"Tell me, Saleh, do you have any preference in alcohol?"
"I don't drink, sir."
"Oh? What a shame."
Saleh was a very stoic man, never really showing much emotion. But even a complete fool could tell that Saleh was very, VERY nervous. It was only this morning that he proposed to Eirika in the library at Castle Renias. And now, a few hours later, Ephraim said he wanted to have a 'friendly drink' with Saleh, despite the fact that he and Saleh never really spoke to each other.
Ephraim smiled, "Tell me, Saleh, what do you do in Caer Pelyn?"
Saleh was jarred from his thoughts, "I teach children magic…"
If Saleh didn't know any better, he'd say Ephraim was laughing at his nervousness, "Oh? Does that pay well?"
Saleh gulped. It wasn't a lot of gold by normal standards, but the people of Caer Pelyn never really used much. But Saleh had to answer this question carefully, "I'm not poor, if that's what your asking."
Ephraim smirked, "I guess I should stop beating around the bush." He walked over to the window, "You know, Renias is a beautiful country. Great landscapes, and the view from the mountains is simply breath-taking. But in my two years of ruling this land, there was one thing about this land that stood out above everything else. Do you know what that is, Saleh?"
Saleh smirked, "Your sister, I presume."
Ephraim laughed, "Yes, it seems I can't approach this subject subtly. She's truly beautiful. And this a personal thing, but she is just adorable when she's mortified. But, she is a woman, and I knew this day would come. She's really one hell of a woman. And I understand you asked her to marry you."
Saleh nodded, "I did."
Ephraim smirked, "And she said yes, correct?"
"Sir, you seem very well informed about this."
Ephraim laughed again, "My, my. It seems the silent sage has a sense of humor. Now all I need is for Kyle to crack a joke, and my entire world will be turned upside down."
Saleh gulped, causing Ephraim to smile, "Well, anyways, I knew she'd find someone in time. But I knew that the man she picked would have to be a worthy man, least he face the wrath of the king of Renias."
Saleh moved about in his chair uncomfortably, causing Ephraim to laugh, "Alright, you poor bastard. I'm through scaring you to death. You can go now."
Saleh cocked an eyebrow, "That's all?"
Ephraim sat down at his desk and started on some paperwork, "Yes, I just wanted to have a friendly drink with my future brother-in-law."
Saleh smiled, "So I assume this means I have your blessing."
Ephraim nodded, "You're a good man, Saleh. I know you'll treat her right. And besides, you and I both know that even if I didn't like you, she'd have her way anyway. Saleh, I know I'm putting my sister is in capable hands."
Saleh walked out of the room, only to be kissed before he could even let out a sigh of relief. Eirika looked down sheepishly, "I hope my brother wasn't to hard on you."
Saleh ruffled her hair, "We have his permission and his blessing, Eirika. And don't worry- he only scared me half to death."
Eirika smiled, "So…"
Saleh smiled right back, "So…?"
She started blushing, "I'm getting married…"
Saleh kissed her again, "Indeed you are."
Eirika smiled, "Dear Gods, I don't even know what to do right now…"
Saleh sighed, "Well, there is one thing I had in mind."
"Oh?"
"Well, as you know, Gerik and Tethys recently had a daughter. And Gerik's really been pressuring me into making her a playmate."
Eirika's face started to blush hotter than Saleh thought possible, "S-Saleh! I couldn't possibly- well, not right now- maybe- I don't-"
Saleh laughed louder than he ever did before. Ephraim was right on two things- One, Eirika was adorable when she was flustered. And two- he was giving up one hell of a woman.
