The more he is distant, the less likely that a union would produce genetic anomalies. Just a thought. I can work with whatever you make; again another option is to completely nix the romantic implications and just develop their childhood as close familial friends but that does limit and trim down awkward moments when they reunite. Though again, Ilyana was [i]eight[/i] when her mother was killed before her eyes and her uncle stole the throne. So that’s what two years where they were familiar with each other—and really young at that? 

All that said, I am very interested in interacting in the future or even mulling over flashbacks/past references.