The Council deliberated for three days.
Lyra waited in her hotel room, watching the city through the window. Her father attended the closed sessions, returning each evening with no news. The Council was divided. Some members were intrigued by the historical evidence. Others dismissed it as irrelevant. Lord Valerius was among the dismissive.
On the third night, Marcus knocked on her door.
"May I come in?"
She let him. He stood in the center of the room, his polished composure cracked.
"You knew," he said. "About the old alliance. You knew before the presentation."
"Yes."
"And you didn't tell me. When I was investigating the tunnels. When I asked you directly."
"I didn't trust you."
His jaw tightened. "And now? Do you trust me now?"
"I don't know."
Marcus was quiet for a moment. Then he reached into his jacket and withdrew the ring box. He set it on the table between them.
"I'm withdrawing my proposal. Not because of the presentation. Because I've watched you these past three days. You're not here. Your body is, but your mind is somewhere else. With someone else."
Lyra didn't deny it.
"I don't know who he is. I don't want to know. But I won't marry a woman who loves someone else. Even for politics."
He walked to the door, then paused. "The Council will announce its decision tomorrow. Whatever happens, I hope you find what you're looking for."
He left. The ring box sat on the table, unopened.
Lyra picked up her phone and typed a message to Kael.
"Marcus withdrew his proposal. He knows I love someone else."
The response came quickly. "Are you okay?"
"I'm free."
A pause. Then: "Come outside."
She went to the window. Across the street, in the shadow of a building, Kael stood watchings. He raised his hand.
She raised hers back.