"Lord Underwood?" Ren choked on his own spit, his eyes wide.
"How would you like to be my heir, Ren?" Lord Underwood asked, expression still serious.
"I—" Ren had no idea what to say. What does one say when they are asked to become the heir of a moderately wealthy house just by marrying into it?
Yes? No? I'll think about it?
"I know you're surprised." Lord Underwood said. "But there's no one else I'd rather ask. Octavian is… gone." The man swallowed. "Forever. There's no point in looking for him anymore. And among everyone betrothed to my three daughters, you're the one I trust the most, Ren. You're the only person I know who won't let House Underwood die off."
"You don't have to take the Underwood name. You only have to oversee House Underwood, and when you give me grandchildren, one of them shall take the Underwood name and continue my bloodline. What do you say?"
"I—" Ren paused. "Why me?"
