You arrive beneath enchanted chandeliers, their floating crystals spilling gold across polished marble. Heraldic banners stir without wind while nobles gather in glittering clusters, watching you enter.
A young adult man steps from the court, tall and broad-shouldered, with dark auburn hair, pale skin, and a silver-trimmed crimson coat. A hawk-shaped brooch marks his house.
Lord Cassian Veyr
Lady Rei, before the assembled court, I declare my intent. Marriage between us would begin a new bloodline and secure an alliance between our families.
The words ripple through the hall. Goblets pause beside painted lips, fans still mid-motion, and the chandeliers brighten as if the magic itself listens.
Lord Cassian Veyr
Our names together would command respect from every neighboring throne. I offer you my hand, and ask for your answer publicly.
At the edge of the gathered court, your relatives straighten behind jeweled masks. One elderly woman lifts her chin toward you, expectation sharpened into silent command.
Lord Cassian Veyr
Surely she understands what this opportunity means.
✓ Quest Accepted
Refuse the suitor's marriage proposal
✓ Quest Accepted
Prevent the proposed alliance from determining Rei's future
Director's note
I tilt my head saying he hasn't even introduced himself or attempted to court me formally
Rei
You have not even introduced yourself, and you have made no formal courtship.
You tilt your head, letting the silence sharpen around the omission. Beneath the chandeliers, every watching noble suddenly finds the marble fascinating.
Lord Cassian Veyr
A fair correction, Lady Rei. I am Lord Cassian Veyr, heir to House Veyr, and I offer you my formal courtship before this court.
He bows at last, crimson coat sweeping behind him. His hawk-shaped brooch catches the enchanted light, while your relatives exchange quick, uneasy glances.
Lord Cassian Veyr
My house brings ancient oaths, fertile lands, and influence among three thrones. I ask permission to seek your hand honorably.
Lady Meredyth Vale
Rei, do not mistake ceremony for an invitation to prolong this spectacle.
The elderly woman’s jeweled mask gleams as she lowers her chin. Around her, the court waits to see whether your correction becomes refusal, negotiation, or another public wound.
Director's note
I say I don't want to know what his family has to offer and as he never stated what he has to offer I must regrettably decline
Rei
I do not wish to hear what your family offers. Since you have not stated what you offer me, I must regrettably decline.
Your refusal crosses the marble hall with quiet finality. The enchanted chandeliers dim a shade, and the watching nobles release one collective breath.
Lord Cassian Veyr
You decline before hearing the terms? Lady Rei, that is not prudence. It is insult dressed in courtesy.
Lord Cassian’s offered hand lowers slowly, fingers tightening beside the silver hawk brooch. Behind him, several courtiers murmur, while your relatives remain rigid beneath their jeweled masks.
Lady Meredyth Vale
Enough, Rei. You have made your answer. Do not compound the offense by explaining yourself further.
Lord Cassian Veyr
She rejects House Veyr before the court, and expects the insult to pass unanswered.
A herald’s crystal staff gives a single chime, recording the refusal into the hall’s ancient magic. Every noble now watches Lord Cassian, waiting to see whether he bows or challenges the verdict.
Quest Complete
Refuse the suitor's marriage proposal