A week had passed as the Slategravens hosted the Rodhenja family within their manor. Lord Kairon Slategraven and Mr Rodhenja were seldom seen, as they parsed over business matters, but even they took note of how close Azra’el and Ruby had grown in this short period of time. 

     “I’m pleased that our proceedings have gone well thus far…additionally, my son and your daughter really seem to fancy one another…” Kairon poured a drink each for the men as they looked out through the tall office windows to their children sitting together in the gardens as the sun was beginning to set.

     “They do, don’t they?” Mr Rodhenja accepted the drink that was handed to him, smiling as he fondly remembered what it was like to experience young love.

     Kairon downed his glass and placed it firmly on his rosewood desk, “Well. You are a respectable being, a keen businessman. Your wife, ever sweet and nurturing. Your family is clean cut, deeds and affairs are in perfect order, and your bloodline I assume is strong?”

     Mr Rodhenja was about to take a drink but lowered his glass and looked up as Kairon addressed him, “Yes, strong as ever. And fertile, M’Lord…if I’ve grasped what you’re getting on about?”

     “Indeed...” Kairon took a seat at his desk, putting away some of the paperwork that still sat on top. “Azra just passed his 13th name day, its time to start considering his options when it comes to courting arrangements. Perhaps, our first consideration may be the young Roubellina…”

     “It would be an absolute honour, M’Lord. She’ll be 12 come the harvest season, but already quite mature and well-read for her age.” Mr Rodhenja took a sip from his glass and took a seat on the far side of the desk. 

     “An educated girl? All the better…” Lord Kairon took out a clean sheet of parchment and began to write up a sort of contract, “With your written consent, I’d like to make this Azra’el’s first formal courting arrangement. Should all go well, it may be his only arrangement.”

     Mr Rodhenja leaned forward in his chair, peering down his nose in attempt to read the words as they were written, “And to…uh, what sum would my family owe to you for such an arrangement?”

     “Nothing yet, but your continued business and compliance. We will see where this takes things and go from there. It’s a bit of a rushed agreement, but seeing as you and your family leave at dawn, it shall suffice.” Kairon signed off the bottom of the parchment and flipped it towards the other side of the desk, flicking his delicate quill over in his hand for Mr Rodhenja to take.

     “Understood. Shall we inform our children of this?” Mr Rodhenja took the quill and signed the marked line.

     Lord Kairon turned his chair to look out the windows behind him, Azra’el and Roubellina were still sitting on a bench within the gardens, their backs to the manor as the last bit of sun disappeared beyond the vale. Ruby’s head rested on Azra’el’s shoulder, and his head tilted to rest atop hers. “I’m not sure about you, but I don’t believe it’s wholly necessary…” Kairon let out an amused scoff before turning back around and filing away the contract in a drawer of the desk.

     Mr Rodhenja smiled pleasantly. 

     A houseservant knocked on the open office doors, “M’Lord….Sir,” they nodded to each of the men respectfully, “Supper will be served shortly. Your ladies wish to have one final gathering of both the families in full at the tables this evening.”

     Lord Kairon gave a stern nod and dismissed the servant. The men stood, shook hands and followed each other across the manor to the dining hall.

     The prepared meal was an entire feast, a most hospitable send off for their guests. The young lord sat across from his fond acquaintance. They tried to pay little mind to each other as not to bring attention to themselves during the meal, but kept catching one another’s eyes. The blush was hardly noticeable across Azra’el’s deep skin tone, but it showed brighter than any light on the pale white cheeks of Ruby who could feel her ears burning as she tried to hide her shy smile.

     The next morning, the Rodhenja family had their luggage put back into their carriages and bid their farewells on the front steps of the manor. Before she disappeared into a carriage, Azra’el grabbed Roubellina’s hand, she gasped as she turned to face him. 

     “I’m sorry Ruby, I just had to say goodbye to you personally, it’s been a lovely week getting to know you…I wish the time were longer.”

     “I must agree, but there is much time yet that lies ahead of us…” 

     Azra’el nodded and hung his head slightly.

     “Oh Azra…We’ve only just met, silly, don’t look so sad. I won’t be far, in fact - I’ll write you.”

     “Promise?” he looked up at her again.

     “Promise.” Ruby whispered and gave him a peck on the cheek before pulling away to hide her blushing self in the carriage where her parents were waiting.

     Lord Kairon gripped his son’s shoulder as they waved the Rodhenja family a final goodbye, “Come now, Azra. Back to your studies.”

     “…Yes, father.”