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Gretchen was thoughtful for a few long moments, and then seemed satisfied that she'd found just the right words to say to Eliana. Whatever it was, it had to be serious. And it had to be about Eliana and Kadeem.
"You know you're father doesn't approve of this engagement," Gretchen said evenly. "And that he has been trying to find a way to prevent it ever since Kadeem announced the engagement back in Qazhar."
"But, there's nothing he can do, is there?" Eliana said. "The tradition states it very clearly. Every four generations this marriage has to take place. It's laid down in the agreement between our two countries. There's nothing that can change that."
Gretchen's brows furrowed. She peered into Eliana's eyes. There was deep sympathy in that look. Eliana had the sudden suspicion that her mother was about to say something truly awful. Something that would hurt her as much as it would hurt Eliana.
Eliana reached across and laid a hand on her mother's arm. "What is it, mother?" she asked, her voice shaking with emotion she could nothing to control.
Gretchen settled her hand upon Eliana's. "I have to tell you something, Eliana. And, perhaps, you're not going to like it."
"Is it about Kadeem?" Eliana asked sharply.
Gretchen nodded. "It is."
Eliana scowled. "What has father been doing?" she snapped.
"What he always does when he wants to prevent something he doesn't like. Looking into it in detail."
"What do you mean?" Eliana asked.
Gretchen sighed. "There is a copy of the scroll which outlines the details of the agreement. It is in the archive. Your father instructed someone to find it and bring it to him."
"Why?"
Gretchen shook her head. "Because he wouldn't let this go. He wants to stop your marriage to Kadeem from going ahead."
"But, he can't," Eliana said. She peered at her mother. "Can he?"
Gretchen's expression tightened into a mask which displayed her inner sadness. "I'm afraid he can, Eliana," she said.
Eliana felt her body weaken instantly. She gasped. "How?"
Gretchen tightened her grasp on Eliana's arm. "He's found a clause in the contract. One that allows him to refuse Kadeem permission to marry you."
The weakening sensation in her body suddenly became an intolerable heaviness. Eliana felt her breath being drawn out of her. She sensed the color draining from her face.
"Mother!" Eliana exclaimed. "Tell me it isn't true."
Gretchen smiled weakly. "I'm afraid it is, Eliana."
"How?" Eliana demanded.
"It has to do with what Kadeem did last night," Gretchen said.
Confusing what had happened at the banquet with what had occurred in Kadeem's bedroom, and fearing she had been discovered, Eliana felt shock course through her system. But, moments later, she regained her composure, realizing that her mother was talking about Kadeem's intervention at the banquet.
"Just because Kadeem spoke up for himself?" Eliana gasped. "That's why father is going to refuse him?"
"He's already done so," Gretchen explained.
"What are you talking about?" Eliana demanded.
"Your father has probably already spoken with Kadeem. He made sure that Kadeem came to see him first, this morning."
"What!" Eliana snapped. "Why did no-one tell me about this?"
"It was for the best, Eliana," Gretchen said, although, judging by her mother's expression, it was clear to Eliana that her mother didn't think that for a moment.
