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Frida Vancewell, as dangerous as that woman is in her own way, she is the one you want. Certs you may be aiming for the stars be setting the most eligible bachelorette in Montbrun as your goal. But aiming high is becoming characteristic of you. And you want her for more than just her power and connections, and certainly more than just the leisurely pastime of sex.
<span class="mu-i">“There is.”</span> You say with finality, albeit after a moment’s hesitation.
<span class="mu-g"><span class="mu-i">“Σεξ και πιστότητα. Τι κουραστικός βάρβαρος συνδυασμός.”</span></span> Kyria Eustace huffs in disappointment, but to your relief she pulls back. <span class="mu-i">“And killing the woman. This would not endear you to me.”</span>
You blink, wondering you misheard or if Kyria Eustace has made another mistranslation. Her heavy southern accent makes it difficult to decipher at times.
<span class="mu-i">“There is animal of, how you say, shell wolf? This animal, the female kill other female for mate when heat season.”</span> Kyria Eustace’s sharp green eyes continue to rest on you, but she has waved in a slave to take away the wine.
<span class="mu-i">“And this is a custom followed by Cathagi women?”</span> You’re more than halfway certain the Kyria is having a joke at your expense, but you answer seriously just in case. <span class="mu-i">“I can assure you, it certainly would not endear you to me.‘’</span>
<span class="mu-i">“No. No custom. But never hurt to ask.”</span> The Kyria Eustace says with a yawn, and you still remain uncertain whether this was all in jest.
The yawn of your host is an unsubtle signal that, if you’re not going to take the entertainment in that direction, now is as good a time as any to make your excuses and depart for the night. You reflect on that dismissal as you make your way to the guest’s quarters. Your rebuff was honest, and as entirely gentlemanly as you could manage. Your ability to discern the thoughts of women has never been much more than utterly dismal, but the poets would likely say that is nothing new under the sun for a young man. Still, for your part, you don’t believe that Kyria Eustace took offence to the declination of her advances tonight.
It's a good thing too. Your ancestors, ancient and recent, fought these folk tooth and nail to secure their independence. Cain on the cross, what if you had unwittingly sired a bastard, to be raised and trained with the very same enemy? Grandfather’s ashes would have been stirring in their place to hear of that particular scandal had you gone through with it, no doubt.
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