The room was dead silent, and a little dark, as the only window in Nikolaus’ study was covered with a heavy curtain. This made for an intimidating effect, with the candlelight casting shadows across his chiseled face, and no one had ever thought Nikolaus needed to be made any more intimidating than he already was. Normally, this was not something he put effort into, but the Lord of House Velaryon had seen his daughter’s beloved once before, and he had looked less than impressive. None of his daughters were to be trifled with, but of them all, the child who took most after him could never be satisfied with a husband who was easily daunted.
What surprised him was that the daughter in question hadn’t seemed the slightest bit concerned when she’d caught sight of Kassian Tyrell being led to his study. Surprised, yes, but not nervous.
So far, the young Prince of Dorne was living up to that calm. He sat across from Nikolaus, a thoughtful expression on his face. He had dark skin and black hair, but beautiful, amber eyes. He wasn’t thin or petite, per se, but nor did he look particularly strong or intimidating. As far as Nikolaus was concerned, he took after his father, the current Prince of Dorne, in all the quiet-looking gentle ways. He was beginning to reevaluate this opinion, because Kassian was looking him right in his deep-set, dark eyes, examining him as if he was a particularly interesting puzzle. He hated to admit it, but this was precisely how Nikolaus liked to look at people during conversations. He was not used to being on the other end of that equation, especially not by a gentle-looking, polite little slip of a boy who he suspected was coming to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage.
The young prince spoke first, after he had done his observing. He had asked for this meeting after all. “Thank you for allowing me this moment of privacy, my Lord Velaryon. I’m sure the purpose of my visit is not difficult to guess.”
“It is not.” Nikolaus said, gravely, but did not elaborate.
Kassian didn’t seem disturbed by the interruption, smiling, instead, and got straight to the point. “I’d like to marry your daughter, my beloved, Emma.”
Nikolaus narrowed his eyes slightly, “You are bold, Prince Kassian, to speak so cavalierly of my flesh and blood, under my own roof.”
The boy’s polite smile did not waver, and for a second, Nikolaus felt a bit like a sea dragon, staring down a lion. It posed no threat, and yet was not prey. It was an interesting feeling. “I do not consider it cavalier to speak frankly. She is the beloved of my heart, and that she will stay even should I fail to receive her hand in marriage.”
Nikolaus’ lips twitched slightly, but he wasn’t about to let this boy know he’d just been amused. “You speak as though you would defy the rights of marriage if they were not given to you.” He responded, adding a slightly threatening tone to his voice.
“I would answer ‘only my heart,’ my Lord, but that suggests I will not be rightfully granted them.” The younger man said, smile widening slightly.
“You show such confidence, a lesser man would deny them to you simply out of spite.” Nikolaus shot back, enjoying himself despite it all.
Kassian steadily replied, “What else can I answer, my Lord, but that it is fortunate, then, that the father of my beloved is not a lesser man than you.” Eyes twinkling noticeably, he finally spoke seriously, “Some would say this shows arrogance, my Lord Velaryon, but I have never held any doubt that you would give me your consent to marry Emma. Our acquaintance must seem short to you, but I know my heart, and it must be plain to you how I feel about your daughter. But more, I have confidence, because Emma has spoken of you as the father whom she not only loves, but trusts and believes in, more than any other. And if she thinks of you so highly, how can I not do the same as one who has seen the power of her mind? Do you not agree?’ His eyes seemed to Nikolaus to twinkle with a moment of mischief.
Nikolaus eyed the boy for a moment, just as he’d been looked over at the start of this meeting, then finally stood. The prince followed suit immediately, unable to resist the manners he’d been taught throughout his entire life. “You were incorrect, Prince Kassian. Regardless of my daughter’s thoughts for you, if I had seen you as unworthy, I would never have allowed you to marry my Emma.” He walked to the door and stepped outside, indicating for the younger man to exit as well. “She will make you the finest Princess of Dorne, should you remain loyal to what you have shown me. And should you do otherwise, I am sure you will know such wrath, even I could not save you.” The servant waiting by the door was told to fetch Lady Emma to escort her betrothed to the guest quarters until he wished to make the return journey to Dorne.
When Emma arrived, Nikolaus told Kassian with his usual cold face, “I enjoyed our conversation. I look forward to speaking with you again.”
As he closed the door to his study, he saw Emma entwine her fingers with the swarthy young man’s and give him an adoring look. And then he heard her say, “I knew he’d like you!” In the privacy of his study, the stern man’s worn face broke into the smallest of laughs, and he had to admit his daughter was quite astute. He did indeed quite like Kassian Martell.