Rune knew that he had words to say, words he should, but he was momentarily struck dumb at the sight of the woman who walked into the room. He hadn't been expecting an ugly woman, his parents did know him better than that, but he hadn't been expecting someone so... beautiful. Her smile made her entire face light up - as though it needed help - and her long hair was a unique shade of brown that seemed almost red in certain light. Rune's tongue felt overly large in his mouth as she took her seat, and it took him another moment before he fell into his own seat, hearing only the compliment about his doublet and nothing at all of what she'd said to his sister. Things Rune didn't like to hear could usually be ignored without even trying. Especially when he was captivated.
Synnove heard, and likely realized they meant truth to the rumors she did remember, but she only smiled gratefully for the comment. "You look beautiful this evening, Gia." An invitation to a name basis instead of using lady and lord every other word. "That color suits you."
Why hadn't he met this one sooner?
"Lady Gia," Rune said, grateful that his voice sounded completely normal. "My father mentioned that you were lovely, but he failed to do you full justice. I do not think I have ever seen someone who could match you." He should tell her thank you for coming to dinner, but his mind could get tangled around pretty girls, and that was a long-standing fact.