The Answer Already Known
House Greengrass — A Father's Question
The fire crackled softly as Lord Greengrass called his daughters into his study.
Daphne sat straight.
Astoria lingered close to her sister.
He studied them for a long moment before speaking.
"Tell me honestly," he said gently, "do you love someone?"
Silence.
Then Daphne asked quietly, "Father… do we have to marry them?"
He stood immediately and placed a hand on her head, his voice firm.
"No."
Astoria looked up sharply.
"I will never force either of you into a marriage," he said. "I don't care how much pressure comes from other houses."
He pulled them both into an embrace.
"How could I ever sell my daughters?"
They hugged him tightly.
Tears burned, but none fell.
"We'll only consider someone who will protect you," he continued softly. "Who will treasure you."
Daphne and Astoria nodded together.
Then Daphne spoke—clear, steady.
"We love Keith Argus Runcandel."
Astoria nodded instantly.
"Very dearly."
Lord Greengrass closed his eyes.
Then nodded.
"I see."
House Vole — The Same Truth
At nearly the same hour, Lord Vole asked the same question.
"Cassandra," he said quietly, "is there someone in your heart?"
She hesitated.
"Father… will you make me marry one of them?"
He crossed the room and stroked her hair gently.
"Never."
She hugged him tightly.
"I'll only give you to someone who will stand with you," he said.
She breathed in deeply.
"I love Keith Argus Runcandel."
No hesitation.
No shame.
Lord Vole smiled faintly.
"So that's where your courage comes from."
Mothers Who Already Knew
Both houses shared the same scene afterward.
The daughters went to bed—finally able to sleep.
The mothers stepped forward.
"You already knew," Lady Greengrass said knowingly.
"I did," Lord Greengrass admitted. "I wanted to hear it."
Lady Vole smiled calmly.
"Our daughters write to him," she said. "And receive replies."
She produced a bundle of returned letters.
"Respectful. Thoughtful. Never careless."
Lord Vole took one and read.
Long enough to understand.
"…He's dangerous," he said slowly.
"In the right way," his wife replied.
A Decision Without Words
The fathers stared into the fire.
Pressure surrounded them.
But now—
They had clarity.
"Prepare a formal inquiry," Lord Greengrass said quietly.
"No promises," Lord Vole agreed. "But we will speak to House Runcandel."
Their wives smiled.
Because they knew—
Their daughters had already chosen.
And for the first time in weeks—
The pressure didn't feel suffocating anymore.
It felt manageable.