Post by Kattalin Ibarra on Aug 5, 2016 14:11:36 GMT -5
A roll of expressive dark eyes prefaced her response. "I could not possibly care less what others think of our decisions, Zorion. So long as Estersea is protected and allowed to prosper, the rest of the Kingdom can go suck an egg." Hardly a ladylike or elegant comment, but it adequately conveyed her point. Kattalin didn't care what most of the Kingdom thought; the only reason so many appeared to care now was because of Estersea's strategic location for both Deveraux and Sandoval. Before then, Estersea might as well not have existed for all the notice paid to the March. She was not about to take the Dukes seriously when they did not grant Zorion the same respect.
"I'm not suggesting that you angle for more if it isn't what you want," she deliberately gentled her tone, not wanting to upset or rile her brother needlessly. "Only that you know what it is you want, and that you strive for it. I... want you to be content, Zorion, if not happy." Kattalin knew her brother did not consider himself often enough, something that tended to frustrate her.
"You need more from a wife than the occasional presence in your bed," came the dry retort. "If you insist that I marry out of Estersea, you will need a woman who can run your household, help you with the social demands and with Gilboa, raise children with you, and in later years, be a companion to you." She wasn't going to say a word about love, not after his disaster of a first marriage, but she was adamant about the other points. No mere noblewoman would suffice.
At his snort, she laughed darkly. "Taking the Caliph's eldest daughter would force him to the negotiating table where you could put that demand forth. I think it is less that he lacks the influence, and more that he lacks the desire to bring them to a halt since he directly profits. Rohari is not so rich a region in coin, though they attempt to make up for it in arrogance." Kattalin shrugged, seeing no reason to soften her words.
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Zorion Ibarra