"My Princess, it would do me a great honor if you would considering joining our two houses together," Ser Medrick said in a clearly practiced speech. "Let me be the sword at your side, protect you from all who would do you harm and give counsel when you have need of it. I will not seek to rule through you, but beside you, if you would take me as your consort."
You sat there, frozen, almost petrified with fear at the sight of the man before you. Every part of your body wanted to run away right now, perhaps screaming as you did so for good measure.
"I am willing to bet that most lords are sending their marriage offers to your father, treating you like any other princess that had come before you," Desmond Manderly spoke, a cool expression on his face. "They forget you are heir. It felt only right we should make this offer to you directly."