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Ch.1 of As Time Turns

It is the year 1218 in the court of the High Duke, Marshael of Kurtshire. The Duke is holding a grand ball for his son's 18th birthday.

"Kaeyalie! Please. My father wouldst see thy beautiful face, Lady?"
Kaeyalie stood for a moment, contemplating running again. Then, as if searching for the words that sounded right, she slowly breathed out, "Yes, I wouldst see thy father as well, Markus... even though I wouldst rather stare at thy blue eyes and mellen hair all night, good sir. As... as it is thy goodself's day of birth. You've been in God's Earth for eighteen seasons, now!"
"Huh. Thine witch-eyes and golden hair are too perfect. If they had not been, I would have chopped thy slender neck for such boldness... Lady."

Puffing with pretended anger, Kaeyalie gently cuffed Markus about the ears, "Witch-eyes! I never! It is not the fault of I that these eyes change color! I changed my mind! I am reporting this to your father!" She stomped off playfull, with Markus scuttling behind, laughing softly.

The High Duke Marshael watched his son approach, following the bold girl walking out in front. The sight put him in mind of a faithful hunting dog. He readied himself for the announcment his son was going to make. All the arrangements had been made; Kaeyalie's mother and father had already approved, so only Kaeyalie herself didn't know about the betrothal. But from the way she looked at his son, Marshael could tell it would be everything she wanted.

Kaeyalie was pushed in front of the High Duke Marshael, and gasped in surprise. The man sitting in front of her was the biggest man she had ever seen! the High Duke smiled gently down at her.
"Hello, child. you must be Kaeyalie, my son has told me so much of you, i feel as if I already know you. Come." He beckoned her with his hand.
Kaeyalie straightened and tried to remember everything she had learned about being a lady.
"M- my Lord, Markus has told me so much of you, and it's true! You are as handsome as a fine summer morn."
She smiled, then winced as the High Duke Marshael boomed out a huge laugh that resounded around the room and caused quite a few turned heads.
"Oh, hohho! Markus! You, haha, picked a winner, hehehe, yes you did, m'boy!: Marshael shot Markus a meaningful glance.

Markus blushed for a moment, then quickly pulled himself together, knowing this to be his father's que.
"Y- yes, father, I did. Now, I-I wouldst know if Kaeyalie has picked me as well... Kaeyalie, wouldst thy be my High Duchess?"
Kaeyalie, who had been trying to help Marshael compose himself, stopped and turn to Markus.
"I- I?!" She pointed to herself, "M- me, be your High D-Duchess?! I- You- Uh-" She tried to straighten herself, failed, then jumped to Markus's waiting arms crying, "Yes! Yes I will! I'll- mmff" She couldn't say anymore, for Markus, in his joy, had kissed her full on the lips.