Geneve was overwhelmed this evening to say the least. First, she was erratically introduced as a Lady to the Palace, although it was under her strict instruction that she would not be (for she wasn't, as she has refused the title, fully grasping the fact that she is a nobleman's bastard) and now, sitting across the fifteen foot long table from her beloved sister and her soon to be betrothed, The Prince of Highever to continue the awkward evening.
Stunningly handsome as he looks, Geneve finds herself much more intrigued about his curt manner. According to Dominique, Prince Kellan has a nice disposition and maintains the same courteous and polite manners as she. Although she remembers her saying that she 'terribly regrets' not having any 'attraction of the intimate kind' towards him.
This is what makes her somewhat grateful to be a semi-commoner. She would have the chance, and the choice to marry for love. Her father might have a hold on her and likewise assert that she make a 'strong allegiance' , but there is no need for that hold, especially since his legal daughter seemed to have secured the most advantageous allegiance possible. Abandoned by her mother for believing that she would have a much better life in her wealthy father's care, she vowed at an early age not to believe all these distinguished royalty mess. She did not suffer any maltreatment at the De Bourgh Estate, in fact, she was easily accepted into the family. Her stepmother, Dominique's mother, hardly said a word to her before she passed away almost two years ago but was always polite, and her father, the most passive person she knows was withdrawn not only towards her, but also to Dominique. Although her and the latter grew up to be close, she never had the feeling of an actual familial setting as everyone in the household fell prey to 'royalty dispositions.' She had the dream of having a small cottage with small farm animals, four children running about, and a husband with the kindest manner. It was a simple dream, yet she felt privileged knowing that Dominique may not dream as simply as she does.
"May I have a word with you?" Kellan asked Dominique politely.
Dominique nodded gracefully as she set her table napkin down. "Of course." she stood up and gave the guardsman that had caught her attention another glance before the Prince took her hand and led her out to the gardens with a couple of novice guards behind them. She had never felt so bold as to give anyone so much as a courteous nod if they hadn't addressed her first, but the guardsman! For some reason she could not resist, she was extremely curious about him and how he would react to her, yet they have not spoken a word to each other! It was something her usually reserved self absolutely did not understand.
"How have you been since we met last?" Asked Kellan as he beckoned her to take a seat once they reached the tea area of the Palace garden. It was nicely lit and guards stood twenty feet away from them, for assumed privacy.
"I have been well. Yourself?"
"Pressured."
"I understand. Me too."
"It was not of my knowledge that you had a sister."
"She does not like to mingle with the royal society, sir."
"But she is a Lady?"
"I assume my Aunt hasn't given you much about my family sire," she politely responded, and told the prince of Geneve's tale. "She could be a lady if she wanted to, but she has no desire for such a responsibility. Had it been her choice, she would have kept her mother's surname and not have taken the heavy weight of De Bourgh." she paused as she looked up at the stars. "I cannot blame her, although I am grateful for the privilege."
Kellan looked down at her and smiled. She hasn't changed one bit. Dominique would be the perfect Queen to rule the kingdom beside. She was beautiful, eloquent, gentle and polite.
"You know, they expect us to marry."
"I do."
"Are you ready?"
"Not quite--not at all, really. To be honest, I don't think I'll ever be." Dominique looked away as the moonlight bounced from her creamy skin and golden locks. "But it is how I assume you feel at the moment--I shall do it if duty calls."
Kellan's lips grew wider. "You know, one of the things I admire most about you is your ability to be honest and polite at the same time. No wonder your aunt thinks us a good match, we are very much alike."
"Too much alike to--"
"be attracted to each other." they both finished and laughed.
From the corner of his eye, he saw his father and the Comtess peering from the hall terrace.
"Will you be relieved if I told you--"
"That you have no intention of marrying me, but have the deepest desire to be well acquainted with my sister?" finished Dominique, quite pleased with herself, and finding herself much excited for her sister. "Not relieved, but not disappointed either."
"Is she engaged?"
Dominique shook her head. "She hasn't been introduced as much as I have, but if I were you, I will not ask her for her hand right off."
"Why is that?"
"She will refuse you. She will consider it a passive trait, and she may not know it--but I know my sister more than she knows herself. She frowns upon those who are slaves to the crown and tradition. It reminds her too much of our father."
"Is that so?"
Dominique nodded, knowing that her father married her own mother because tradition strictly favors for nobles to be married to nobles, even if Geneve's mother's family, she hears is of decent disposition.
"Would you like to be escorted back inside so you may rest? This evening's festivities must have you exhausted." he offered his arm, which she gladly took--much more eagerly than when they first met this evening.
"In the morning, I will be busy. I shall ask my best guardsman to keep you escorted about the kingdom."
Dominique's eyes suddenly lit up. She had an involuntary quick inner prayer as to who his "best guardsman" might be. "May I ask--just for the sake of knowing--"
A hearty laugh from the prince's mouth. "His name is Gustav."
"I'm sorry?"
"The man you have been overlooking me with all evening--his name is Gustav, he is a great fellow, my captain of the guard and most of all my best friend."
"It wasn't my intention to--"
A stong masculine forefinger halted her small pouty lips. "I need not know more." Kellan whispered. "Save it for the Captain."
"Accompany your future betrothed? Isn't that your duty your highness?" asked Gustav as he readied Kellan's horse.
"There has been no offer of marriage to her from either myself or my father. So that claim of duty is invalid."
