A causal betrothal in Vorinism is conditional; a woman could be engaged, but would have no legal footing until an official betrothal was signed and verified by ardents.[1]
Known Causal Betrothals[]
Jasnah arranges such a betrothal between her ward, Shallan, and her cousin, Adolin. Still, she tells Shallan that Dalinar would rather that she and his son meet before anything more binding is agreed upon.[1]
Dalinar recalls meeting Evi, courting her - awkwardly, since both knew it was an arrangement of political necessity - and eventually entering into a causal betrothal. He doesn't remember love, but he does remember attraction.[2]
Quotes[]
| “ |
When Jasnah had first explained the causal to her, Shallan’s interest had been completely abstract. Marriage into a powerful Alethi house? Allies for her brothers? Legitimacy, and a way to continue working with Jasnah for the salvation of the world? These had seemed like wonderful things. Looking at Adolin’s grin, however, she didn’t consider any of those advantages. Her pains of speaking of Jasnah didn’t fade completely, but she found it much easier to ignore them when looking at him. She found herself blushing. This, she thought, could be dangerous. |
” |
–Shallan's thoughts ... [3] | ||
| “ | "We will maintain the causal for now," he said. "The reason I agreed to it in the first place still stands - I want Adolin to be seen as unavailable to those who would manipulate him for political gain. If you can somehow persuade me, Brightness Navani, and of course the lad himself, we can progress the causal to a full betrothal. In the meantime, I’ll give you a position among my lesser clerks. You can prove yourself there." | ” |
–Dalinar to Shallan[3] | ||
References[]
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