Before she could finish, Arthur raised a hand, stopping her mid-sentence. His voice was calm but firm.
"I know you are old enough to make your own choices," he said, his gaze steady. "But even so, I suggest you speak with your parents first. Consider what you are about to give up. Think carefully, and before this banquet ends, give me your answer."
A murmur spread through the hall, the tension shifting from shock to quiet contemplation. Some nobles nodded in approval of Arthur's measured approach, while others whispered among themselves, speculating on what Audrey would do.
Marquis Henry's expression remained unreadable, but his fingers, still curled into a fist, had eased slightly.
Audrey, however, did not look relieved by the reprieve. She swallowed hard, nodding once. "Then, I will return with my answer."