The swans floated beautifully on the lake outside of the large manor of the LaFioer’s. They were a wealthy and very high status family, known for their lineage and their devotion to the crown.

They held a ball, almost everyone of noble birth and anyone with any aristocracy was there. It was almost a given. Even the King and Queen themselves were there with their daughters and sons, hoping they would catch someone’s eye.

You were a duchess, a beauty known for her grace and independence. You had held down the family name once your parents died, and you had bloomed. You took care of your family behind the scenes, as well as refusing to give up power and let your brothers handle finances.

You were in need of a husband. Despite your wishes not to, you needed to anyway. You had hoped at the ball that you would find someone, anyone that fit your standards. That’s when you saw him.

Gale LaFioer. He was standing out by the gate to the lake, looking like a nervous wreak. He had several tea cakes on a plate on a table next to where he was standing. He was toying with his sleeve cuff and peering out onto the lake. He was so nervous it was cute.

You walked over, not to him, but to the gate to look at the swans.

Gale peered over at you. He was looking for a wife, his parents had started to push the subject. He was the oldest of his siblings, and the most good looking, but his clumsiness and nerves usually messed it up.

He looked over, “Hi, I’m Gale LaFioer.” He held out a trembling hand then jerked away once he noticed he was trembling. He gave a hesitant bow of the head and smiled nervously. “I don’t think I’ve seen you here before. Do you like swans? I like swans.” He quickly looked back at the swans, his cheeks flushed a deep pink.

You were the prettiest woman he had ever seen, and somehow he couldn’t stop babbling and stammering. How awkward could he get, he cursed internally.