Love And Honour (Book 2)

Chapter XIV

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"Father." She calls out. He does not turn around straight away but stares into the flames licking at the black walls confining the fire within the wall. Eventually he turns, rearranging his facial features into pleased ones. In reality he feels tired and trapped. Three children remain and not one of them can he see being a ruler who can follow on his reign. He misses Jasiel and his shrewd comments and peacekeeping qualities. He would have known exactly what needed to be done to keep his people and his lands safe from a murderer on the loose without causing more trouble.

He takes in the sight of his daughter who beams at him. He tries not to frown. This was not an expression he expected to receive from her. Her ex love having just escaped, she should look troubled not jubilant. But wait, he thinks, is she happy he escaped? Has she been fooling them all this time? He does not know. He has lost the ability to read his child. To be truthful, he had lost that ability many years before. Is that not why she had run away and struck up a relationship with a Usani.

Egan stands behind her shoulder, his hand lying firmly on her waist. Lord Kier raises his eyebrow slightly and the young man fidgets nervously. He does not remove his hand though and Zara does not remove it for him. Once upon a time he wanted these to be a match; it was what had scared her away from all of them. They make a handsome pair; him with his dark brooding looks, her a contrast of fire and warmth. A ring sparkles on her finger and Kier waits, now knowing why they have interrupted his thoughts.

"Father, we bring tremendous news amongst all this heartache." She pats Egan's hand on her waist. Something does not seem right to Kier, her smile does not quite reach her eyes. It beams from her lips but fades before it reaches her eyes. It startles him how similar her eyes are to those of her dead brother. Jasiel could always fake a believable smile but his eyes never lied. If the warmth was not there he was acting, pretending for another's sake. "Egan has proposed to me." She extends her hand with the ring glinting there. Lord Kier gives it a cursory glance.

His eyes focus on the young man who has not yet spoken. "Is it now old fashioned to ask the father for his daughter's hand in marriage?"

Egan shuffles and his mouth opens to reply. He does not get so far. Zara replies instead, "You gave him permission many years ago father. We were swept up in the moment. Please do not retract it now. You would break my heart."

"As I did." He forces a smile to his lips. "I am indeed as joyful as you my daughter."

Her smile falters before securing itself once again.

"Thank you, my Lord." Egan extends his hand. Lord Kier shakes his hand quickly, pulling his hand back to his side almost instantly.

"If you would not mind, Egan, I wish to speak with my daughter alone. Tell a maid to bring us some tea." Egan bows his head and leaves.

Zara sighs and slumps down into a chair. Kier takes the opposite arm chair and studies her. "Father, say what you wish to say."

"You ran away in order to not marry that young man. Do you honestly expect me to believe you have now fallen hopelessly in love with him?"

"You can believe what you wish." Zara replies and he sighs. A few minutes pass where neither of them speaks and neither of them moves. A maid comes in with the tea and pours out two cups for them. Zara pours milk into hers and gives her father a few spoons of sugar. She offers it to him and he takes it and takes a decent gulp, ignoring the heat that attacks the back of his throat. "Love may grow. I respect him and I know he will make a good husband. He is of our lands and he will support me."

"I give my blessing since you are not going into this with any delusions." He finishes off his tea and taps the side of the cup. "Do you still have feelings for Logan Usani?" She blinks; the question thoroughly unexpected.