Jasper instantly recognized the man she was now betrothed to. It was Richard Townshend. Jasper had known Richard since they were both teenagers, when Richard was paired with the Crown Prince in a hunting party. The youth had proven his prowess as a hunter by killing a huge boar that had maimed Jaspers horse. For the next 6 years Richard had become Jaspers companion come bodyguard.
Richard had over those 6 years shared Jasper's education in the arts of soldiery, hunting and seduction. He had become accomplished in all of these facets of court life. Indeed thought Jasper, Richard was superior to himself at hunting and swordsmanship. If Jasper had more success in seduction it was only because of his status as a Prince. In contrast Richard was the son of an army officer who had raised himself from peasantry.
Richard did have his share of conquests thanks to his rugged dark looks and physical attractiveness. Jasper couldn't help but observe that Richard had mot lost these attributes.
Jasper also recalled the last time she had seen Richard. That was when his friend had resigned from the Kings service. He had confided to Jasper that he felt he had no choice as his father had joined the rebels, then spurred his horse and rode off to the west.
Subsequently Jasper had heard that the families defection had been rewarded my being raised to minor nobility by the rebel leadership. That seemed to be true as her betrothed was in the uniform of a rebel Captain. A rank only available to nobles.