The Hand That Feeds

Mariah nodded in agreement with Caedes's suggestion, appreciating his insight into the delicate situation she was about to navigate. "That's a good idea," she admitted, her tone thoughtful as she considered his proposal. "I'm sure they will be... inquisitive, to say the least." She answered lightly even with a touch of the underlying tension. "They'll probably want to know everything about you—where you come from, what you do, your intentions..." Her voice trailed off for a moment as she pondered the potential barrage of questions she might face. "But I'll do my best to prepare you," Mariah continued, determination shining in her eyes as she met Caedes's gaze while rising to her feet and closing the distance between them. "And I'll make sure they understand how much you mean to me- I just hope they don't try and force tradition over our individual will." With a small smile, she leaned in to press a brief kiss to his cheek, her soul swelling with affection for the man who stood by her side.

"Mariah Mendacium"