Brabantio could not know.

Your father had great time to spare for the general. It was not unusual for Othello to be invited round for dinner, discussing stories of glory and battle.

What your father did not know, however, was that Othello had enraptured you far more than he could expect.

It was late when, during a stolen moment, Othello gifted you the handkerchief. His eyes were uncharacteristically gentle, and his hands seemed to forget their usual hostile action.

"For you, chuck."

He had promised, wrapping your fingers around the soft fabric.

"A token of my affection."