GIRODERE
His bearing was regal, his features more striking and dashing than the king who stood with his most fashionable and expensive suit and cravat before the man's genuflected form in the Versailles Palace's court, that's what went on in the minds of the people surrounding the court, watching Girodere addressing his majesty.
"Your, Excellency, I, Commander Victor-Clement Girodere have gallantly asked for her hand in marriage but she has refused me despite her father's blessing to our union. Please, allow me to win her as my wife in your favour. My father, Count Victor-Charles Girodere and my Uncle, his brother, Lord Beaumont and their forefathers have served you and your court faithfully throughout the years, grant me this request that may win Lady Oscar de Jarjeyes."
The King eyed the young nobleman. He did not want to refuse his subjects, especially one whose family has served him and his forefathers before him with their lives. "What do you have in mind, Lord Victor-Clement Girodere? In what task do you wish to win the hand of Lady Oscar de Jarjeyes?"
A diabolical smile lit on the nobleman's face. "Allow us to joust before the court. Knights and noblemen men fight for the woman they both desire but as you know Lady Oscar is a most unusual lady. Let her fight for her freedom, she is, after all, an excellent swordsman, and let me, your humble soldier, fight for her hand. If I win, give her to me as my wife. She would not dare defy the King's word for if she does, she'll be exiled by France but if she wins, let her choose the man she will marry and I shall continue serving your majesty as the commander of the Royal Army."
"Very well, then. Let it be as you have requested. Your duel is scheduled two weeks from hence and shall be witnessed by the people of France," declared the king.
Gerodere stood by his majesty's leave, and as he walked out of the gigantic palace doors, women were fawning over his excessive good-looks. Most women would gladly have him for her husband but as his masculine nature dictates, he only wanted the woman he couldn't have.