Chapter 3 - The Feast
As Don took Young Lady Caria's hand, he brought it to his lips, a respectful and admiring gesture of courtesy. Seeing his face up close, Caria's cheeks flushed ever so slightly, and a soft smile touched her lips as their eyes met. Noticing the moment, the Earl took the initiative, a broad smile on his face. "Alright, you two should take this opportunity to get to know each other well," he announced. "So, my wives, I, and your attendants will leave and let you have a good conversation." Soon, they all exited, leaving Don and Caria alone in the room.
Don and Caria wasted no time in getting to know each other. Their long conversation unveiled many shared interests, and soon, a comfortable ease settled between them. After a while, Caria posed a question. "Can I ask you something, Don?"
"Go on," he encouraged.
"Do you have any particular grand plans brewing in your mind?" she inquired.
Don paused, lost in thought for a few moments, before meeting Caria's gaze. "For now," he replied with conviction, "my primary focus is to become strong—strong enough to protect the people I hold dear. Threats constantly loom over the Kingdom, and even those in high places conspire endlessly for their own gain. I need strength to fight against them all. But true strength also means having the ability to unite people. With strength, you gain the means; you'll be feared by your enemies and cherished by your friends. That's what I want."
Caria, seemingly appeased by Don's conviction, found herself reassured and quickly developed an admiration for his way of thinking. With an approving smile, she wished him, "That's truly great. I hope your future endeavors are fruitful, Young Lord." She offered a small, respectful bow. Don was momentarily surprised by Caria's sudden deference. "Thank you, Young Lady," he managed.
"So, about this marriage arrangement," Don pressed, "do you agree to it?"
"My father's instructions, when he sent me as an envoy, clarified the full extent of our peril," Caria explained. "The looming threat from the House of Tidor made me understand the gravity of our position. As the second daughter of my house, I recognize this responsibility. Though initial hesitation was natural, meeting and speaking with you personally has convinced me it's the ideal path forward."
Do either of these rephrased options better capture the nuances of Caria's feelings and her decision?
In Thornshell City, Caria had certainly heard whispers of Don Adraels' prodigal talents—a young man clearly destined for a bright future. Despite the widespread acclaim, she knew little of his true character, which made her initially reluctant when her father proposed a marriage alliance. Her plan was to secure a simple alliance, leaving the marriage unspoken. However, when Earl Dunnel publicly suggested the union, and she first laid eyes on Don, everything changed. His keen, intelligent eyes seemed to absorb every detail, quick and observant, reflecting a sharp mind while still radiating a warmth that put people at ease. Coupled with his strong, well-defined jawline—a subtle contour hinting at quiet determination, competence, and grounded intelligence—it was as clear as day to Caria: he was a perfect match. And their conversation today perfectly sealed the deal for her.
Hours later, their conversation naturally concluded. Caria was then escorted to her room by the estate maids and her own personal attendants, who immediately began helping her prepare for the evening's feast. Don, heading back to his own chambers, was met by his mother, Lyanna, whose wide smile perfectly conveyed her anticipation.
"So, how was it, my son?" she asked.
"Mother, it was perfect," he happily affirmed.
"I saw you looking at her in the hall, and the expression on your face told me everything," she chuckled. "That's why I shared a glance with your second mother and then whispered the suggestion to your father."
"You know me so well, Mother," Don replied, genuinely grateful. "Thank you."
"Of course, I'm your mother," she teased. "Now go on, get ready for the feast."
He continued towards his room, where two maids waited outside. They opened the door, ushering him in to prepare for the festivities.
******
The night descended, ushering in the celebration. The great hall steadily filled with guests. Nearby noble vassals managed to arrive despite the short notice, though those from further afield couldn't be summoned in time; a formal invitation would be sent for the wedding itself. Guests settled into the numerous luxurious chairs surrounding the grand dining tables.
Then, a voice echoed through the hall: "The Earl and his family enter the hall!"
Everyone rose, offering respectful greetings to Earl Dunnel, his wives, and his children. They proceeded to the long, opulent table reserved for the family at the front of the hall. Earl Dunnel surveyed the grand hall, his gaze sweeping over guests from various regions, merchants, and members of his court.
"Welcome, everyone," he boomed. "Thank you for coming to this humble feast on such short notice. I hope you'll enjoy what we have in store. Now, I officially declare the festivities begun! But before anything else, may I have everyone's attention, please? This feast celebrates the official announcement of the alliance between our noble house and the House of Thornf, and the engagement of my third son, Don, to the second daughter of Earl Jhesarwan Thornf, Caria! Now, behold everyone—the pair will enter the hall!"
The grand hall fell silent as the pair entered, all eyes instantly drawn to them.
Don appeared in a tailored doublet of deep, almost midnight black velvet, its rich texture absorbing the light. The impeccable cut highlighted his lean, athletic build, with the Adraels house sigil, a black horned lion, subtly incorporated as a raised, darker black brocade pattern on his cuffs or etched into his buttons. His dark hair, styled with its natural wave, framed his keen, intelligent eyes, which stood out starkly against his attire, giving him a sophisticated yet slightly brooding appearance. A polished obsidian or dark steel clasp secured a cloak of flowing black silk, adding a dramatic sweep with every move and completing his impression of silent strength and refined, discerning taste.