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[Vanessa turns on her locket, placing it on the table. She looks...much better than she had before. In fact, people can catch glimpses of a wedding dress.

She looks resigned, tension in her face, her chin held high. And yet...well.]

As of this morning, I am no longer Lady Vanessa Ives.

[She looks down at her hands for a moment, then back at the screen. She taps into her ability to remain stoic in the face of horrible things. The public does not need to know how much this angers her, or how helpless she feels.]

To better Arachne's Eye, Queen Morla has decided that it would be best for me to marry.

I agreed.

[As she was given no real choice.]

Henceforth, you would do well to refer to me by my husband Balem's last name, Abrasax.

[Yep. Lady Vanessa Abrasax. Wife to Balem. Lovely. She knows very well who is getting the most out of this deal. And it is not her.]

We have worked out the logistics, and while we are married, I will still spend a great deal of my time at my Spire, and will continue to be open to any of those who need to speak with me.

My plans...to make sure the Seelie pay, are unchanged. Just delayed.

[Her goal is still a fixed point.]

...apologies who anyone who wished to attend the wedding.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

And?

I would never marry in this world or the next, due to what I am. I am not happy with this, but it is business. That is what weddings were for, once. It is the same, now.

And—it's shit, Vanessa. And you know it! [ scowling ] What is the business of trading away a woman's freedom? For others to give and take away as they choose? And freedom is what we're supposed to be fighting for.

I know, Katsa. But you are not what I am!

[She finally snaps.]

I am a liability. I hate that this is Morla's decision, but I keep my Spire. And that is what matters.

[ that hurts. katsa isn't sure why that hurts, but it does, and it just puts her on edge. ]

And what am I that's so different from you? There's no point in Spires and power if the power isn't yours, doesn't come from you. It can be taken away again at any moment whenever the lady queen or your lord husband choose, and then it will have all been for nothing.

[ she'd mistakenly thought that dorchadas was different from the seven kingdoms in that respect, with regard to women and marriages. she's furious that it may be the same as she had always known for women after all. ]

You aren't the reincarnation of the devil's bride, Katsa! That is how you are different from me. [Her soul is forever in a war for the world, and it has nothing to do with her power here.]

And it would have been taken away if I hadn't gotten married. I know when fighting is fruitless.

I've not a clue what that means. [ red-faced and feeling stupid and angry and upset. ] And I don't care. You're no one but your own person, Vanessa, whoever you are.

For what reason would it have been taken? Why is it so important to you to have it?

That is not as true as you would like it to be.

Because of what I am. [She feels like she is going in circles.]

I have built this on my own. Put my blood into it. I will not be taken down! If you can't find why I find meaning in it, I don't wish to speak to you.

And that's exactly why this is ridiculous!

[ they are going in circles. katsa kicks at something on the ground. ]

I'll speak to Morla. If you ever need any help, if you ever feel trapped, I'll be there for you. It doesn't matter what you are. In every kingdom in the world I've ever known it is absurd that a woman can fight for the right to her own strength and power and it will still never be enough.

Do not speak to her! I would not have you punished on my behalf.

[She sighs.]

It is absurd. But there is no changing it.

[ Katsa waves a hand, brushing off the warning. ]

Change is good. Passion before duty.

[ her voice is a dry mockery ]

There will be a way to change this, Vanessa. I'll find it.

You are a dear friend, Katsa. But some things done cannot be undone.

It may turn out for the best.

[ a disbelieving snort of laughter. ]

I'll not do nothing, Vanessa. At least to try.

[ trying to sound confident in the belief of her own declaration, katsa snaps her locket shut there before vanessa can argue with her further. ]

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