The Stage is Set

Novella watched the other woman fall to pieces, and pursed her lips. Then you shouldn't have fallen in love with a stranger, Kaczor. You knew I was a spy, you told me so yourself. So why did you marry me? Because she'd needed the marriage to go through; she remembered the stories she'd told, how her biological father thought he had her under his thumb.

She didn't move from her seat, even as Kaczor stood, and asked for a kiss goodbye. You won't even try to court me? She snorted, nostrils flaring again. That's pathetic, Kaczor. If you won't court me properly, there's no need to wait a year.

@Kaczor Tilani