“She didn’t want the sword to pass to my mother’s or Dariana’s guardianship. That is the sword of the War Hauk ancestors and of our mighty clan. It has never known defeat or disgrace. Only the greatest warrior of his or her generation is allowed to own it, and it must be passed by the clan matriarch when she deems it’s been earned. For her to offer it to you is the greatest honor my yaya can bestow, especially since she will be doing so prior to our unification. Once it passes to you, you will become the custodian of the Hauk Warsword and you will be the one to decide which of our children or grandchildren is the most worthy to wield it.”

Sumi was stunned by what he told her. “Why would she offer it to me?”

He trailed his finger down her cheek, sending chills over her. “She sees you as the only one who is worthy of it.”

A little unexpected thrill went through her. “That has to piss off your mother.”

He let out an evil laugh. “You have no idea. I’m sure Dariana is doing her own screaming about it, too. As my mother most likely told her as soon as she was free to do so.”

She glanced at him then back to the portrait. “Why is so little of his face showing?”

“He was badly scarred during the battle against the Oksanans, and he lost his left eye. So when they painted his official portrait, he didn’t want to shame our family with his deformity. He had them only preserve the part of his face that was unscathed by war.”

So they’d always been strange about their appearances. How odd when other races viewed scars as manly and desirable. A testament of prowess and courage. “Why are Andarions so obsessed with beauty?”

“We’re perfectionists by nature. While we honor our ancestors, our attention is primarily on our children and the future. We want to pass only the best on to them. Our belief is that we are caretakers for our progeny. Everything we have, we hold only for them.”

“Which is why your yaya gave you this house before she died.”

He nodded. “She also thought that Dariana would honor her pledge and we’d have more children to fill it.”

Sumi turned to face him. “I’m a bit confused though. If everything is about the children, why was Dariana so mean to Darice? For that matter, your mother so vicious to you?”

“They’re trying to make us the best and strongest males that they can. They, as females, are the guardians of our lineage. We, as males, are the carriers of the future. And if we’re not worthy, they would rather we be removed from the lineage than have us taint it.”

“You know, I can never be that mother.”