“That is enough,” a deep voice asserted from the other side of the room. Everyone turned to see Rezkin standing in the doorway. Rezkin met the general’s eyes with an icy glare. He did not like to see Frisha so upset, and he certainly did not care for the general to say more than was permitted. The more his friends knew about him, the more it would place them in danger.

“Frisha,” he said quietly with a sight bow, “your uncle is your guardian. He has been charged with finding you a husband by your own father. On our journey here, you made it clear that you accepted this arrangement. General Marcum has denied my request to be your prime suitor, and by my honor, I have agreed to accept his decision.” The young man’s face was devoid of emotion, but a dark shadow seemed to pass over his icy eyes.

“Well, I don’t accept it,” Frisha pouted. “I reject your rejection, Uncle, and if you won’t change your mind, then I will reject my inheritance, as well.”

“What?” Marcum and Adelina spoke in unison.

Frisha raised her chin and said, “That’s right. Rez already said he doesn’t require a dowry. He wants me either way, so I have no need of the inheritance. Without it, I can choose to marry whomever I please, just like my mother.” She added the last for effect. The general had commented on several occasions that he had admired his little sister for following her heart, even if she did marry a commoner.

Rezkin strode farther into the room to stand before the young woman. He did not want to replace Frisha, and he did not like the idea of her marrying some noble who would not appreciate her, but he did not think it fair for him to take her from the family she obviously loved. It was a bond he could not comprehend but found himself envying in some small way. Besides, he could not see how forcing her into the loss of her inheritance and title could possibly be honoring her.

“Frisha, it is my duty to protect and honor you. I cannot see that this is the best way to do that. I cannot ask you to give up your title, wealth, and family for my sake,” Rezkin stated as he stared into her large brown eyes.

“But, I don’t care about the title. I never had one before, so why should I care for it now? As for wealth, you have said you can support us and don’t need the dowry, so it’s not a problem,” she argued.

“And, your family?” Rezkin asked.

Frisha scowled over at her uncle as she answered, “If they cannot accept me and the man I choose, then they are hardly any family of mine.”

“Frisha! You do not know what you are saying,” Lady Adelina cried.