Page 18 of Severe Husband Warning

“Thank you, my lord.”

I acknowledge the gesture with a nod.

“There will be conditions.”

She straightens immediately.

I raise one hand, extending a finger with each requirement.

“You will reside within House Stromgarde until our agreement concludes. Our marriage will exist in full accordance with the law. And you will conduct yourself as Lady Stromgarde, with every responsibility the name carries.”

“I shall do my utmost.”

The answer comes without hesitation.

Whether experience will prove equal to determination remains a question for another day.

I turn toward the garden entrance. The movement is enough for Commander Vhoros to step out from beyond the archway.

“Commander.”

“Summon Steward Halden.”

“At once, my Lord.”

Calla remains beside the fountain, following the exchange with quiet uncertainty while we wait.

It is not long before Halden arrives, ledger tucked beneath one arm and quill already in hand.

“My lord,” he says, bowing before me.

I begin dictating before he has fully opened the ledger.

“Arrange immediate payment of the Alder family’s debt to House Malakor. I want written confirmation delivered before sunset stating every claim against Adair Alder has been permanently discharged.”

Halden records the instruction with efficient precision.

“Once payment is complete, Adair Alder falls under the protection of House Stromgarde. No representative of another House is to approach him without my express permission.”

“Understood, my lord.”

I wait until he finishes writing before continuing.

“There is one further matter.” His quill stills expectantly above the page. “Prepare a public announcement for release before the evening bells.”

Beside me, I sense Calla’s attention sharpen. I dictate the notice exactly as it will appear throughout Ti’lith.

“‘By decree of Lord Rothgar Stromgarde, House Stromgarde announces the forthcoming betrothal of Lord Rothgar Stromgarde and Calla Alder. Formal ceremony to follow upon completion of customary preparations.’”

Halden’s pen pauses for only an instant before continuing across the page.

“As you command, my lord.”

The steward departs with Commander Vhoros close behind, carrying instructions that will reach every corner of the city before nightfall.

The effects will travel farther still.

By tomorrow, every noble house in Galmoleth will know that House Stromgarde has chosen a human bride. Malakor’s carefully arranged plans will collapse under the weight of one single announcement, and the court will spend weeks attempting to explain a decision whose true purpose belongs to no one but the two people standing beside this fountain.