Steven nodded to her.  "I have come with gifts for my betrothed, though the brideprice has been met, I would gift her and her family."  How often he had practised those words, yet they sounded hollow. Why did he never use his Fiancee's name?  And why did his wander wander over the frame of her sister, unfaithfully wishing it was she he was to wed.<br/>True, they had been good friends in youth.  He had been a tease and she the awkward younger sister.  But he had always tried to be kind to her. Then his mind went back to the day some boys his age had made fun of her.  He had defended her and been beaten, but fought until unconscious.  No one could do so, because...he loved her.  Then the full weight of what he must do crashed upon him.  He was to wed an unpleasant haughty girl, who thought herself beautiful, because she was skinny.   When his hearts desire smile and sat calmly before him.<br/>"To see you again give me great joy.  I am happy that you, my friend, have blossomed into such a beautiful woman.  Who would have thought that, from the awkward child I befriended, such beauty would spring.  Alas, you are not, and will not be mine to wed, so I must ask about your sister."  He soke it as a jest, to cover that it was his heart's truth.