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Jet leans back in his chair and starts thinking. His prolonged silence is seen as an opening by Catala who pierces him with a single, well placed "Well?". He takes a deep breath in response, places both elbows on the table, crosses his hands and leans in on it.
"And here I thought Ledaal Kes was the one to avoid if one dislikes Gateway. I must say Master Catala, you have placed me squarely in checkmate. You have my respect. If I refuse it can be seen as an admission of weakness and an excellent excuse for you to start negotiations with my house from an advantageous position. On the other hand if I accept and fail you have even more concrete proof to use. It seems all I can do is gamble and pray for the best. Well done."
"Thank you. Then let us proceed-"
"Oh but one more thing. It's an interesting idea to suggest that the reason for Kaya's excellence is that my blood was robbed of its potency. I admit I'm the farthest thing from a theologist but it does not sit right with me that benediction of the Elemental Dragons is limited in such a capacity. I might have to ask a few monks about this interpretation of the holy texts."
"Come now. I know House Mnemon is deeply faithful and has strong connections to the order. But let's not change the subject. This isn't a matter of faith. I simply can not in good conscience dilute my bloodline with a defective scion. It's in both of our best interest for you to take the test. If your blood is as pure as your sisters I have no qualms about proceeding with the marriage. And you too would have unquestionable proof of your nobility. Unless of course you already know deep down that you are a failure. That you will never exalt, despite your lineage."
Jet felt a drop of sweat run down his neck. So this was arguing with one of the chosen. Her words were carried by the wind and crept into his ears, where they took root in his mind. She was right. On some level he was deeply, terribly afraid that something was wrong with him. That the dragons have avoided blessing him for some reason. But he simply can not accept that. He was told from the day he was born that he was special. That he would become a Prince of the Earth. That it was his destiny, no, his right. And he fought every day to prove that. He knows he is worthy.
