“He is jesting,” King Dagur said through clenched teeth.
Lief’s chest puffed out farther. “I am in earnest.” And though he stood tall and proud, Aerity saw something in his eyes she’d never seen before. Fear.
King Dagur slowly pushed to his feet. His voice was a rumble. “You. Will. Marry.”
“I am sorry, Uncle. But I will not.”
The king smacked Lief across the face. Aerity and the other girls jumped in startled surprise. Lief remained still, his jaw clenching.
“For what reasons, boy?”
“For reasons of my own.”
“If you do this . . . if you dishonor our ally in such a way, I will disown you.”
Lief paused, as if struggling. “I understand,” he said in a scratchy whisper.
Aerity could not believe her ears. This was too much. Lief’s honor to his homeland, it was an integral part of him.
The king clenched his fists, appearing ready to fight. “You will never again be allowed on Ascomanni lands, boy. Do you understand that? An outcast of the coldlands! Banished!”
Lief’s large Adam’s apple bobbed. “I understand.”
She was elated at the thought of what this could mean for her, but riddled with guilt.
“Lief,” Aerity whispered, forcing the words. “Reconsider.” His home . . . his family.
“This is pure selfishness,” King Dagur shouted at him. “You were not raised this way! How dare you put yourself above your kingdom?”
The king was trembling in fury as he turned his face to Aerity. “I did not know his intentions, Your Majesty. I would have attempted to talk sense into him.”
She tried to put on a stern face. As much as she didn’t want to make things worse for Lief, she had to do exactly what he said—pretend to be at least slightly offended. She would risk further damage to her relationship and trust with Ascomanni if she appeared to be glad not to have their union.
“I am taken aback as well,” she said. “And my people will be sorely disappointed.” She looked at Lief, who remainedstill. What would happen to him if he couldn’t go back to the coldlands? She couldn’t let him live a life of disgrace.
“You have brought me shame this day.” The king spat at Lief’s feet, and Aerity felt her heart whither in sadness. “You are no nephew of mine.”
Lief shut his eyes, the weight of what he’d done crashing down. Aerity’s mind whirled, searching for a way to right this.
“I feel as if I must give my people something,” she said. “Regardless of his choice today, the citizens of Lochlanach esteem Lief as a hero.”
“You owe him nothing after this,” the king assured her.
“Oh, but I do. He killed the beast, Your Majesty. And he has gone above and beyond to free us from the enemy every step of the way since that hunt. He has been a friend of Lochlanach, and therefore I wish to honor him, husband or not. My southern lands are currently without a duke. It is a lesser title, but he should be glad to wear any title at all after refusing to be our prince consort.” She looked at Lief. “As of today, you are Duke Lief Alvi of southern Lochlanach.”
He lowered his chin stiffly in response.
“Gather your belongings and leave us,” Aerity said. She motioned to Harrison. “See him out, Lieutenant.” They exited together, and Aerity caught the gaping faces of Wyneth and Vixie. She had to cough lightly into her hand.
“You show him far too much grace,” King Dagur said.
Aerity turned to him, a tremor running through her. “Itis done. You may remain in my home as long as you desire.”
“I can see you are upset, Your Majesty. I assure you, I would never wish to slight you.”
“I told you this morning that I owe you a great debt for your help in this war, and I meant it. Whether or not I am wed to your nephew does not change that. I hold you and your people in the highest regard and I hope for a future of shared prosperity with Ascomanni.”
He exhaled and bowed his head to her. “I thank you.”
