Ines's eyes narrowed, the light from the tall windows gleaming in her irises.
Her fingers tightened slightly on the armrest of her throne, though her voice, when she spoke, was calm and controlled.
"There is no need for me to get married, Lord Ramsay," she said. "The kingdom does not need more ceremonies."
"What it needs is stability, and the strength to hold back the demons raging at our borders."
High Magus Edric inclined his head slightly, the faintest trace of a smile at the corner of his lips.
Thomas, however, showed no sign of backing down. He folded his hands respectfully before him, continuing in that smooth tone of his.
"Your Majesty is correct that stability is paramount," he said. "But marriage itself would bring stability."
"It would calm the hearts of both the nobility and the common folk. They would see a future, an heir to ensure continuity. It would remind them that Camelot's flame still burns bright."
