Arad didn't understand what matter of pride Nina was talking about, but she quickly explained it to him. There were two things barbarians took pride in, and especially she who was the strongest of their clan.
The first was the vow of strength, might ruled all for the barbarians, and her relationship with Arad was but the same. Usually in marriage, or how the barbarians called it, The Nesting, one of the two approaches the other with a challenge.
The second party can either refuse the challenge or accept it. In Arad and Nina's case, she accepted his challenge long ago. That only left fighting, which now Arad had won. So technically, she is already his wife the moment she woke up unconscious after their fight. The pride is that even if he were to kick her out, she'll never look for another partner.
This pride was already fulfilled, and she could boast about marrying one of the most powerful men in the lands.
