Leif only stared at her for a moment when she admitted this.
"I am.." he said, trying to choose his words carefully. "Aware of that." And here, he cleared his throat. "I know I've upset you in my... decision, and perhaps it is unwise if we were to go, but I have heard news almost all of the dukes will be in attendance- and all of their sons." Sighing, he glanced away from her, realizing he had to play 'pretty face' for his parents. It made him feel vulgar to think he was a simple puppet.
But on the same note, after receiving a pressing letter from his father (one that was informing him he had better be in attendance), he realized, more and more, that Valentina was right. One event might not kill them. But even still, he felt bitter for it.
"What I mean to say, Valentina, is it would be prudent for us to attend." And he cleared his throat again and looke ddown at his partially eaten quail, suddenly not very hungry. "Though perhaps not for the full evening, to be safe. But we can remain in the capital for the week. Though I fear the unrest, like th eother nobles should, I suppose it is our duty to go." And at that, he lifted up his wine glass and took a drink.