“I have two daughters,” the Prince said. “Where before I had only one. I have no other children, no heirs. I’m not likely to. I must choose one of my daughters’ husbands as my heir.” He turned back to the tapestry, hands still clasped behind his back. “My son-in-law has his own lands already. You, I hear, have nothing save what Derek gives you — and you have refused lands of your own.”
“What about a future grandson?” Isaac offered up before he fell silent, wondering if this would be a good idea, to inherit these lands and live here, should Summer agree. But then he wouldn’t see the Hales every day, like he’d grown accustomed to. “Would you be needing my answer immediately, Sir? It’s too kind, but I am tempted.”
Edward whipped around to stare at him, at a loss for words. “You … would /refuse/?” After a long, long silence, he said, “I am unlikely to die within the year. You will be wed here, and I will expect your answer by the next Yuletide.”