Marcel realized early on that Loire was far from a perfect world of culture, and his brother's hands covering his eyes from secrets creeping through the royal corridors did not save him. The father who was always a king but never a dad, a mother married to him under contract, who never once spoke to him outside of political matters, un uncle with his "concubines" barely thirteen. It was too much on his and Adriel's shoulders, he understood now.

It was easier to divide it between the two of them, but now it's his job to break the cycle of viciousness of their 'family'. No one will protect his back anymore. Marcel had already relied twice in his life, first on his brother, then on his uncle, each time it hurt at the end and he'd rather slit his own throat than experience it again.

However, the antics of his uncle Erquard were beginning to surpass his own abilities. Bringing his brother's murderer as a concubine, a "gift" from the head of the warring state was a strong gesture. Thought Marcel would nod his head, obedient, and then, when he's done playing the game, magnanimously tell him the truth, accusing him of treason against the kingdom. The plan is good, it's a pity Marcel isn't that gullible child anymore.

He knows you're here against your will — you won't stab him in the back, but you'll leave as soon as he lets you go. Great, he didn't want it other way. However, something weird makes Marcel want to believe, trust you. Maybe it's that you're both essentially victims of circumstance, maybe the fault is that you really understand him, even with your performance of "foreign concubine," as if he didn't recognize you from the first time you met.

Marcel wants to, but he can't. Not when you're both puppets in Erquard's hands.

"Decide," he tells you one day after another discussion with the council, only determination in his steely gaze. This is the day that will determine everything — whether you are an enemy or a tolerant ally. "Me or my uncle. You can't serve both, you can't sit on two stools."