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He nodded with a smile, then asked, “Did something happen yesterday? Is that what you have to speak with your father about?”
Shrugging, she said, “That’s just it. Nothing really happened. Their general spoke to my father, then we all just went home. It was...”
“Odd.”
They shared a knowing look as she nodded. “Yeah, and my father wouldn’t tell me what they discussed. I’m hoping this morning I can—”
Krieger’s raspy laugh filled the tiny space. “Interrogate him? You’re good at that. The information is as good as yours.”
Without thinking, she lightly punched his shoulder as the corner of her lips twitched up. “Hey, I am not.”
She couldn’t resist a second look at him. Damn it. A laugh escaped her. His grin was as wide as a jack-o’-lantern as he gazed down at her. Mother Earth, that smile.
What was she doing? Had she lost all her sense?
She walked outside her hut, Krieger not far behind. “I’ll see you in a few, okay?”
As he backed away from her, a sheepish grin still lingered on his face. His eyes never left her.
She turned and shrugged off the giggles as she walked toward her father’s unit. When she approached his door, she knocked and waited for a command.
“Enter.”
Striding into the room, she held her head high. “I want to talk.”
He was seated at his desk, which was covered in charts. He didn’t look at her, but she heard him sigh. “Be seated.”
The bag fell from her arm as she took the seat with quick movements. Was her eagerness so obvious?
He stood and walked around the desk, leaning against the solid wood bureau. His glasses hung from a chain around his collar as he addressed her. “I’m glad you came. We do need to go over a few things.”
She crossed her ankles and let her hands rest in her lap. “I’m listening.”
When he wouldn’t meet her eyes, a feeling of foreboding washed over her. Whatever he was about to say wasn’t good. “It seems the Becks’ son is dead.”
“Okay. What does that have to do with us? Do they think we killed him?”
He looked to her now. “Apparently, he was involved in the caravan battle, he didn’t make it. They thought we were invading their land. They extend their apologies—”
She laughed. “Their apologies? Give me a break! Why was he even there? Everyone knows the Becks don’t fight. Now we are honoring a truce with them?” She shook her head in disbelief.
Samuel took hold of her shoulders. “They want an end to this fighting, Eva, as much as we do. Like I said last night, Thomas Beck is very interested in a peace treaty, especially now that his son has been killed. They have people they are trying to keep alive too. They need better land to farm and hunt on.”
She nodded. “Yeah, I got that part.”
He sighed. “Well, it seems they have a condition to the treaty.”
“What kind of condition?”
“Mr. Beck would like more confirmation that we won’t back out of the treaty, something more than just a piece of paper.” She was about to protest, but he held up his hand. “Also, they are willing to share their lands and game that occupy it.”
Her father looked to the floor.
She shook her head. “Well, tell me. Please. I want to know.”
He leveled his gaze with hers. “A marriage between you and the Becks’ last remaining son. He is to be named the new heir of Stone Haven, since the passing of his eldest.”
Her heart stopped as a sharp gasp escaped her lips. Fear and anger wrestled for control. “Are you suggesting I marry our sworn enemy?”
