RomanceEverAfter
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People You Should Know A Conversation with Ross Howard, A Cure for Kirby, Meet Monica Davis and Geir Ness. The Beauty of Change Series Historical Romance Column and Book Reviewer: Kaye Hatfield NEW! Sam DeMarco Have you dreamed of starting your own business? Sam DeMarco, owner of Compliance Team, did and he tells us how he made his dream a reality! Photo Gallery Romance & You (Articles) Romantic Memoir
Quotes & Poetry Expand your quotes and poetic horizons by visiting our various Quotes & Poetry categories: Thought of the Week: Time for New Beginnings A series of 8 articles by Melissa Hamilton comprising a collection of principles that will allow you to make your vision for the future a reality. Read about the Amish, India, Philippines, Greece, & Rome.
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The Quest for a
Son-in-Law Friar Gwion had never become accustomed to the King's informality. Today, closeted with him and the guard captain Talorg, there was little to indicate the presence of royalty. The King greeted them in his night robe and waved them to chairs as he sat back on a cushioned couch. "I imagine both of you know why I have summoned you." The statement seemed to be a question. The Friar spoke for both of them. "Your Majesty wishes to discuss your youngest daughter's future?" The King smiled, showing the gap left by his recently lost front tooth. "The Queen's nagging has reached the ears of all at court. Yes, my youngest daughter has to be settled, and soon. I've reached the age where I crave peace and quiet, but if that one stays unwed much longer, the castle will become a shambles." A trace of a smile crept over Talorg's face, a smile which he hoped the King hadn't noticed. That girl's future would have to be settled very soon. Just barely sixteen, her beauty was driving the male courtiers wild, and she had already teased some of them almost beyond endurance. "And, of course, there's the problem of Princess Gwenna." The Friar decided it was best to come immediately to the real reason for the meeting. Sighing, the King nodded. "Yes. Unfortunately, Gwenna is the problem. At nineteen, she will have to be married off first. A stupid custom, but I suppose we'll have to abide by it." Shaking his head, he added, "With her looks, we will hardly be overwhelmed with suitors." Talorg felt the need for comment. "Princess Gwenna's contract would undoubtedly require a very large dowry, your Majesty." Considering that his own and his men's wages were frequently in arrears, the finances of the kingdom were always of concern to the guard captain. "It is most unfortunate that Princess Gwenna is ill-favored, but . . . " The King interrupted the Friar's comment. "Ill-favored? You need not be so circumspect, Gwion. She is as plain as a pikestaff. Talorg is right. We cannot afford the kind of dowry an even remotely suitable husband for her would cost us. And that is the rub. How can we find a husband for the wild one while Gwenna remains unwed?" "A nunnery?" The Friar's question sounded tentative. The King shook his head. "I have broached the subject with Gwenna, and she would of course do my bidding, but I know it is not what she wishes. My father forced me into enough unpleasant situations that I am not about to repeat his sins." He paused, again shaking his head. "Why do men put so much emphasis on appearance, on rosy cheeks and pouty lips? Such were never my concern." The Quest - 2 >>>Continue |
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