Orion’s POV
It was absurd. The northern Duke’s affection for his daughter was understandable. But for my own father to entertain such a ridiculous idea—unthinkable.
“Calm down, son,” my father replied evenly. “It’s nothing more than a proposal. There’s no harm in letting young people get to know each other better, is there?”
“No, Father,” I snapped. “I refuse. I won’t meet Alina, and I certainly won’t be engaged to her. Our family hasn’t fallen so low that we need to trade marriages to maintain our standing.”
After a stretch of heavy silence, my father slowly set his cup of black tea on the table and looked at me.
“Tell me why,” he pressed at last.
“Why what?” I frowned, confused. "Isn't it absurd to fall for a girl who's barely of age? Isn’t that reason enough?”
“That’s not what
