Chapter 3

Carolyn ran through the courtyard, skirts hiked up in a very unladylike fashion as she called out greetings to the villagers coming and going through the gates before rushing into the hall, out of breath, stopping only long enough to throw her skirts down before dipping down into a curtsey in front of her adoptive parents.

"Milord, you called for me?"

It had been two years since her arrival here and Carolyn never dreamt that she could be so happy after experiencing such loss. She adored Charles and Elizabeth and had happily said yes to the adoption that took place over a year ago.

Charles had looked at it as practical matter, in case something ever happened to himself or Elizabeth. However, Carolyn knew that he loved her as much as Elizabeth did.

The two women had grown as close as any mother and daughter and referred to each other as such from early on.

Carolyn loved Sasha and Adrian and missed them every day, but she couldn't help but think Sasha knew more than she had said the last time she had seen her, telling Carolyn that she would love her wherever or whenever she was. Carolyn held that close to her heart. It was not the first time her mother, who had made her living as a prophetess, had given herself or her sister a cryptic message only to have them understand much later. Somehow her mother had known and had tried to prepare her the best she could and for better or worse, Carolyn loved this world.

"Come," Elizabeth Raven said holding out a hand to her. Carolyn smiled, going easily, placing a kiss on the woman's cheek as she sank down upon the stool next to her chair.

"We received a letter this day," Charles said as he moved next to his chair, leaning against it.

"Yes, I saw the messenger. He looked as though he had traveled many days. Is everything alright?" Caroline asked glancing back and forth between the two adults. The Realms of Ravensheart, Kingsbridge and Enchantment were until recently, isolationists' and Carolyn had traveled between the Realms often, having never encountered a problem.

"We've had a request," Elizabeth responded patting Carolyn's hand.

"A request?"

"About you."

"Me?" Carolyn exclaimed. "How does anyone even know about me? I've never even left the Realms!"

"The adoption papers," Charles said drawing attention back to him. "They were filed in the Senate, at which point they would have become public knowledge."

"May I ask what type of request?"

"It's a request of marriage, from Lord William, House of Johns, Realm of Mercs.

Carolyn sat stunned for a moment as Charles and Elizabeth watched her reaction. "A marriage proposal?"

"You do not have to do anything that you do not wish to do, my love." Elizabeth told the girl.

"I was not expecting to have to leave you so soon." Carolyn explained grasping Elizabeth's hand.

"We were not sure what you would want. You're old enough to make your own decisions, but you have to know what your choices are," Elizabeth told her.

Charles sat down in his chair next to Elizabeth's. "Sometimes, we have to leave home to see the life that is waiting for us."

Carolyn sucked in a breath. Her mother, Sasha, had said almost the same thing to her.

"May I see the letter?"

Handing it to her, Charles and Elizabeth sat quietly while she read it. Having had more education than most people in this realm together, Carolyn had been a quick study, picking up on the math and written language quickly.

"He shall receive something for marrying me?"

Charles nodded. "A Dowry. It is our way. He shall receive a sizable fortune in money and jewels that were set aside for Lysette when she was a babe, and upon our deaths he shall become Lord over the Three Realms as well."

"Oh no! I couldn't take that." Carolyn said looking back and forth between the two.

"Carolyn," Elizabeth chided gently. "You have brought me as much joy as my precious Lysette. We want you to have it."

"How far away is this Realm of Merc's?"

"It is many days travel from here, mainly due to having to go around the Black Forest."

"The Black Forest? I've never heard of that before."

"There's been no need to discuss it before." Charles said with a wave of his hand. "There are horrible dragon like creatures that live there. They cannot survive anywhere else. There are legends that when they try to leave, the sun sets their skin on fire. Very few people have survived a trip into the Black Forest."

Elizabeth squeezed Carolyn's hand. "But enough of that," she said pointedly at Charles. "You have a day or two to think about it before you decide."

"And then what happens?"

"If your answer is no, we'll send the messenger back with a formal denial. If your answer is yes, you will go to his realm to meet in person, at which time he will either formally propose or will retract his offer. Whatever occurs, you will return home. To stay if he retracts or to wait upon the preparations for the wedding should he propose."

"May I be excused?" Carolyn asked her mind already a million miles away.

"Of course, my child," Charles said reaching out to squeeze her hand.

He sighed as he watched her walk away.

"I was much the same way, when you made your proposal to my parents," Elizabeth said near his shoulder.

Charles took his wife's hand in his. "I just worry we're pushing her too fast."

"She knows there's a reason why she's here. She just has to find what that reason is and she knows she can't do that hidden away here.