[Vexx]

The problem is that Amati cannot publicly

Spoiler for chapter 3 spoilers:

marry Horo.... she'd simply not pass Church inspection, she's got no lineage/family - there's simply no win here. Lawrence is only getting away with his companionship with Horo because they are a moving target, never anywhere long enough.

The danger is that Amati will bring more and more attention onto Horo - making it tough for her not to blow her cover and Lawrence's reputation. They're not far enough north to ignore the pervasive power of the Church. One thing chapter 3 drips with is the danger of the Church if you're not totally compliant to them.