"Lord Thomas Bard, Emissary of Underhill" The Queen's secretary announced as the tall, spare man walked through the door and bowed before her.
"Well met, Lord Bard." Sophia gestured for the man to rise. "Lord Leander said you had a question for me."
Sophia saw the man's shoulders rela
(more)x at the omission of the royal pronoun. "Yes majesty, I thank you for granting me audience."
"And so?" Sophia said, leaning back in her chair, watching the young man before her. He was young, no more than nineteen, with a good natured face, kind hazel eyes and a strong, stubborn jaw. He had a prominent, slightly hooked nose and a nervous smile. His light brown hair was slightly wavy and fell in profusion to his collar where it curled at the ends.
After a few moments, Thomas sighed. "Majesty, there is simply no delicate way to put this, I'm in love with your granddaughter."
Sophia allowed a smile to cross her features, "and so?"
"I ask your permission to pay her court. I would make her my wife." Thomas' ears flushed red and Sophia smiled again.
"Granted, though the person you should be talking to is Sebastian."
Thomas looked startled, "but you are matriarch?"
"You did no wrong in asking my permission." Sophia reassured Thomas. "It will pave your way with Sebastian."
Thomas bowed again, "thank you majesty."
"Do not thank me, you have a bit of work before you." Sitting forward in her chair, Sophia stared at Thomas. "And of course if you hurt her, well, Gaul is large and parts of it are still quite wild."
Thomas nodded, "I understand you utterly, Majesty. No one would never find my body."
"You have my blessing Lord Bard. I wish you luck." the Queen sat back in her chair again.(less)