Different Perspectives 3

Glade walked into his father's study. His sister was right behind him to act as mediator.

When he'd received the note from his father at 9 ordering him to come to his study, Glade had felt something was amiss. He'd quickly found his sister and asked her to come with him.

Now they stood before their father. His face was clouded as looked over a sheaf of paper on his desk.

Glade waited patiently for his father's attention. After having spent considerable time in the company of Lady Adamare, and having been forced to admit it was not horrid, Glade expected his father to order him to accept her guardian's offer.

Glade's sister, being the perfect female that she was, had decided to sacrifice herself for his sake. She had decided to agree to a mating with Lord Salathian.

Brook, at the order of their father, had spent several days recently as his partner. He'd been pleasant, if a little cool, and entirely respectful towards her. And even Brook couldn't deny his attractiveness.

She'd just informed Glade now of her decision. Glade had try to talk her out of it, but she was resolute.

Glade was torn. He was relieved he wouldn't have to claim Lady Adamare, but he was worried and sorry for his sister.

Eventually, their father looked up at them.

"Glade," High Lord Volanti said slowly. Glade closed his eyes anticipating what was coming. "I have received a rather unpleasant offer for you."

Glade's eyes popped open, "An offer for me?" He repeated in confusion. His father nodded and offered the paper from the desk to him. Glade took it and gazed at it with a frown.

The paper appeared to be a list of properties. It was divided into half length wise. On the left half were three Earldoms from various countries and the right was a list of investments.

"What is this?" Glade asked in confusion.

High Lord Volanti looked at him over his folded hands, "Lady Adamare has offered to buy you one of those estates and two investments from the list on the right-"

"If I claim her." Glade finished with a frown. Lady Adamare hadn't seemed particularly fond of him, but she could have been holding back. Females did that sometimes.

"No, if you do not claim her." Glade heard his father say. Glade let out a sharp breath as Lady Brook gasped.

"She'll pay me not to claim her?" Glade said with a grimace. His face flushed.

"Yes, she thinks this offer will appease me and she is somewhat right. However, it is still my preference that you claim her, but it is your decision." High Lord Volanti said coolly.

Brook grabbed Glade's arm. "Brother," She said, "you do not need to suffer this indignity. I will agree to Lord Solathian."

"Is that your decision, Brook?" Their father asked. Glade watched his sister nod. Their father smiled, "I think that is a wise decision, Brook. I will notify him immediately. Glade, it appears that you may now claim whoever you wish. Please notify me of your preferences before you make your choice." Glade heard the dismissal in the High Lord's voice and felt his heart sink.

As soon as he and Brook were outside the office, Glade turned to her.

"I'm so sorry."He said softly, "This is my fault because of my weakness." Glade clenched his fist. "Because I am too weak and selfish to do as he wants." Brook, though pale, wrapped her hands around his fist.

"It's okay, Brother-"

"No, it's not. I was too weak and selfish to protect, but that will never happen again. You will always be able to rely on me from now on." Brook smiled tearfully.

Glade turned and stormed back into his father's study. The High Lord looked up and his face became clouded once more.

"Father, there is no need for us to decide these things now. The Mating Season lasts for 2 more months. We will let you know what we want to do in 1." Glade demanded firmly.

His father sighed, "Very well." A ghost of a smile rose on his lips.

Glade opened his mouth to argue, but then realized his father had agreed. Glade nodded in thanks and walked out.

***

Rhana sat in Mr. Goldleaf's temporary office. Mr. Goldleaf had seemed very proud of his home when Rhana had arrived but Rhana didn't see why he should be proud. The house was small, just a manor house, and the furnishings were gaudy. However, Mr. And Mrs. Goldleaf had beamed as they showed him through all the principle rooms.

Now Rhana sat in Mr. Goldleaf's office. He was trying to figure out how to tactfully broach the subject that he wanted to discuss. Miss Goldleaf had given them the wrong opinion of his goals and if Rhana wasn't careful he'd offend Mr. Goldleaf.

"Mr. Goldleaf," Rhand began with an awkward smile, "I still haven't made up my mind with regard to your daughter."

Mr. Goldleaf frowned, "Then why are you here, my Lord?"

"I wished to discuss your ward, Kylara." Rhana said. Mr. Godleaf's frown became more pronounced. "I hear you plan to disown her at the end of the season and I would like to make an offer to buy her."

"Buy her, not claim her?" Mr. Goldleaf clarified.

Rhana nodded, "That's right."

Mr. Goldleaf sighed and rubbed his temples, "Your Lordship, it is too early to consider selling her. We still could get her offer accepted, if she changes her behavior." Rhana's hand tightened on his breeches. "If you wished to accept her offer to claim her, I would consider that, but as of now, I must refuse."

Rhana grimaced and stood angrily, "I am disappointed, Mr. Goldleaf."

"My Lord-" Mr. Goldleaf began but Rhana had already stormed out. Mr. Goldleaf sighed heavily.