Castiel stretched and yawned widely, the cloudy remains of a dream slipping out of his mind. He always had a hard time getting up in the mornings, preferring to remain snugly wrapped in his blankets. The only things that motivated him to get up were his sparring sessions and of course his father. Castiel sighed,

“I wish that I could see Marie again, it’s only been three days and yet I feel as though it has been months since I last saw her. Is this what a crush feels like? No, I have had a few before but I have never looked forward to meeting any of them again as much as I do Marie. I must have a swelled head from getting to dance with her twice the other night. With so many other suitors the chances that she picks me are slim.”

Doubt assailed him and he groaned into his pillow. Then, getting out of his soft feather bed reluctantly, Castiel got dressed. His soft, finely woven cotton tunic was a rich shade of ocean blue. To complete his ensemble he added a black pair of breeches and put on his well-worn black boots. The easily recognizable clatter of hooves on cobblestone drew him to his east window like a moth to a flame. A messenger galloped up to the gate, his golden and red cloak flapping madly behind him. The vibrant colors of his cloak made it obvious that he was a Skyhills messenger.

His heart pounding, Castiel sprinted down to the courtyard. He was just in time to see the messenger dismount his exhausted, sweat-streaked mount. The bay's nostrils were flaring and Castiel could tell that the tired creature must have been running nearly the entire way from the Skyhills Keep. From there to Ravesport by carriage, it was about a 9-hour journey. By horseback, it was about 7 hours at a walk and 6 and a half to 6 at a trot. Castiel guessed that would only take the messenger, who was quite thin and wiry, 5 hours or so at a gallop most of the way. The man’s urgent manner confirmed Casteil's suspicions that the message was very important. To further cement his belief the messenger, recognizing him, ran over and handed him a scroll.

“I have been sent by the His Grace, the Duke of Skyhills himself my Lord, he asks that you and your esteemed father read the enclosed message and respond as soon as you possibly can.”

Castiel nodded and thanked the messenger. When he did not leave Castiel asked him,

“Well, are you not going to head back to Skyhills Keep- what is your name messenger?”

“My name is Quinn, my Lord. I am afraid that His Grace has ordered me not to go back until he has a response, my Lord.”

The messenger said apologetically.

“Ah, I see, not to worry, it is not your fault,” Castiel said, quickly reassuring him.

“Why don’t you get something to eat- Nate take care of this man’s horse as though it were my own!”

Castiel said, spotting the hardest working stable boy as he passed by.

“Yes, my Lord, I shall see to it at once!” The lad said, taking Messenger Quinn’s horse and leading it away.

“Thank you, my Lord, -”

Castiel cut him off apologetically,

“If you wish to get something to eat, now would be the time to do so Messenger Quinn, I am sure that my father will be coming down momentarily.”

The messenger thanked Castiel hastily and made his way to the kitchen where he was welcomed with a hot plate of food. Most high-ranking nobles had food on hand for any messenger who had news or a note to deliver. It was common courtesy to offer them a meal, to not do so was considered very rude. Meanwhile, Castiel’s father had just come into the courtyard. Wordlessly Castiel handed him the unopened scroll, letting the Skyhills seal speak for itself. His father broke the seal carefully and read the message, his face impassive. When he finished reading it, he handed it back to Castiel.

"Well, what are you waiting for boy? Read it."

"Yes Father," Castiel said, obediently opening the scroll and beginning to read it.

Dear Guardian of and Gala participant(s),

It is my pleasure to inform you that, out of all of her suitors Lady Marie has chosen you (your son) as one of her two remaining suitors. All other suitors have been eliminated. Please reply to this message at your earliest convenience. Private sessions 30 minutes in length will be held 2 times a week between Lady Marie and each of her suitors. They will start in 2 days' time. Participants will be offered rooms in the keep, provided they agree not to seek Lady Marie at any time other than during their specified time blocks. If Lady Marie wishes for your company (your son's ) outside of the private sessions this will be allowed. No meeting with Lady Marie is to occur without supervision. The punishment for not complying with these rules is immediate expulsion from the grounds.

Yours sincerely,

The Duke’s crest was stamped at the bottom of the letter in lieu of a signature. Castiel’s father turned to him, smiling smugly,

“I told you that you would have her eating out of your hand boy, go and get the servants to pack you a bag, you will leave tomorrow afternoon. Since you managed this simple task, I will even allow you to ride that nag you call a proper horse so long as you swear to conduct yourself properly.”

“I swear on Mother’s grave that I will behave properly Father.”

Knowing that his son would never break such a vow, the Earl of Ravensport smirked and dismissed his son with a careless flick of his hand.