And the stone that started the avalanche...
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR: A FATHERS HEART
Arthra was now learning little words all the time, and she was a fast learner. Soon, she was forming little phrases and sentences she could say to people.
“She’s very intelligent,” Madia commented one morning, with a smile.
“Oh yes. Soon, we’ll be teaching her THAGS,” Ari said with a smile.
“You know, Artham didn’t speak till he was three. Only made the cutest grunts and noises all the time or would point with his little precious hands.”
“Grandmother,” Artham said, feeling his cheeks start to turn red. Ari only giggled.
“What? You had the cutest hands I ever saw!”
Artham sighed heavily and placed his head in his hands. Esben just burst out laughing, while Arundelle said how cute it was. Emerald said nothing, only flipped the pages of her book.
At that moment, Dralden walked in. “Excuse me,” he said politely. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“No, nothing at all,” Artham said, shooting a glare at Esben.
“I was hoping I could talk to you, Artham,” Dralden said, looking rather shy, and almost scared.
Emerald looked up quickly, an expectant hope in her eyes. Artham inhaled and exhaled deeply. “Right. Come with me.” He stood and led Dralden to his study.
“Do you think he is going to ask permission to marry me?” Emerald asked.
Ari looked at Esben. “Well, it’s possible,” Madia said, smiling. “I like him. And you two are of age.”
Emerald smiled.
“What did you want to talk to me about?” Artham asked, sitting down opposite Dralden in the study.
“I would like to ask permission to marry Emerald.”
An icy cold silence followed. “You do?” Artham repeated.
“Yes. It has been several months.”
“I suppose so.”
Artham was quiet. Dralden thought Artham was trying to think of a nice way to say no. But in truth, Artham had quietly begun praying. He was very focused and quiet. ‘Should I say yes?’ he thought.
All of the sudden, a peace entered his heart, and it completely passed his understanding. This was okay. In fact, there was a gentle pressing on his heart. This needed to happen. It just had to.
“Artham, I- “
“Yes.”
“What?’
Artham stood up. “You can marry my sister. I give you my full permission.”
“Oh, thank-you Artham! I will take very good care of her.”
“You best,” Artham said, a playful smile crossing his lips. Dralden smiled back. The two men shook hands, and Dralden walked out of the study, leaving Artham alone for a moment. He leaned against the back of his desk and paused to think. Then Arundelle and Arthra walked in softly.
“Did he ask?” Ari wondered.
“Yes.”
“What did you say?”
“Yes.”
“Do you have peace?”
“Yes.”
Ari narrowed her eyes. “Are you going to say anything besides ‘yes’?”
“Yes,” Artham answered, that playful grin on his face again. Arundelle pursed his lips, but then she laughed. “I think he’s asking her now.”
“Good. We can get another ceremony off our list,” Artham said, walking past his wife and kissing her on the head.
Artham is not one hundred percent sold on Dralden, but it did HAVE to happen. It HAD to happen. HAD. TO. HAPPEN. Doesn't mean it's a good thing...