"You realize what you've done here?" I ask.
"Made plans for a party?"
"Given them something to plan for again."
She's quiet for a moment, considering this. "Is that what I've done?"
"My control of this village has been about territory. Strategic location, useful harbor, population small enough to manage. I kept people safe and they stayed out of my business. It was functional."
"But?"
"But it wasn't thriving. It was just... surviving. Maintaining the status quo while everything slowly deteriorated."
"And now?"
"Now I see what it could be. What we could build together."
We've reached the villa, but instead of going inside, I lead her to the terrace that overlooks the village. The lights are starting to come on in the houses below, warm and golden in the gathering dusk.
"Madison," I say, turning to face her. "I need to ask you something."
Something in my tone makes her go very still. "Okay."
"When you came here, you were looking for something. A life that meant something. A place where you belonged. A chance to build something real."
"Yes."
"Have you found that?"
"I think so. With you. With this place. With what we're creating together."
"Then I have a proposition for you."
She laughs nervously. "Another proposition? Haven't we covered most of the major ones already?"
"Marry me."
The words hang between us in the warm evening air. Madison stares at me like I've just spoken in a language she doesn't recognize.
"Marry you," she repeats finally.
"Yes."
"As in, actual marriage. Wedding, rings, legal documents marriage."
"As in, be my wife. My partner. Help me build something here that's worth more than just power and control."
She's quiet for a long moment, and I can see her processing what I'm asking. Not just the romantic gesture, but the practical implications.
"In your world, what does marriage mean?" she asks.
"It means you're mine, legally and completely. It means my protection extends to you officially. It means anyone who threatens you threatens my wife, which carries different consequences than threatening my girlfriend."
"And for you? What would it mean for you?"
"It means I get to call you my wife instead of explaining what you are to me. It means we build this empire together instead of you helping me with mine. It means when people look at Monte Vento, they see something we created, not something I control."
"An empire?"
