
The first cup of water.
“Yes.”
Naya smiled.
“We choose anyway.”
The next morning, storm clouds gathered above the valley.
Rain began falling just before the ceremony.
Everyone ran for shelter.
Except Naya.
She stood laughing beneath the rain.
Elias joined her.
May you like
And they decided not to wait for the weather.
---
