“You want to do… what?” I asked, feeling almost scared.
My father sat behind his desk, struggling to meet my eyes.
“You can’t be serious!” I exclaimed.
“James, I have no other choice. The dragons… it won’t be long before they arrive. Laelia’s marriage could save us all!”
“No! Not to him! Anyone but him!”
“Lord Keplin’s family is the strongest there is,” he insisted. “I’m sure he will treat her respectfully. I’ve already had a meeting with him and his parents.”
“It’s an act!” I yelled.
“You think I enjoy this?” he shouted back. “I hate it! I want to keep her here! But we have no other choice!”
“What made you even come up with this idea?”
He sighed, shaking his head slightly.
“That doesn’t matter. It was advice I received, and I need to follow it. The dragons are coming, and they
