A Royal Wager.

"Watching you this morning... I've never seen a woman do that sort of thing." You tell Kara. "It was certainly... intriguing."

"Aye, bet you've never seen a woman fight like that in the south." Kara says, a tinge of pride creeping into her brogue.

She was right. Itheria employed women, beastfolk especially, as spies, there had even been the odd assassin in your kingdom's long and checkered history, and you imagined there were some women who took up arms in your lands, but not any you'd beheld.

So to see Kara, as appealing as any southern maid, defeating Itherian knights on the practice field, stoked something in you. You were far from surprised. Naturally, you'd long had an appreciation for... strong women instilled in you.

"It's uncommon in Itheria, yes. But you seem as strong as you are beautiful." You tell her. "It almost makes me wonder how I'd fare against you."

"What do you mean by that?" Kara asks.

"You being so adept, me being... like this." You concede in an usual moment of vulnerability. You wiggle your useless right hand as much as you are able.

"What, this?" Kara scoffs, grabbing at your hand. "This is nothing. "I've known warriors who rode into battle completely missing an arm! You could fight, if you wished."

"Kind of you to say, but I know flattery when I hear it." You slur. "I maintain no illusions about my fitness."

"The blood of kings is in your veins, is that an illusion?" Kara insists. "No. There's power in that, I know because I see it in my family, feel it in myself."

"That may very well be, but it doesn't change the fact-"

"Put it to the test, Edward. Wrestle me now, believe in what you are, and you'll be surprised." Kara suggests.

"...What do you have in mind?" You ask.

"I'll try to wrestle you off this over-feathered monstrosity. Spirits only know a few nights on the floor would probably do you wonders." Kara smiles. "We'll go at it until the smallest of these hourglasses is empty."

She nods to the array of glass objects set neatly on your desk. The smallest of which takes only a minute to shift all it's sand.

"And if I win? What would be my reward?" you ask.

"Well, I doubt a wee pouch of gold makes much difference to a ruler of the prosperous south like yourself. And it's spoken for besides." the redhead smiles. "Tell you what, Edward. You withstand my efforts for the duration, I'll grant you any boon you ask for."

"That's... generous." You observe. "And incredibly trusting, given we've only just met."

"I won't make it easy for you, Edward." Kara smiles mischievously. "You come out the victor, you'll have earned it!"