“But you’re still upset.”
“It was a very abrupt decision, and you are jumping into it so quickly. You are young. So young. I have reached my great age without ever marrying. With so much going on, I can scarcely believe you’ve found time to concern yourself with romance.”
“I’m sorry you never got to experience love as I have,” Katsi said, withholding a smile, “but with everything going on, perhaps this is the best thing I could be doing.”
Adrina clicked her tongue. “But with power such as yours, Katsi, you could have married someone with much greater ability. He is a Marem.”
“He is the emperor, and he is Ashjagar.”
“Yes, I hate to think what kind of offspring might come of such a union.”
“Humans, probably,” Katsi said, letting her old sarcasm slip out.
“Don’t be so sure about that.”
“It will be fine. I have no concerns. Besides, perhaps we’ll never get a chance to find out if things are truly as grim as they appear. Let us have our happy moments while they last.”
Adrina humphed a response, but took a step back to observe Katsi from a distance. “Also, I’m not entirely comfortable with you keeping that drakotah in here.” She looked over at one of Katsi’s couches where Scales was sprawled out across the cushions, digging his head under a pillow.
“Scales is a very respectable animal,” Katsi said, letting her smile out this time.
Adrina shook her head. “I’ve never heard of anybody taking on a drakotah as a pet. From all accounts I’ve heard or read, they were vicious creatures. Perhaps it’s only because he is young now, but when that lizard reaches adulthood, you may have more to worry about.”
“Scales and I have an understanding. Besides, he looks after me, and I look after him. I don’t think I ever need to worry about him becoming a hazard.”
Scales looked over at her from the couch, resting his head atop the arm and purring deep in his throat.
“Then I will worry for you,” Adrina said. “But Katsi, this marriage. I hope you’re not doing this to make some kind of statement. Are you sure it’s the right thing to do?”
“Yes,” Katsi said immediately. She’d never been more sure of anything in her life. She knew without a doubt that Migo loved her completely. He’d seen past all prejudices and hate. He’d already offered his own life for her time and again. “Though I certainly don’t mind if it makes a good statement at the same time. What better way to show the people that the worlds of shamanfolk and Marems are the same, that we can join together as one people, despite our differences.”
Adrina stood directly in front of Katsi, no longer picking at her attire, but meeting her gaze. “He didn’t force you into this, did he? You can say no to him. You have no obligation.”
Katsi laughed. “No, Adrina. I’m the one who brought up the idea in the first place.”
“Then how do you know his love is genuine?”
“Adrina, he drank a potion that he thought would kill him simply because he thought it might give him the slightest chance of defeating the most powerful shaman in the world just so he could save me. He also completely forgave me when I killed someone who was the only person capable of giving him information regarding his father’s research. It was devastating to him, yet he forgave me. Those are only two instances, but the list goes on, I assure you. He has proven his feelings time and again.”
Adrina pursed her lips before shrugging. “Very well. I will allow this to proceed.”
“It’s not something you have any place to give permission for. It is my choice.”
“Nevertheless,” Adrina said, raising her eyebrows at Katsi. “I feel some responsibility for you. You have no parents, no steward. You are seventeen years old, and I take it you’ve lived here with me in the castle longer than you have with anybody else for quite a while.”
“Adrina,” Katsi said, her heart warming. “I didn’t know you could be sentimental. It’s refreshing.”
“Bah, I might be old, but I’m still human.”
Katsi had a thought. Perhaps she could start tipping the scales. “Adrina, do you trust me?”
“Why? Are you hiding something?”
“No, I’m wondering if I seem trustworthy to you.”
“Katsi, you are young and frighteningly impulsive, but you are also honest, and you have good intentions. Despite your questionable judgment regarding marriage, I’d say you are trustworthy for now.”
“Only temporarily, then?”
“Yes. You are young. Still malleable.”
“And Migo really isn’t a questionable choice. He’s the emperor, and a hero. He’s worthy of all my admiration and loyalty. Do you disagree?”
“That is for you to decide,” Adrina said, stepping gracefully toward the door.
Time for boldness. “But what about you? What would you decide? Could you not be loyal to him?” Her heart thundered in her chest almost as much as when she’d told Migo to marry her.
Adrina paused, looking over her shoulder at Katsi. “He is a Marem, Katsi. How could I ever be loyal to him?”
“Because he fights for us,” Katsi said. “He fights for all people. He seeks for all of us to unite, as we always should have been. He can correct the mistakes of Emperor Malrabia. He and I share the same goal, the same passion for all of Malahem. If we are able to repel these bleeder armies, it would mean a new age of peace.”
Adrina folded her arms but said nothing, so Katsi pressed on.
“Think about it. You were loyal to Emperor Malrabia because he was a powerful shaman that defended the people against bleeder armies, but he was willing to sacrifice so many people in order to maintain his empire. Migo is different. He has already proven that he is willing to sacrifice himself to save others. That is how he won the loyalty of his people in Jehubal. It is how he won me. He is loyal to his people. Isn’t that how a true leader should be? Who cares what blood flows in his veins, because I do not. I refuse to let something so trivial prevent me from doing what I know in my heart is right.”
Adrina rolled her eyes. “Alright, spare me your rhetoric.” She flashed one of her rare smiles. “You two sure would make a fine royal pairing. Are you sure you weren’t raised as a politician? You were truly born into poverty?”
Katsi smiled back. “No, I am only passionate about what I know to be true.”
