“You weren’t listening, boy. I need this alliance. Your concern for your family is very touching, but it is a secondary concern. Derek will be here when you wed, rest assured, since that seems to be /your/ sole concern.” He flipped his hand again, clearly indicating ‘run along’.
“Not my ‘sole’ concern, but one of them. My main one is your daughter — ensuring her happiness and safety. We don’t need to get along with one another for that, do we?” Sir Isaac pointed out with an arch to his eyebrow, slowly shaking his head.
Edward straightened up from the table, meeting Isaac’s gaze. “I am attempting to do just that, with this marriage, to you. My lands are under threat, do you understand that? Or are you so caught up in her pretty smile that you don’t see the danger all around? By wedding my daughter to you, I create a link to the Hales. With Derek’s power behind me, I can put a stop to the petty harassment along my borders, and perhaps these lands — not just mine — can find something like peace again!”