Sitting at the wooden bar of the inn he'd taken rest in for the night, Aaden Cadel eyed the large, scarred man beside him with good humor.

"So, you say she's a great beauty, then?" he asked over the din of men's voices behind them. The inn was of the low variety—dirty, crowded, and filled with rough characters, but Aaden had never worried about other men. He could handle himself in a tight spot.

The older man nodded slowly and took another swig from the malt-colored brew Aaden had bought him.

Sensing his hesitancy, Aaden hoped the coins he'd used to buy the man's information would prove worth it. "You have seen her?" Aaden asked. If the man had duped him out of a mug of brew, he'd find himself with more damage to his face than the ugly raised scar that crossed his forehead.

"Aye. Of course, I've seen the lass. Haven't I delivered their flour sacks up to their estate for this last decade? Hasn't she been the one to settle the account? She's a bonny girl."

Aaden released the tension in his stomach.

"Well, not the most beautiful girl in Laveny, or anything." Hearing the words, Aaden frowned. "But pretty, aye. With fine eyes. Yes, very fine eyes."

He scowled. What the devil, did he care about fine eyes? "And her figure?" he pressed.

"Good, good," the man insisted. He took another long swig of his drink, setting down the empty mug, and wiping his foamy lips with the back of his hand. "How about another?" he asked with bright hope. "I can tell you all about the lass."

Aaden reluctantly signaled with a hand gesture to the elderly innkeeper for one more drink. He refrained from getting another for himself. He was getting low on funds and besides, would need his wits for the meeting he had the next day when he finally arrived at the estate outside the town of Laveny. He was seated here spending his precious coin because this lout had insisted, he knew all about that estate.

"And she's rich?" Aaden pressed him. Her father had told him she was, but at this moment he wanted to hear the man tell him that his long journey wasn't for nothing.

"Oh, very rich. Her mother was a great lady," he stopped to count on his fingers, "sixth or seventh in line to the crown."

Aaden's eyes widened at this information. He hadn't come across this nugget before. He rubbed his hands together, as a smile crossed his face. As long as she had money, he would take her regardless. He had to, with the situation facing him at home. But rich, pretty, and with a good figure... He nodded, pleased with his good fortune. She would do.

"I hope what you say is true. Many depend on me bringing home a wealthy bride."

"Aye." The man's lips twisted in a sly smile. "But a comely woman in one's bed every night is worth even more than a handful of coin."

"Very true," Aaden agreed with a smug smile. "But to have both... now that is what all men hope for."

They sunk into silence, both quietly drinking their ale.

"Pity, though," the man added suddenly.

Aaden pulled his thoughts away from images of a grateful beauty thanking him in a way only a woman could for rescuing her from spinsterhood. It'd been too long since a woman had shared his bed, and so reluctantly he put aside the lurid pictures in his head and brought himself back to the loud, dirty bar he sat in. His brows furrowed as the lout's words reached his consciousness. 

"Pity, why?"

"She won't have you."

"Why not?"

The man shrugged. "She is like her mother."

"What the devil does that mean?" Aaden asked with a growl of annoyance.

"High-spirited, my missus calls it."

"Oh," Aaden said, with a release of his breath. "You scared me there. What care I for high spirits? This is between her father and myself. He will sign the marriage contract and she will fall in line."

The man smirked. "Pardon my curiosity, sir, but have you entered the joyful state of marriage before?"

"No. I am single and have always been so."

"Ahh." The man turned back to his drink. "That explains it."

Author's Note:

*bonny --- physically attractive or appealing

*comely --- pleasing and wholesome in appearance

Hope you enjoyed this first chapter. Let me know what you think about the story as you read along. 

What do you think of Aaden?