A Court of Myths and Mountains

Chapter 5-A Brother's Consent

Duskarttem entered the family dining hall. His wife, Gurenda, stayed home with their children as usual. She hated doing anything related to the family she married into. There was a time when the Dusk Prince thought they were in love, at least until they were married. His beautiful bride turned into a bitter wife once it was guaranteed she would be rich and comfortable forever. All of it is a trick for a life of luxury she refuses to work for.

They were not mates, of course, but he hoped they would be. Prayed the bound had not clicked yet, and once it did, everything would be fine. They had children, after all. However, the only thing that insured was the need for them. Duskarttem had to hold on to memories of when he thought himself in love till all he could think of was being used just to conceive them. Still, he loved his child. He only wished he gave them a better mother.

Lord Seth and young lord Riemac stood near the table. They had brought many gifts that they piled high on the table. Duskarttem knew why, of course, as did his parents. Just as they knew why his sister was elsewhere for the evening. The lord sat and waited for the two males to begin their request.

Riemac had grown to be a handsome male as fae where handsome. Brown eyes were set his his sharp face. Light brown hair was layered to his ears, and a strand always lay in front of his face on the left side. He was a man of duty like his father but far more kindred.

Seth watched his son carefully in case he needed to intervene or cut in. However, Riemac was never shy to speak. "My Highlady, my lords, it is with truest affecting and love I make this request. The heiress Lady Dysmas has been a companion of mine since our infancy, and I wish to become more permanent companions. I have had the honor of her friendship and love for many years and have grown in me. We are not mates, but the thought..." Riemac choked up, "...I could not bear the thought of Dizzy loving anyone else and leaving me... her companion behind. She has been with me my whole life, and with me my whole life, I wish she'd remain."

Lord Seth felt this was a good idea to point out the political advantages as if we didn't know them. Duskarttem truly believed the boy cared for his sister and could be a fine lord of Dusk. He believed his own wife as well. Duskarttem was not particularly moved by the proposal, "Riemac, I don't think you understand. You will remain by her side. Not the other way around..."

They boy nodded to acknowledge he understood, "Forgive Duskar, but I only meant that being with her, she will be with me. I understand that as Highlady, I am to support her. As her husband, I would only want to be near her." Duskarttem sneered at the nickname, but his face softened when Riemac smiled, say, "Her husband, " like a love sick man. Like Duskarttem did before he was married.

With a sigh, Duskarttem concluded to consent, "I truly believe you sincere...brother. I know she will be happy with you as long as you agree to make her." He stood to pat the boy on the shoulder then grabbed it hard, "And you will agree till you are food and die. One way, or another!"

Riemac nodded again quickly. Duskarttem sat again, feeling horribly sick. A bad marriage was one thing he vowed to protect his baby sister and future Highlady from. His parents, too, quickly consented to the marriage after pressing the importance of heirs. They have loved Riemac for many years and often talk about having him for a son in law. Duskarttem knew he would be the only one to see reason if Riemac was not the right match.
All that is left now is for Riemac to propose to Dysmas, and for her to say yes. Duskarttem made up his mind that if she said no, he would support her. If the boy can not take rejection well, Duskarttem would commit violence for her. His sister was no mere wife for producing heirs. She was a lady. She was her husband's Highlady!