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"I have no fixed day to name," said Lord Korak, "but, if possible, within the month. I desire to have this done as soon as it is possible."
"Do you have any particular reason for hurrying so?" the Princess asked.
Lord Korak looked into her eyes. Did she not know? No doubt she did realise his hopes of rising to become King, but he would not give her this reason. Why should he? It would be most unlike him. "My mother grows aged," he said, unashamed at his brazen lie, for he had never considered his mother, "and I do not know how much longer she will live. Every day brings her death closer. I would wish her to be present at the wedding, as my father cannot."
She said nothing, and he wondered if she sensed his lie. It was of no matter. Whether she knew he was lying or not was not important. It was important that he didn't tell her the truth. She could not hold his words against him and try to escape the match.
"Do you have any objections to setting the day for sometime before the end of next month?"
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