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“Oh no, you sneaky bastard I’ up a suitable wife I’—and that’s final” I swipe a hand across my mouth to remove foam left behind by the ale “Now a ive me an heir as readily as any wife”

“You would deny your child legitimacy?”

A burn starts at the top of iti to iti and care My throne The son of an unhts as a child who is a product of a union There is very little shame attached and it is easy to overcome”

We walk in silence for a stretch, co in the scene before us—and it is quite a scene Revelers dance around a twenty-foot-high bonfire Unattended children and dogs weave in and out of the groups of adults, their laughter carrying up to the stars Young wo who they will pursue over the course of the Joining Many warriors will leave with a bride in tow Andin their bellies

It’s as if everyone is under some kind of idiot spell for two days

I’ve s because I’ve been locked in land battles and concentrating on rebuilding the deteriorating kingdom of Fallstrom, the throne of which was passed to retis of little interest toabout romantic matches like an old washer woman A sensible man could choke on the desperation in the air

I wrapliquid spilling down overfor territory and resources needed by my people I’m not a man meant to be dressed up and I’ve refused to do so even this evening, despite Connor pleading withWhen I throw back my ale and some droplets catch in my beard and drip onto my tunic, he is further distressed

“You are hopeless,” Connor sighs witheringly

“Aet out ofuntil a band of drunk lute players scurry out of my path

“That is because you are the height of our castle wall”

Again, I pound a fist off my chest “And twice as impenetrable”

I’m surprised when Connor pulls ood reasons you’ve been put off by the whole wife business…”