Alan grimaced. "I had hoped my father would forget this marriage nonsense, but evidently it is not to be."
"Indeed not."
"You sound as if you agree with my father." Alan frowned. "I expected your loyalty to lie with me."
"As it always does," the old man placated. "I love you as if you were my own son."
"Then why do you speak to me in such a fashion?"
Cademon shrugged. "Is it not obvious? Since Nealon's death, you are your father's heir. You must marry and produce offspring. I would not have chosen such a way as prison to bring you to your senses, but did you not know that eventually your father would require you to marry?"
"I gave it very little thought."
"I have heard good things about the Lady Morgane. Perhaps you will grow to love her."
"Doubtful."
Cademon tapped Alan's knee. "Your father needs this marriage, Alan. It will cement the alliance between our people and King Maccus. We need this alliance. Since you went away, the Baronis to the north have grown bolder in their attempts to take your father's northernmost provinces."
"And Maccus lives on our northern border," Alan finished.
"Yes."
Alan's face hardened. "Did my father send you to me?"
Cademon flushed and nodded. "I will not lie. He did send me. He wants me to report on your willingness to obey."
"And what will you tell him?"
"That you are a loyal son who understands the necessity of the marriage and will do his part to produce heirs for the kingdom." Cademon smiled at him and rose from his chair. "Your father was wrong to send you to prison as he did, but all of that is now ended. Take your rightful place at his side.”
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Wow, what a dilemma for the hero in this story!
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued....thanks for sharing, and thanks for visiting my blog.
Powerful dynamic between father & son. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteWow, Elaine, this reads well. When is this one coming out?
ReplyDeleteI'm doing edits now. I don't have a date yet.
ReplyDeleteSuch a bad situation, for all concerned. But arranged marriages have been round since the beginning of time probably. I hope the prince makes the wise decision--though I'm not even sure what decision would be wisest! Excellent sample!
ReplyDeleteYou are such a versatile writer, best wishes with this new venture, it sounds intriguing. A father sending his son to prison for not falling in with his wishes? No wonder Alan is not impressed with this demand he marry to order.
ReplyDeleteHe's really caught in a dilemma!
ReplyDelete