"I have chosen a candidate from the file the council put together. I would like to choose Din Djarin to be my partner, it felt like the most amicable match that would benefit Mandalore as he represents foundlings born outside our culture and his adoptive tribe's robust presence." Bo-Katan said. She hoped her hair was covering her ears enough that no one would notice how red they were.
"This is the way." The council said in unison.
Bo-Katan's eyes widen, there was no pushback or any further questioning of her choice as she expected there to be. The armorer filter her helmet in Bo-Katan's direction and then adjusted her attention back to the meeting taking place. Bo-Katan could barely focus, 'I can just read the minutes later if there's something important.' She thought.
Back in her room she quickly removed all her armor and let it fall to the floor so that she could take the deepest breath she could unrestricted. She looked up at the ceiling and closed her eyes, hoping for a bit of peace after the huge decision she had made.
Her eyes burst open when she heard a knock at her door.
"Yes?" She inquired.
"Lady Bo-Katan Kryze, I have Din Djarin here. He wishes to speak with you." Said her assistant.
She felt heat flush her face, her eye darted around the room. She ran to hide her Ewok plush and decided it would probably be best to shove her helmet over her head.
"Okay, let him in." She called out.
The doors opened slowly and Din Djarin slid through awkwardly like he felt that he should've been there.
"Hey." He said. If he could've he would've faced palmed himself, that wasn't very cool.
"Hey." She breathed. She was wondering if he could tell that she was nervous. She stood up straighter and walked towards him with all the confidence she could muster.
'Jeeze she doesn't seem at all flustered by the situation so I probably shouldn't be either' He thought and he strode with a fast gait towards her.
They sat at the small table by her large windows. After a moment of silence and small adjustments in their seats, Din Djarin cleared his throat. Then he cleared it again. No words came out and he didn't want to make a strange noise that somewhat resembled words so he grunted.
"Perhaps they told you?" Bo-Katan asked to try and encourage a conversation that wasn't guttural noises.
"I had no idea that I was even a candidate. I certainly don't consider myself up to the standards to be considered."
"Oh, perhaps you could recommend someone better then." She hated herself, why did she say that, she shouldn't be joking in this situation.
He chuckled, barely audible, but it was there; thank goodness. He could think of stronger candidates, more eloquent candidates, and candidates that didn't have a child. But selfishly he wanted her to himself, he wanted to peel back at the few stories she had told him about herself and learn even more. Maybe it was the right thing to do; suggesting someone else or maybe he could become better for her. The chuckle helped to stall some time before he needed to reply.
"So do you always wear your helmet in your room? I had figured that you wouldn't." He said.
Bo-Katan blushed and quickly released the latches of her helmet, it was weird to wear it in her room. "I just got out of a council meeting and wasn't sure who was at the door." She leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms.
"I assume this wasn't something that was your choice." He blurted out.
Bo-Katan crossed her legs too. "It was a very strong suggestion by the council that I choose someone to marry in an effort to unify our people. I know there's still tension between clans and rigidities that need to be softened." She looked at his helmet hoping to gather some kind of emotional response. "I didn't want to marry a stranger that I would probably just tolerate." She said softly.
'Say something' He thought kicking himself. "I trust you too." Was all that piped out of him. "If you need more time for the decision I would understand." He said.
"The council gave me until the end of today to decide and this was the decision I felt the most comfortable with." She looked away. "But if you need more time to decide I would also understand."
He furrowed his brows, not that she could see. She spoke with more genuine words when they were alone than he had observed her speaking with others. "I never thought I would hold any position of power. I only wished to serve, I hope you know I never wanted to squeeze my way into these politics and assert my opinions. Raising Grogu is my first priority. I consider you to be my closest friend and I like the way we are." He paused. "I am hesitant about how this would change our relationship and what role I could even play that would be helpful."
Bo-Katan nodded. Completely valid points.
"I knew with certainty that you wouldn't pursue this as an opportunity to usurp power. I really do trust you to have my back...in many things. I would do everything in my ability to keep Grogu safe and ensure that he grows up comfortably. Change... I can't do anything about, I do hope that any change that comes would only benefit us and help us find stability." Such honest and soupy words all of a sudden made her feel strange. "But first and foremost this is a political arrangement. You and I represent two tribes coming together to bring a new way for the future. There is a certain role I wish to fulfill and I could think about the role I would want for you to fulfill." She said rather coldly.
There was silence. She tried not to burn holes into his helmet with her stare, waiting for him to say anything.
"Marriage, to me, is sacred. I hope that you know that I take this matter seriously. I have the highest respect for you and that would continue no matter what." He poured out from his heart; her face softened with his words. "I assume there are marital duties that would be assumed of us." It felt so awkward to say but it was something that was on his mind since being notified of his selection.
Bo-Katan froze, she really only thought about the face of the marriage at first and making a public showing with someone. But of course, there would be more domestic affairs. What side of the bed would he sleep on? After a marriage, the council will probably nudge them to bare an heir. What if he has halitosis? What does he even look like under his armor? Would Grogu even like her as a mom? She stopped herself from spiraling further and brought her hand to her chin to think before answering.
"The short answer is yes, there would be duties we would need to fulfill as a married couple, to our nation but also each other. I'm sure you of anyone knows that the path of a Mandalorian can be a lonely one, even if you're not alone." She sighed. "I will admit I've never been in this type of position before."
"Really? You don't constantly have suitors falling at your feet?" Din Djarin poked. She hissed at the thought slightly.
"Shush your big mouth. Listen, I don't know what to expect, I never saw myself really being someone's spouse. But if it's for my people and I have to figure it out, then you're the only one I would want to figure it out with." She bit her lip. Bo-Katan didn't understand how she melted so much in front of him, no one else evoked this kind of feeling from her.
"I implore you to take your time in this decision. I know you're not just making it for yourself, you have a little one to consider."
Din Djarin looked and her and thought about looking at her for many years. It was never in his plans to settle with a princess but it was also never his plans to become a father.
"I accept your proposal." He said.
They sat a moment longer.
"What should we do now?" She asked still shocked at his response.
"Perhaps shake on it?" He suggested, 'That was probably the stupidest thing you could've said.' He thought.
Bo-Katan stood up and stretched her arm out. He quickly returned the gesture. It felt like a small strike of lightning where their bodies made contact; they gripped their hands together firmly with a squeeze and then let go. She let her fingers linger on his as they pull away.
"Thank you, for your corporation, I will make the council aware of your decision." Bo-Katan bit her inner cheek, this was the least romantic response but the marriage didn't have to be romantic, it just needed to serve its purpose.
"Great." Din Djarin replied. They shuffled around the table and walked to the door. He paused for a moment to say goodbye.
"Really, Din, thank you." She said in a quiet voice.
He nodded and began his walk home.