Ajoran laughed coolly, counting out a few coins and handing them over to a merchant. "I knew what you meant. Ridahne told me, and honestly? It would be the greatest honor to both of us if you did. Not just because you're Astra-Sol," he said with a note of formality, "though that does add to it. More importantly, you're her sister, and therefore you'll be mine, too. Hadian is the only surviving family Ridahne has left so that means a lot to her to have you. You've been through a lot together, and you've accepted her for who she truly is, gritty history and all. The means very much to her, and it would mean very much indeed for you to marry us. It's really because of you that we can even be doing this," he added. "If it weren't for you, Ridahne wouldn't be alive. And for that I thank you." ___ Ridahne steepled her fingers, touching her forefingers to her lips contemplatively as she studied Harai. She was quiet, her expression stony and unreadable for an excruciatingly long span. She let that tension build for a moment, then, "I think there's more. You may not be hiding it on purpose, but I think you know more. I'll hear it." It was not an ask. Ridahne took the rope still tied around Harai's neck and strung through a pulley on the ceiling and, pinching it delicately between her slim thumb and forefinger, gave it the gentlest little tug. It was only enough to make the noose shift upward a little, a little reminder and nothing more.