My throat closes up completely. No one has ever defended me like this. No one has ever taken my work seriously enough to call it honorable.
"Any human who cannot understand the honor in preserving craft traditions while adapting to modern challenges lacks the wisdom to judge Trinity's character."
Korgan's gaze sweeps the crew, daring anyone to contradict him.
"She is not here under false pretenses. She is here because she recognized an opportunity to save something valuable and had the courage to pursue it despite the personal cost."
He turns back to me, his expression softer but no less intense.
"That is not desperation. That isgrath'mor. Battle-honor of the highest order."
The silence that follows feels different. Charged with possibility instead of condemnation.
Marcus clears his throat. "Well. That's quite a perspective."
"It's the correct perspective," Korgan states flatly.
I look at him, overwhelmed by gratitude and something deeper. Something that makes my chest tight and my hands unsteady.
"Can we get back to filming?" I manage. "I'd like to finish this challenge."
Hours later, after the cameras stop rolling and the crew disperses, I find Korgan in the communal kitchen. He's making tea, actual tea, not the flavored nonsense production stocks, using what looks like his personal supply.
"Thank you." I settle onto the stool across from him. "For what you said earlier."
He hands me a steaming mug. The tea smells like pine and something earthy I can't identify.
"I spoke truth. Nothing more."
"You spoke truth when you didn't have to. When it might have hurt your own position on the show."
"My position?" He looks genuinely confused. "What position?"
"Bachelor seeking love. Defending the financially motivated contestant doesn't exactly fit the romantic narrative."
Korgan considers this while sipping his tea. "Perhaps the romantic narrative requires adjustment."
What does that mean?
"I don't understand."
"Human romance stories follow predictable patterns. Wealthy suitor rescues struggling maiden. Powerful protector claims grateful dependent. These stories teach that love requires inequality."
He sets down his mug, meeting my eyes directly.
"But I am not interested in rescue fantasies. I am interested in partnership between equals who respect each other's strength."
"Equals?" I laugh, but there's no humor in it. "I'm broke, remember? Desperate. Hardly your equal."
"You built a business from nothing. You learned skills that feed people, bring them joy. You risk public humiliation to save work you believe in." He whispers with conviction. "These accomplishments make you my equal in every way that matters."
The sincerity in his tone makes my heart race. This isn't the manufactured romance the show's trying to create. This feels real. Substantial. Terrifying.
"Why does it matter to you? My financial situation, I mean."
"Because seeing you attacked for circumstances beyond your control triggered protective instincts I had not anticipated."
"Protective instincts?"
