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—— 43 AP
ELIDORA I
When your lord father, an ambitious man who only strived for the success of his family— as is expected of him in Aranbrian standards— announces to the Ice Court that he has aimed to marry you off to a prince, do you refuse, or do you accept such union and abide by your duties as a daughter to a lord?
Elidora, fifteen year old daughter to Lord Henry Graveson of Southmount, the castle protecting the small mountain southwest in the kingdom of the north, had no choice but to accept, for her father was the head of her house and his word was just as respected as the king's, alike every lord or lady in charge of their house name, lands, and reputation.
It all began when she was sent off to the city of Vilantis amongst many other ladies from around the five kingdoms. When Idalia Rye was crowned as queen in the year of 42 AP, she had begun the duty of playing a matchmaker for the realm. She officiated many betrothals and agreed to many weddings, but the person she wanted to make a match with the most was none other than Princess Amaryllis son, Deonidas Rosearian.
It was the long summer year of 43 AP, in January— also referred to as the Snow Moon— when Elidora sailed across the Slender Sea and docked along the sandy coastal beach in Rosegarden. After her long, five day journey out of the countryside and into the city, Elidora was eventually welcomed to the court of the king. She had traveled along with her sister, Malirye, who was one year her younger, as well her uncle, Ser Jayme Graveson and seven household knights.
She was amongst a sea of women, all gathered in the hopes of capturing the attention and affection of Prince Deonidas. And now, Deonidas sat in the resplendent throne room, positioned below the Queen herself, awaiting the arrival of the hopeful suitresses. Elidora stood straighter and relaxed her smile, making sure to look her best for there were hundreds of other women here in Thronehall to do the very same thing as she planned to. She had brushed out her long brunette hair until it shone that same morning and brought with her her best silks and velvets.
The atmosphere was thick with tension as the women advanced one by one, each presenting herself to the prince. Deonidas, adorned in regal attire of deep purple and burgundy, had a discerning eye, and many who bowed before him were met with his disapproving gaze. The line grew shorter and shorter until it was finally Elidora's turn to step forward.
She was amongst the dozen left on the long line in Thronehall's great hall when the fourteen year old Prince Deonidas leaned forward in his seat beside Queen Idalia, which was the only movement he made that afternoon besides the mere wave of dismissal each woman was met with after stating her name and house.
