The Marquess' Offer

"What? Surely you realize how awkward things will be if you were to stay around here. Of course, you must also realize that Don is the children's father, and by Laralian law his rights take precedence over yours." The Marquess says bluntly.

"Yes, well, I had hoped we could work something out..."

"My daughter, my family, have made sacrifices to marry into the DeFreydair name, including adopting Don's illegitemate offspring. Sara is raising them as if they were her own children. She truly loves them. I understand your concerns, but most of all I don't want to see my daughter hurt. They are happy together. Your presence will disrupt that. For their sake, as well as yours, take the money and go."

"May I have some time to think it over at least?" I ask.

"I'll want an answer tomorrow morning." he says. I turn and flee to my room. I don't attempt to wake Baras. This is something I need to decide on my own. I get little sleep, alone with my thoughts. The following morning, I have come to a decision.

1. With a heavy heart, I inform the Marquess that I will accept his offer.
2. "My children mean more to me than all the gold in your coffers." I say. The Marquess sighs in resignation. "I may be making a mistake, but if you feel that strongly, you can stay. But please, don't break my daughter's heart."
3. "My children mean more to me than all the gold in your coffers." I say. "That's unfortunate." he replies. He gestures to a servant, and moments later armed guards enter, swords drawn. I belatedly realize that he never intended me to have a choice at all.

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