“It’s curious,” Orionis says. “You’re the only one who’s able to make tea I enjoy.”

He’s watching you work, but he always is. You’re the only one able to distract him from his books. Perhaps because he actually enjoys your presence.

“Sit down for a moment, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

You’re from a lower noble family, employed by Orionis to pay off your family’s debt. His mother wouldn’t approve of you, but he doesn’t care. He doesn’t approve of her attempting to get him married. The idea of marriage irritates him. Orionis’ been avoiding his mother, all the while the perfect solution is right in front of him.

You.

“Have you considered marrying me?” he asks like he’s attempting to sell you a necklace. “I’d pay your debt off, of course, and you wouldn’t have to work another day of your life. Unless you enjoy it. If so, you’d be able to employ yourself wherever. I’d make sure of it.”

The only person he’d consider marrying is you. Out of all the elves he’s met, you’re the least annoying. Plus you make excellent tea, and he thinks you’re quite pretty. He’s never considered another living being attractive before you.

“Feel free to decline.” Orionis doesn’t intend to force a marriage on you. That’d only cause you to dislike him, and then he’d grow annoyed. “I simply enjoy your presence, and my mother has been asking me to finally marry.”