His thoughts of marriage

*Zac*
“So what exactly are your plans?” Morton asks.

Me and my brothers are in the library having a drink and talking. The ladies have gone off to do whatever it is they do when they give each other sly smiles. I am not too concerned that Djuna will make Callie feel as though she is in the midst of an inquisition. Djuna and I have been dear friends since childhood. It was that strong bond that had caused trouble when she married Morton. But all is well between us now, and I know that Djuna will make Callie feel welcomed in a way that few could. I wish I had thought to have my mother send for her sooner.

With my arm raised, my wrist pressed to the mantle, I study the way the fire writhes and dances. With the thought of being shackled by bonds of matrimony, I feel my own need to writhe. “Be a good husband I suppose.”

“How do you intend to provide for your family?” He asks me.

I press my thumb to my scar and slide it down the mottled skin. “I'm of little use to the military with no memory of all I learned while at war. I would be no better than a fresh recruit. I would also make a deplorable dragon priest. I suppose I could seek to get elected into Parliament of dragons.”

“I have been giving your situation some thought," Draco says.

I am not surprised. There is very little that Draco doesn’t put his mind to. When I was younger, I resented that Draco always seemed in a position to effectively handle whatever challenge or crisis came his way or anyone else's way. Now I appreciate it. I peer questioningly over at my younger brother.

“I am thinking you might manage Rosegleam castle for me." It is one of his smaller estates a bit of a way from this one. “I've been so busy managing other things that I fear I have neglected it somewhat."

“You don’t know how to neglect anything." I point out.

He chuckles. “True enough. But it would reduce my burdens if I had someone I trusted to look after it. To offer incentive, a portion of the yearly income would go to you. Increase the income, increase your portion."

Knowing I will never inherit one unless Morton dies, I have paid little enough attention to how one goes about managing an estate. But my pride won’t allow me to admit yet another shortcoming, even to my brothers. I want to do right by Callie, provide well for her and Zane. God knows I owe her that much at least. “I accept your offer.”

Draco's green eyes widen. “I would not have expected you to capitulate so easily. I had a whole host of arguments lined up to deliver."

Now that I have regained most of my strength, I am beginning to feel the walls of my family closing in on me. As the wedding date nears, so, too, am I beginning to doubt myself. I am not certain I am cut out to be a husband or a father. What do I have to offer other than passion? It has occurred to me to simply leave Callie and Zane here after the ceremony, to go my own way. Marriage won’t restore her reputation, but it will make her status not quite so ruined. And surely, with the public outcry of support for the military, all will understand how a man and woman in love may use poor judgment on the eve of battle.

She can twist the tale and make herself out to be a heroine if she wishes.

But I recognize that any sort of deception is not my way. Besides, while I have little to offer her, broken as I am, I recognize that she has much to offer me. So, be an attentive husband to her I will.

She deserves someone who is there. Someone to listen and to hold her. Someone who will provide for her and for Zane. And Zane deserves a father, a real father to teach him everything a father ought to teach a son. So I will stay for their sake.