Demian closed his eyes briefly. The words struck hard, but did not shake the ground he had chosen to stand on. "I don't want to hurt you," he said honestly. "And that is why I came with another option."
Ivanka gave a bitter laugh, tears still flowing. "Another option?" She turned sharply toward him. "Do you think I care about anything else?"
"I can guarantee your honor," Demian said, his voice steady. "I will announce before the emperor and the elders that you are under my protection. I will ensure your name remains untarnished, your life provided for, and—"
"I don't need protection," Ivanka interrupted. "I need to be your wife."
"I can stay," Demian continued, refusing to yield. "I will be by your side until the end. I will bear every political consequence. But marriage—"
"Is the only thing I want," Ivanka finished, her voice now calm in a terrifying way. "You know that."
