The hallways of Emberhold clouded in silence, save for the echo of Aldric's boots against the stone floor. He walked with measured steps, though the fire burning in his chest urged him to storm through the castle like a tempest. The conversation with his father still rang in his ears and he was furious.
Neris had refused the marriage. Had taken the matter to Caelmont. And now, the entire court of ruling lords would pass judgment over his sister ... like she was nothing more than a pawn in a game none of them had agreed to play.
Aldric's jaw clenched.
He hated himself at this moment for being so powerless to help his sister.
He turned the corner of the west wing, passing a row of darkened stained-glass windows, and began ascending the narrow spiral stairway that led to the tower.
He hated coming here, hated seeing his once fearsome sister neglected. He couldn't do anything... Nothing was done in Emberhold without his father's consent.
