Eleanor sat there listening to the discussion about her future, while looking down at the table. 'None of this feels real…' They had discussed the dowry and other financial transactions. They were now moving on to logistics.
"The engagement period should last a year," stated Lord Valen.
"Is there a reason for that?" asked Lord Kent.
"Eleanor will need time to get to know you better, I don't want to send her far away from me without being able to get to know her future husband. Plus, I think it is important for you to get to know her better as well."
Lord Kent nodded, "I see, then the engagement period will last a year, with the official date of the wedding to be decided at a later time."
"Good. Now, we should discuss the location of the wedding."
"I would like for it to be at the Kent ancestral home."
"I understand, she is marrying into you family. But that means that Elliott and I will not be able to attend."
Eleanor glanced up at her Father's words. 'They can't come?' Lord Valen noticed the look on her face.
"I'm sorry, Eleanor, but with my health the way that it is I don't think I'd be able to make the journey. And I cannot allow your brother to make the journey, seeing as he is my only heir."
Eleanor nodded her understanding. 'So, none of my family will be there for my wedding. When I do leave, everything really is going to change.' She sat there with the anxiety that was threatening to overwhelm her, until Elliott placed a hand over hers. She didn't look up, but she felt herself calming down. The conversation continued for over two hours, with many details being ironed out. By the end everyone around her seemed content with the agreement.
"Now that the details have been sorted out, why don't we all stretch our legs, and then meet back here for the signing ceremony."
Lord Kent and Lucas quickly left the room, while Eleanor and Elliot went to help their Father up.
"You must be exhausted, Father."
"Only a little, I wanted to make sure everything is perfect for my dear Eleanor. Now, let's head to the balcony for a moment and get some fresh air."
They both escorted him to the balcony, where they all stood in silence for a moment.
"Eleanor, once they head back, you'll begin a more intensive bridal training. I want you to be as prepared as possible for what you might experience at the Kent's. I'll also be hiring more tutors for you. I've put off finishing your lessons long enough. Your life is going to get a lot busier over the next year."
Eleanor nodded.
"Father, I thought she was already considered well educated?"
"She is in many academic areas, but not so much in being the Lady of the House. Eleanor has a basic knowledge, but there are… ah… other areas that she will need to be educated in."
"Ah," said Elliott with a slight red tinge to his face.
"We should head back in for the signing ceremony."
Elliott and Eleanor helped their Father back to his seat at the table, and it wasn't long before Lord Kent and Lucas reentered the room.
"Excellent, let's get on with this," said Lord Valen.
The Valen family steward pulled out two documents and handed them to Lucas. Who read over them and then placed them on the table.
"The following engagement ceremony will take place with Lord Michael Kent and Lady Eleanor Valen signing both documents, and everyone present will also sign both documents. Each family will receive one of the documents for their records. After both documents are fully signed, Lord Kent will present Lady Eleanor with a ring to signify the physical binding of their engagement," stated Lucas.
Lucas placed a copy of the document in front of Eleanor and Lord Kent. Just as Lord Kent went to reach for his quill, there was a knock at the door.
"Yes?" said Lord Valen.
"My Lord, I have a messenger with an urgent message to deliver."
"Enter."
In walked a messenger who went to Lord Valen, handed him a letter, then proceeded to Lord Kent, also handing him a letter. Lord Valen quickly looked over the letter before handing it to Elliott with a worried look on his face. Eleanor looked at them both in concern. 'What could've happened that would cause Father to look so worried?'
Lord Valen turned to the messenger and asked, "Is there any other information that you need to give us that wasn't in the letter?"
"No, my lord."
"Then inform the King that the Valen's will be there within the week."
"As will the Kent's," interjected Lord Kent.
"Of course, then I shall take my leave. Good day, my lords," said the messenger before quickly leaving the room.
Eleanor was glancing between her Father and Lord Kent trying to understand what was happening.
Lord Kent saw Eleanor's concerned and confused look, "War has broken out in the south between Robern and Holsten. As Robern is one of our allies, the King is calling on the Lords for assistance."
Eleanor's face blanched at his words, she was able to articulate "W..r?", before her throat constricted. Lucas looked at her curiously.
"Yes, my dear, Lord Kent is correct. Unfortunately, this will probably be a long war…"
"Father, I shall lead our troops."
"I agree, I don't think my body could handle the trip. Though I'd rather be the one to go in your place. Lord Kent, I'm assuming you will also be leading your troops?"
"Yes."
Lord Valen sighed and glanced at Eleanor with anxiety in his eyes.
"Lord Valen, this won't change our families' agreement. I think we should add an addendum that if something happens to me, then Lady Eleanor is to marry Lucas."
Everyone looked at Lord Kent in surprise.
"I think that is for the best. Please add that in," agreed Lord Valen.
The Valen family steward added the addendum to both contracts.
"We should also change the engagement period," stated Lucas. "We do not know how long the war will last."
"Agreed. Let's say that it will last for a minimum of a year."
The steward made that change as well.
"Is there anything else?" asked Lord Valen.
They all shook their heads.
"Good. Then let us proceed."
Eleanor and Lord Kent picked up their quills, signed the documents, then handed them around the table. When everyone else had signed, Lord Kent pulled out a box from his pocket. Inside it was a purple diamond ring. The Valen's gasped at its beauty.
"Purple diamonds are very rare. How did you get this?" asked Elliott.
"This ring has been in my family for generations and has always been worn by the Lady of House Kent."
Lord Kent took Eleanor's hand and placed the ring on her finger.
"With that the engagement is official," said Lucas.
At that, Lord Kent stood up, "I apologize, Lord Valen, but Lucas and I will need to leave as quickly as possible."
"I understand."
"Before I go, may I speak privately with Lady Eleanor."
"Of course, you are engaged, but I ask that you speak with her in the garden."
"I understand."
Lord Kent extended his hand to Eleanor who took it, and together they walked to the garden.