“Come in,” Lord Demasio called out from a room along side his office in Damansque. As Theil entered he stood and motioned to a chair beside him. The room was small and more of a den or library than an office. Theil had debated all night whether to seek out Lord Calman Demasio at home or in the large building of offices, suits and warehouses located in the heart of the city. In the end Theil decided this was a business arrangement and it was best to keep it there.

But the room had a very home atmosphere. There was no desk, no maps, no stack of papers, but just a circle of comfortable chairs with a small table along the wall. Lord Demasio stood in front of the largest chair as he motioned for Theil to sit beside him.

“Thank you,” Theil stood and nodded waiting for the Lord to sit before he did. Lord Demasio’s face held lines that made him looked worn and tired. His lips seemed to drop downward at the corners and although it did not look like a frown, it most certainly was not a smile. Lord Demasio did not smile. Although his eyes did not look cold as they glanced over him, Theil found them hard to read. “What brings you here?” Right to the point as he settled into his chair.

“I have come to discuss the marriage contract between myself and your daughter Traica.” If Lord Demasio was going to be direct, then Theil would follow.

Lord Demasio raised one brow slightly as he answered, “My wife and Tracia are taking care of all the details involved in the wedding. You have come to the wrong place.”

“It is not the details I wish to address, M’Lord.” Lord Demasio did not reply but looked at Theil. “I find that I can not in good conscious fulfill the obligations of the contract.” Theil forced himself not to glance away as Lord Demasio’s eyes seemed to close in on him. “I am here to attempt to find a way for our families to remain in good favor, a way I can somewhat compensate for my inabilities.”

Theil found it hard not to just babble on, and on about how much he hoped this would not affect future relationships between the families. But as he watched Lord Demasio he thought the less he said the better. Lord Demasio said nothing for an uncomfortable amount of time. Then finally he clasped his hand together and asked, “Why are you unable?”

“To my surprise, I find I am in love with another woman.”

“Love whom ever you want, Theil,” he spoke a bit softer, “Marry my daughter.”

Theil could not help himself as he glanced away. He looked back and cleared his throat. “Things are changing in Luminii. Many families no longer develop land based relationships upon marriages. As much as I admire your families accomplishment, your holding, your business insights, I am not willing to place myself in a position that is not productive and emotionally satisfying.”

Lord Demasio’s eyes narrowed, “You confuse, lust, love and marriage.”

Theil smiled and admited, “I might.”

“Many men have wives and families, and emotional support in form of another family or mistress.” For the first time Lord Demasio looked away. Theil watched him silently. “That is a viable option.”

Theil looked down to his own hands folded on his lap, “I don’t believe that would be accepted.”

“Then perhaps she does not really love you.”

“Perhaps not,” Theil looked back to him, “But however that relationship grows or dissolves, I am convinced that a marriage should be based upon an emotional connection. I did not understand or feel this before.”

Lord Demasio stood, “You are making a mistake. Your young body has found lust and it rules your thoughts. I hope you reconsider and revaluate.” Theil stood as he continued. “You will go and explain yourself to my daughter and my wife. If my daughter agrees with your interpretations of marriage, and emotional connection, then we will discuss how to disband the contract.”

“Thank you M’Lord.”

Lord Demasio turned his back to Theil. Theil stood still for a while wondering if he should say anything else. Finally he just left the room.

“You should not visit a lady unannounced, Theil.” Traica Demasio sat across from Theil in the sunroom of the grand mansion. Three servants brought trays of teas and biscuits. She made a slight motion with her hand and the servants poured them each a cup of tea. She looked perfect. Her cheeks had just a touch of red, her lips were perfectly shaped, her hair was twisted in place above her head, and her hands looked silky smooth. Theil clenched his jaw tight. She had made him wait all afternoon. It took her half the day to look like that. His eloquent monolog he had practiced all the way from her father’s workplace had sizzled away with his patience.

“Forgive my intrusion. I have something important to discuss.” He tried to sound smooth and soft but he could hear the twang of irritation.

“This weather has been extreme, don’t you think Theil? I believe it is hotter and wetter than last summer.” She picked up her teacup and took a sip.

Theil took a breath, “Perhaps.”

“I have gone through three fans in the last moon. They just don’t sew them as well as they use to.” She put her teacup down and folder her hands in her lap.

“I would like to speak to you, Tracia.” Theil said as softly as he could manage.

“I am here to listen, Theil.” Somehow Theil knew that wasn’t true. She glanced up to him and then lowered her eyes. The action was a surprise to Theil because as much as it was given as some kind of show of soft understanding her eyes made it clear she would tell him when to speak.

Now? A grip of panic seemed to take hold. He was sure Tracia would be the easiest part of this whole contract. After his father and Lord Demasio, how hard could she be? But as he sat across from her nervousness surrounded him.

“Lady Demasio, I am afraid I must inform you that I am not worthy and not able to fulfill my obligations to you as a husband.” He watched her as the words tumbled out fast and in a pleading manner. “I can not commit myself to this union.”

Tracia giggled slightly, “My sewing circle said this happens.” Theil blinked and his face must have shown that he did not understand. “Oh, they all said young men get cold feet close to the wedding day.” She looked up to him and although her words were gentle her eyes felt like the same gaze her father had given him.

“This is not cold feet.” He almost went on but she quickly cut in.

“My wedding dress is being made by twenty three seamstresses who are sewing four hundred and seventy perfect golden thread flowers along the trail. The sleeves are of the finest silk in all the lands and pearls are actually being inlaid in the shoulders. I helped design it as well as the dresses the girls standing with me will wear. The head seamstress, the best in Damansque has told everyone it will be the most beautiful wedding party this land has ever seen.”

Theil’s jaw dropped. But she gave him no time to speak.

“The cake is being made with the finest ground sugar and nutmeg. It will be folded and beaten for three days with a very rich rare chocolate layer. Madam Relinqu herself is baking it.”

Theil began to sweat.

“I have reserved the best lute player in all the lands and he is bringing a band all the way from Xieng Khouang City.” She picked her teacup up and over the rim looked at Theil, “I have planned my wedding day for over four years. You will not deny me my day.”

Theil swallowed. “You will have your day, but I will not be standing beside you.”

Slowly she put her teacup down without taking a sip. “Then you better find someone to replace you.” She stood and lifted her skirt as well as her chin and spun away from him. As she left the room she screamed, “Mother!” It was shrill and drawn out “Mother!”

Theil’s mouth hung open and his eyes were wide as the servants ran into the room giving him sad glances as they cleared the trays away.