A Matter of Pride

“He has a daughter of breeding age. He’s requesting a union with our den through marriage.”

“Doesn’t he know Amir-Kasdan’s bonded?”

Sin was astonished to hear his grandfather heave a great sigh, as if he were facing something extremely unpleasant.

“He wants you for his daughter, Andrew...”

“Guess he’s out of luck since I’m already married.” It wasn’t respectful in that particular moment to laugh, but Sin couldn’t help it.

“…and I’ve sent him my reply, agreeing to the affiliation,” Murad continued, as if he hadn’t spoken.

“But I can’t… Grandsire, I already have a mate,” Sin protested.

“Salu Khan’s aware of that and accepts the fact his daughter will be merely a concubine,” Murad answered, imperturbably.

Felidan law allowed a pride leader, and also his heir, one legal wife and as many as three concubines. Lesser members of a clan could have only one wife and a leman

“Concu…I don’t want a concubine,” Sin exclaimed. “Besides, Andi wou…” He didn’t finish. He almost said Andi would never allow it, and that was definitely the wrong thing to tell the head of his clan.

“Andrea went through a Felidan marriage ceremony with you, Andrew,” his grandfather reminded him. “She agreed to follow our customs and laws and Felidan law allows a kh’ta concubines. Plural. Your mate has no say-so in the matter.”

Murad’s tone made it final, the matter settled, but Sin wasn’t about to accept his grandfather’s command so easily.

“What about my say-so? I say I don’t want another female, either as a wife or a concubine. I…”

“As you just pointed out, Andrew, we need Salu Khan’s backing. In something this important, there can’t be any dissention among the participants. One hundred percent? Remember?”

Gathering his robes about him, Murad seated himself at the desk. He forced himself to remain calm, since he understood how his grandson felt about his wife, having himself been so in love with his own mate he never thought to take another after she died.

“As my heir, you must obey. You have to do this. For the pride.”

“Forget it,” Sin retorted, stalking to the window.

From Grandsire’s side of the house, he could see the high cliffs rising above them and the trees trembling in the winter wind. He looked back at Murad. “If Salu Khan simply wants a marriage with our clan, you marry the female. You don’t have a mate.”

Murad gave him a slight smile and shook his gray-maned head. “As much as I hate to admit it, your grandsire isn’t as virile as he used to be, Andrew. A young female needs a young mate. She needs you.”

Sin stared at his grandfather.

“No.”

Just that one word. Nothing else.

Murad sighed again. Secretly, he wondered if the gods were punishing him for some past sin by making both grandcubs so individually stubborn.

“I’m afraid you have to, Andrew. Our clan can’t afford to insult Salu Khan’s clan a second time.”

“Second time?” Sin frowned. “As far as I’m concerned, we didn’t insult him the first time. My father won that duel fair and square.”

“As the eldest surviving offspring,” Murad continued, “Salu inherited leadership of his clan, but he’s never forgiven the sh’en Singhs for the dishonor done his family and if we now refuse his request…” He paused, then said decisively and in a way brooking no argument, “The female will arrive in four days. On that afternoon, the ceremony will take place. You will receive her and make her your concubine.”

Silently Sin glared at his grandfather, wanting to argue but knowing there was nothing he could say. Murad sh’en Singh had spoken. The pride heir had to obey. To do otherwise could bring about exile, and if Grandsire pushed it and it came to that, then where would his plans be?

Ducking his head in a quick bow, he answered, “I’ll obey, Grandfather, but I wish to go on record as protesting this union, and state I’m definitely entering into it unwillingly.”

Before Murad could reply, he whirled and stalked out.

Oh, God. How am I going to tell Andi?