Katarina guides Kaelen from the crowded floor as the musicians begin another dance. Behind them, the green-sleeved courtier remains beneath the gallery lantern, watching without joining the applause.
They pass beneath the archway to an open gallery overlooking the lanterns below. The music thins into a distant rhythm, mingling with hoofbeats and restless animals in the menagerie.
Katarina
Your brother will hear that I left the dance with you, and the court will decide it was not merely a dance.
Katarina
They will call me your faction because I stand beside you. They will call you reckless because you permit me to do so.
She rests both hands on the cold stone balustrade, keeping the gala at her back. Below, servants move between pools of gold light while nobles gather in whispering knots.
Katarina
And marriage? You withdrew the words, but the court heard them. You revealed that our loyalty might become something chosen, not merely inherited or assigned.
Katarina
That frightens them more than your defense of me. So tell me plainly, Kaelen. What did you mean before you decided the walls were listening?
✓ Quest Accepted
Answer Katarina honestly about what he meant by marriage
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish mutual boundaries for their loyalty
“"Faction requires that I had one in general. I am only the youngest son. No land. No men. Nothing." * I lean against the balacony next to her.* "You ask such so quickly Katarina. Did something change then? Have I upset with the idea? And I do not see the issue if I choose you. Have I not done that most of my life? The scar on my faces proves that."”
SUCCESS (Good Oratory, rolled -2)
Kaelen leans against the balcony beside Katarina, armor settling with a muted scrape. Below, a servant pauses beneath the gallery, glancing up before hurrying on.
Kaelen Winterhide
A faction requires that I have something to command. I am only the youngest son: no land, no men, nothing. I have chosen you most of my life. The scar on my face proves what that choice has cost. Why do you ask so quickly, Katarina? Has something changed? Have I upset you with the idea? I see no wrong in choosing you.
Katarina
No. You have not upset me, and nothing in my feelings has changed. I ask quickly because the court has already begun asking for us.
A chair scrapes somewhere beyond the archway. The sound is small, but deliberate enough to remind them that the gallery is not private.
Katarina
You are right that you possess no province or regiment. Yet your name, your restraint, and my place beside you are enough for ambitious people to build a faction in rumor.
Katarina
He speaks of choosing me as though loyalty were simple. Perhaps, for him, it has always been.
Katarina
I would not ask you to choose differently. I ask whether you understand that choosing me now makes the choice visible, and makes both of us answer for it.
“"I understand the risk Katarina. I have always understood the risk. As for rumors what will they say that haven't already been said? That you are my mistress? That I prefer commoners and barbarians over civilized woman? That you secretly carry my child? Choosing to remain by your side is as simple as breathing..." *I sigh and look out to the whatever may lay before us.* "If your asking if I would court you." *I leaned closer to her to whisper so that only she would hear it.* "Then I would, but I will not force you into such things nor do I truly believe that is something you desired." *I leaned away.*”
SUCCESS (Good Oratory, rolled +1)
Kaelen Winterhide
I understand the risk, Katarina. I have always understood it. What rumor remains that they have not already spoken? That you are my mistress, that I prefer commoners and barbarians to civilized women, or that you secretly carry my child? Choosing to remain at your side is as simple as breathing.
Kaelen sighs and looks beyond the gallery, where lanterns tremble across the menagerie roof and the imperial court moves beneath them like a patient tide.
Kaelen Winterhide
If you are asking whether I would court you, then I would. But I will not force you into such a thing, nor do I truly believe it is what you desire.
He leans close enough that the armor's faint creak is lost beneath distant music, and gives her the answer in a whisper meant for her alone. Then he draws back.
Katarina
He has placed the choice in my hands without disguising its cost. No courtly bargain could have been clearer.
Katarina
You make it sound simple because you have carried the danger so long that it feels like breath to you. I have carried it too, Kaelen, but I have never mistaken it for air.
Katarina
I do desire you, and I would court you. Not to strengthen your claim, not to answer your brothers, and not because the court has begun writing our story for us. Because I choose you.
Quest Complete
Answer Katarina honestly about what he meant by marriage
Skill Upgrade: Oratory Good→Great