Young Writers Society

August

"Aris?" I whisper yelled, not wanting anyone to know that I had to look for her.

I swear the girl is hiding. She was there as we packed the wagon, but after my brief encounter with her she just disappeared - none of the servants had even seen her.

Opening the door to the ballroom, the last room to be searched, I checked to see if she was in there then went out to the front of castle with the horses. Unhitching my favorite horse, Theo, from the front of the line, I mounted him and clicked my tongue, signaling him to go.

I had a pretty good idea where Aris was. I steered Theo towards the beach, and he slowed his run once the sand became prominant. There I saw her, my sister, standing with her legs in the ocean, her dress bunched in her hands.

Dismounting Theo, I took off my boots and rolled up the legs of my pants. Approaching the cool water, I waded in towards my sister and stood beside her. She stared off into the distance as if she didn't see me, but grabbed for my hand. I examined her face closely, her cheeks damp from salty tears and the salty spray of the ocean.

A frown tugging at the corners of my mouth made me want to keep her, forget the blood alliance and let her stay with me until she found someone she truly loved. But I couldn't do that.

Aris turned to face me, a weak copy of a smile on her face as she said, "Let's go, August."

We both mounted Theo and ran with him back to the castle. Reaching the wagon, we dismounted and I rehitched Theo. Aris found her way into the carriage of the wagon with mother and father, and I followed her. And then....we headed for Bryni, Aris looking sadly out the window at the fields and homes of commoners, the children playing and women doing laundry, and the men coming home to their wives.

Cecily Princess of Bryni- her chambers:

Cecily stood in her bedroom, on her bed lay the ballgown that had been specially made for this ball.

It was of sumptuous green velvet with a tight bodice, embroidered in gold. It showed off her curves in an alluring but modest way, set slightly off the shoulder it showed off her white shoulders- it was her first "grown up" frock.

She touched it admiringly, she couldn't wait to wear it, to feel to grown up. she wondered what the other girls would be wearing- and hoped one of the princess might think she looked pretty. this thought made her blush and she covered her cheeks.

"I'm going to be married soon..." she whispered to no one in particular, " I'm going to marry a prince and go with him to his castle and be his wife. The implications of the last part frightened her, but she remembered her mother was not much older then she when she had her brother. " I'm going to be someone's wife...." she murmured to the bedpost as she hugged it tightly- trying to calm her racing heart.

She moved to her clothes chest and pulled out a pair of dainty silk slippers to go with the dress and set them aside, then she went out onto the small balcony overlooking the palace gardens.

It was at that moment an explosion of colorful blooms and heavenly smells- bees were busy about their work filling the air with a pleasant hum- Cecily knew the beehives behind the palace would be full this year. she hopped up on the balcony railing and settled herself looking out over the palace.

She slowly let her mind wander to her innermost thoughts, those of her future, her dreams her desires- she hopped her prince and future husband was a good man, she hopped his palace had lots of green growing things about it- she hoped she would learn to love him quickly...

"I want my happily ever after ending..." she breathed softly, "I want to be in love.... to be loved." she sighed dreamily

Jackson

Katrina's arms held my waist loosely, her head resting on my shoulder with the slightest snore coming from her mouth as she slept. Thalia's heavy feet stuck the foreign soil with caution, as she was unfamiliar with the territory, but the familiar sound did not wake my sister.

I, on the other hand, hadn't slept since about ten miles from Bryni territory, my distrust of them just enough to keep me awake. As the city we were in came buzzing to life as the sun rose so did the knowing looks they gave me and Katrina and the bits of gossip.

The city was thriving with the news of the arranged marriages, every man woman and child staring at us. I took it as an oppurtunity to scan the faces of the men, but I did not find the one I was looking for.

Turning my attention back to the path in front of me, I wondered how I was going to get through this. Violence has never been in my nature, but....my brother....

I shook my head to rid the thought, and my eyes rose to see the Castle of Bryni.

"Katrina, dear," I said, moving my shoulder to wake her, "we're here!"

***

Katrina held my hand as I watched the Brynian servants move our luggage into the castle.

"Jackson, brother, stop looking." Katrina whispered, yanking my hand as a signal for me to follow her. A female servant greeted us then silently led us somewhere, all the while tossing glances back at us. She hadn't even asked where we were from, but I suppose between the camels, the clothing, and the silver eyes it wasn't hard to figure out.

"Wait here." She ordered timidly, and I gave her a reassuring smile which caused her own to light up her face. She slid in to a room, and Katrina and I waited to be called in, still hand in hand.

"Promise you'll stop looking while we're here." Katrina said quickly once the maid was gone, so quickly it was almost as if she didn't say it.

I looked at her for a moment, and she turned her silver eyes to meet mine.

I hesitated for a moment, then offered, "I'll try, Katrina."

A small frown crossed her face, but she quickly hid it. She knew I would never make a promise if I didn't know if I could keep it.

The maid reappeared, and said with a smile, "The King and Queen are eager to meet you, please do come in."

Aris- Princess of Yililia

We stopped at the border of Yililia and Bryni. I politely asked my mother if I could have some time alone in the woods while we were stopped. She agreed, giving me an hour, providing that I didn’t wander too far. “If you’re a minute late, I’ll have the guards searching for you!” I immediately took to the trees, the carts and wagons disappearing from view.
Nervousness invaded my thoughts. To calm myself for the upcoming marriage arrangements, I spoke in a hushed whisper to myself, not caring where my feet took me, as long as it was away from the Bryni border. “Maybe it will be interesting to live in another country. They say that Bryni is full of flat, empty, open spaces with few trees. Bryni has an ocean front, but it’s all but deserted.” At first my voice was filled with enthusiasm, but quickly faded to hopeless sarcasm. “I mean, I’ll have new experiences whichever kingdom I marry into, even if I never live in Yililia again.” My voice wavered and tears clogged my throat. “Draconia is full of towering mountain peaks and is full of ancient dragons. Around its southern border, it does have terrain very similar to Yililia. Harrow is full of sand, like a beach with no ocean.”
My eyes briefly flitted up and caught a flash of blue to my right. Moving closer, a large clear pool appears. I want one last good memory while in Yililia. This is a good a place as any. Kicking off my slippers, my feet dangle in the cool water, a chain reaction of ripples dancing over the surface. The water is so inviting. “Why not?” I voice. “I have enough time.”
I strip off my heavy outer dress and leave it in a heap by the side of the pool, wearing only a paper-thin shift. I dive into the pool, water rushing up and covering me. I open my eyes and stare out of the pool. Deep green leaves accompany droplets of blue sky, twisting and shifting with splatters of sunlight and the ever-changing water. Bubbles fly to the surface when my lungs scream for air, a few weak kicks bringing me to the surface.
I float on my back for a while, staring at the mostly concealed sky, remembering the haunting tones I played on my flute after my fate was decided. I open my mouth, mimicking the gloomy tunes. The sound races over the water, like it did over the ocean, my ocean.
When the song is finished, I am filled with peace. I can accept what will happen with my future, even if I have no say in the matter. Even when I am forced to live with no ocean out my window, I can always sing or play this song and hear the dismal notes echo over the salty waves. I am ready to grow up without my ocean.
Time is running out for me, so I haul myself out of the water. My shift dries quickly and I re-dress. Wringing my hair out, I sigh, square back my shoulders, and dive headfirst into my future, just like I did in the pool.
I arrive back at the jumble of carts and wagons, just ready to leave. Stepping bravely into the carriage, I smile, whisper good-bye to Yililia, and cross the border into Bryni.

Rheyalyn ~ Queen of Yililia

When Aris stepped back into the carriage, I frowned slightly at her damp hair. Her dress had a streak of mud, too. "Where have you been, Aris?" I fingered my daughter's hair, clucking softly.

"Oh, no matter. We can fix that soon enough." I put my hands on my lap and smiled at her. "I'm sorry, dear. I'm just so excited! Meeting new people will be fun, no?"

Aris mumbled a reply, and I fought to keep my smile in place as I turned my head to gaze out the window, quietly braiding my hair.

August

Mother's hair lay on her shoulder in a loose braid, and Aris' hair had dried ages ago. It honestly took longer to get to the Brynian castle than I had thought.

***

"August," my mother said softly when I moved to help a man with our things, "Come dear, we must go meet the Royal Family of Bryni. This kind young woman has offered to escort us."

I felt a lump rise in my throat and looked at the door to the castle. Once I went in there was no turning back. I would have to go to their ball and dance with the young girls, I would have to be fixed up with someone who should be more worried about their tutors and horse riding lessons than with marital obligations, and I would have to marry a girl who would probably hate me for marrying her.

I looked at my mother and saw a warning look in her eyes - she probably knew what I was thinking. I looked to Aris, and the moment our eyes met I knew I had to go in there. She is such a strong girl, but I knew she couldn't face it alone. I had to do this for her.

"I'm coming, mother." I finally reply, then follow them into the castle.

"You may go in," our escort says in a small voice, "The prince and princess of Harrow are already in there."

Rhay- Prince of Draconia

Mee-on-thulth was saddened; he had to take me somewhere I did not wish to go. But it did not matter anymore. Mountain peaks sailed by at an alarming rate. I realized that I would never reverse this journey as an un-married man. Shuddering, I loosened my grip on the reigns and buttoned up my outer shirt. A few other dragons were strewn through the sky, carrying my parents and my sister, not to mention our luggage. Another dragon came with us, a nameless one who volunteered to be my bride’s companion. The dragon is a female, but it’s almost impossible to tell what color she is when the sun shines on her. I can feel Mee-on-thulth, flying hard and fast, undoubtedly trying to impress her. Shaking my head with a small smile, I resumed staring at the mountains.
Abruptly, the peaks ended. All you could see was plains for endless miles. Nothing else but the blue sky was visible. Hours passed and only occasional villages flew by. Finally, after my hair was thoroughly tousled, a towering spire pierced the sky. Bryni’s castle was less than five minute’s flight away. I turned my head, giving one last look to the mountains called home. They were just purple smudges on the horizon.
Below us, a group of wagons were just unloading, the royal family being ushered inside the palace walls. Soon, the hard-packed earth was steady underneath my feet and we were inside the palace, not allowed to speak to the other royal family from Bryni. Rushed into our quarters, we were told dinner would be served soon. My parents and sister unpacked in their corners of the room, while I sulked on the bed, writing a poem while looking out the window.

Sighing, I fell asleep, having nightmares about the poor girls’ life I was about to ruin.

Rheyalyn ~ Queen of Yililia

I took a deep breath, smiling. "Let's go, August, Aris." I ushered them out of the carriage and followed the escort. It was clear both of my children didn't want this. But it was for the good of the kingdom. All of the kingdoms.

I quickly ran a hand through my hair, undoing the braid. Inside, I felt as uncertain as Aris and August, but I didn't show it. For the good of all the kingdoms, I thought.

Jackson

Soon after we met the King and Queen, we were herded to our quarters to change for dinner.

Opening up one of my chests I shed my clothes. Left in only my under garments and necklace as Katrina barged in.

In a whirl of beautiful fabric, she clicked her tongue, "Jackson, you're still not dressed!?"

She approached the chest of clothing and began digging through it, leaving clothes strewn across the room.

Pulling out a dark blue tunic with silver embroidery, she held it up to me as if to see how it would look.

"Wear this," she ordered, "We can match."

I slid on the tunic and matching trousers, feeling light without multiple layers.

"Katrina, darling," I said, sliding on a pair of boots she handed me, "You seem to be taking this quite well."

She picked up my sword and belt and stared at them in her hands for a moment before handing it to me.

As I fastened it around my waist, she replied, "I am just trying to get through this, Jackson."

She examined me to see if I looked okay, and I laughed, "I know how to dress, Katrina."

"Good grief, you better!" Lissy piped in as she walked through the door, "I was dressing you until you were a boy, if you don't know how by now I should just walk out now!"

Katrina and I laughed, and I tucked my necklace beneath my tunic, then reached to Katrina and did the same to hers.

"Let's go, children!" Lissy demanded, "Time to go to dinner."

Lissy approached the two of us and adjusted our clothing and hair until she saw fit, then said, "Your mother and father are waiting for you. Come, you both look wonderful. Let's go meet the other Royals, okay?"

Cecily/palace of Bryni- the grand balcony:

Cecily watched spellbound as the great dragons landed outside the city limits. Their lithe bodies, glittering scales and wide wings that almost darkened the heavens. She longed to see one up close, for all the dragons in Bryni were long dead- killed and hunted to extinction or simply left.

She leaned further over the balcony railing, eyes fixed on these great beasts, and she wondered what sort of people were wild and brave enough to tame such monsters- she shivered a little at the thought that there was a prince looking for a bride amid all those terribly fierce people.

“It would be wildly fun to ride a dragon don't you think?” she jumped and turning looked up into the craggy face of her father. She shrugged and looked back out.

“I don't know....”

“Well I think it would be, up there in the heavens with the wind rushing past.” King Fionn sighed, “Wild fun.”

“Daddy are you alright?” Cecily asked looking up into his eyes, king Fionn shook his head.

“You read me like your mother does little Bird- no, no I'm not alright. Soon I have to give my little Bird away to a stranger.” Cecily hugged him tightly,

“It's alright Daddy- I don't mind. I know this will bring peace- I want to do it.” his large hands stroked her hair softly- surprisingly gentle for such a rough man,

“Do you really want to little Bird?” Cecily nodded and the king nodded sadly. Cecily took his hand in her little one and tugged gently,

“Papa it's almost suppertime, we should go inside. We still have to meet everyone and get ready for supper.”


~~~~~~~~~~~

Briac/Bryni palace- his rooms:

Briac tossed tunics about his chambers in a heroic effort to find one not ripped, mended or stained with grass, mud and heaven only knew what else. Swearing in the Bryni language he tossed yet another tunic away for a long jagged rip down the left side- he really needed to look into getting more clothes.

Walking to his clothes chest he pulled out another pile to go through- his mothers decree of what he was to wear ringing in his ears- nothing militaristic, nothing stained, nothing ripped, nothing mended and certainly nothing smelling of horse- hard things to come by in his wardrobe. He pulled from the pile a dark green velvet tunic with the insignia of the Bryni royal house embroidered in gold and white threads- it seemed whole...

In one deft move he pulled his worn leather jerkin and comfortable under tunic of linin over his head and tossed them to the bed- he would put them back on after dinner- and then got a clean and white linen under-tunic from a drawer and dressed himself.

He didn't bother combing his wild blonde locks- they would just go back to looking tousled anyway and what was the point in trying to seem more then what he was? He was a messy haired Bryni warrior and nothing more, he didn't see the reason why he should act all courtly and polished when he wasn't in real life- that wasn't how he liked to show himself.

A knock sounded at his door and a moment later his mother poked her head in,

“Come Briac- supper is almost-.....Briac.” her tone dropped and briac knew that ment something was wrong.

“Yes mother?”

“You're hair....”

“What about it?”

“Did you even try brushing it?” Briac shrugged,

“No, but it always looks like this.”

“At least try to neaten it up- you look like a wild beast.” Briac winked at his mother.

“But I am a wild beast.” she gave him a look and he dragged a comb through his messy locks to humor her- the act doing nothing to enhance his wild appearance.

“Supper is ready dear and the other royals are gathering- come along.” his mother took his arm and lead him towards the feasting hall- bright lights and noises already wafting through the halls from it- if there was one thing the Bryni knew besides horses, it was throwing feasts that never were forgotten.

August

I frowned at my reflection in the mirror, not sure if black was the best choice of color to wear. The black tunic and trousers, not to mention my black hair, may be a bit harsh.

"August!" I could hear my mother call from outside the door, then she pushed it open and examined me, "August, dear, you look so handsome! But isn't that a little casual? Is that....are Augustus, are those your hunting boots!?"

"Mother, please," I urged, "I'm not trying to put on a facade for these girls. Be lucky I'm wearing shoes."

Mother frowned, her eyebrows furrowed, "Well, at least you cleaned them. Now come, your father and sister are waiting for us and the others are already heading down."

"I'm coming," I say, giving myself one last look in the mirror, feeling a little more satisfied with my appearance.

Turning towards my mother, I gave her a soft smile and we went to join Aris and father.

Rosie

My small hand drowned in Jackson's as we walked with our parents to the feasting hall.Just before we entered, I felt my father's hand on my shoulder and he gave me a sad smile, which I returned.

As we entered the feasting hall, bright lights and smells of food overwhelmed my senses, and I gripped Jackson's hand even harder. As I looked towards the table where everyone was sitting, Jackson gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Jackson, Rosemary, darlings," our mother said, "sit between your father and I, okay?"

***

I sat staring at the food in front of me, my hands fidgeting in folds of my dark blue dress. The silver embroidery matched my eyes, which is why I chose it. Mother gave me a glance as if to tell me I was being rude by not eating...but how could I eat when at this very moment my future was bring discussed....and I didn't have a say in it. Literally. None of us are even allowed to talk.

With a sigh, I picked up my fork and began to push around the food on my plate when I heard my brother's name come up.

"Jackson and Saja could make a nice couple," my mother said.

"Or," my father added, "Jackson and Aris?"

I found his hand under the table and squeezed it. Jackson glanced at me and I gave him a reassuring smile.

The next thing I knew, it was declared, "Alright, so Jackson and Aris will be paired."

I slid my eyes over to a girl with fiery red hair, the girl I would have to share my brother with, and then my father said warily, "Now....Rosemary. As you probably all know, I lost my eldest son in a battle against Bryni." Everyone at the table tensed, but none more so than Jackson.

"Consequently," my father said, sounding as if each word was killing him, " I think it would be in the best interest of all the kingdoms....for Rosemary and Briac to be paired."

Jackson

It was declared, "Alright, so Jackson and Aris will be paired."

I moved my gaze over to the girl with fiery red hair. She stared at me for a moment, and I gave her a soft smile. She blinked, as if surprised, but then returned my smile.

"Now....Rosemary." All the sudden, I didn't care about what happened to me anymore. "As you probably all know, I lost my eldest son in a battle against Bryni."

My eyes bore into the side of my father's head as the mention of Tristan. If he's going where I think he is....

"Consequently," my father said, sounding as if each word was killing him, "I think it would be in the best interest of all the kingdoms....for Rosemary and Briac to be paired."

"N-" I started, fury raging through my body, my hands shaking, but was cut off by my father's sharp glare. We stared each other down, and I could feel everyone at the table watching us carefully.

Clenching my jaw, I bashed my fists against the table, shaking it, and stood up.

"Rosemary, get up." I said through a clenched jaw.

"Jackson!" My mother said sharply, reprimanding me for making a scene and for talking out of turn.

Rosie looked up at me with her innocent silver eyes and grabbed my hand, silently pleading me to sit back down with her. I saw her gaze switch to Briac, and I looked at him for the first time. A huge man looked back at me with brown eyes, a scar on the left side. My eyes trailed the scar to see that he was also missing his left arm. There was something familiar about him, but I couldn't place it.

I switched my gaze over to Aris, whose face was wary, and her brother, who looked like he was about to take Aris and go home...just as I wanted to do with Rosemary.

"Rosie..." I whispered, feeling tears stinging my eyes.

"Jackson...it's okay." she whispered back, pulling on my hand to try to get me to sit, biting on her bottom lip as she so often does.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I sat back down in my chair, pushed the plate of food away, and rest my head on the table.

Everyone was quiet, so I moaned, "Carry on."

August

"Say the word," I whispered to Aris so only she could hear, "and I'll take you home."

I completely understood Jackson's reaction...but it's different when he is the future husband of my baby sister.

Aris gave a slight shake of her head, still staring at Jackson with...interest? Understanding? Empathy? I couldn't quite tell.

"Carry on." Jackson said after dropping his head on the table with a thud. I guess he really was a good brother.

I saw his sister, Rosemary, look at Briac, taking him in. It was intriguing, actually. Even I had been shocked when I first saw him, as most people were. But Rosemary just...smiled at him, a loving vibe coming from her as she kept her brilliant silver eyes on him. Maybe she would be good for the gruff man.

"August and Saja, then." the King of Draconia said, snapping me out of my reverie. Had they really decided that while I was thinking about Briac and Rosie? I pulled my eyes from them and glance over to find Saja sitting next to her brooding brother. She clearly took after her mother, and her brother from his father.

She gave me a brilliant smile, as if nothing was wrong. I had heard about her - foreign court dignitaries often mentioned her, quite distastefully might I add. Though she had the appearance of an older woman she was a mere girl of fifteen. Five years younger than me.

I felt myself pale at that thought, but seeing her smile actually cheered me up and I couldn't help the shy smile and blush that came to my face. But how could she be so happy to give her life away to me, to Yililia?

(Changing tenses- it's easier to tell who's talking. First person now.)

Briac:

I walked into the feasting hall- startled at the change that had taken place. The rough wooden benches and tables were gone- a great central table had been put up and covered with cloths- each one bearing a royal families insignia. This wasn't the great hall I knew- this was some pompous room- why couldn't we just have kept our true feasting room? Why all this show of....civilization? Heaven knows they all know our reputation- why try to show we are as fancily cultured as they?

“Briac!” My fathers shout brought me out of my reverie, “Come sit my boy- the feast will start soon.”

Walking over I observed the seating arrangements and smile- my father was not a diplomat- so clearly mother had arranged them. I took my seat beside my father and looked at the few adults who were there- all looking less then at ease, I fingered the hilt of my sword.

“Briac you brought that?” My mothers hawk eyes noticed the movement even from across the room- she had gone to get my sister and they both looked queenly and regal- I was proud of them both- let the other kingdoms say what they will about us being simple or uncultured- we were just as good as they.

“I always wear this mother... you know that.” She gave me a look that made me feel like a small boy who was guilty of something.

“I know, and I know all our men carry weapons at most times... but I thought tonight you would have had a little more decorum.” She sighed, “But, you are your fathers son, and why hide what you are from these people.” she patted my cheek as she took her place- I grinned- that was as good as her saying she approved of the sword in the feast hall. I waited for her and Cecily to sit before taking my place.

I noticed soon after that all the kings and queens flanked their children- so we could not talk to our prospective mates- sly things. Made sense though,... they didn't want their offsprings feelings to go to someone they didn't pick.

Soon after the last queen dragged the last prince in- a sickly looking boy with almost white hair and the most morose look in his dull eyes- the feast commenced. And if my people know only one thing aside from horses- it is feasts. It nearly snowed food and rained drink- a good thing for me, faced with all these pretty young maidens had my nerves on edge. I knew well enough tonight was not the night to drink to excess, but a pint or two wouldn't hurt anyone.

As I worked my way through my first glass and ate my meal I let my good eye wander around the table- taking in all the princes and princesses who's fate was being decided. I was clearly the oldest. Of the princes- and unnervingly so, the princesses were all much younger then I. I had no intentions of bedding a young maiden, I wasn't a barbarian.

“Aris and Jackson will be paired.” One of the kings said- much louder then necessary, and them both react, not with displeasure, more just surprise- Princess Aris was certainly a comely girl, and it seemed to be a good match politically.

"Consequently," The king went on, looking both pained and horrified, and I think I knew why. "I think it would be in the best interest of all the kingdoms....for Rosemary and Briac to be paired."

I saw my fathers momentary look of surprise and I'm sure my face mirrored his expression...Harrow? The blood-feud between our kingdoms went back even further then the great war- was this man serious? Was he insane? Harrow? Then I looked at the girl and felt sick- she looked to be the same age as my sister- was her father seriously suggesting a union? Between me, a man, and she? A child? I fixed my gaze on my cup.

A strangled sound came from Prince Jackson and he banged his fists into the table as he stood- shaking, looking down at his sister I could see even stronger feelings of horror then what were in his fathers eyes.

"Rosemary, get up." I heard him say- eyes still fixed on my cup, some hushed words I couldn't make out were then said, and then I got the creeping sensation that someone was looking at me. I glanced up and met two pairs of silver eyes- one of them the Prince's and the other the little Princess. Prince Jackson's eyes were obviously on my scars and my missing arm- the Princess though was looking at me. Not the scars at myself.

Prince Jackson soon slumped back into his chair looking utterly broken and my heart went out to him. My feelings mirrored his when it came to Cecily.

Princess Rosemary continued to look at me, her intense silver eyes never leaving my face, the length of her look was uncomfortable- and to my shame I felt my cheeks heating up- oh gods not now.... Please don't blush now.... But it was no use- I knew I was blushing and to save any manliness I had left I looked at my place- but I could still feel her watching.


August and Saja, then." the King of Draconia said in the insuring uncomfortable pause, “And my Son and Cecily.

I heard my sister gasp and looked to her- then looked at the kings son and almost protested as Jackson had done. He was the sickly looking little boy who's mother had dragged him in! Oh god that was worse then her marrying a man of fifty- not a little boy who looked like his mother still wiped his nose and cut his meat for him. I looked at my father- and was astounded to see he didn't seem to mind the match- what the hell was wrong with him?

“Father...” I began at a whisper, “Father you can't be seriously thinking about” My father silenced me with a look and slowly stood.

My friends, while it flatters myself, my wife and our children you think so much of them- May I remind you, you need to have our blessing as well?” The kings all seemed to stiffen, my Father continued, “I- and I believe I speak for my queen as well- heartily welcome a union with Harrow- this blood feud has claimed to many young lives and it needs to end.” He smiled warmly at the king, his queen and even managed a wink at the Princess, “I believe I can promise your daughter a good husband in my son.” I felt my blush grow even hotter and wished the floor would swallow me.

Put me in a pitch battle, send me into a dragons lair but God father don't make me the center of attention!

“But.” My father said growing serious- looking to the draconian king, “My daughter is only fifteen sir, and I don't want to marry her off at such a tender age without knowing more of your son. I would be pleased if you would come to my study after our meal where we can discuss that union further?” The Draconian king nodded solemnly..... and peace seemed to be restored- though it was strained.