The Captive Groom

"Is it true?"

A deep voice echoed from behind. The crowd parted as Kethar arrived with Corath trailing behind him. Kethar's eyes briefly landed on the enchanting woman, who winked at him with playful mischief. He immediately shifted his attention back to his sister, who clung to the man they had captured.

"Do you like him?" he asked, his tone neither surprised nor alarmed by her sudden announcement.

He was well aware of the men the guards occasionally dragged to his sister's tent — and the state they returned in the next morning. Yet, he had never reprimanded her for her actions. But now, hearing her declare her intent to marry someone, he couldn't deny his curiosity.

"Yes. I like him, brother. I want to marry him," Ythira declared, her voice unwavering.

Kethar nodded without hesitation. "Then it's settled. You will marry him," he said in a single breath.