upper lip curled up. “Energy work?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm. I suppose it could be worse. At least we know her to be an honest and kind person.”
“Freya and Mom like her.”
“And I suppose you already told them that you’re in love with Linea?”
“No, I haven’t talked to anyone about it yet. It’s still so new.”
“Hmm.” My father’s shoulders lifted as he filled his lungs with another deep intake of air. “I suppose I should be honored to be the first one you tell, but I have to ask you, are you sure you couldn’t fall in love with any of the women on my list?”
I arched my right eyebrow and let my expression speak for me.
“All right. Linea it is. Maybe she’ll prove herself useful as your partner with her mind-reading skills. Have you discussed the wedding?”
Scratching my neck, I admitted, “Technically, she hasn’t agreed to marry me yet.”
“You haven’t proposed?”
“No, I have. She just… ehm. She…” I couldn’t find the words.
“She what?”
“She’s not that interested in my lifestyle.”
“Your lifestyle.” My dad’s tone was incredulous. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you telling me that Linea rejected your proposal?” Khan looked offended on my behalf.
“Linea isn’t impressed by grandiose buildings, titles, and money. She says I wouldn’t have time for her if I’m the ruler.”
“Nonsense. I sleep with your mother every night. We see each other for breakfast and dinner.”
“Yes, but Linea remembers Mom taking us to visit her family and you never being part of it.”
“Huh. But does she remember all the times her father left to go on hunting trips with Magni and me? I may not have joined your visits to an already cramped windmill, but I took breaks to spend time with friends and family. I still do.”
“I’ll tell her that.”
My dad lifted on his toes and made a sound of amazement. “Huh. It’s ironic when you think about it.”
“What is?”
“After all your complaints that women want you for your title and money, you go and find someone who would rather that you were normal. Do you see now why I made a list? It takes a special woman to live under the kind of pressure we face.”
My words came without hesitation. “I want Linea!”
Looking deep into my eyes, my father asked, “Why her?”
“You just said it. When she marries me, it will be despite what I am and not because of it. Her rejection of my proposal made me even more certain that she’s the woman I want. With Linea I would know for sure that she’s with me for who I am and not what I am.”
“Hmm.” my father watched me with a stern look on his face.
“Linea isn’t like other women.”
“No, how could she be with a mother like Athena? I’ve always said that she and Finn are the most unlikely couple in the world.”
Right there as my father spoke, I had an epiphany. Raising my gaze to the ceiling, I exclaimed, “I know why I love her.”
He waited for me to expand on my exclamation.
My thoughts were like words written in sand with waves washing them away as fast as I could see them. Trying to hold on to the clarity I’d felt a second ago, I rambled. “Growing up with you and Mom hasn’t been easy for me. You wanted opposite things from me and making one of you proud often meant disappointing the other. It’s not something I’ve discussed with Linea, but instinctually I know that she gets me. Her mother is royalty in the Motherlands, revered and loved by millions, and Linea is trying to live up to her mother’s reputation and be like her. At the same time, she has Finn as a father who taught her sarcasm, irony, and a love of personal freedom. Linea is as torn as me, Dad. That’s why she gets me.”
“Athena isn’t royalty. Motlanders have a flat hierarchy, you know that.”
“I meant that she’s famous for her wisdom and millions follow her for inspiration.”
Placing both his hands on my shoulders, my dad used a stern voice. “Your mother will no doubt be pleased with your choice of bride. I on the other hand worry. I’m sure Linea can give you emotional support, but what will happen to our culture if she influences you? All these years, your mother has tried to get me to soften my ways and I’ve had to stand my ground. If you marry Linea, you’ll need to be strong and not let her influence you with her Motlander ways. Remember your