The Betrothal as a Bargain

Nevertheless

Mabel’s and Navi’s arranged betrothal shifts from a royal decision into a negotiation over military service, trust, and personal freedom.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Debt Becomes a Match A Debt Becomes a Match from "Nevertheless". The King’s Arrangement Honoring Amyntas Dareh chooses Mabel because Amyntas saved his life.

A Debt Becomes a Match from "Nevertheless". The King’s Arrangement Honoring Amyntas Dareh chooses Mabel because Amyntas saved his life.

The King’s Arrangement Honoring Amyntas Dareh chooses Mabel because Amyntas saved his life. The marriage is presented as a way to repay an old debt and create security for the family. Neither Person Chooses Freely Mabel and Navi are informed of a decision made by the king. Their unequal circumstances make the arrangement a political instrument before it becomes a relationship.

Disagreement at Dinner Disagreement at Dinner from "Nevertheless". Suitability Disputed Navi Questions the Match Navi says Mabel lacks the skills required of a princess.

Disagreement at Dinner from "Nevertheless". Suitability Disputed Navi Questions the Match Navi says Mabel lacks the skills required of a princess.

Suitability Disputed Navi Questions the Match Navi says Mabel lacks the skills required of a princess. Mabel asks why he objects if Dareh is willing to accept her, refusing to let the conversation treat her as absent. A Limited Answer Navi insists that he is the one marrying her. His concern reveals that the betrothal affects him personally, even though neither he nor Mabel has a straightforward way to refuse it.

Marriage Traded for Service Marriage Traded for Service from "Nevertheless". A Different Bargain Mabel’s Condition Mabel offers to help Navi escape the arranged marriage if he gives her a place in the army.

Marriage Traded for Service from "Nevertheless". A Different Bargain Mabel’s Condition Mabel offers to help Navi escape the arranged marriage if he gives her a place in the army.

A Different Bargain Mabel’s Condition Mabel offers to help Navi escape the arranged marriage if he gives her a place in the army. She uses the king’s plan to pursue a future of her own. The Promise Disputed Navi agrees to put her in the army, but interprets that as allowing her to work in support roles. Their deal therefore resolves the betrothal while creating a new conflict over what a promise means.

Engagement Ends, Conflict Continues

Freedom Without Equality The Match Is Cancelled Mabel persuades Dareh to end the engagement. Navi is no longer required to marry her, and Mabel is free from the royal arrangement. A New Disagreement The end of the engagement does not end Navi’s authority over her army position. Their political bargain continues to shape how they see and trust one another.

Affection Cannot Settle Duty Affection Cannot Settle Duty from "Nevertheless". Another Match Appears Soray’s Political Importance Mabel hears that Navi may marry Soray to strengthen Navon’s position.

Affection Cannot Settle Duty from "Nevertheless". Another Match Appears Soray’s Political Importance Mabel hears that Navi may marry Soray to strengthen Navon’s position.

Another Match Appears Soray’s Political Importance Mabel hears that Navi may marry Soray to strengthen Navon’s position. Her earlier engagement makes the news intensely personal even though she no longer has a claim on him. The Personal Cost Navi says he must choose what Navon needs and regrets having kissed Mabel. Their private feelings cannot override a political decision that neither can easily escape.

At Mabel’s first audience with Dareh

After Mabel’s first weeks in the castle

After Mabel’s parents are killed

After Mabel appeals to Dareh

At the Winter Solstice Festival