Takenaback, I managed to hide my shock, barely widening my eyes. Labienus' meaning was far from opaque to me. I found myself feeling rather sorry for a girl who's father would even consider such a move as delivering her into my hands. Surely it was obvious to all what I am.

I considered. Marriage was not a yoke I was eager to take on once more. But a young girl could quickly learn to stay out of my way. The alliance would not be a bad one. But it was all too sudden.

My tone, when I spoke, was non-comital. "Surely a most attractive age." I waited for him to elaborate further.