Page 13 of The Dark Mage
Esrin laughed, clapping the man on the shoulder before turning him toward Ren’wyn.
“Bier, may I present Ren’wyn Nyvaris of the Territory of Lords,” Esrin said, pride and affection shining from hisface.
Bier smiled warmly, his gaze taking in Ren’wyn’s gentle demeanor.
“Esrin, how did you trick this beautiful young woman into accepting you?”he teased.Then, with a courtly flourish, he knelt and extended hishand.
Ren’wyn blushed as she took his hand, her cheeks warming further when he gave it a swift, respectfulkiss.
“On behalf of my Lord Esrin, I would accompany you home and arrange for your marriage.Will you accept me?”
Esrin had prepared her for this formality.She replied with the words she had memorized:
“Rise, Master Bier.I accept your generous offer and look forward to my union with Lord Esrin.”
Bier rose, bowed deeply, and stepped aside for Esrin.With everyone watching, Esrin knelt, taking a small box from Bier.He opened it to reveal a delicate silver band of interwoven leaves with an opal at its center.Ren’wyn gasped, her eyes widening at the unexpected gesture.
Esrin’s grin deepened.Raising his voice so everyone could hear, he asked, “Ren’wyn, you have accepted my retinue.Will you wear this ring as a promise to join me in Ishvaen as mywife?”
Tears of joy spilled, burning trails of happiness down her cheeks as she squealed, “Yes!”Throwing her arms around his neck, she clung to him as he slipped the ring on her finger and showered her with kisses.Bier cleared his throat delicately, reminding them of their audience.
Esrin stood proudly, leading her among the students and Masters who remained at the academy.Though Ren’wyn could’ve done without the public display, she smiled at the delicate band on her finger and the radiant happiness in Esrin’s eyes as he presented her to group after group.
The journey home passed without incident.Bier proved an excellent companion, regaling Ren’wyn with stories of Esrin’s childhood antics with his sister, Rena.His affection for the Governor’s family was clear, and her appreciation grew for the people who would soon become her in-laws.
Bier’s gallantry extended to Ren’wyn’s servants, who adored his charm and kindness.
When they reached Lord Vair’s manor, the atmosphere turned formal.Bier handed Ren’wyn down from her horse with a low bow before addressing her parents.
“Lord and Lady, I humbly request an audience to present an offer of marriage for your lovely daughter, Ren’wyn, to Lord Esrin of Ishvaen,” Bier said, eyes respectfully lowered.
Her mother’s eyes lit with hope, but Lord Vair’s expression darkened.
“Stand,” Vair commanded.
Bier offered Ren’wyn his arm, which she took gratefully.His steady presence was a lifeline as her father’s imposing tone sent her pulse racing.Bier would see her safely to Esrin, she reminded herself, breathing slowly to calm her nerves.
“Here in the Territories, we do not discuss marriage in front of the intended woman,” Vair declared, dismissingher.
Lyr’ren stepped forward timidly.“My Lord, this would be an advantageous match.The governor of Ishvaen is wealthy beyond imagining and a powerfulally—”
“I did not ask for your opinion, wife,” Vair snapped.“You are not welcome in this conversation, either.”
He strode into his office, Bier following with a glance at Ren’wyn that expressed both surprise and encouragement.
An hour passed, and the two men remained behind closed doors.What must be happening behind those doors?Ren’wyn’s feet traveled the same path relentlessly, the creak of the floorboards an echo of her anxiety.
“This Esrin,” Lyr’ren asked at last, breaking the heavy silence, “what sort of man is he?Do you lovehim?”
“I love him very much,” Ren’wyn replied.“He is kind and good, and he wants me to be happy.”
Lyr’ren hesitated before asking, “Does heknow?”
Ren’wyn nodded.“He does, and he accepts whatI am.”
Lyr’ren seemed relieved but remained on edge, setting aside her embroidery to stare out the window.Ren’wyn fiddled with her hair and dress, feeling itchy and restless.The silence between them resumed, oppressive and thick.
Sudden shouting erupted from the office, the raised voices of Vair and Bier echoing into the hall.Vair’s anger quickly overpowered the exchange, and moments later, the door burstopen.
