A Crown in Ash (The Ostler's Boy Book 3)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Askar leaned against the balcony. It was made of shiny stone. He sighed. "In my culture, boys become men when they reach their thirteenth year," he said.

Above us, a thousand stars were belted together in a long purple and pink braid, cutting across the sky. It was difficult to notice anything else. It was different than the swirls of greens and blues my home promised with its aurora.

"With respect, what does that have to do with me, sir?" I asked.

He shrugged. "Because I... Perhaps I should explain the importance first? When a Son of Gosil comes of age, especially a Son of nobility, marriage is his first task. He and his parents must decide upon a spouse so that arrangements can be made and the line secured."

"I understand that," I said. "Marriage is important in Oreia, too. Especially to my family. You forget I am part of the Crown."

"Yes, but. My rank, while perhaps in your land, is only Duke, is as high as Gosil climbs. For better or for worse, I am my nation's Crown."

"O-Oh." I hadn't considered that. "Oh, I see."

"The rank has been in my family for decades. My father, the late Duke Löff, held the Gosil seat in my youth. I hold it in his death. As an only child, my union is important, and to more than just myself and my mother, but to the Sons and Daughters of Gosil. While your empire allows women to inherit titles and lands, Gosil is not there yet."

"Would it not pass to your cousin?" I asked.

"No. He is my mother's nephew. My father had none. I am the only heir."

"Then your fear is that his legacy dies with you?" I asked. "That is a certain pressure. But if you choose your wife in adolescence...?"

"My parents did their part in obtaining the match I wanted. They sent a letter to the lady's house in hopes of a union. The offer was quite grand. I was very insistent."

"But she said no?" I asked. I hurt for him. "Had you courted her very long?"

"Gosil men do not court," he said.

"Wait." I shifted, pondering his words. "You blindly proposed to a woman? Through a letter?"

"Marriage is, in its definition, a deal between two parties," he explained. "Many transactions are made through letters, even marriage. Look at my parents. Look at theirs."

"What of love?" I asked.

"Love is learned," he said.

"I don't understand," I replied. "Are you telling me you're engaged?"

"I'm not engaged; as you guessed, the offer was rejected."

"I'm certain she had a reason," I decided. "Perhaps she was betrothed to someone else?"

Askar shook his head. "No."

"Then above your station?" I asked. "Though, it would be difficult to find someone above you. You're a Duke and apparently the Goslin King, for lack of a better word. She would have to be a monarch or... or a Princess... of another nation."