Another bit from the WIP

This is Dutch's betrothal scene. It goes before the scene I posted previously, the one where he is seven years old.

In the Free Spacer nation, betrothal is a pretty serious step. Fiances with benefits. So why are young people signed up for it, pretty much without their consent? Because compatibility is much less important than genetics. I tossed the data dump which explained all this in detail, though I hope there are enough hints left for people to understand.

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"Dutch!" Mary Estalina was at his side, and then she was on him with a full-body embrace – her hips, breast, and lips pushed hard against his body. They stayed that way until the crowd began to cheer. Then she turned and held his hand high. "Dutch Parseman."

There were comments, mutters, and the sound of spoons hitting glasses. Mary Estalina turned and stunned Dutch with another full kiss.

"Hey, hey, let’s have the ceremony first," Scalia stepped forward and pulled them apart, then pushed them toward a raised platform in the center of the room. A priest stood there, dressed not only in dark blue robes, but also a short white tunic and colorful stole. A matronly woman stood there as well, holding a bouquet of flowers.

Mary Estalina hopped up and accepted the bouquet. Scalia followed her, then reached back to help Dutch up. He was aware that Lucan came up behind him. Another thing Dutch did not wish for – but no one was giving him a choice today.

The priest smiled and held out the book in his hands. "We are gathered today to witness the promises given, between this man and this woman, to join each to the other in the sight of God and man. From this day forth, each is to forsake all others and hold himself or herself chaste for the other. On this day we shall witness a commitment to the union of flesh and souls of these two children of God. Do you, Dutch Parseman, vow before God and witnesses that you will take this woman to be your wife, in the fullness of time, to give her children and comfort to the end of your days?"

"Er," said Dutch.

Lucan leaned forward and whispered in his ear. "Say, I do."

Was a vow made under duress binding? Dutch swallowed hard. "I do."

"And do you, Mary Estalina, vow before God and witnesses that you will take this man to be your husband, in the fullness of time, to be the father of your children and comfort to the end of your days?"

"I do!"

"Then, as a sign of this commitment, each of you is to add your family’s pin to the other tag."

Dutch felt Lucan press a green pin into his hand. Mary Estalina took a brown pin from the woman. She thrust her chest forward, inviting Dutch to attach his pin to her tag first. He did so, his fingers brushing her breast. Her smile made him blush.

Then she reached over and fastened her pin to his tag, and her fingers deliberately stroked his chest.

The priest cleared his throat and turned the page. "Kneel before God, and prepare to receive his blessings. The parents may now lay their hands upon their children."

As Dutch felt Lucan’s head on his crown, he wondered about this man who had vowed himself to one woman, given himself to another, then left them both to join the church. Not an example of fidelity, was he? So why was she the harlot?