lizahabsburg:
“Ground rules?” She raised her eyebrows, surprised that he had suggested exactly what she wanted, yet never would have admitted she needed. Carefully she sat down, eyes surveying the rule, searching for danger, years of training and paranoia showing themselves. “Those sound perfect. We broker a treaty, what’s best for us, and best for Austria.” She didn’t want him to forget that she was the one with the kingdom, the one with an entire nation’s interests to consider. “I don’t need much from you.” Her voice was low, level, the same measured tone she had used in the military, strong and cautious all at once, “The same I need from any who has fought by my side. I need to be able to trust you, trust you with my choices, with my secrets, with my country. If I have that, we can make the rest work!”
Berto raised a brow at the mention of Austria, despite popular belief he wasn't stupid. He knew damn well what she was up to but decided to let it pass. After all, in the long future, it could come in handy to be considered stupid. No one ever paid attention to the dumb of the group and that was their mistake. "That's something I can do." His plans didn't involve ruling a country - that was her duty, not his - so her subtle reminder that he was not going to be part of the decisions didn't upset him in the slightest. Nor did it surprise him. "I would like to be able to keep going on tours." He leaned forward, fingers lacing together on top of the table. "Who knows, I might get killed early in our marriage and you will be left to do as you please without having to deal with the burden of a husband."
