General Marcum slammed his fist down on the table causing the dinnerware to clink. “I will not allow you to travel halfway across the kingdom with someone I do not know or trust.”

Frisha argued, “There is no reason for you to object. Rezkin has been a perfect gentleman, he has comported himself with dignity and respect, and he has protected me and even saved my life at least twice. You know he is capable.”

“I know nothing of the sort,” the general stubbornly responded. Then, more softly he said, “It is unseemly, Frisha, for a young woman to go gallivanting across the countryside without a proper escort.”

“What exactly would you consider a proper escort?” Frisha asked.

“My dear,” Lady Adelina said, “you are among nobles, now. There are proper protocols for every occasion including one such as this. There are only three ways an unmarried lady may travel and retain her honor. Otherwise, people will question your virtue, and with your commoner blood already working against you, you really cannot afford that. I am sorry, dear. I mean no offense. It is just a statement of fact.”

Frisha nodded in acknowledgement and asked, “And what are those three ways?”

“Well, the first is that you must be accompanied by an adult male blood relative. Since neither your uncle nor father can accompany you, that is not an option. The second is that you would be accompanied by your betrothed—also not an option at this point. The third is usually reserved for necessary travel only. It could still be considered acceptable, as far as your reputation is concerned, but it would damage your chances of finding a husband.”

“Well, what is it?” Frisha asked, not really caring so much about finding a noble husband anymore. She already knew who she wanted, and she doubted he cared about such things.

“You would have to enter into a formal prime courtship, and then your prime suitor could accompany you,” Lady Adelina replied, “but it would still be frowned upon by our peers.”

Seeing the confusion written across the young woman’s face, she continued, “You see, when nobles enter into a marriage it is quite complex. During a normal courtship, the young woman may court several suitors at a time to give other potential suitors the opportunity to express their interest and also so that she can decide which young man she wishes to marry. Once she and her family have decided upon a suitor, a betrothal contract must be signed. The betrothal contract outlines all of the political and financial agreements between the families of the bride and groom. After the betrothal contract is signed, the bride and groom must wait at least one year before the wedding can take place.