meridian_rose

Political enemies wouldn't use that strategy, and I think Kat's family have a tradition of not living in fear from every potential whackjob. It's maybe not the safest thing, but a life lived under constant guard isn't something Mairenne would want - and she's probably safer out in the forest with her friends and probably a weapon or two, than in the crowded city-state with lots of strangers around. I'll think about what arrangements she might have in place.

I'm thinking less Lionel Luthor and more...Mitt Romney. Ferran believes women need to be kept in their place. He probably smirks a lot too.
He'd like to discredit Kat and take her place - Oliver Cromwell, maybe. There's no arguing with men who think they are by their (usually God given) birthright, supposed to be in charge. Supposedly all political parties want what is best for the country, but they tend to go about that in very different ways, often with an eye on supporting diversity and equality or by stamping it out because of God/Tradition/'Family Values'. Kat's very left leaning - how could she not be? - but Ferran is on the far right.
I think I'm getting a clearer picture now, thanks for the questions :D