Daughter of Ice and Fire

Seventeen

"I think it's time you married." King Vesterfahl slid a single piece of parchment across the table, a satisfied smirk on his face. "I've composed a list of those suitable to marry the Prince of Crusseria."

Averit stared at his father in shock and uttered the first thing that popped into his head. "No. I refuse."

The King's face darkened as he tapped the sheet impatiently. "You will. And it will be to one of the women on this list."

Averit retreated slightly. Pushing his father too far would make the man choose one of the women himself. Knowing his father's penchant for revenge, he could only imagine who it might be. With shaky hands, he picked up the parchment and scanned the list.

"You can't be serious?" he asked, looking up with wide eyes.

"I most certainly am." King Vesterfahl sat back, his smirk growing even larger. Averit glanced at the list again, preparing his argument despite his shock at the names. Swallowing hard, he pitched his voice so it sounded natural.

"Why is it so important I marry now? You've never said anything before."

"You need an heir. And not some bastard whelp you got on a tavern wench. A legitimate heir."

"I understand that at some point, I'll be expected to marry and produce an heir. But you're healthy, as am I. So why the sudden urgency?"

King Vesterfahl rose and walked to the window with his hands clasped behind his back. "As I grow older, I realize how fragile life really is. I won't live forever, son, and I have been thinking more and more about my legacy. About our legacy.

"You're correct, Right now, death does not stand toe-to-toe with either of us. But that could change in an instant. Should something happen to me, you would become King. But what happens if you die before I do? Then the kingdom is left with no heir. Marrying now and producing a son will ensure an unbroken line without Crusseria falling into war."

Averit's senses went on high alert. His father rarely referred to him as son. When he did, it usually meant something else was at play. His father's logic seemed airtight, but he knew there was something just below the surface. Whatever it was, it wasn't good. He scanned the list a third time, addressing his father's back.

"You make a valid point, Father." Two could play this game. "However, if the object is for me to produce an heir, then several of the names on this list should be removed."

The King continued to stare out the window. "Who do recommend be stricken? And why?"

Averit heard the warning in his father's voice. King Vesterfahl did not take kindly to being challenged. Especially by his son. But the names he had chosen should be removed simply because they wouldn't achieve the result his father supposedly sought. Telling his father this might prod the man into revealing what this was actually about.

"Dame Matylda is in her fiftieth year, well past childbearing. Lord Roulf's girls are only seven and ten. And Lady Ancrete is already betrothed."

"Betrothals can be broken. The older girl will be of childbearing age in a few years. And Dame Matylda has two sons."

Averit hid his horror. "Marrying one of Lord Roulf's girls will not give you what you seek. At least not for several years. And I will not make another woman's son my heir, especially Dame Matylda's. As far as Lady Ancrete is concerned, the betrothal could be broken. But she is set to marry the son of Lord Danrys. He just happens to be the wealthiest noble in Crusseria. The marriage was arranged over ten years ago and Lady Ancrete is in love with her betrothed. Her father will not willingly agree to this change in plans."

"Both Lords will do as I say," his father replied, finally turning from the window. "As will you."

"Father, I understand the need for me to produce an heir. But please let me choose my bride. If you force Lady Ancrete into marrying me, it will anger not one but two Houses. And I will have a bride who will resent me for the rest of my days. However, if you allow me to choose my own bride, I can choose someone who will remain loyal to our house and will not cause strife or go fomenting a rebellion."

"You have had years to find a bride, son, yet you haven't shown any interest in finding one. My patience has run out. Since you seemed more interested in bedding maids and servants, I took it upon myself to find someone more suitable. Be grateful I'm giving you a choice."

Averit stared at his father, trying to puzzle out why the man seemed so insistent on the one name. If the King was serious about the other three names, he would have offered them when he objected to these four. That meant his father had not added them as serious contenders and he wondered what would happen if he chose one of them instead. But looking at the remaining three, he shuddered. His father knew he would only choose one of them if he had no other choice. Part of him was surprised his father hadn't insisted on one of those three, knowing how much he would hate it. Then he remembered his father loved cruel games. The crueler the better. Behind every game he played, there was a darker purpose. One that served King Vesterfahl first. The other player's feelings were of no import.

Averit scanned the remaining names a third time. Only one would actually be able to bear a child anytime in the near future yet insisting on marriage with her was sure to cause problems. In addition, it would alienate the two most powerful Lords in the Kingdom. His father watched, his expression unreadable.

Averit suddenly understood. His anger flared and he tamped it down, remaining emotionless as well.

"Am I to be given any other choice?"

"What do you think?" An evil smile lit his father's face.

He bowed his head without answering, seeming to submit to his father's demand. But even if he appeared to agree, his mind was working furiously. He might not ever be able to find a way to avoid the marriage, but if there was any possibility of it, he needed time. Delaying the actual nuptials might give him the chance to ensure his other plans were able to bear fruit.

"As you wish, Father. But I suggest this not be hurried. Something like this should be handled delicately, especially if we want to avoid causing a civil war. That's a very real possibility should any of the other Houses side with Lord Danrys and Lord Hamonet. In addition, I would like to attempt to woo Lady Ancrete. It might make her more agreeable to the marriage even if she is forced into it."

King Vesterfahl tapped his chin with one finger, seeming to consider it. Averit could see his father wasn't happy with the suggestion but pointing out that the other Nobles might oppose him made him stop and think. One or two Lords he could frighten into doing his bidding but if several Houses joined together, he could very well lose.

"Very well. But Averit, I warn you. This marriage will happen. Within a year. By the Summer Birth Festival and not one day later."

Averit dipped his chin in acknowledgment. "May I take my leave, sir? I have some things I must attend to immediately. Royal nuptials are not something to be taken lightly." He flashed his father a huge if insincere grin.

"Very well," his father responded, waving a hand as dismissal. "But I expect regular reports."

Dipping his chin once more, Averit hid his anger and bowed. Turning, he opened the door and stepped into the hall.

"And son, I will be watching."

Averit pulled the door closed. "I'm sure," he muttered, the smile leaving his face. Striding back to his rooms, he wondered where the hell Gauthier was. He needed to know how the journey had gone and what had transpired in Kaladhin as soon as possible. And he needed him for other things as well. Their timetable had just been moved up and there wasn't a moment to waste.