Sir Gaillen was the youngest First Knight of the Moolian Kingdom. He'd had little time for wooing the ladies, but there had been one who he had come to love and was working up the nerve to reveal his feelings. Before he could, King Wolford asked him to marry the middle daughter of King Hofleg of Sauralt. Sauralt would be an important buffer to the Kingdom of Kesere, which had a young expansionist-minded ruler. King Wolford had no heirs of any kind and would have adopted Gaillen as his heir, but other powerful interests in the Kingdom prevented him from doing so. "However, marry Hofleg's daughter and I will make your children heirs to my realm." Gaillen would have done what Wolford asked of him regardless of that. He was First Knight and his duty was to his king and kingdom before all else. Gaillen was not keen to be marrying Princess Yuria, even if it were a step up in the social order. She was rumored to be headstrong and not easily managed. Moreover, it was said that all Sauraltan women were short, stout, and of low morals--even the women of the upper classes. Still, his King and asked and he had traveled to King Hofleg's castle to marry the creature. Several days were spent with Hofleg and his advisors, hammering out the details of the new treaty, and he had yet to even see his betrothed. The next morning at the Ninth Hour, Gaillen met Yuria for the first time. By the middle of the Eleventh Hour, they were wed in Hofleg's private chapel. The rest of the day, was spent in feasting and festivity with no chance for a private moment together. Then suddenly, they found themselves alone in their own chambers. Yuria was taller than himself by several inches. Her features were attractive enough. He knew he should say something, but what? "Do you think you can come to love me?" Gaillen blurted out. "I don't even know you. How can I possibly answer that?" Yet even as she spoke, a tiny spark of hope flared within Yuria. That he had asked said the answer was important to him. Gaillen turned to her. He reached out, gently touching her shoulder. "There was someone else, but you are my wife now. I swear on my honor that I will be true to you. I will look to no other for my needs." Yuria gave him a quick smile, as she turned to face Gaillen. "I will do no less for you." She paused then added; "Yes. I do think it is possible--if you keep your promise and treat me gently and as an equal, rather than as a servant." Yuria jestered toward some chairs. "Come, Husband. Sit and talk with me for a while. I do not want to go to bed as strangers." A tightness loosened within Gaillen's chest as he took her hand. Whether love came, or not, he thought at the very least he would like this woman. EPITAPH ON THE TOMB OF SIR GAILLEN: "First Knight of Moolia Reagent for King Hansel I True to my duty, honor, and faith, I was blessed with a loving wife and companion. We had six children, one of whom became King of Moolia. I had a long and good life." ************************************************ Credits: Setting: "The Study" by redhouse Studios; "Gothiquesque for The Study" by moyra. Sir Gaillen: DAZ Hiro3 Real; "Relic Hunter - Digger James" texture by Midway Productions & Meshworkz, Lisa Buckalew for DAZ Original; clothing is PoserWorld's "Informal Knight." Yuria: DAZ Aiko3 Real; "Denise" skin texture by Danie (Renderosity); clothing is "Alyssia for Aiko 3" by SilverElf (Renderosity). Thanks for taking a look and for any comments. Jeremy