Rezkin grunted in disbelief, “So, you would have me escort her so that she may look for other suitors?”

General Marcum frowned while he ran the conversation through his head again. Realizing that was indeed what it had sounded like, he said, “No, that is not what I meant. I was not referring to the young men. I just meant the other nobles in general. Many of her peers, the young ones especially, will be attending the tournament, and it would be a good social opportunity for her. Plus, as she pointed out, she would get to experience the excitement of the tournament before she settles down.”

Rezkin felt that sudden pang in his chest, and he realized he did not like the idea of Frisha settling down. This time Rezkin glanced away.

“Does that bother you?” the general asked.

“Is that your intent, General? Do you wish to antagonize me?” Rezkin asked.

General Marcum released a heavy sigh. “No, that was not my intent. I just find myself wondering if you are capable of feeling like the rest of us.”

Rezkin frowned. “Perhaps I am, perhaps not. Are you capable of feeling in the same manner Frisha does? I heard her crying most of last night, and she has yet to show herself today. If you are incapable of feeling the way she does, does that make you less of a person?”

“I acknowledge your point. And, it is also not my intent to upset Frisha. When I decided to name her my heir, it was in hopes that I could give her a better life—not that her life was so terrible in the first place. Her father has been quite successful for a commoner. Ever since she came here, though, I have been regretting my decision. I had not imagined she would encounter so much danger on the trip here, and I certainly did not consider that she might meet the man she wished to marry during the journey. I would never have expected that it would be one such as you, but conversely, if it had not been you, then she likely would not have made it here at all.”

Rezkin furrowed his brow. “To be honest, I do not know why she is so upset. She has so many other options,” he stated as that tightness in his chest returned, “and aside from the protection I have provided, I have given her no evidence of my worth.”

“The heart is fickle,” the general grumbled. “I spoke with Tam, and from what he says, that girl has wanted you since the moment you met. But,” Marcum stated as he held up a finger to make a point, “what we want is not always what is best for us.”

“What one man believes is best is not always so,” Rezkin countered.

“There are certain truths throughout society, and what you are, Rezkin, is not wholesome,” the general stated.