The Bookstore

Thomas left St Mungos and headed home. He  called the Lestranges to his home and left instructions with his house elf to send them to his dueling room.

With a flick of his wrist he divested himself of his outer robes which soared over to the hangers near the door and with another flick two training dummies moved to the center of the room. He began with a few warm up curses, the whole time imagining the faces of Severus Snape and Bert Lewis. He couldn't believe that Livia was willing to reconsider Bonding with him after just a few short comments from the two infuriating men. He wouldn't have ever believed her capable of being so easily led, even by those she called family. It was a severe disappointment but he would get over it, he had overcome worse in his lifetime and venting his spleen by way of violently hexing all in his path seemed like as good a place as any to begin the process.

Rambert, Rudolphus, Rabastan and Bellatrix were ushered into the room by the house elf just as an entrail expelling curse hit the last dummy in the room splattering imitation blood and flesh across the room, five others were laying around their Lord in various states of destruction.

"My Lord, how can we be of service", Rambert asked formally with a bow. The Dark Lord didn't look like his friend in that moment, his eyes were wild with anger and something he couldn't identify, a muscle in his jaw was twitching and there was a snarl on his usually handsome face.

"I require you to duel with me...", he said, gesturing to the center of the room, "...all of you".

Once his guests had altered their clothing into something more suitable he began casting at them. He desperately needed a release for the feelings he was being swamped with, he didn't know how to deal with how he was feeling, he was feeling angry but it was tinged with disbelief and heartbreak. His thoughts continued to spiral down a darker path, Livia had appeared happy when she agreed to bond with him and seemed sincere in her acceptance. He had been sure and yet it had only taken a little speech by Snape and Lewis to make Livia retract her acceptance. Perhaps she didn't really care for him at all, maybe her reticence had just been an elaborate ploy to reel him in. If it had been it was magnificently done. As he thought about it he sent a particularly nasty cutting curse towards one of his opponents and heard a scream of pain, 'Rabastan?', he thought distantly, he sent a Cruciatus at one of the others and a blasting curse left his wand only to hit a strong shield and kept going, his fury, rage and hurt fuelling him to keep going.

Rambert began fearing for his family as he watch his friend give into a rage fuelled madness. He hurried over to Rabastan to try and heal him before he bled out and watched as Rudolphus was nearly hit with a curse as his wife raised a hasty shield to protect them from a Bombarda.

"Bella, you must go and fetch Xander and the Malfoys, quickly!", Rambert ordered. They needed to calm Tom down before he killed one of them, the last time he had been like this was after he had found his relatives, the Gaunt's, who were inbred to the point of insanity, who had rejected him and had made their thought's known on his mother's choice to run of with "filthy muggle scum", they were subsequently killed by Tom of course. He dearly hoped that his friend would regain his senses before he did something he would no doubt regret later.

Bella ran for the nearest floo and stuck her head into the fire, "Lucius! Cissa! Abraxas!", she shouted into to empty room, she heard foot steps hurrying towards her, they were taking too long, "Lucius! Hurry, get Abraxas, something is wrong with our Lord, he is dueling us and we can't hold out much longer. HURRY!", Bella removed her head from the fire and would be contacting Lord Nott next.

Lucius called a house elf and told it to collect his father and inform him that there was an emergency at Slytherin Manor and flooed over quickly, wondering what on earth could have happened.

As he entered he saw Bella running away from the floo as if a Manticore were chasing her, he followed her at a run and was aware that the fire had just turned green behind him, hopefully that was back up for whatever was going on.

As he entered the far corridor he heard spell fire and explosions where causing the ground beneath him to shake, he almost ran into the back of Bellatrix as he entered the room, she had erected a shield around the Lestranges as Rambert attempted to fend off his enraged friend. Rabastan was clearly injured and Rudolphus was trying to move him out of the room. Lucius hurried forwards to help as Xander and Abraxas followed him in. Tge Dark Lords Magic was saturating the very air around them, heavy, frigid and icy in it's anger it lashed out all around them.

Xander cast a sonorous spell on himself hoping to gain Thomas's attention, the man had lost all control and someone would die before the evening was over if they couldn't get him to regain control of himself and his Magic.

"Thomas. You are hurting your friends, regain control of your magic", he said as calmly as he could, "Let us help you, tell us what has happened my friend".

Magic, heavy and oppressive shook the room, it seemed to expand and contract in a manner that seemed to match the slowing ragged breaths Thomas was taking.

"That's it my friend, we are here to help. We will provide assistance in whatever you need", Xander said soothingly.

They watched in a mixture of fear and concern as he collapsed to his knees, head bowed, breathing still ragged.

Abraxas approached Thomas carefully while Xander the other Malfoys checked for injuries on each of the Lestranges. 

"Come my friend, lets get you cleaned up, we will have a drink and plot the downfall of whoever has caused such a reaction in you", Abraxas held out his hand and Thomas gripped his forearm and stood. With a nod of his head he left the room, fully intending to take Abraxas' advice.

Some thirty minutes later they were all ensconced in the study, Rabastan had been healed and given some potions to aid his recovery and was propped up on a chaise longue while he recovered. Bella had opted for tea and pepper up and everyone else opted for a large glass of expensive Brandy.

Thomas, after a quick shower, a few healing spells and a pain potion, had entered the room calmer but no less incensed and explained about the proposal, Livia's acceptance and the fall out with Bert and Severus culminating in Livia's apparent rejection.

"I don't believe she was rejecting you", Bella informed him, Thomas stared at her.

"I agree with Bella My Lord, she wouldn't agree to bond with you and change her mind because someone disagrees, even if those someones are Mr Lewis and Severus", Lucius added.

Xander had been quietly thinking through what had been said and done and finally added his voice to the conversation, "As much as you may wish to disagree with Lewis and Snape, they were correct in that the timing was a little off", Thomas' lip curled but before he could say something he would likely regret Rambert spoke with a firm look at his friend,

"Regardless of your feelings on the matter, you are well aware that you, in particular, are a well known public figure and with that comes additional scrutiny. Additional scrutiny that I'm sure you wouldn't wish to be directed at Ms Snape, not after you went to so much trouble in the Prophet to deflect that kind of attention away from her", Rambert concluded with a raised eyebrow.

"You were also taking alot of liberties with Ms Snapes person, which typically I would say nothing about if it wasn't for the fact that it was in a public place where you could have both been exposed. It would have created a great deal of negative public opinion for both of you", Abraxas added.

"What should that matter once it became public knowledge that were were intending to bond?", Thomas asked haughtily.

It was Bella that answered him this time, "It would have mattered little to you or your reputation however, Livia would have been vilified for it. Regardless of the truth it would have been assumed that you were compromised and forced into a bonding. You saw the news reports after you were seen together a few times, with no courting contract in place they were speculating that Livy had potioned you and by extension Severus was accused of using underhand methods to get his sister ahead in the political sphere. We know that wasn't the case but Livy and Sev both have careers that rely on their being above reproach. Nobody will accept the services of either a Ward or Potions master who is accused of nefarious or underhand deeds".

Thomas let out a huff of annoyance, "I suppose that I could have waited until she was home at least. Though I don't truly believe that waiting a few days would make any difference to my asking the question".

"It does when you take Severus' concerns to heart. Livia was badly hurt, likely scared and was still on potions that could have affected her reasoning. What if in a few days she regrets her decision? What if the news became widely known? Neither of you would make it out of the scandal unscathed but Livia would, as in all cases, take the brunt of public reprobration", Lucius said carefully, still not feeling quite comfortable with the man after his recent loss of control.

Thomas glared at the ceiling in frustration, "Let us say, for a moment, that you are correct in the assertion that Livia still wishes to bond with me. That Severus is mearly concerned for his sister's reputation and the circumstances in which the proposal was made in. 

How will my asking her to bond in a few days time and being accepted then, instead of now, prevent the newpaper from printing the same nonsense that they have been? I had no intention of mentioning our betrothal to them until the the marriage contract was agreed anyway?" 

"Thomas, you were in a locked room alone with a woman whom you have no contract with and in a public space. One whom had been very recently kidnapped and tortured. I believe you know the answer as well as any of us here does", Rambert said with a hint of impatience.

Thomas looked disgruntled even as he felt thoroughly chastised, he hadn't been given a set down like that in quite sometime. There were few in this world he would have accepted it from.

"Is courting and bonding to someone supposed to be this difficult? I don't recall it being so with your own", he asked his friends.

Surprisingly it was Abraxas that answered him, "It can be when we are as significantly invested in the outcome as you are. You should know the old adage better than most,  'Anything worth having in life is worth working for'. You just have to decide now if it is".

The Mediwitch was alerted to an abrupt change in Livia's condition and rushed to check on her patient, when she entered the room to find her clearly distressed and being hovered over by two guilty faced and worried looking men, she promptly sent them away and told them not return until the next day, Her patient needed rest! She bespelled a sleeping draught into Livia before settling her down to sleep, the poor lass had been through such alot, the last thing she needed was clumsy menfolk upsetting her with thier thoughtless ways.

The next morning the healer had made his rounds early and informed Livia that she was cleared to go home and so it was a surprise to Severus when he arrived at her room to see hid sister in the process of packing the bag Cissa had left with her.

"Has the healer already seen you this morning?", he asked softly, trying to gauge her mood.

"Yes and I'm ready to go home", she answered curtly, she picked up her bag and had it promptly removed from her grasp by a concerned looking brother.

"How are you this morning?", he asked with care, he knew she would be upset with him but hoped that she'd had time to think things through.

"Just wonderful brother, why wouldn't I be! Lets go...", she said and added in a broken tone, "...please".

"Very well, have you had breakfast yet?", Severus asked, in two minds as to whether his precious sister should even be allowed to finish healing at home rather than the hospital given how ghastly she looked.

Severus shrunk his sisters things down and olaced them in him pocket, then he offered Livia his free arm and escorted her to the nearest floo and together they travelled home.

When they sat down to a slightly late breakfast a half an hour later the mail was, as was usual, delivered to the breakfast table and with it was a large bunch of flowers. Seeing that they were addressed to her and in Thomas's handwriting, Livia called Birch to bring the book on Flower Language that Cissa had gifted her with, so that she could decipher it's meaning.

Almond Blossom was for Hope she knew; Windflower was declaring the messages sincerity and acted as a symbol of love; Star of Bethlehem was asking to make atonement and requesting a reconciliation; Christmas Rose begged for anxiety to be relieved; and Purple Hyacinths were expressing sorrow and requesting forgivness. Overall the effect was pleasing as was the apology she thoughy, though feom the look on her brothers face he disagreed.

Ignoring the sour looks from Severus, Livia opened the accompanying letter, so focussed on what Thomas might say that she didn't realise that her brother has a similar letter also sealed with the Slytherin coat of arms.

▪︎▪︎▪︎

My Darling Livia,

First and foremost It is my sincerest hope that this letter finds you in much improved health.

I fear that I owe you yet another apology my darling Livia. The last I saw you I informed you that I wouldn't allow you to misunderstand my meaning and shortly after I did exactly that I believe. 

I apologise unreservedly for walking away and not allowing you the opportunity to speak with me following Severus and Bert expressing their concerns regarding our engagement and for any hurt or unhappiness I may have caused through my ill conceived actions.

I hope that you will find it in yourself to alllow me the opportunity to discuss and understand your concerns. I have been made aware that my handling of the situation was at fault and wish to rectify this failing at your earliest convenience.

Eternally Yours

Thomas 

▪︎▪︎▪︎

Severus was reading his letter with a scowl and asked, "What has Slytherin written to you Livia?"

"Does it matter?", she said tartly, her brother wasn't wholly forgiven for how he had reacted to her acceptance of Thomas's offer. The man's subsequent flight from the room when he made an assumption of what Livia had been intending to say had not helped endear him to any of them truth be known however, Livia was inclined to accept his apology. It was becoming quite apparent to Livia that Thomas had little understanding of, or experience in, committed emotional relationships. His apology and regret seemed sincere and he had contacted her to make amends in a timely manner but she very much doubted Severus would see it the same way.

As the Head of her House Severus now had the power to refuse her betrothal to anyone he didn't deem to be suitable, it had never been something she believed he would enact when she first discussed him taking on the Prince Lordship, until now that was. 

"It does indeed matter given the contents of the letter I have just recieved from him", Severus raised an unimpressed eyebrow at Livia.

She looked him over before handing the letter over for him to read and watched as he scowled at the opening endearment and grunted in annoyance at the closing and handing it back to her.

"This...", he said gesturing towards his own letter from the man, "...is an apology and a declaration that he is intending to call upon us in four days so that he may begin to correct his oversights. He wishes to... 'clear the air'... before he takes steps to... 'declare his intentions'... towards you in a more public manner should you still be amenable.

Though you initially agreed to bond with him you then said you agreed with myself and Mr Lewis. I need you to clarify your thoughts and feelings on the matter Livy. If you have changed your mind and no longer wish to... encourage his attentions I will ensure that he respects you decision", Severus said seriously, his brow furrowed deeply in concern.

Livia gave him a small smile and reached over the table to squeeze his hand, "Sev, despite what you may prefer to hear, I wish to bond with Thomas and I was most certainly not addlebrained when I agreed to be so. I simply agreed with yourself and Mr Lewis that, given previous opinions published in various 'news' articles, it was perhaps not the best time to agree to such a thing or at least to allow it to be widely known. Madam Bones questions regarding Moody yesterday has led me to assume that the current opinion's of me will not likely be favourable at present and I wouldn't want Thomas recieving push back because of it.

But Sev, I do love him. He and I work well together and though it has only been very recently that it has occured to me that he might be interested in me too, I do believe we could be happy with each other", she said, colouring with embarrassment, but she needed Severus to understand that she did want this. She had had feelings for Thomas for a while, though she had denied it, and him actually wanting her back had always seemed impossible.

Severus stared at his baby sister, the way she blushed and fiddled with the cuff of her sleeve, the way she desired to save Slytherin from potentially bad press and it dawned on him that she was very much in love with Thomas Slytherin, despite his best efforts to discourage her interest in the man. He knew that the Dark Lord Thomas Marvolo Slytherin could be as charming as he was violent, as convincing as he was coniving and as intelligent as he was ambitious. Yet with his sister he had witnessed the softening of his sharp edges, many had commented on it, only when the man in question was out of earshot of course, and, despite his last few interactions where he had manhandled his sister most inappropriately, he had always treated his sister with the respect she deserved and he clearly valued her mind and opinions. As Lucius had pointed out they were extraordinarily compatible, though he still felt some reticence towards the furthering of any relationship between them. He didn't trust the man he realised. Severus had joined Slytherins political group when he was just 17, right out of Hogwarts and dissatisfied and disillusioned with the way the Wizarding world operated. He had agreed with the vast majority of his manifesto and had thusly sworn to follow him politically and if that didn't work he would take up his wand and fight for the changes needed should it be required. He had trusted in the man that was leading them to a better future then and did so now. Lord Slytherin had thankfully been able gather enough support to try and push for change, to transform and revitalise Wizarding Britain, but he didn't trust him with his sister.

"Sev?...Sev?", a concerned Livia was trying to gain his attention.

"Apologies, I was thinking", 'how could he protect her the best?', he wondered to himself.

"I wish to ensure your happiness Livy but not at the cost of your reputation. You have worked too long and hard to throw it away by going about this relationship you appear to have in a haphazard manner".

"I agree, in part, Sev but I don't want the concerns over my reputation to cost me my happiness either. So we must find a compromise that suits us both", she stated looking at him hopefully.

"Very well", Severus answered, considering the situation carefully, "If you are amenable we will have this discussion this afternoon if you feel up to it. It would be wise for us each to take sometime to determine our positions before attempting to compromise with limited consideration given to the subject. I suggest you settle in and take some rest also", as he was finishing his statement he stood, kissed Livia on the head and made his way to his labs. A few hours of brewing would allow him to comprehend his views on the matter more clearly.

Livia just nodded at him and watched him leave. She would floo Narcissa and send a return letter to Thomas inviting him to discuss their possible? Probable? Bonding.

Four days after Livia had arrived home from the hospital amd three days after she and Thomas had met and had a frank discussion, Lord Slytherin arrived at Prince Manor with Lords Lestrange, Malfoy and Nott in tow. Severus had exchanged a great deal of correspondence with the man prior to this meeting and they had agreed that it would be beneficial to have external input to aid in their future negotiations.

Birch ushered the gentlemen into the Library where the meeting was to be held.

"Excellent!", Livia proclaimed, "The Slytherin contingent has arrived therefore these war negotiations, excuse me, I mean bonding discussions may commence", she declared with some humour, she was finding the entire process that the two had agreed upon ridiculous in the extreme.

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes, he was well aware of his sisters opinion on the meeting, it had been the subject of much derision since she discovered their agreement. Though she accepted, with a certain amount of grace, that such a conversation needed to be had, she did not accept that so many people were required to have an opinion on how she was to live her life. What she seemed to neglect to understand was that without assistance Severus and Thomas would struggle to come to an understanding or agreement, Tom because Severus was one of his subordinates and Severus because he felt Tom had crossed numerous lines of propriety with his sister. That was not to mention that having extra wands to assist should the Dark Lord have another tantrum, such as Lucius had described him having following the hosipital incident. That particular report had concerned Severus greatly and he was determined to raise his fears of there being any such repeat of it near his sister.

He eyed Thomas closely as he greeted Livia with a charming smile and kiss to the back of her hand, one that he was sure was toeing the line of propriety with how long he was lingering over it.

Severus had invited Mr Lewis and Lucius to support him in the negotiations. He held a some what vain hope that Mr Lewis at least would be able to rein in Livia should she become obstreperous. Lucius of course was there as an extra wand and to ensure any loopholes in the contract were spotted and corrected.

"Shall we all take a seat?", Severus offered, gesturing to the large rectangular table in the middle of the room, one that was usually filled with research notes, that was now laden with an assortment of refreshments.

Thomas still in possession of Livia's hand escorted her to the table, pulled a chair out for her to be seated and neatly sat himself beside her. Now that he had recieved Livias' assurance that she still wished to bond with him he cared little for the opinions of others and only wished to gain an agreement so that they could begin planning their future.

"I would like to begin by outlining several of my concerns before we begin discussing a bonding. I have already discussed these with Livia and It seems pertinent to allow yourself to address them before we continue", Severus directed at Lord Slytherin, who in turn raised an eyebrow and gestured for him to continue. Severus narrowed his eyes, silently fuming over the dismissive and uninterested manner that Slytherin had responded.

"As you are aware there has already been some public backlash which resulted from your spending time with my sister without a Courting Contract in place. You took some small steps to negate further reports and accusations...", Severus couldn't help the sneer that appeared on his face that showed how little he thought of those 'efforts' in hind sight, "...however, should you announce your bonding with my sister I believe that she will be once again villified by your unsuccessful paramours in the gutter press and I believe we can all agree that the publics opinions are dictated by the Prophet and Witch Weekly. Livia's reputation, both in her career and personal life, and likely my own, will be in tatters and frankly that particular price of Livia bonding to you is not one that I can sanction in good conscience".

The room grew cold as Thomas Slytherin listened to the younger mans 'concerns'.

"Are you saying that you won't sanction our bonding as Head of the Prince family?", he asked in a tone as fridged as his overwhelming magic had become.

"He is saying...", Livia huffed, only to be spoken over by Lucius who spoke calmly, and she glared at his uncharacteristic rudeness.

"I believe Lord Slytherin that Severus simply wishes a plan to be in place in order to prevent any of foreseeable issues".

"What does Lord Prince suggest? I don't believe that he would be raising his concerns without already having concidered some solutions to the issues at hand", Rambert Lestrange stated, eyeing the young man shrewdly and with no little admiration. There were few people who would willing draw Thomas' ire, even for family, he could see now why his son would be attracted to the young Prince Lord, he was clearly a man of principle and conviction.

Severus was momentarily grateful to the two men for helping keep the discussion from devolving into an argument so early in the proceeding's, which it surely would have done if himself and Slytherin were to be attempting this alone.

"I suggest that Lord Slytherin and Livia embark upon a short and 'official' Courtship prior to the announcement of their Betrothal", he said, wishing all the more fervently that he could have talked Livia out of wanting the man at all.

"That sounds like a reasonable idea all things considered, though I still say it's a pity they're not already married, it really would have added to the positive press for...", Abraxas began.

"Father!"

"Abraxas! We have discussed this already and I would have thought that the last time would have been enough!", Rambert reminded him quietly, and non too subtly, through gritted teeth.

"Have you consulted Livia's opinion on the matter or is this just a further delaying tactic of yours?", Lord Slytherin asked cooly.

Severus bristled and looked to his sister, his lips pressed together and his eyebrow raised at her as if to ask, 'this is who you choose?'

"I think you will find that we discussed this situation at length..."

"Oh, I have no doubt", Slytherin muttered darkly.

"... and this was the compromise that Livia and myself agreed upon", Severus concluded, ignoring the quiet gibe.

"Is this true Livia? You once said that you would never allow me a formal courtship with you. Would you do so now, simply to satisfy your brothers need for propriety?", Thomas asked Livia, knowingly attempting to manipulate her opinion subtly by bringing to the forefront her brothers overt influence and her previous opinions on the matter of Courtship.

Livia snorted unimpressed, "Nice try Thomas Marvolo Slytherin", he gave her a wide smile and raised her palm to his mouth and pressing his lips there slowly and staring into her eyes. She had understood and saw through his little attempt at manipulation and held him accountable, she continued to challenged him intellectually and aroused him physically, she was all he could have asked for and infinitely more.

Only the bright blush on her cheeks and the brightness of her eyes gave away that she was affected by his display as she continued,  "Yes, I agreed to my brother's terms. Believe me, I negotiated us quite a good deal given his starting point", she declarwd dryly. "It only needs to be just long enough to satisfy the traditionalists and we could still begin planning our bonding even if it isn't public knowledge...", here she was interrupted by Mr Lewis and Severus loudly and pointedly clearing their throats to gain her attention even as Thomas smirked at his little minx of a future wife. 

"Very well, shall we draw up a simple and 'short' Courting Contract first, then we may proceed on to the Bonding Contract negotiations", Slytherin suggested to the group.

"It is my opinion that a contract for a year and a day would suffice", Severus stated once he saw that Lucius was ready with a quill and ink to document their agreement, noticing that Lord Nott was doing the same.

The Dark Lord lip curled in a snarl, "You really think...", he began to growl at the insolent blighter sat opposite him until he felt Livia squeeze his arm lightly to gain his attention.

"Really brother, we have spoken about this already, or is it your intention to renege on our agreement. I should warn you now that if that is the case then I will elope with Thomas  leaving these discussions null and void", Livia interupted firmly.

Severus' nostrils flared and his jaw clenched as he fought his desire to say something to his sister that wouldn't be fit for company. He settled for a warning of, "Livia...", Thomas' eyes positively shone with delight at Livias suggestion, at least to anyone who knew him well, and began to ardently hope that The young Prince Lord would indeed renege on said agreement. It would certainly save all this... fuss.

"Severus. Livia. Enough!", the calm but firm voice of Bert Lewis. "Livia this is a negotiation and I believe you are intelligent enough to recognise that your brothers suggestion was a starting point. Severus you know your sister well enough to have anticipated her reaction. Both of you will stay on point and try not to antagonise the other while we deal with this. I would like to get home and back to my shop soon, I'm expecting a delivery of books from Japan later today".

Those that were parents in the room were as amused at the contrite reactions of the stubborn siblings to the light scolding they recieved, as they were at their evident excitement at the thought of new knowledge being deposited in Lewis's bookstore. Livia immediately disregarded all precious conversation in order to begin interrogating Mr Lewis on his new acquisitions before Severus called her to order and reminded her that the sooner the meeting was concluded the sooner she could look at the books herself. Thomas wondered idly how much of an influence his extensive library had played in Livia's willingness to spend time with him, he was typically a man who was very secure in himself, but he did wonder if their bonding would survive should his library be destroyed in someway, it was after all where they had their first unofficial date of sorts and had been the initial enticement to gain Livia's favour... he would need to consider further protections... and possibly ensure that copies were housed in a separate location... or two... just in case. 

Several long and boring hours later the Courting Contract had been signed by the relevant parties in which the gentlemen present, excluding Thomas, attempted to add clauses and Livia refusing most of them, which Thomas then agreed with her so that they had no choice but to agree to a 'Contract', if it could be called such a thing, that allowed the two of them to continue pretty much as they had been, the only difference being that they would be chaperoned, a stipulation that neither Bert nor Severus would budge on and the others had agreed was what was proper, and the traditional courting gift would be presented by Lord Slytherin, a clause the man himself had insisted on and the contract would last for three months. That was three months longer than Thomas wished for, but three months less than Severus had tried to insist on.

Following lunch the Bonding Contract negotiations began and an hour in Livia had had enough, 

"This makes me feel like a cow being bartered over at market. I have work that needs to be completed, I will review what you all come up with when more has been agreed upon and add my thoughts at that time", with that said she kissed her courter/betrothed on the cheek and left the room.

The older men present were glad she had removed herself finally, even with as little grace as she had, after all bonding negotiations were typically arranged by the Heads of House. The men that knew her best were well aware that she would be back with a vengence if anything appeared in the contract that she had already declared that she was strongly opposed to.