Gwen startled upright in her bed and looked around. She only had nightmares when Faleron wasn't around and since the night she had been fed the sleeping draught, Faleron had practically moved into her rooms. She supposed it was morning and by the light in the room, it had been for at least a little while. She looked over to see her clothes stand was still outside of her closet with Faleron's dress clothes draped over it. She frowned. It was the middle of the Midwinter festivities and Faleron was still required to attend parties as Roald's Champion though he was doing so without escorting a lady. Gwen was not required to attend the parties so she simply sat in her rooms doing her own thing until Faleron appeared sometime close to midnight and then they went to bed. Since he was keeping late hours she was surprised he was awake this early even if it wasn't exactly early.
She slipped out of bed and wrapped her dressing gown around her body. When she opened the bedroom door she became aware of quiet voices in the sitting room.
"You are an older, more experienced male. How do I know you aren't taking advantage of my vulnerable daughter?" She recognized her father's voice and rolled her eyes. He had been threatening a talk on Faleron whenever he was around but Gwen had always been present. She heard Faleron chuckle in response to her father's question.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't laugh, but Gwen is very independent. You seem to assume she could be taken advantage of." Came the follow-up to the chuckle.
"She was taken advantage of in those dungeons," Aurelia's voice made Gwen stifle a groan.
"She was starved, tortured, and dehydrated. I think you'd notice if I was doing that to her to keep her with me. As it is, My Lord, I'd like to assure you that I have not been indecent with your daughter."
"You share a bed," Aurelia pointed out again.
"My daughter makes a point," Gwen heard her father sigh. "How can I believe you are not taking advantage of her since all I have witnessed is you breaking all of the rules by premaritally sharing her bed?"
"The nature of him sharing my bed is simply another way he is taking care of my health," Gwen stepped out of the study knowing Faleron could handle the conversation alone but shouldn't have to. "The fact of the matter is I suffer from awful night terrors from my time in that dungeon, and much like soldiers who go through war I find a sense of ease when he is with me through the night." She stood as tall as she could with her shoulders back and met her father's eyes.
"You look like your mother when you do that," her father smiled at her. "You sound like her too." He sighed. "I don't like that you share her bed, Sir Faleron, but my youngest daughter makes a point I cannot ignore. By the way, it's the morning after Longnight and I've brought your gift." He turned to Gwen and nodded to a large box. "I took the liberty of having the lid pried off for you."
"Thank you, Papa," she went to the box and saw it was full of wood shavings to protect whatever was inside from bouncing around too much. The wood chips scratched her hands as she pushed them aside and caught sight of dark stained stalk. She closed her fingers around it and lifted. Her arms strained with the effort but no one came to help her. Neither her father nor Faleron would help until she asked and Aurelia wouldn't help unless there was something in it for her. As she worked it clear of the wood shavings it became lighter but only a little. "Oh Papa!" She turned to hold the crossbow across her lap. While her parents had given her the bow she loved and the quiver to go with it, she never expected any further weapons from them.
"Your archery skills are still talked about by the men-at-arms at Merrywood. I thought you might like to improve with the crossbow as well. And of course your mother insisted on the color and your brother was involved in making it." Her father explained. "Just like Gwen has a talent for archery and protecting his Majesty, my son has an exceptional talent with creating wooden weapons. He made Gwen's bow as well." He explained to Faleron.
"I didn't know he was so talented," Faleron moved to sit by Gwen as she ran her hands over the smoothed wood.
"We don't speak about it much. While we're proud of him, most noble families aren't thrilled to have their sons or daughters skilled in a manual trade. He prefers to remain quiet about all of it to preserve whatever image our family has." Gwen listened to her father explain.
"I feel bad for the children of those nobles," Faleron turned and gave Gwen a small smile. "I take it you didn't wake up nicely," he swept a thumb under one of her eyes. "Perhaps I'll ask Roald to excuse me from tonight and we'll have our own private dinner."
"Ah you are awake," Roald stood in the doorway. "I wanted to be here when you went through your gifts."
"Why?" She turned and noticed the pile sitting by one of her couches.
"Because there's something from Edric in there, and something else from Nikolas, and there was a package from someone that signed as 'Louse'." He winked at her. "Besides wanting to see what they saw fit to send you. I may just enjoy spending some time with my squire."
"What about your own children and wife?" Aurelia asked.
"My children had Shinko and myself up before dawn to open their gifts. They are napping now, all of them." Roald laughed. "And that is a beautiful crossbow."
Gwen smiled at let Roald come take a look while she went and sat down by her father and the pile of gifts she had yet to work through. She felt a slight twinge of guilt as she saw gifts from Faleron and Roald. She had not been able to go shopping to get gifts for them and while she knew they understood, she still felt bad. She started with Roald's gift since he had decided to come join them. It was a beautifully crafted book full of detailed drawings of the forest and all of the life inside of it. Once she had sufficiently shown her gratitude over such a gift, she was handed another. She had expected Faleron's but he was now sitting in one of the armchairs with the small box in his hands. From Edric she had received a long letter which she would read at a later time and a sapphire and gold necklace.
"At least it isn't a whole box full of things like that. That was getting excessive," Gwen laughed as Roald reached to look the necklace over.
"You would laugh at a Prince sending you jewelry!" Aurelia snapped. She stood and left the room before anyone could explain the joke.
"Your sister loves you, Gwen. She was just as upset as the rest of us when we were informed you had been kidnapped. And she insisted on joining me in coming down to see you," her father told her calmly. "It's just that…" he trailed off looking around.
"It's just that I have everything she dreamed she ever wanted and I don't value it like she believes I should," Gwen sighed.
"But you do value it," Faleron gave her a pleasant social smile that told her he was about to shatter whatever reality she had built up. "Each piece of jewelry in your dressing room is laid out perfectly and organized. Your gowns are all on their own dress forms. You tend to your wealth like a garden, trimming bad investments back and adding to good investments. I've seen your letters with the Goldsmiths Guild." He paused. "And as much as I dislike referring to myself as some young lady's dream, no one that's been around you since you've come back from Tusaine will say that you do not value our relationship."
"I wouldn't even say that. I know I value the things I've been given but it doesn't outwardly show. I don't wear jewelry for everyday occasions. I don't wear the beautiful cloth that I was sent often enough. I don't worship you like a god that has chosen to favor me." She took the necklace back from Roald and nestled it back in its box carefully. "Perhaps I should go talk to her." She rose and Faleron stopped her.
"There is no need for you to go tracking your sister through the halls right now," he settled her back into her seat. When she tried to interrupt he put his thumb over her lips. "First, you're wearing your dressing robe. Second, I'd rather you save your strength for your exercises. I'll go find her." He kissed her forehead and then left to locate Aurelia. While he was gone, she decided it was best to get through the rest of her gifts.
From Nikolas she received another long letter she would read later and a tea set that looked much like that one she had complimented him on when she had first had tea with him. It was black stone, painted with a dark gray glazed design of the Merrywood tree. It was subtle yet very beautiful. From Aloys she received a one word note 'Princess' and something her father explained was called a 'brain puzzle' which consisted of different twists of metal that she was assured could come apart but only if moved right and then needed to be put back together after taken apart. She laughed knowing that Aloys had probably put a lot of thought into the gift to keep her mind and hands active.
By the time Gwen had set Aloys gift aside, Faleron had returned with Aurelia in tow. Gwen looked around and realized that Faleron, Roald, and her father all seemed interested in what was about to be said. She wasn't about to have an audience when she talked to her older sister.
"Auri, will you help me find a suitable place for this?" She held up the box with the necklace. Aurelia nodded and the two of them went back to the bedroom, closing the study door and bedroom door behind them. "I never asked for any of this," Gwen announced when the door was closed. "All I wanted was to help people and protect people. That being said, it's not that I do not value everything that I have."
"I know, Gwenie." Aurelia sat down on the bed and saw the rack with Faleron's clothes laid over it. She raised an eyebrow at Gwen.
"His formal clothes for the parties. He keeps some of his regular clothes in my dressing room," Gwen explained. "Auri, I didn't plan on Faleron asking me to court. I didn't believe he could think of me as anything more than Roald's squire."
"Hush Gwenie," Aurelia patted the spot on the bed next to her. This was not the way Gwen had expected things to go, Aurelia was emotional and dramatic. This was calm and somewhat easy. "You're nothing like me. We're opposites. I've known that for years. I knew it before we went to the Convent but I knew it more after I saw you jump in the water to save that commoner. The Sisters shamed you and all of the girls shamed you. If that had been me, I would have withdrawn or run home. You didn't. You just ignored them and handed in your resignation from the Convent and told them you had decided to be a page. Did you know that they talked about you long after you left? They thought that after two years, you shouldn't have had a thought about being a page. They were upset that you did so well at your studies and they had no notion you were such a rebel." Gwen smiled when Aurelia did. "They never asked me, of course."
"I must be a legend now. Leave the Convent, four years later I'm the Prince's squire gifted with riches from Tusaine's Crowned Prince, and to top it off after that, Sir Faleron of King's Reach has decided for some reason that he prefers me. Perhaps there will be an influx in the page program."
"Perhaps. Not only did you snatch up Sir Faleron but Lady Knight Keladry snatched up Captain Domitan of Masbolle. I bet the Sisters are livid." Aurelia started to giggle. "I wish I could see their faces."
"Do you want the necklace, Auri? You know I won't exactly have an occasion to wear it."
"You'll find occasions one day," Aurelia told her. "When you are Countess of King's Reach you'll need them. Are you going to run training for the ladies still?"
"If," Gwen corrected. "We're courting, not betrothed."
"This is the longest Sir Faleron has courted someone."
"Six months?" Gwen laughed outright. Sure they had been something close to friends before that time but in reality they had 'courted' for a month before she had been taken and now they had only been together a little over another month and he had been caring for her. In reality they had only spent roughly two months courting. Nobility often married after short betrothals and betrothals that took place after only a month or so of courting. Most of that time was betrothal contract negotiating and writing. She didn't like that practice.
"He shares your bed. He stood up to Papa about it. His clothes are in your rooms," Aurelia waved at the clothing rack again.
"Well, if I ever become Countess of King's Reach and it becomes expected that we maintain the program, I'll request your assistance." She sighed and looked over at her sister. "I'm not trying to step on everything you wanted."
"I know. I do know." Aurelia threw herself back on the bed. "I'm jealous but then I remember the scars you showed me. And then what happened later that day."
"I have more scars now," Gwen hadn't meant to say anything to interrupt but it had popped out.
"And I bet Sir Faleron has seen them," Aurelia grinned when Gwen blushed. "I suppose I had better figure out what I'm going to be teaching. And I'm helping with your wedding. No quick simple wedding either!"
"I'm not getting married yet! We haven't even discussed marriage!" Gwen fought back another blush and a giggle.
"I bet that box he's holding is a betrothal ring. He's been twisting that box in his hands since he came out to greet us this morning." She stopped when Gwen rolled her eyes. "Well, when you do get married you have to wear this," Aurelia sat up and pulled a small package from a pocket in her gown. Gwen opened it and found a small roll of lace. As she unrolled it she gasped. The design was of delicate flowers with crystals tatted in to the design. "I don't think a veil would suit you. It covers your beauty up too much. But perhaps if you wore this like a headband?"
"Did you make this?" Gwen held up the lace to her head so Aurelia could fuss over it as a headband.
"Yes, one of the things I excelled at in the Convent. I like tatting lace. I think it's pretty. There, go look at it." She finished tying it in place and gave her a shove towards the mirror.
"It's more than pretty. It's beautiful." Gwen stood in front of the mirror and stared at the contrast of the lace against her hair.
"Good, so you'll wear it."
"Not only will I wear it, if this is what you enjoy doing, I'll fund it," Gwen turned to face her sister. The conversation that followed was a rapid discussion of prices of thread, the gemstones, and providers. When they were done, Gwen signed a letter to the Goldsmith Guild allowing Aurelia to withdraw the coin she needed. By the time they reentered the sitting room they were laughing and joking.
"How is it that I'm the only Merrywood that doesn't craft beautiful things?" Gwen asked when they sat back down amongst Roald, Faleron, and their father.
"Only you would call weapons beautiful," Aurelia rolled her eyes.
"That took some time," Roald looked between the two girls.
"We were exchanging Midwinter gifts," Gwen offered. She knew he was looking for some sort of story of what had happened that had brought them out laughing.
"Well, you still have your gift from me, Love," Faleron held out the small box he had been holding. She saw Aurelia behind Faleron raise an eyebrow at her.
"You do enough for me," she told him firmly.
"Well, too bad," Faleron placed the box in her hands and closed them around it. She sighed internally and opened the box. Inside was a very thin silver chain with a small pendant shaped like an arrow that created the clasp in the front so the arrow would be horizontal in the space between her collarbones. "Perhaps this is a piece of jewelry you can wear every day."
"It's beautiful," she removed the chain from the box and settled it around her neck to clasp it in place. "I'll certainly wear it often."
Her sister and father stayed a while longer and then left to go get ready for the evening's party. Aurelia was still not betrothed but there were prospects. After a little longer, Roald took his leave, leaving Gwen alone with Faleron again.
"So you like the necklace," Faleron pressed as he came to sit by her with the balm for her hands.
"I love it," Gwen told him hoping he could hear she was being honest.
"What was your sister making faces over my shoulder for?" He asked as he started to rub the balm in.
"I'm surprised you noticed." Only for a brief moment Gwen considered lying and pretending that Faleron was making things up. But she was simply impressed he had noticed. "She thought it was going to be a betrothal ring. I told her she was silly."
"She's not too far off target," Faleron told her after a long moment of silence. "I considered a ring," he admitted. "I already know that I've decided on you." He stopped to kiss her temple. "A couple weeks ago we talked about you staying on as a squire. Had you told me you didn't feel you wanted to continue, that you wanted to take Roald's other offer, I would have asked for your hand then. But with you deciding to remain a squire, I thought you might not want the added pressure of a betrothal. So I thought I should probably wait until after your Ordeal." He returned to massaging the balm into her fingers.
"The only pressure of a betrothal is other people asking about wedding plans," she said after a few long moments. "The moment you're betrothed everyone starts asking about when, where, the dress, the colors, the flowers, how many children you'll have, if you have names picked out for them yet…" she shook her head. "Do people really know all of that right away?"
"I doubt it," Faleron moved to put his arms around her. "Roald isn't going to let me out of the party tonight. Your father talked me into introducing Aurelia to some other Lords."
"If it's for her, I suppose I won't go and complain," Gwen settled in against him.
"Go get dressed and then we'll have breakfast and then work through your exercises." Faleron gave her a push to stand up and she went. When she returned, dressed in breeches and a practice shirt, Faleron led her into the dining room. "I've changed my mind about this," he set another small box in front of her plate. "I've already made my decision about you. I'd like to be betrothed to you so I'm going to give you the ring. All I want to know from you is that you want this, then you can tuck the ring away until you believe we are ready to answer all of those questions."
"If you don't already know the answer," she turned to meet his eyes.
"Sometimes I like to pretend I don't know the answer so I can hear you say it," he bent down to open the box. The ring was silver entwined with gold around a large opal flanked by small offset diamonds. It was simply beautiful.
"Yes, I want to be your wife." She reached up to pull him down for a kiss.
"Good, then put the ring somewhere safe and we'll plan a wedding eventually and no one has to ask questions until you are ready."
"I don't want you thinking that I'm not proud to be yours," she started.
"I know better. I know you'd wear it right now if I asked it of you." He kissed her lips. "But what I'm asking is that you focus on getting better and earning your shield. When you're comfortable there, we'll announce it."
"What about our families? There are contracts and things…"
"Your father and I spoke when you went to speak with Aurelia. He asked where I intended courtship to go and then told me he doesn't want me asking for permission or contracts from him. You're now an heiress in your own right and you've already proven you're going to make your own decisions." He sat down next to her. "And as a love match we don't really need a contract. Any other questions I can answer?"
"Which servants did you harass to get me breakfast at this hour?" She nodded to the tray of eggs, oatcakes, and bacon. It was far closer to midday than breakfast by now.
A/N: I'm taking a moment to answer a question that no doubt more than just one reader has. In this story it's not that Alanna is not allowed to deal with female pages or squires, it's simply that she is not involved. She wasn't in on that meeting because she is no longer the King's Champion with Roald as the King and he has his own Council. Myles and George are involved as they are the Spymasters and Raoul is involved because he still leads the Own. Not that I don't love her as a character, I just don't see her as super involved in this one.