The moment he took her hands she was frozen in shock. It shouldn't have been that much of a surprise; their playful banter had edged on flirtatious and they were two young, unwed individuals spending time alone together. Silke was aware she wasn't quite an unattractive old crone (despite the mutterings of disgruntled matrons of the court), and she had received prior romantic overtures, but none of them had been like [i]this.[/i]

All of the noblemen of the past had approached her motivated by pride or responsibility. Many of them, most in the last couple years, saw her as someone whom was a challenge to conquer, and arrogantly believed themselves so superior that she would be falling over herself, flattered by their attention. Others fancied a match because of her pedigree and social ties with various members of the aristocracy, or were obligated to wed to create heirs, or suspected she had a large dowry, or merely wanted to put her down a peg, and keep her under their thumb. While their reasons differed, and a few were admittedly infatuated, they didn't truly know here. Not a single suitor coveted her wit, her intellect, her keen insight, or business acumen. They craved the mirage of Silke that smiled prettily and without cunning.

The confession itself stunned her. Typically an impeccable model of composure, she was at a loss as the affectionate words tumbled from his lips, each one seemingly more earnest than the last. She stared at him, simultaneously flattered, flustered, and flabbergasted. Unlike other men, he didn't appeal to her by waxing poetic about her beauty nor did he list all the benefits she would have by becoming his wife. Galt spoke about granting her wishes, of how [i]she[/i] could teach [i]him[/i], of enjoying one another's company, of doing things together. She knew he was sincere. The former thief saw the value in her as a person, as an equal, a partner, whose presence alone was worth sacrifice.

As he fell to a knee she let out a small gasp, even more shocked by the gesture. Servants working in proximity to the stables swung their gazes towards the pair. She was numb. Silke had promised herself she would never marry and had taken pains to keep her distance from any member of the opposite sex that might pose a threat to her plans. When that tactic failed, she became an expert at giving a firm, gentle (when deserved) rejection, each one easier than the last, partially due to the fact they made the same mistakes. Galt was an exception. Not only had she allowed him closer than any man before him, she had allowed herself to be charmed, and she couldn't quite find the strength to turn him away.

Tears formed in the edges of her eyes. He gave her hope. The heartfelt declaration made her want to believe in him- that her future could be filled with happiness, laughter, honesty, and respect, that she wouldn't have to abandon her family. Galt had seen her for who she was and accepted it without restraint. Intuitively she knew he was the sort of person that would never discourage her from writing ambitious business contracts, practicing her archery, or challenging whatever societal norms bothered her that day. Guilt swept over her because, as desperate as she was to agree, to engage herself to this handsome, dashing, witty, heroic, charismatic man, the memory of her parents dragged her back down to reality.

"I couldn't do that to you," she said quietly in a sad, stricken voice, that was raw with feeling. "My mother was... she was an amazing women and the love of my father's life. Most aristocratic marriages are arranged and political, but they adored each other every moment of every day, and he would have pulled down the moon from the sky for her if she asked. When she died, my father..." she took a deep breath, trying to choke down some of her emotion. "My father fell apart. He's never truly recovered. I couldn't do that to you." Silke kept to herself her superstitions about how she would be the next to die in her family. He wouldn't understand it, not yet, and even if he did- it was who would be left behind that tortured her, that gave her nightmares, and haunted her during the day.