"There's really no way around this..?"
"I'm afraid not, son."
"You know what it would mean otherwise."
"I know, mother.. I'm not worried about myself. This.. Serenity..? She's being dragged out here to meet some-one she doesn't even know.."
James stared out across the battlements of the castle, pale hands on cold stone as he stared at a distant carriage closing in. The sun in its mighty apex was being hidden away as its friends the clouds embraced it, leaving the world to suffer an encroaching shadow, a crevice of light shining down on the whitened stone, bathing it in an almost holy glow.
Castle Blackhaven, inherited when the Daughter of Pynkesi and Vincent Blackhaven, Jennifer, married Michael Sinclaire, resulting in James Sinclaire, heir to the Blackhaven heritage. Like his mother, and her mother before her, he was considered albino. Pale-bone flesh, red eyes like blood and silvery white hair, it was not unusual to the people in the castle, nor was it an unheard of occurrence.

James turned his head to watch as his parents vanished into the castle, they would be the first to greet the guests that were arriving.. And her.. This Serenity,
"Serenity Sinclaire.." James smirked a little, turning around and folding his arms, "Has a nice ring to it.." He thought aloud, moving towards the door himself, he had to get ready.. or perhaps not.. He wondered if perhaps being casual was a better approach, or was being formal really the way to go? Being so formal though... It wasn't him.. Like a blatant lie.. He would ponder this as he followed in the direction of his parents slowly.

I really can't believe this, came her inner thoughts as she turned her head to the side. Midnight black tresses, left free but curled at the tips, bounced gently the moment she moved her head. Bright blue eyes blessed her, normally radiating off this playful aura; however, the glow dulled the moment she was informed of this news.

"Serenity... My dear~!"
"They've accepted it, isn't that wonderful?"
"But... Mama, Papa... I can't, isn't there anything else I can do to help?"
"You know of the situation, Rini, please... It'll help out a lot, it'll help out both of our families."
"... I'm not going to like this, he'll probably be just another spoiled brat."
"And you aren't?"
"Hush you, weasel!"
"Now now you two, Serenity hurry up and change, you're going to meet them in a bit."

Being the eldest seriously did not agree with her. Suitor after suitor, visit after visit, it was much too tiresome. And so here she was now, at the grounds of the Blackhaven Estate, or castle which she learned the moment her eyes landed on the building. A slightly amused expression soon engraved itself on her face as she was helped out of her source of transportation and soon guided toward the entrance of the castle. Interesting, she then mused as she, her butler and whoever her parents decided to shove her way; made their way to the meeting point, Well, lets see how this turns out.

James made his way down the stairs leading to the hallway which connected to his room, dodging past maids and bodyguards quietly, his attire wasn't exactly something one could peg as fancy, the loose black jacket, purely a thin, warm material over an underlying white vest, simple seeming black slacks, leading down to a pair of fitted shoes. The materials didn't restrict him like all that formal attire. He reached a hand to his chest, grabbing the tag on the end of the thin chain around his neck, he kissed it once quickly, praying for a little luck as he eventually caught up with his parents.
His mother reflected him in some ways, pale skin, still surprisingly youthful, silvery hair and those red eyes, somewhat frightening for those who weren't ready to see it. His father, on the other hand, had a pleasant face, a black beard and deep blue eyes, gray streaks of hair painted across the sides of his skull, showing his wizened years were coming upon him,
"Eager, son..?" His mother asked, looking over her shoulder curiously at the young man whom smiled and shrugged,
"No formal attire? Are you sure you want her looking at you like that?" His father added and James chuckled, shaking his head,
"Honestly since I have no idea about her or her likes and dislikes, I'm willing to risk looking like an idiot.. Maybe she wont feel nervous if I'm not all stiff and presentable," James shrugged, his mother shaking her head,
"You're far too relaxed about this son.. You wait at the door and we'll call you in."

The two more well-dressed parents of James stepped out from an entrance to the side of the main doors, since it was, after all, much quicker, and left James there, whom leaned against the wall quietly and smiled to himself. Maybe he was too relaxed.. But it was too late now, he couldn't panic and run all the way upstairs to change and show up and be all presentable and formal, it would just collapse later when she learned more about his true self.

"Welcome. I trust your journey went well? No trouble?" James' father stated, walking forward and placing his hand on his stomach as he bowed to her politely, then offered his hand to her, "I am Michael Sinclaire, James' father, and this is my wife, Jennifer," he motioned to the woman who tilted her head in a soft nod, a gentle smile on her face,
"Welcome to Blackhaven Castle, we are right in assuming you are Miss Serenity..?" Jennifer opened her eyes, the garnet gleaming like warm amber coals, "We were so anxious to meet you,"

The group patiently awaited for their hosts to arrive; allowing Serenity to soak in her new environment. So far all went well, nothing too surprising when it came to the nobility. A homely feel, yes... With a good chunk of worship me I'm rich. Which caused her to frown slightly, but then again... It seemed that all the homes were like this; at least, the ones she visited previously, so of course this wouldn't be any different. Blessed with her mother's bright blue eyes, she quickly turned to one of the only servants of her household and idly began a mild chat with him. Charles Smith and a veteran butler of the Saoyen estate and to Serenity, a grandfather.

"I feel too over dressed," she whispered to him. Charles merely looked over at the blossoming woman. His dark hues eying the emerald green attire, beautifully embodied with golden thread, which also added a princess-y design. To be honest, she wasn't really over dressed, but Serenity was an odd one.

"You look fine, my dear," Charles reassured as he turned to the sound of doors opening, "Ah, here come the Sinclaires, I advise you stop slouching and stand straight."

"Yes, father," she muttered as she straighten herself up and smiled elegantly at the coming pair. Upon their arrival, she then curtsied before returning to her straight composure and accepted the male older Sinclaire's hand, "Pleased to finally meet you Mr. and Mrs. Sinclaire. Yes, I am Serenity Saoyen, the eldest of the Saoyen children. I would like to say thank you for allowing me into your beautiful home and to apologize on my parents behalf for not being able to see you today."

Michael bowed his head to her again but then looked up at her again, letting go of her hand and smiling to himself,
"The pleasure is ours," the man nodded, though he looked about at the castle and grinned, "Man-made walls and constructs rarely hold the same beauty as a summer sunset, or the sight of snow blanketing the world in white.. But that you think it is beautiful here, I feel quite complimented, however the craftsmen and our workers are to thank for it looking as such," he replied, but then Jennifer stepped forward, waving him off,
"You are getting carried away, dear," She stated, Michael preparing to open his mouth and respond but she turned away from him immediately, looking at Serenity in something of a judging manner but them smirking,
"It is quite alright, we understand, life has a way of keeping people of their stature or ours quite busy, we're both happy to have had the free time to meet you.. Now.. Would you like to see him..?" She made a motion with her head towards the doors and smirked, winking, "He's hiding in the side entrance right now.. Well truth be told not hiding but he thinks I'm about to call him out, but where is the fun in that? He's spent the last two weeks wondering about you.."

"Oh get yer hide out there!" A shout came from the side entrance, followed by James practically flying out from the entrance and landing on his side as a rather well toned woman walked out, patting her hands and then brushed one through her steel-gray hair, matching eyes staring down at James as she placed a boot on his shoulder, which only seemed to make her hapless victim chuckle, even as she pressed down slightly, "Freakin' idiot, makin'er wait around, now get yer hide up an get to it," She smirked, grasping him by the shoulder and held his hand, pulling him up, brushing his shoulder, which had an obvious bootprint upon his jacket. She then shoved him down the stairs and he stumbled down them awkwardly.
James finally managed to stand straight, brush his shoulder once more then put a hand behind his head, smiling a little,
"S-sorry about that.."
".. Right.." Michael shook his head, placing a hand over his face a moment before looking at Serenity,
"This would be James. That woman there was our Guard Captain, Rainrix.." Michael explained, grimacing, he'd have to tell Rainrix off about breaking such a formal moment down. Meanwhile James raised his other hand and waved it a little,
"Uh.. Hello..!"

The midnight haired youth merely smiled and laughed gently at Michael's little poem about his large home, "A poet I see, I'm into the arts myself; however, my words merely pale against your sense of creatively." Her words then stopped as she turned to the woman of the house. Honestly, those red hues were rather intimidating--especially when being stared at in such a judging manner--but she kept her composure, as if she wasn't bothered by anything. Soon, Jennifer began to speak, informing her about the man she had yet to meet and probably end up marrying if everything went well. Of course her parents would most likely accept at that very moment, so it was practically up to the Sinclaires on whether or not she was the perfect candidate for their son.

Tilting her head slightly at Jennifer's last remark, the formal atmosphere suddenly broke at the sound of a deep voice woman yelling. Not a moment too soon did a body come flying out from the other room and landed none too comfortably on his side. Serenity's eyes widen greatly at the sight, her hues quickly turning their attention to the well toned female who appeared right after the flying body flew out. She then blinked, watching as the woman stepped on the male before picking him up like some sort of over sized rag doll, only to shove him down the stairs and just allowed him to stumble. What in heaven's name...? was the only thing that popped into Serenity's mind as the male gradually stood up and apologized like that was his fault.

Again, Serenity could only stare... Utterly confused and very surprised at his entrance. Well, this by far had to be the most eventful meeting she's ever had to attend, "Uhm... Yes... Nice to meet you..." Clearly, Serenity's lady like composure officially flew out the window as she merely stood there, in complete awe.

"Ahem!"

Jolting from her stone like stiffness; she turned to Charles, only to have him lightly point his finger at James, who had yet to move from his position from the bottom of the stairs.

"Oh!" she blushed brightly before bowing awkwardly, "My humblest apologizes! I... I... Uhm, hi."

If he could, Charles would have smacked his forehead by now.

"Right.. Well.." Michael turned to look at Serenity and bowed his head slightly, obviously looking a little embarrassed, even Jennifer had placed a hand over her head, though she was visibly grinning, it wasn't exactly what she'd planned, but it worked, "Apologies for that, miss Serenity." Michael looked over his shoulder at James who immediately caught on and bowed
"Y-yes sorry," He was quick to add, Jennifer shaking her head and beginning to push Michael away while looking over to Serenity's butler,
"If you need a hand with any luggage ask our maids or any of the guards not stationed at the gates," she made a motion to some nearby men dressed similarly to the woman that had handled James so casually. However their uniforms all were different, what with shoulder armor and leather girdles plus no additional belts or harnesses. Some of them saw the Lady Sinclaire's motion and stood placing their hands across their brow in a quick salute.

Jennifer stopped, turning around to look at James and Serenity. James seemed rather stock still. The arm of the hand on his neck was now lower as he seemed to stare at Serenity in an almost fascinated manner, absolutely no composure remaining until his mother cleared her through,
"James..! Be a dear and show her to her quarters, already!" She ordered, James standing bolt upright almost as having been shocked before he nodded,
"R-right! Sorry!" He placed a hand behind himself, the other being held out to Serenity, "Please, this way."

The only thing Serenity could do was smile lightly. Alright, so far so good... Well, at least it wasn't as boring as the other visits she done. This one clearly, takes the cake. Soon enough--after that rather awkward moment--Charles finally regained his own composure before nodding graciously at Jennifer.

"Thank you Lady Sinclaire, but I believe I have enough hands to work with," Charles replied as he clapped his hands. Not a moment too soon, the maids quickly broke from their positions and hurried their way back to the vehicle to gather their mistress's suitcases. This left Serenity by herself with James for a moment, her heavenly blue hues somewhat attempting to not stare back at him. However, that couldn't be helped since he was the one staring and it began to give her some uncomfortable feelings... No offense to him. After all, Serenity couldn't help but find him rather fascinating and... Attractive.

But then that broke as well when Jennifer's voice suddenly boomed their way, ordering her son to escort her to her sleeping quarters. Serenity couldn't help but laugh quietly at the albino male, especially after jumping from his mother's dominating voice.

"Thank you," she told him gently, forcing her voice to sound lady like and danity as she placed her slender hand on top of his.

James took her hand carefully crossing his thumb over her fingers so he could lower his head enough while lifting her hand so he could kiss her hand gently, he then withdrew, bowed his head again then smiled, staring in return one more time,
"I am glad to finally meet you," He commented turning to lead her towards the castle entrance, still holding her hand finely as they went, though he remained relatively quiet. He was confident, relaxed, in spite of the situation they were in.

He looked over at where Rainrix was standing at the opposite side entrance, leaning against the door and folding her arms, staring at them as they went while smirking. James shook his head taking Serenity into the main hall first, gray marble floors with obsidian pillars, a long burgundy carpet rolled all the way up into the room beyond, the throne room of the castle, but it wasn't where James was leading Serenity,
"I'm sorry about all of that.. And Rainrix, she's an old friend and has always been a bit.. Pushy, I suppose?" James smiled to himself shrugging on the matter, "So.. Uh.. Serenity.. Oh I don't even know where to begin.." He raised his other hand to rub at his head, "They had no information on you, things you like.. Things you hate, Heck I don't even know if you like talkative people or.." He shifted his hand to pull an insible zipper over his lips, but then grinned,
"So yes.. I'm completely at your mercy.."

A light pink tint brushed along her fair cheeks the moment as James pressed his lips against her hand. Okay, another good reason to not attempt to ruin this whole meeting. Of course she barely knew him, but this genuine feeling radiated off of his form, she really couldn't help but smile fondly. And he also didn't seem fake either... Like other unmentionable whack jobs she met before. Oh... What a lovely smile, she mused to herself as James pulled away from her; however, his hand still held onto hers. "It's a great pleasure to finally meet you too," this time, it wasn't forced out.

Random and aimless thoughts ran through her head as they quietly walked down the hall, hand in hand as if they were already married. A blush once again cursed her at the thought, before she quickly brushed that off and turned her attention to James as he spoke again.

"No, it's quite alright," she reassured softly as she graced him with another smile, "She's rather entertaining to say the least... And she also has personality. I believe I'll be taking a huge liking to her." She then laughed, "My likes and dislikes? Well I believe I have too many of each and I wouldn't want to bore you. However, I'll tell you a bit about myself, as long as you promise to tell me a bit about yourself as well. My parents never really mentioned anything about this entire thing and to be honest... I've only learned of you and this proposal earlier this morning..."

"I'll tell you whatever you want to know.. or that I can remember off the top of my head depending what you ask.." James replied, adding the second part of the sentence quickly otherwise he'd be promising a perfect answer to everything, but smiled to her, "So we're both at a disadvantage and advantage.. Catch twenty-two, I believe.." He shrugged, "Anyway.." James stopped for a moment, looking at Serenity, and rubbing his head again,
"I don't think you could successfully bore me.. I don't know you that much, but that makes it interesting, you're a new person, completely unknown to me," James smiled warmly, looking in the direction they were going, "Where to begin then.." He put his hand to his mouth, seeming tot hing before snapping his fingers,
"My earliest memory.. My mother was placing me in bed, she had mint perfume then, it mixed with the smell of the mulled wine from the hallways and the cold breeze from outside, I could never forget that scent. She was wearing a near perfectly white gown that night, red ribbons and an under skirt as well as gloves," he stopped, realizing how much he'd described before tapping his head, "I have an eidetic memory.."

James carried on leading her but had let go of her hand gently, putting his hands int he front pocket of the jacket he wore, though he kept his head turned to watch her, obviously more interested in her. For a moment it looked as if he was about to walk directly into an equally distracted maid but he slipped past her finely as though aware she was there,
"How about you? And that's two bits of information," He winked, "Don't think I didn't count what I told you."

Well, that was... Interesting. Blinking she watched as he easily dodged a distracted maid that was about to walk right into him, Serenity could not help but somewhat stare in amusement. He was agile, meaning that there was some interesting background behind him and she was going to find out.

"Really good memory, I see," she spoke as she looked up at him, "Can't really say the same for myself. But here... I'll tell you this. I love to read, it's a childhood passion of mine. I love to see myself as the character, throwing myself into the book and live the life that the character is living. And it's also a bit hard for me to put down a good book, I always have to know what happens next. I also love the rain and anything of water, like waterfalls and such. The scent of rain soothes me and helps me relax a lot, especially when I read. And just hearing water sends goosebumps on my skin and I can't help but love that feeling. "

She then laughed gently at herself, "Alright, there's a few things you officially know about me~ Besides my name."

"Reading huh..? You'll like my mother, she does a lot of that." James nodded, turning his attention forward to see where they were before leading her up a small flight of stairs that carved around the wall, "I've always been pretty fond of snow myself.. I can hide pretty well in it, great for ambushing people and making them suffer my wrath.." He raised his fist in a jokingly threatening manner, before looking at her and grinning "I'm a good shot with snowballs, that's the extent of my wrath.. I think.. My memory is good but I don't think I can count how many times I got my old man when he was least expecting it."

He turned into a hall with her, smiling to himself as they passed a pair of guards whom saluted immediately, before relaxing again. The Sinclaire guards were loyalists through and through, practically raised into the role, Rainrix was no different, she nearly died once to save Lord Sinclaire. James often thought about that because it had been his best friend nearly dying, he stopped at a room finally, placing his hand on the door and opening it, the door opened to a fairly lavish room, a fine carpet with the same marble floors the room was quite open, the ceiling not so close that it felt suffocating and a large single bed visible, various large cupboards sat along the wall out of their sight to the left, the right holding a vanity table.
Upon the walls were several tapestries, and a single picture of a calm lake, trees surrounding it like an embrace and a soft blue sky above. Across the room was another doorway, a couple of windows gave a view outside on either side of the door. James made his way into the room, looking about for a moment before carrying on over to the opposite door and pulling it open to reveal the balcony outside. The view form it was not that different from the picture on the wall, if possibly a bit different as time wore on, or the seasons changed.
He stood at the edge, looking about then down at the short fall, but then turned and looked at her,
"Well hey, if you want to run any time soon, its only a short drop." James snickered, "The bedding would probably make good rope. I mean not that I want you to go or anything.. Okay bad joke on my part." He placed a hand over his face, covering a slight blush,
"Forget I said anything.. I usually just.. Relax and let things be as they will be."

"Oh, how kind of you to tell me," she laughed as she followed him to the balcony and glanced down. It was indeed not much of a fall and the bedding in her room was enough to make a good rope if she really wanted to run off. However, she immediately crossed that off her mind. James intrigued her and she wanted to know more about him before she officially decided if he was worth anything... Besides his money. Sure, her parents might hate her again for running off like before... But maybe...

"And a sniper with snowballs," again she laughed. This James Sinclaire was an interesting one, "Ah yes the snow. I love the Winter season... I rather be cold than hot; it gives me a reason to stay in bed longer. If I could, I'd stay in bed for entire day... Reading an have the fireplace on." Turning her attention away from him, she then looked around the scenery, it was... Nice. A breath of fresh air unlike the main town, where it seemed to always be dark and a bit gloomy, due to the industrial factories and all that sort. And also her family... Who also owned their own.

"So, what do you do for a living?" she suddenly questioned him; however, her attention was still to the outside scenery.

"Mother often says winter is best spent cuddling up with some-one to get warm.. Not a bad idea really." He mentioned in an offhand fashion, but then looked over at Serenity, smiling, "If all goes well, perhaps we could spend a day like that.." He placed a hand on his hip, leaning against the door as she presented her question,
"What do I do for a living..? Hm.. Well officially nothing really.. Father trusts I will keep the castle running, take care of our land and the people under our personal dominion, basically I'll just be taking over as a lord, under command of Queen Rosarius herself.. Unofficially.. I occasionally run an errand or two here or there.. I put the proceeds in the Sinclaire's personal coffers, beyond that, I don't do a lot, I study.. I help around the castle, act as Rainrix' personal training dummy whens he has fresh blood to teach.. I think she takes more pride in the dummy part than the training.." He rubbed his jaw as a painful memory struck him, pain being a good punch he'd received,
"Well I suppose it didn't help that I'd been teasing her about a young man she'd been eyeing up.. But you reap what you sow.." He shrugged, shaking his head and moving to the front door of the room, though he turned to look back at her, still smiling,
".. I hope you enjoy it here. And that I don't disappoint.."

Turning to him, she then eyed him for a moment or two before smiling gently at his comment, "Cuddling under some blankets with someone for warmth... Perhaps we possibly could. If all goes well~" But I have a feeling it might... Again she laughed as he explained what he did around the castle. Seemed normal enough...

"I see then," she commented as she shifted herself so now she was facing his form, "It seems fun... And I'm going to assume that you're looking for a wife in order to inherit the family fortune." It was small talk really, she honestly had no idea what to seriously ask him and he wasn't questioning her either. How on Earth was she going to find out anything if she had no idea how to? This was going to be a bit difficult.

"Well, you haven't yet," she returned his smile with her own, "I'd take that as a good sign." Serenity laughed once more, before rotating herself so now her back was facing him. Her dark tresses bounced as she did so, before she leaned against the the railing and comfortably placed both her arms on the flat surface and rested them there. The girl then closed her eyes, surrendering her ability to see and allowed her ears to listen to nature's songs, "Thank you by the way."

James rubbed his head softly, a calm smile still on his face as she mentioned his needing to find a wife. He supposed it was true enough that he would inherit it all upon being married, but it had never truly bothered him. His relaxed attitude had that effect on him,
"Well a wife.. Is a strong word to jump to.. A friend..? a partner perhaps..? I think we can start off soft," he waved his hand in the air as though it were just a bit of a nuisance, but looked over to her, wondering if she agreed or did not, "I'll take all the good signs I can get," he chuckled, genuinely amused, but stopped when she thanked him, "Huh..? Thank you..? For what?"

James was a little curious about this, he couldn't remember what he'd done to receive such thanks, though in spite of his confusion it spread a warmth in him as he stared at her with those red eyes of his. He hadn't spent must more than a few minutes with her but was already quite happy with her. As the thought crept across his mind her found himself inadevertantly slapping himself on either side of his face with both hands once and shaking his head before clearing his throat and standing straight,
"Right! Well.. Uh.. I'll see you again soon, I'm just going to go take care of a few things, make my rounds of the castle.. Before I make a complete idiot of myself."

Opening her eyes, she returned her attention back to the silver haired youth; bright blue eyes watching as he spoke. Hmmm, maybe she was a being a bit too blunt for her own good, but James didn't seem to be too concerned or offended about it. Well, that was good, last time that happened... Well, that was something she didn't want to remember so to speak.

"You're not being fake," she answered, as if it were the obvious thing in the world, "Unlike some others I know of. And you're really sweet, I really enjoy that from you. So I'm thankful."

Upon this, Serenity boldly took a few steps forward, her body merely inches away from his; however, there was still some distance between the both of them. Glancing at him for another moment, she then lifted a slender hand before brushing off some dust left on his clothing from their meeting earlier. It was a friendly gesture... Really, "Sorry..." she apologized as she took a step back, "You just had more dust there..."

"Well I guess I chose how to present myself pretty well.. You know I almost wore a suit and was going to act really formal but.. you know.." He rubbed the back of his head a little, staring at her up close, taking her in a bit better, that smile still on his face, "I felt like.. I would be lying. And if I showed up like that I'd have to keep up that template, pretend I'm like that all the time, until you found me out.. Or till we were too old for it to mean anything.. Then I figured-" He stopped watching as she reached up and dusted his shoulder off, this inciting a chuckle from him, one that he found a little difficult to stop for a moment but shaking his head,
"Yes sorry about that.. Anyway, I figured.. You've been carted around so long meeting people just like that or people who faked it, so I thought you deserved to start learning who I am right from the beginning. My parents probably don't fully approve of me being so.. Casual about things.. But they leave me to my own devices because they trust me well enough."
James, lowered his arms and placed his hands on his hips, tilting his head slightly,
"I would hope that.. If you will have me, I will earn that kind of trust in you as well. I'm not for the seriousness of it all.. But this idea of an arranged marriage.. I'm not complaining, what will be will be, my main concern for the past two weeks has been for you.. If this is really what you want, how you must be feeling, being forced into marriage with some-one you've never met and all," He seemed rather serious about it all, frowning slightly as he looked off to the side,
"Now that you're here, though.. Well a little part of me is ecstatic and jumping around in me like a giddy little child begging that I do everything possible to keep you with me. But what little sensible side I have is saying it's your choice." He looked at her again more directly, smiling,
"I'm sorry.. I guess that was a lot in one go.. The rest of me is all nerves so I'm trying to get it all out before I start shaking like a bare man in a blizzard.."

Serenity merely glanced up at him, watching and listening to him speak. And after a few moments, she couldn't help but laugh quietly, "Mmmmm, I felt like I was a bit over too dressed." She admitted as she continued to stand on her spot, which was still close. "And a bit of a talker, aren't we?" She flashed him a coy smile as her eyes wandered, checking to make sure there wasn't anymore dust left on his clothing, "And I apologize... It's a bit of a habit, I have a younger sibling I took care of and I don't understand how males can get so... Dirty."

Serenity then took the time to glance back up at him, his face suddenly serious. She merely watched and listened to what he had to say about this whole proposal. Soon, another smile blessed her fair lips and she couldn't help but blush slightly. James had known about her for awhile and it seemed that he couldn't stop thinking about her well-being either. This was a bit foreign to her, but at the same time... She couldn't help but like it too. I think I've already started an infatuation... She mused lightly to herself, slightly embarrassed, Well... Mama and Papa must be celebrating already since I haven't ran off by now.

"I'm flattered," was the next thing she said as she pulled her hands away and folded them neatly in front of her, "And I must admit, Mr. Sinclaire, you're an intriguing person... I'll be more than honored if you'll have me as well. You've known about me for a short while, as I to you, but by the looks of it, I don't think I have any reason to say no to this proposal."

Again, she couldn't help but blush again. Well, that was a bit straightforward of her, but she was being honest. She really had no reason to say no so far, unless sometime down the road, he'd suddenly changed and she'd regret it. However, that didn't really seem to cross her mind; he had the nerve to dress so casual (she was glad though) for a first time meeting and for all he knew, she could have hated him right then and there, but she didn't. But even if he had dressed himself for the occasion, she'd find out sooner or later...

"Well this time around I can explain how I got dirty.. You saw it yourself," James chuckled, it was hard to forget being thrown out of the castle and being pinned under the boot of ones own guard captain. He smiled on hearing of her having a younger sibling, closest thing he had tot hat was Rainrix, but she'd been more of an elder sister, but that made her and Serenity contrast, it was often Rainrix that ended up getting James so dirty in the first place.

Her smile drew James in as he watched her lips curved, noticing the tinge of red draw across her face at least he wasn't the only one feeling embarrassed. Her compliments and the fact that she was honored, which in itself seemed shocking given he knew she'd been a flight risk with her past suitors. That she had decided to agree to the arrangement, James looked outside of the room a moment, seeming to think before he moved back intot he room, gently leading Serenity with him as he pushed the door closed behind them, for privacy purposes.

Before she could ask what was going on he went down upon his knee and looked up at her with a smile,
"It may be arranged already.. But it wouldn't feel right if I didn't say Serenity, will you marry me?" He asked her, holding her hand in his, he had no ring to offer, since this was all arranged there was no engagement rings, they'd be given their wedding bands when they were married,
"If I really did have to spend the rest of my life learning about some-one, then I'd be honored if it was you."

"Of course," she laughed once more, covering her mouth with one of her hands. Bright blue eyes practically glittered as she watched him turn his attention away from her. The girl merely tilted her head slightly, wondering what he was doing as he closed the door and somewhat lead her toward him. Again with the blushing; however, she would soon realize what he was about to do.

A soft gasp emitted from her, heavenly blue orbs glued to his form as he got down on one knee and popped the one question she could only dream about. Even if this was already arranged between the both of them, she couldn't help but feel rather giddy and warm on the inside; yes, she longed to hear from this same question from a man she'd fall in love with... But this would do.

Serenity giggled like a love struck school girl, before she happily nodded and placed her free hand on top of his own, "Of course! Of course! I would be more than honored, Mr. James Sinclaire!"

James stood then, holding her hands with his for a while. He was glad that she accepted, the easier he made this for her the better. there were many more things they had to discuss yet, but they could get to such things when they had the time, as for now it was a case of getting the marriage over and done with so they could concentrate better on other matters.
He turned his head as a knock on the door came, James smirked when he heard his mothers voice,
"James? Serenity? You two are in there, right?" She called, at which point James's face changed to one of an odd malicious intent, grinning as though he'd already done something very naught before looking at Serenity,
"Watch this.." He looked over at the doorway and called, "Just a second! We're not dressed!"
"What?!" The door flew open and his mother rushed in, stopping still and staring at the two of them holding hands. The fury on her face washed away completely, to be replaced by what was obviously severe annoyance as James chuckled uncontrollably, he knew what was coming as his mother grabbed him by the ear and pulled him from Serenity, "Ow-ow-ow-totally worth it..! Ow..!"
"Come on you, you have duties to attend to, enough of your bad jokes! Do you want people to think you're some kind of perverted rich boy? You really should know better..! Why back in my day.." The complaints and scolding continued down the hall as James was dragged away by his mother. Meanwhile his Father appeared at the door, watching them go but then looked over at Serenity in a puzzled fashion,
"What in the world did I miss?"

Smiling, Serenity merely stood there and soaked in her new reality. Her eyes still glittering after that little, but sweet event; however that was broken when a soft knock echoed into her ears. Blinking, Serenity couldn't help but tilt her head slightly at the male before she found him smirking. Uh oh... She thought as she stayed quiet, watching before his smirk turned into a rather odd yet scary looking grin before he answered his mother...

Serenity's cheeks flared up into a bright red color, almost matching her fiancee's eyes. Soon his mother practically busted the door open, her expression as red as Serenity's; however, her redness wasn't from embarrassment, it was from complete fury. Before Serenity could even open her mouth, James was suddenly ripped away from her hold and dragged away while being lectured and out of nowhere, his father had appeared, rather confused. Serenity merely turned to him, her face still red and obviously dumbstruck.

"I-I... What... I-..." she was lost with words, "I'm... Just as confused as you are..."

Michael rubbed at his temple for a moment, shaking his head at the confusion of it all, but then James had always been like that, he certainly liked to tempt the fates with his mother, but it was in his nature Michael supposed. He sighed, motioning for Serenity to come to him,
"Your entourage have brought your things, come, we'll let them put it away for you and I will show you around the castle, if you're going to be living here you'll want to know a little more about it, after all," James' father explained, finding it best not to go into what James had done to get himself in trouble this time, he stared int eh direction James and Jennifer had gone, brushing his beard softly in thought but then looked at Serenity again, bowing apologetically,
"Please forgive my son.. He does tend towards the unusual, so much that it can get him into a great deal of trouble.." The man chuckled, waiting for Serenity to follow him before he could leader her back down the hall form where the came to the main entrance again, "Beyond his.. Rather unorthodox behavior.. What do you think of him so far?" The man asked, however he was hopeful that James hadn't disappointed. With the girl so flustered he could only imagine something very strange had occurred but would let it come out if it had to.