Hm... Yes, I understand how killing Mairenne will not help Kat's enemies in any way... What about kidnapping her and threatening to kill her to force Kat into something? O_O
(My mind is a sick place)

Re: Ferran.
Well, let's see... :D

Old? Nah, not a problem for me at all. If anything age is an advantage (I have weird preferences).

Dismissive of females? Hm... Is he really? Does he really make a mistake of underestimating his enemies on account of their gender? Then he's stupid and I don't like him.
Or does he take women seriously and because he takes them seriously he manipulates the society prejudice towards them to get the upper hand? Then he's smart and I like him! :D

Also what is his goal? Is it power? Supposing he gets this power what will he do with it? Power is not only a goal, it's a means to an end. What does he want power for? What is his political agenda? What mark in history does he want to make? Surely he wants his name to be remembered, every politician does. How does he want to be remembered?

If his goal is the prosperity of his kingdom (technically Kat's queendom), isn't it Kat's goal as well?

Is he really the enemy, or can their differences be worked out in the end?

Yes, my mind is a sick, sick place.