Katarina's face gradually crumpled into disappointment but she hurried to disguise it by speaking in a light tone.

         “I would be a fool to think that the De Costa family will get pass this year’s debutante unscathed if I remain unmarried.” Katarina didn’t directly mention the rumours of succession that have been floating around but her father’s callous hands tightening around her own was enough to confirm her suspicions.

The warmth the Marquis provided slipped away as Katarina was released from her father’s hug as he searched his daughter’s expression. Katarina’s mask snapped into place in an instant as the disappointment evaporated on the spot.

A soft smile was left behind returning her father’s gaze in reassurance. The feeling of years passing between them  before she watched her father’s lips part tentatively. His hand held her cheek cautiously as if there were any sudden movements and she would shatter.

         “Rinni?” His thick accent was deep and gruff. Katarina forced herself to not stiffen at his beckoning.

         Closing her eyes. “Inhale for three seconds. Exhale for four seconds.” She thought. The anxiety that rushed up her back slowly simmered into the pit of her stomach. The digression didn’t reveal itself as Katarina trained her eyes on her father who was choosing his words carefully. His concern swelled Katarina’s heart.

         “King Richard has entertained the idea of joining our houses for years now but let the matter go when I insisted that it would go against the promise the First King and our predecessor made.” The Marquis’ fashioned weary eyes. “With the sudden announcement of Duke Gordon’s return, King Richard has no choice but to reopen a conversation about your status.” Katarina wasn’t aware the King was invested in who she would marry as she froze mid-thought. “It was troublesome enough to have two of age princes in the capital, with the Duke’s return, that would make it three. ”

The smell of Gardenias lingered to the forefront of her mind as she wanted to retch the contents of her stomach onto the floor. The anxiety she managed to keep at bay slowly encroached her mind but her mask didn’t slip for a moment. As the Marquis searched Katarina’s eyes, not a single hair out of place. She continued to smile.

         “There isn’t anything wrong with Duke Gordon wanting to come back to the capital.” Katarina faced her father, her index finger piercing her thumb repeatedly. “This year marks Vicon’s fourth centennial of peace and prosperity, he may just want to spend it with his Royal Grandfather.” Katarina spoke leaving another half-crescent impression on her thumb.

“Peace and prosperity?” The Marquis sighed. The suggestion was more than enough to alleviate any dullard but not Arsenio. A man who strived for balance and propriety. “Do you remember what our motto is?” Arsenio stared into Katarina’s eyes. 

“Propriety as our Matron.” Katarina responded briefly, earning a soft smile from her father. 

“That’s right.” Arsenio reached for the stray strand of hair. “We serve no one else except the reigning King.” The Marquis’ words were heavy as his expression was grim. “To join in such a farce like the royal succession would deny what our family stands for– it’s unfortunate that it is you that has to suffer.”

“Duke Gordon has been gone for many years.” Katarina voiced. “Why does his return determine my marriage?” 

         “The love Duke Gordon received when King Edwards was alive solidified his standing when he was appointed a Dukedom at twelve. It not only protects him from the Queen but it doesn’t bode well for Prince Alexander or Prince Cesare either.” The Marquis sighed. “The title of Duke has every right to participate in political matters as the title of Prince can only participate if the King allows it.”

         Arsenio’s recounts about the long removed prince put an everlasting scowl on his face. Recounting the Young Duke was staggeringly aggressive.

“The control King Richard relied on to dictate the princes movements will cease on Duke Gordon’s impending return. It’s been nearly twelve years and NOW he wants to come back?” Her father’s stare was distant, almost elusive.

         “He has made many friends across the Bexdeen Expanse— it’s said that he amassed an enormous amount of wealth since as his greed is twice the amount." The Marquis continued. "But it’s his ruthlessness that is most worrying. It isn’t a surprise that King Richard's health is in decline. The Duke’s return is well prepared.” Marquis De Costa’s eyes were sheath by his long eyelashes but the suspicion radiated off of his shoulders— his eyes shifting between staring out the window and his daughter.

         “What does this have to do with my marrying the Grand Duke, father?” Katarina’s voice remained steady but her chest was breaking under the weight of how hard her heart was beating.

         You’re Katarina Adaline De Costa, She reminded herself.

         Katarina did her best to manage her breath: Inhale for three seconds. Exhaling for four.

         “Duke Gordon has been away for so long and the only thing he lacks is influence.” Frustration exuding out of his words. “The young ladies with a high enough status in Vicon are few and far between.” The silence between each spoken word was weighted. “I would rather die before I see you be used to further the Duke's agenda.” Her father’s declaration fell on deaf ears as she found no sense of comfort. 

“The King doesn't have an inkling of Duke Gordon’s intentions but decided it was better to narrow his path.” The Marquis shook his head. “I want you to remember not everything is as it seems.You can’t take things at its surface appearance.” Katarina habitually found her index finger stabbing her thumb repeatedly. Her flesh went pale white then bright red under her nail, her smile never faltering. Finding the irony in her father’s words.

         “I see.” Katarina spoke, willing her voice not to break. “It is a great honour to our family that the King shows the amount of concern that he does. This subject will heed his words.” The answer was simple and proper as the Marquis’ expression went from apprehensive to pained. Grand Duke Elias Devoncourt was far from someone who Arsenio would pick to marry his daughter but he was the only one that could protect her from a greater unknown. Arsenio leaned forward embracing his little girl. Katarina stilled in her position, her face expressionless but her eyes held a sense of loss before she promptly decided to bury the wayward emotion. Replacing it with elation any typical seventeen year old would have due to a prospective engagement.