>>5991596>>5991713>>5992153When you and Mirena return to Blackthorn Keep, darkness has already fallen. The Autumn Festival has come and gone, leaving the grounds empty and quiet. There's always next year, you think to yourself, suppressing a sigh.
"I found them!" One of the guards shouts upon seeing you and Mirena nearing the gates.
Soon, your father, mother, Castellan Hugh, Sir Allister, and others arrive. It’s clear your absence was noted and didn’t go unnoticed.
"This is unbecoming of you, Caden," your father, Lord Edric Blackthorn, shakes his head, disappointment lacing his words. "I understand that Mirena has blossomed into quite a pretty woman, but a nobleman should take care not to disgrace a woman living in his castle."
"We didn’t do anything like that!" you protest, your face flushing. The implication that you sneaked out to indulge in illicit activities with a common-born girl sends a ripple of anger through you. Castellan Hugh looks furious, clearly unhappy with the idea that his daughter may be considered tainted, ruining her chances of finding a suitable match.
"Caden and Mirena are childhood friends who went on a walk, nothing more," your mother, Lady Agatha, steps forward in your defense, looking noticeably healthier than she did that morning. She smiles at Mirena. "Isn’t that right, Mirena?"
"Yes, my lady, we went on a walk. Caden escorted me safely," Mirena adds hastily, her cheeks reddening. "He did nothing dishonorable."
"Even so, this could cause a scandal," Castellan Hugh mutters. "People may think my daughter is ruined, harming her prospects for marriage."
"In that case, perhaps I can play matchmaker and propose a good match for Mirena, here and now," your mother suggests with a smile, nodding at you and Mirena before turning to your father. "I propose we betroth Caden to Mirena. Our son will soon need an heir to carry the Blackthorn legacy, don’t you think so, Edric?"
"This is a bit sudden," your father replies, taken aback. Clearly, he had hoped for a match better suited to his only son and heir than the castellan’s daughter. "We should think about it longer."
"Edric, they have been in love since they were children," your mother insists, making both you and Mirena blush, your heart pounding in your chest. "It would be a crime to tear their young love apart for political reasons. I don’t think we’ll ever find a better match for our son than the girl he has always loved."