LINK IN PROFILE
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She looked up immediately as he heard Aethon say “I fear we’ve monopolized the conversation.”
A faint blush touched her cheeks when she heard him, this made her say “I don’t mind listening Lord Aethon.”
“Perhaps, but I’d rather hear your thoughts.”
She hesitated before answering saying “I’ve always wanted to see a dragon, truthfully, it fascinates me, especially with all the rumors about them.”
Her father looked mildly surprised saying “You’ve never mentioned that to me.”
“I didn’t think anyone would believe me.”
Aethon chuckled softly saying “They’re considerably louder than the stories suggest and more troublesome.
My dragon possesses a unique nature, but that’s not important right now.”
Before the conversation could continue, the doors opened once more and eervants entered carrying steaming platters one after another.
Perfectly roasted duck glazed with herbs and freshly baked bread still warm from the ovens.
Grilled fish seasoned with citrus with tender lamb accompanied by vegetables imported from the Reach.
Rich sauces filled the air with inviting aromas too, Aethon had spared little expense when hiring cooks.
Their talents spoke for themselves and the conversation gradually gave way to dinner this time.
Some hours later, the atmosphere had changed considerably because good food, wine and a pleasant conversation yeilded a more warm feeling.
Together these things had dissolved nearly all of the formality present at the beginning of the evening.
Lysanor leaned back comfortably in his chair, swirling the remaining wine within his goblet saying “I must commend your hospitality, Lord Aethon.
Your cooks are one of the best.”
“You flatter me.”
“I assure you, I do not.
Your estate is magnificent, your cooks exceptional, and your company every bit as pleasant as I remembered.”
Aethon inclined his head politely saying “Your words are appreciated.”
He gave them a small nod and continued to say “I brought a modest gift.” The servants immediately stepped forward, carrying an ornate wooden box.
Rather than presenting it directly to Aethon, they stopped before Alice.
The young woman accepted it carefully with both hands and only then did she rise from her seat.
Aethon watched with mild curiosity as she slowly approached.
There was something noticeably different about her demeanor now.
Her earlier composure had given way to unmistakable nervousness.
She stopped before him, lowering her gaze briefly, she extended the box toward him saying “My lord…This is for you.”
Her voice was soft enough that he almost failed to hear it, still Aethon accepted it with a polite smile saying “You’ve already honored me with your visit.
There was no need—”
“I wanted to, please, I insist, accept my gift.”
He paused then he said “…Thank you.”
Lifting the lid, he looked inside and nestled upon dark velvet rested a small dragon sculpted entirely from gold.
The craftsmanship was remarkable because every individual scale had been painstakingly carved.
Even the folded wings appeared astonishingly lifelike.
Aethon genuinely wasn’t certain what the gift signified but he looked back toward Alice saying “…It’s beautiful Lady Alice.”
She clasped her hands together tightly and gathered a quiet breath then with surprising determination she met his eyes saying “Lord Aethon.
I have accepted you as my future husband.
If you will have me…
I wish to become your wife.”
Her cheeks had turned a brilliant shade of crimson now, yet she forced herself onward saying “I will be faithful to you, I will honor your household, and I will care for you to the best of my ability.
And..when the time comes…
I hope to give you many healthy children.”
Aethon remained standing exactly where he was; his mind had simply stopped due to this random event.
He looked at Alice then at the golden dragon and slowly toward her father.
This time he hadn’t bothered with subtlety, heck he had come directly to Aethon’s estate while skipping weeks of courtship or endless flattering dinners, not even political manuevers were made like a sweet offer that would compell Aethon.
The old man would rather simply propose marriage through his middle daughter.
Aethon finally rose from his chair, opening his mouth to speak but nothing emerged, he looked like a fish when its outside of water.
The famously quick-witted Aethon Velaryon found himself entirely speechless, or was he?
It could be said that he knew this would happen but not this quickly, so his suprise was valid and not faked.
Lysanor immediately stood as well, raising both hands with an apologetic smile saying “My lord, please.
There is no expectation that you answer tonight.
A proposal is, by its very nature, merely an invitation to consider.
You owe us nothing beyond your honest thoughts.”
Aethon looked between father and daughter before slowly nodding saying “…I…I appreciate the…
confidence you’ve placed in me.
It is…
certainly worthy of consideration.”
The room had changed completely because the relaxed atmosphere from only moments earlier had vanished.
Lysanor recognized this immediately saying “I believe, that we’ve occupied enough of your evening.”
Alice lowered her gaze again while Aethon seized the offered escape saying “I wouldn’t dream of keeping honored guests longer than necessary.”
The evening concluded with every courtesy expected between noble houses.
Aethon personally escorted them through the estate and out into the courtyard where their carriage already waited.
After exchanging final pleasantries, he watched as father and daughter departed into the night.
Only after the carriage disappeared beyond the estate gates did the smile leave his face.
He remained standing there for several moments, the small golden dragon still resting in his hand making him say “…That…went in a direction I genuinely did not anticipate.”
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AN:
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