The Most Noble Gentleman

Chapter Three: Proposal

I waited until sunset. I sat on the bench in the park just outside of the castle. Everyone was happy, the kids were running around, and the parents were watching over them. This is the life that I wanted, the same life that I had before. For the last 8 hours, I have been wishing that this was all just a dream and that when I finally wake up, I would be in our home, getting ready to strive for another peaceful and fruitful day. However, reality pulled me out of my trance when Cassian came to call me over. He's the one who would accompany me on my way back to the village so it was just fitting that he's the one to come fetch me.

"Duke Paxley is expecting your presence in the hall," Cassian said. He even offered me his hand so that I could walk properly like a young maiden.

As we entered the castle, I immediately saw the maids who seemed to be waiting. They followed behind us when we walked past them. Entering the hall, I saw Gusion playing with his knife - throwing it in the air, while looking over at Aamon and Eren standing by the wall mirror. The eldest was busily fixing his brother's bowtie as his butler was making sure that his clothes were perfect as well. After all, he is the head of the House, which means that he will be the one to present his brother to the Baroques. He has to be presentable.

"Your grace," Cassian called everyone's attention. "The young maiden of the south."

Aamon looked at me. Then he walked over. "I believe that we've had an agreement. You shall be sent to your village after supper."

"Yes, your grace," I replied.

"Very well. Join us with the proposal to the Baroques."

"Your grace?"

"That's where we'll eat supper," Gusion answered. "And Aamon needed a partner."

I looked over to Gusion. He pointed his knife over to the other corner of the hall and I saw a fine young lady with pink long braided hair.

"His girlfriend," Aamon commented. "Lesley, meet..."

They were all quiet and the Duke realized that he hadn't gotten my name yet and I too had it slip off my mind.

"Everyone calls me Sol. They said that I was born on the longest day of the year at the time when the Sun was at its highest," then I revealed a birthmark on my shoulder. "And my birthmark resembled the sun as well."

"It's lovely to meet you, Sol," Lesley said.

"You too, miss."

Aamon gestured to his men to leave the hall while the maids who were following us earlier approached me to help me get dressed. Even Lesley stayed and helped me. Then an hour later, Lesley walked me over to the two boys waiting for us in the carriages.

On the way to the other castle, we sat in the carriages with our partners. Aamon was the one with me which is why I couldn't help but keep quiet. I didn't want to say anything that might change his mind, after all, I'd like to enjoy my last day of being free.

It seemed as if he too was dying of silence, he turned to me and smiled. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you," I whispered. I looked at his attire and as always he looked fine and good-looking. Too good-looking and up close to me. "You too are looking majestic, your grace."

A blush crept up on his cheeks. "Thank you. Although, I do wish that you don't call me 'your grace' when we arrive at the palace."

"Why?" I asked.

"Because it makes me feel like rather than having you as my partner for the night, you're acting like one of my servants," he explained.

I nodded my head timidly. What should I call him, then? My eyes were filled with wonder as I stared at him. "Should I call you, Aamon, then?"