Bel could taste bile in her throat as the Head Mage recited their vows. Davien's gaze never veered from her face and he said, "I do," while maintaining the same intense eye contact with her.
Bel knew that if he was the right groom she would be genuinely moved by his response. With his serious look, his intense stare, and the slight crack in his voice as if overcome with emotion, he had his act played to perfection.
She heard the Head Mage say her name as he got to her part and she stood stiff as a rock, her body rigid. She would have to say her response in less than five seconds and that would seal the deal.
Every eye was on her, she could tell. She could feel their stares as though they were touching her and it made her want to turn and run out the hall but she wondered how far she would get before someone stopped her.