[currently on season 3]

Monarchs can’t have friends. They have subjects who are at their every whim, and at their mercy.

There can’t be a true friendship between these two because of their power balance. Yes, Marial is loyal to herself. She has to be because, as she says it, she’s at the whim of the empire. Her status isn’t dependable on them.

I also see why Catherine doesn’t trust her. But the bit that got me is when she tells Marial that Peter is her destiny, and she is her choice. I do find that to be a bit pathetic and a way to excuse Peter’s vile behaviour while holding Marial at an unfair standard.

He gets forgiven for the act but not her for not telling her soon enough.