XXVIII: Male Competition

"I appreciate you letting me stop by, Elsa. Especially at this late hour." said Ariam. He stepped inside the estate and followed Elsa to the parlor.

"Well, it isn't every day that I meet with friends mere minutes away from midnight," she replied. "And on top of that, I have something important to tell you as well."

"Oh?" Ariam asked, "Sounds like I'm in trouble." He teased.

"You might very well be." Elsa said, motioning for him to sit down. When he did, she continued. "I know you and Rebecca haven't been courting very long, but have you any future plans?"

"I believe you know my future plans in regards to your granddaughter, Elsa."

"Indeed I do, Ariam. However..." her voice trailed off for a moment. "There is a new complication. How long do you expect this courtship to last?"

"Elsa, you yourself told me not to rush into this. I believe your exact words were...'Rebecca is a kind, sweet, and tender young woman, but she needs her time. She's afraid of strangers..."

"Why is it, Ariam, that you remember all of that yet important orders from your father slip right by?"

"What can I say...when it comes to my future bride, she becomes my top priority."

"I can see that." she said. "well? How does she feel about you? I assume there's love involved."

Ariam let off a smirk. "oh yeah..."

"For kriff's sake, Ariam...you didn't take her to your bed yet, did you?"

"Not until the wedding night, Elsa. "I respect her, and our society's expectations."

"Good." she rose from her seat and began pacing the room, "Now, I mentioned before that there's a new complication. How soon are you going to be making these wedding plans?"

"Well a few more months perhaps. I've seen her only a few several times. Why, what is 'complication'?"

"You're familiar with Lord Jeref Ulmeran? He's from your rival family, a few years older than you...better career reputation..."

"He's also a scoundrel with a shadier mind than my own. What's that bastard have to do with this?"

"He's your new competition. Jeref stopped by today. He too would like to have my granddaughter for his bride."