"The search for a spouse."

You decide to get a little cockier. Too much humbleness doesn't seem to further your causes here, as the kneeling thing has proven. Besides, isn't marrying for political reason the main thing nobles do?

Lady Elizka moves on her throne. "A spouse?" She takes a while before continuing, and you're not sure whether it is a sign of uncerainty or she is simply acting strategically. "It is quite a far journey to accomplish that goal, is it not, good man? Aren't there any fitting suitors closer to your fiefdom?"

"Well, it is tradition in our lands that we intermarry with respectable families from faraway lands", you quickly make up. "Only that way can we garantee that our lands do not suffer under cultural stagnation."

"How interesting. Our big houses, so very fond of keeping their blood pure, see this quite differently ..." You aren't sure at whom Elizka's remark is aimed. Maybe she is just thinking loudly? "Be it as it may, I have now heard enough."

The duchess waves her minister closer and they exchange whispered, but intense words for several minutes. All you can do is wait. Your heart beats faster. It is now, you realize, your further fate will be decided. Finally, Elizka nods, then falls quiet. Her minister steps back and looks directly at you. "The duchess has made her decision."