Setsuko nodded. "You could learn to love your...spouse," she said. "That's how it's supposed to go, but usually they're political. If I had my way I wouldn't marry at all. I'm quite happy by myself, you know. But alliances must be made, and the marriage contract was sealed when I was barely a child."

She shrugged. "I've met him. There seems to be some compatibility, and in that I'm very lucky."