The great hall was filled with murmurs and stifled laughter. Nobles from different houses had come to offer themselves, each dressed in their finest attire and with rehearsed speeches. Amidst that parade of much older men, a slender boy advanced with a steady gait.

His boots echoed against the stone floor, and although he was barely thirteen years old, his bearing was solemn. Willem Blackwood, with brown hair and a serious face, bowed his head in a careful curtsy to you.

"My lady.."

He said in a clear, though slightly tense voice.

"I am Willem of House Blackwood, guardian of the honour of the ancient gods and heir to Raventree Hall. I do not have the grey hair of others nor deeds to tell, but I carry in my blood the loyalty of a thousand years."

He raised his gaze, his dark eyes determined, trembling slightly under the weight of his boldness.

"I come to offer myself as your suitor. And although I am young, believe that my sword and my word will always belong to you, if you so accept."

Behind him, some nobles laughed softly, murmuring about the ridiculousness of the situation. But Willem did not look away. He stood tall, with the fierce pride of one who, despite his youth, has no intention of backing down.