Katherine shook her head, "I don't know. He would've known the kind of man Stefan is. At the very least he would've heard rumors." she gave him a half smile, "I don't want to do this, no. It's more that I don't want a war to happen either, so I don't have a choice. Then again, my existence could also start a war. This way though, there's something I can do about it..."

Her smiled faded, "Yes, and then what? Leave that village in flames because some assassins or something tried to kill me? Or better yet, let's say I am successful in becoming...Queen. Or whatever. What then? I don't know anything about ruling a country. Or even uniting a it! Even if I had some advisors wouldn't it just be them leading anyway through me?" she sighed, "I'd just be a puppet. A trophy for the masses to adore or despise as they please. Which I suppose comes with the territory, but if I am to rule I don't want to be just a figurehead or a trophy wife. I want to listen to my people and help them. I want my country to grow and flourish in ways it never has before."

She paused and took a deep breath, "But...how do I do that?" Kathy looked around, "...Anyway, are you feeling up to moving? We should probably try to make some ground before we hit the hay."