Kimar, cornered by Garius's words, turned sharply toward the princess. His smirk returned, though the tension in his jaw betrayed the grind of teeth behind it.
"Now, Your Royal Highness," he said, voice smooth but heavy with insistence, "what is your answer? You have heard the law. You know your duty. This union is not a question of want, but of necessity. The kingdom itself rests upon it."
Kliatana rose slowly, her gaze lowered to the polished table, shoulders trembling faintly. Her lips parted, hesitant, but her voice carried through the silence.
"…I… I refuse."
A sharp stir rippled across the hall.
Kimar blinked once, his smile widening, as if he had misheard.
"Hmm? Forgive me, Your Royal Highness, but perhaps I did not catch your words clearly. Surely you would not dismiss your duty so lightly?"
Kliatana drew a deep breath, trembling.
"Duke Kimar, I do not deny the weight of law, nor the burden of blood. But I will not wed you."
