Prince Theodred studied her letter and she studied his facial features. He was a handsome man, his face was tanned from his extended time on horseback. His shoulders were broad and his hands harder than Altor's.
The Prince placed the letter in front of him. "I do not think you need my assistance, lady Adiwen! This letter is written in impeccable grammar and spelling.
She picked up the piece of paper. "What do you think of this part?" She proceeded to read aloud a piece of her text. "I am not sure of the use of 'ambigious'..."
"It is alright..." He started stroking his beard. "However, if you want to improve the letter, I have a few suggestions..."
They spend sometime discussing linguistic alternatives, which was fortunate for her. He offered her the correct excuse to show that she was the one to pen it. By the end of their task, Adiwen was surprised that her hands did not shake and that her heart didn't explode in her chest.
The Prince's smile was warm. "This is impressive! May I ask who taught you to write and read, lady Adiwen? It cannot have been your parents; most men of the Mark are more... Traditional".
"I had help by Lord Altor of Cliving. He was kind enough to teach me..." Her voice stuttered a bit, as she remembered his cold face during their last meeting.
"Lord Altor? How did you convince him to do this for you?"
Without much further prompt, she found herself narrating what happened that morning she had asked for his help (without mentioning her plan of dazzling the Prince, of course). Soon, she was sharing stories of their lessons together, their rides around Edoras, the day she destroyed Altor's favourite tunic with ink. If she had not been so animated and engrossed in her storytelling, she might have noticed the wicked smile forming on the Prince's face.
"Are we sure that we talk about the same man?" He finally asked her. "Lord Altor cannot be so... Interesting. He is rather boring. Too quiet and still, not a real man of the Mark".
Adiwen's face flared up immediately. "This is not true! He is very funny, interesting and kind" she crossed her arms across her chest. "He is intelligent and witty; able to excite the soul and mind of a maiden, unlike some boorish soldiers" she added defensively.
Theodred raised his hands up in the air. "Oh, my lady, do not gut me! I only jest!"
"Jest?" Her tone was indignant. "Not a very tasteful jest".
"Peace, lady Adiwen! One would think that you are in love with Lord Altor of Cliving!"
"In love?" She asked but paused. He simply raised his eyebrow. Adiwen could feel blood rise to her face and her head swim. "Excuse, my lord. I need to go..." It was curious how light she felt now that she could read her own heart. She stood up and left him alone; her mother would freak out if she could see her being so impolite towards the Prince.
Prince Theodred did not mind her manners, though. He picked up her forgotten letter and tacked it away in his breast pocket. It would make a fine wedding gift.
