Ford the middle path, for now at least

Lothair's expectant look is making you very uncomfortable, and increasingly annoyed. Still, it's not the girl's fault, and you control your response for her sake while trying to navigate out of this awkward situation.

"Yes, very pleasing...ahem. You must be very tired after your journey. I hope your uncle has quarters for you?"

Judda looks between the two of you, somewhat disturbed.

"I-I was informed by uncle that I would be staying...with you..." She glances down, avoiding his gaze. Lothair starts to pace, growing frustrated.

"So, my niece is not good enough for you your highness?" he asks with a surprising level of impudence. You are a bit caught off guard at first, but start to anger.

"No, Lothair. I think you should get some rest too, as you seem to forget yourself." He stops suddenly in his stride, your words apparently making him conscious of just how out of line he was.

"I apologize, your majesty. We are all weary from the campaign and-" he says, but you hold up a hand to cut him off.

"You are forgiven, now please, stop talking. Your niece is undoubtedly beautiful, and I would be glad to have her in my company in the future. But for now, I have had enough and I will take my leave" you say, walking out without waiting for a response. As you walk away you hear what sound like muttering from Lothair, but you cannot decipher their meaning.

As you reenter your tent, Shara gets up from the bed, her eyes looking up at you, communicating her curiosity, and her uncertainty of her future with you. You return her gaze, locking her eyes with the most reassuring look you can. She silently moves her scarred hands onto your chest submissively, and you embrace and kiss her tenderly. Slowly you work your way back to the bed with her, and the two of you spend the night together.