Legend of the Forbidden by J. F. Jenkins

heard his father mumble, "I hope not."
    Ethan winced. “Yes and no. Like I said, we'll talk when I get back.”
    By now Dani was only ten feet away. She was smiling, but it seemed a bit forced as she mouthed out 'dinnertime' to him.
    â€œMom, Dad, I gotta go. I'm getting the stink-eye okay? I love you both, and I'll see you in just a couple of weeks.”
    â€œBye, honey, love you,” his mom said.
    After saying his goodbyes, he faced Dani. “I'm coming.”
    She put an arm around him, and they walked back to the house. What he loved the most about her touch was the fact that she did it without an agenda. Something that concerned him a lot when it came to Maya.

 
Chapter Twenty
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    Tyson let himself be fitted for a tuxedo with little complaint, though it was not what he would call a pleasant experience. Tuxes were tight and constricting, and so hot on the tropical island of Shanrea. None of his options were light in material.
    â€œThis is fancy,” Ethan said as he looked himself over in a mirror nearby.
    â€œIt's a grand affair. Of course it is,” Tyson said, and adjusted the jacket.
    â€œSo your meeting yesterday was weird? That's what Dani was telling me when I asked her about it.”
    â€œLord Bolton is weird in general,” Tyson explained. “Dad says the guy has always had a little obscure version of the world. I know he upset her, but he was being a jerk. Even I was insulted by some of the comments he made. And I still don't understand the importance of all this. The way he talks about us, it's like we're tools.”
    Ethan shrugged. “You are. You're political tools.”
    â€œWhat do you think would happen if we decided to not do it?” Tyson asked quietly.
    â€œHow much do you think Lord Bolton is capable of?” Ethan asked, glancing at him from the side.
    Tyson took off the jacket, now too warm to keep wearing it for much longer. “I don't think he'd do anything crazy. But it's hard to say no to the arrangement when there's no real reason to not go through with it. The way he made the whole thing sound, it was as if…”
    â€œHmm?” Ethan asked. “As if what?”
    â€œThere's something going on that he's not telling Dani and me. When I suggested we wait and cancel the wedding, he got mad. Started talking about how we had to redeem our people, and then said 'among other things'. I know there are parts of the story we haven't heard yet, but I can't help but wonder how essential they are. Shouldn't we be told how much is at stake? Especially if they want us to understand.”
    â€œMaybe he thought he was saving you from stress and pressure?” Ethan said with a shrug.
    Tyson chewed on his lower lip thoughtfully. “Perhaps. Whatever it is, I'm ready for all of this to be over and done with.”
    â€œYeah…” Ethan said with a nod.
    â€œI think we're set here.” He paused. “Do you think it could be possible? To say no? Put my foot down and change it?”
    â€œIt's not like anyone can force you to say 'I do', let alone consummate your marriage with her. Still, you guys are lucky. Since you know each other and all. Maybe it's not strange to you, but for her it's probably confusing. So are you sure you want to throw this whole thing away? What do you think will happen to you both? I mean, your people have one way of doing things, and hers another. How do you think she'll find another spouse?”
    Tyson scowled. It was just like Ethan to think logically about everything, and not from his heart. What would happen to Dani? There were no Elite men for Dani to pick from. What would happen to her was his biggest concern. She was the only female dragon. How many dragon men would try to take advantage of that? Tyson and Dani had gotten to know each other normally and naturally, just like the way of the Terran. All of the things Tyson would have done with a human girl, he was doing with Dani. Except for