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����� Grace noticed a change in the Princess as she watched her descend the steps yet again to greet her suitors.� Happiness showed in the Princess�s eyes.� It was like the old Princess was back.� Grace hoped that the Princess was over the tragedy that happened only two weeks ago.
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���� Felicity smiled to her suitors as she sat down in her throne.� She acknowledged her parents with a smile and then looked back at her suitors as they began to talk and laugh.� Her eyes drifted over the men, then she saw something that made her breath catch.� He was near the back of the room with his back to her.� His long black hair was pulled back in a braid that hung half way down his back.� Because of the crowd, she could not see him very well, so she strained her neck as far as she could to see more of him, and hopefully catch a glimpse of his face.� She inwardly groaned in despair as the crowd thickened where he was standing.� She slumped down in her chair as he disappeared from sight.� She kept her eyes on where she saw him, hoping to see him again and find out what he was doing here.� When she saw him again, he was much closer than before, only about twenty feet away, again with his back to her.� He and a suitor had separated from the main group and were talking to each other.� She let her eyes roam over him.� His shoulders were wide and strong, his back slanted to the trim waist, strong hips, and long, powerful legs.� He was the only one there wearing all black: Black shirt, black pants, and black boots.� His height alone made him an individual among her suitors, and his choice of dress was extremely different from what her suitors wore.� They seemed to thrive on dressing themselves in brightly colored clothing and heavy jewelry to show off their kingdom�s wealth.� This man wore no jewelry that she could see, but how did she know if he was a suitor or not?� Her mother turned to catch her daughter staring at one of her suitors, a suitor who had just come to the castle last night.
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���� �He is one of your new suitors.�� Felicity�s mother whispered into her ear.� �A suitor of great wealth and honor.� A lord of where ever he has come from.� Have you met him yet?�
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���� �No mother.�� Felicity said, trying to control her shaky voice.� So he WAS one of her suitors!� She heard her mother and father summon the man to the thrones to introduce their daughter to him.� Felicity watched as he turned around, and she finally got the view that she had been wanting for so long.� As he began to walk toward them, Felicity sucked in her breath as her eyes roamed across his face.� His high cheekbones, strong chin, and full lips were meager in their handsomeness in comparison to his eyes.� Large, green eyes caught and held her steady gaze as she felt herself being drawn into their depths.� Never in all her life had she encountered a man such as this.� He approached the thrones and kneeled in front of hers, never letting go of her gaze.
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���� �Daughter, this is your newest suitor.�� Her mother said, leaving introductions up to the man.
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���� �Allow me to introduce myself.�� The man said in the same deep voice as he took her hand in his.� �My name Lord Mark, but if it pleases the Princess, she may call me by Mark alone.�
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���� The only thing Felicity was able to do was nod as Mark leaned down to kiss her hand.� He felt her hand tremble slightly in his as he gently brushed his lips against her skin.� Straightening, he once again looked into her violet eyes, seeing that she was remembering there encounter last night.� As the two grew silent, lost in each other�s eyes, Felicity�s parents watched the scene unfold before them.
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���� �I think we have found a husband.�� The King whispered to wife.� The Queen nodded in agreement.� Wedding plans would start first thing tomorrow morning.� But first their daughter must be informed of her future marriage.
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