“Gwenyth’s wishes are paramount. We are not my parents, my selfish brothers, nor the sly courtiers. Gwenyth will signal if she wants us as much as we desire her. That is my last word on the matter.”
“Are we certain of our parentage?”his dragon asked.
Leo barked out a rich laugh, full of understanding and amusement. “No, but everyone accepts us as the youngest in the family. We are stuck with our lot.”
“Which begs the question—why are the parents pushing Nan, The Strongminded, at us? Why not one of our older brothers? All of them remain single. They would make better matches than us.”
“An excellent point. I should’ve asked questions, demanded answers.”
“Our parents carry arrogance as an extra layer of clothing. They never gave us a chance to object.”
“Which is why our disobedience will shock them,” Leo said in a dry voice.
“Are you talking to yourself again?” Gwenyth said.
“My dragon and I are discussing the betrothal our parents are attempting to force on us. We wondered why Nan, The Strongminded, would accept the youngest son.”
“You’re not inferior,” Gwenyth snapped.
“She likes us. I knew it. I can’t wait for the sex part.”
Leo grinned. “Thank you.”
“Do you have a plan?” Gwenyth asked.
“Your best protection is to wed us at the human church. Then, we’ll drop by my parents and tell them a betrothal is impossible.”
“If the snooty butler is indicative, your parents won’t believe you.”
“I won’t lie. The benefits of marriage are greater for me. I’m uncertain why they are pushing this betrothal, but their actions speak of determination. Our marriage will both protect and endanger you.”
“I could remain here,” Gwenyth suggested.
“Two reasons that is a terrible idea. After Telus’s visit, my parents are aware of your presence. If they consider you an obstacle, they might send an assassin to destroy you.”
Gwenyth winced, then arched a brow. “The second reason?”
“Someone butchered one of my cows and also killed the pup’s mother and littermate. This concerns me.”
Gwenyth bit her lip, silent as she considered his words. “Do you have friends, ones you trust whom I could stay with while you’re busy with your parents?”
“I have trusted friends amongst the commoners,” Leo said.
Gwenyth nodded. “That’s what we’ll do then.”
“And the marriage?”
“Are you certain marriage is necessary?”
“Yes.”
Gwenyth held out her left hand. “It looks as if I’m already married or have been. What if my ring came off in the sea?”
“No,”his dragon snapped.
Leo ignored his other half. “We will have a marriage certificate to present to my parents, which will save me from the betrothal.”
“And place me in danger,” Gwenyth pointed out.
