heavy lies the crown

Epiphron had come to Seracia hoping that things would go her way. While she did expect the worst, given the already poor situation, she had hoped so badly that Gerhardt would've been overjoyed at her enthusiasm, accepting her with an open heart, asking no questions. But life was never quite so easy, and she knew it seemed strange. Like she had ulterior motives, or something to gain from such an act. And she did -- Maverick -- but she was innocent, otherwise.

When she'd first stopped at the border, she'd felt confidence flowing through her, emanating from her posture and her call to the King. But as she stood before the King and his uncertain stare, she grew nervous once again, her limbs suddenly feeling like jelly. And while her stance felt somewhat wobbly, she did not look nearly as uncertain as she felt as he questioned her, asking if she was the one that Maverick had been running off with.

"I..." It would've been less painful to lie, but the moment called for nothing but the truth. If her future did indeed lay in Seracia, with this man's son, she knew it would be unwise to lie about anything right now. "Yes, sir, that would be me," she answered, quite guiltily. She hadn't known that Maverick had lied to his father directly, but was quite certain that she was the one he was referring to. "As soon as I found out about the betrothal, we stopped seeing each other," she quickly explained, not wanting to Gerhardt to think she was the kind of creature who would choose a boy she hardly knew over the honor of her family, over loyalty to her sister and her pack. "But I have been meeting with him, and I'm sorry if I have taken him away from any of his duties." She was honestly apologetic, hoping that her genuine care for the boy could be seen through her slight nervousness, that he would realize she had no ill intentions. "I won't lie -- Maverick made quite the impression on me. I would be dishonest to say that's not a factor in my decision. But I really do not want my sister's heart to be broken, and though she is more than willing to go through with these arrangements, I guess I am just... more willing." It was honest, but hopefully not too honest.