OOC:
This is closed for Emily 123.
Prince Donetto de la Franco de Marquisee walked along the portico of his vast palace, the warm Mediterranean air circulating around him as he shielded his eyes from the sun. One floor below, his servants were preparing his caravan. While it was not customary to do so, he was traveling to meet the woman that was betrothed to him.
Usually, the woman was delivered to the groom. This worried Donetto, as he feared that this woman would think less of him, and perhaps even get the idea that she need not be subservient to him. But like all marriages of Donetto’s social class, it was a marriage of arrangement. And like all marriages of arrangement, it had a heavy political element.
Donetto’s father made the promise to the girl’s father that Donetto would travel to the girl to retrieve her from her home. This was offered as a sign of honor to the girl’s father, perhaps a “bargaining chip” that made another arrangement more palatable to the man. Regardless, Donetto was on his way.
As far as journeys go, it was not unpleasant. Arriving at the girl’s palace, the proper introductions were made. Hannah was her name, her last name unimportant as it would soon be forgotten with the marriage. She was pretty enough, Donetto thought. Perhaps worth the long journey. After the marriage, he would judge her true worth in her ability to physically please him, and bear him many sons.
But Donetto’s attention was soon lead astray. Hannah’s handmaiden was lovely, beautiful…stunning. Without a doubt the most beautiful woman Donetto had seen in this country. Like all servants, little attention was paid to her. Hannah didn’t even lower her vanity enough to notice that Donetto was enraptured by the handmaiden.
He decided he must meet her, talk to her, be with her. He waited until late at night, and then bribed a servant to take him to the handmaiden’s quarters. Arriving at the door, he boldly opened it, finding her still awake, sitting in a chair in what appeared to be deep thought.
“Forgive my intrusion,” said Donetto. “But I feel compelled to speak with you.”
This is closed for Emily 123.
Prince Donetto de la Franco de Marquisee walked along the portico of his vast palace, the warm Mediterranean air circulating around him as he shielded his eyes from the sun. One floor below, his servants were preparing his caravan. While it was not customary to do so, he was traveling to meet the woman that was betrothed to him.
Usually, the woman was delivered to the groom. This worried Donetto, as he feared that this woman would think less of him, and perhaps even get the idea that she need not be subservient to him. But like all marriages of Donetto’s social class, it was a marriage of arrangement. And like all marriages of arrangement, it had a heavy political element.
Donetto’s father made the promise to the girl’s father that Donetto would travel to the girl to retrieve her from her home. This was offered as a sign of honor to the girl’s father, perhaps a “bargaining chip” that made another arrangement more palatable to the man. Regardless, Donetto was on his way.
As far as journeys go, it was not unpleasant. Arriving at the girl’s palace, the proper introductions were made. Hannah was her name, her last name unimportant as it would soon be forgotten with the marriage. She was pretty enough, Donetto thought. Perhaps worth the long journey. After the marriage, he would judge her true worth in her ability to physically please him, and bear him many sons.
But Donetto’s attention was soon lead astray. Hannah’s handmaiden was lovely, beautiful…stunning. Without a doubt the most beautiful woman Donetto had seen in this country. Like all servants, little attention was paid to her. Hannah didn’t even lower her vanity enough to notice that Donetto was enraptured by the handmaiden.
He decided he must meet her, talk to her, be with her. He waited until late at night, and then bribed a servant to take him to the handmaiden’s quarters. Arriving at the door, he boldly opened it, finding her still awake, sitting in a chair in what appeared to be deep thought.
“Forgive my intrusion,” said Donetto. “But I feel compelled to speak with you.”
