Illicia was having good dreams, mostly featuring Will and the adventures that she had been on with him. When she woke, she expected to be in a cot in some military camp, but she was surprised to find herself in her bed at Koltshelg Castle. She stretched and groaned as she did so, which prompted several maids to come in.
"How did I get here?" Illicia asked as the maids helped her dress and prepare for the day.
"Your man brought you in, about five hours ago." One of the maids said.
"It caused a right commotion when he showed up," the other maid said, "The court wizzards started panicking stating that there was a massive wave of mana coming to destroy the castle. But then Your man skidded to a stop about a mile out from the castle, with you sleeping in his arms. He carried you here, and droped you off."
"where is Will now?" Illicia asked wondering just how Will had been able to get them here so quickly.
"As far as we know, he is with his majesty." One of the maids said, and at the same time a knock on the door silenced them all. The door opened to reveal the head maid.
"Princess, your father has requested your presence." The older woman said before leaving.
Illicia smiled, "Well I guess it is time to go play my part in whatever conundrum Will has cooked up."
Roughly twenty minuets later, Illicia walked into the audience hall of the King, and both her parents rose to hug her, asking if she was alright. Will was there, wearing nicer clothes than she had ever seen him wear. She looked between her father and Will, "What happened to Viltar."
"We received a report that he was executed for trying to escape after Will departed after you." Her father said, with a smile, "I think that he knew anything that came back to him would be worse than simple death."
Illicia shrugged, to be honest she was surprised Will had not crushed the man the moment he laid eyes on him. Her father gestured for Illicia to take her seat and she did so. Will stood in front of Illicia and her family facing them, and the court was present.
"Will Garrow, son of the Hero Brock Garrow," Her father was speaking in his official voice, "grandson of the rulers of the Gob'Ran collective, and Princess's Man to Illicia Ter Koltshelg. You have performed a task for the kingdom, and for me personally that I doubt I can ever repay, but I must ask, what would you have as a reward?"
Illicia looked at Will with curiosity and saw the mischievous smile on his lips. Will bowed slightly and spoke, "Your majesty, I would ask for the hand of the princess if she will have me."
A gasp ran through the assembled nobles, as even though he was the son of the hero, and related to the leaders of another country, he was still technically a commoner. The King raised his voice, "Silence! Will, are you sure that is what you would ask for? I could give you nearly anything."
Will ignored the King and knelt on one knee before the princess. "Illicia Ter Koltshelg, I am not much, but if you would have me, I would ask you to marry me. So will you make me the happiest man in the world and be my wife?"
Illicia was suddenly out of breath, and unable to speak so she simply nodded her head yes as tears of joy formed in her eyes. She looked to her father expectantly, and prayed he would try to contest this. Illicia was surprised when her father smiled at her, tears in his eyes, "Is this what you want my daughter?"
Illicia nodded fervently and her father chuckled. "Very well. I announce the betrothal of Will Garrow and Illicia Ter Koltshelg!"
A roar traveled up the crowd, the guards who had all spared with Will were cheering, the nobles were not happy. Cries of dismay rang out. The King raised his hand for silence. "I will hear two complaints, make them good."
The nobles quickly clustered and muttered amongst themselves for a moment before a man who looked ancient stepped forward. "Your majesty, we have come up with the two complaints we would have you hear. Firstly is the complaint of many of the nobles who have young sons that would have had the opportunity to court the princess, will they be able challenge for this right?"
The King looked like he wanted to laugh. "I suppose that until they are wed those who are willing are allowed to challenge Will to single combat."
Will spoke up, "I intend for us to be wed within the week so I will give you seven days. Send your children to me, and I will send them back to you in at least one one piece."
His comment was not missed by several nobles who had looked excited at the prospect, but now feared for their children more than worried about any accolades. The ancient man nodded. "We accept this, and any challenges will be delivered before seven days are up. Now our second complaint is that one of the primary duties of the princess if she does not wed into the nobles lines of the kingdom is to secure relations with a kingdom through marriage. If this needs to happen and she is married, what will happen?"
The king sighed. "I tasked this young man with retrieving my daughter, and he blew through at least one kingdom, and wiped one of the ancient forts from the face of this world. I challenge you to find a more tactically sound asset to secure than Will. Will do you have anything to say to this?"
"Should they wish to offer a challenge, I will accept, but know that if anyone should threaten me or my family, which will include the royal family of Kolt after our marriage, I will treat it as if I have been personally attacked." Will said all of this letting a chilling wave of mana pulse out from him, "but I am not an unreasonable man, and I am willing to forge alliances just as I am willing to enforce those alliances."
There was silence after that and the king rose smiling. "Well then, in seven days, return here for a royal wedding!"
