"I welcome you personally to our kingdom. Aston, if you'd come with me I believe we have much to discuss." The Princess announces.
     "Your highness, I appreciate the warm welcome. As for our discussion, I'm afraid we've hit a roadblock." I smile at the log in the road. She seems to realize this and begins to get back on her horse.
She whistles and another horse is brought to the front next to her, fully saddled, with no rider. "You do know how to ride, I presume?"
     I nod, as she motions for me to mount the horse. I climb over the log ungracefully, noticing a small smile from the Princess. Embarrassed, I hop up onto the horse and grab the reins. She turns her steed around and heads toward the castle.
     "You'll be alright here?" I turn to the driver who already has a few Dalgonian helpers moving the log with him. He nods with a smile and waves me off.
     I whip the reins and the horse takes off, following the group in front of us led by the Princess.
     After about a five minute ride we arrive at the gate. Two men on either side draw open the doors as I can feel their eyes on me. I watch as everyone hops off of their horses, each one being led back to the stables. I swing my leg around and jump down, giving the horse a pat before it's taken along with the rest.
I notice many people beginning to gather in the courtyard, pointing and whispering. The Princess walks over to me. "Don't mind them, they're just curious." She whispers. "Follow me."
I follow her through the vast and open yard and into the castle. It is an incredible sight; walls of stone and marble as well as paintings and statues.
I realize I must have been gawking at one of the paintings when the princess stops and smiles. "My grandmother. She was beautiful, was she not?"
We look up at a young depiction of a queen. "My father's mother. Art is important to us here, it's one of the things we care about most."
I sigh, "I'm very sorry about your father."
She looks down. "Thank you." After a pause we break away from the painting. "I imagine you must be tired after the ride, I'd be happy to have someone bring you up to your room if you'd like to meet tomorrow."
"That's alright," I shake my head. "I slept the way here. Although I have to admit I am hungry."
The Princess smiles as if pleased that I asked for something. "I'll have something made up for the meeting. Until then, you're welcome to wander the grounds, any doors or hallways that are unlocked are fine to explore."
I thought for a moment just how trustingly this kingdom is run. If there is one difference between Dalgonia and Varasia it's trust. Queen Nefite wouldn't allow a commoner to explore the castle, let alone an outsider from another kingdom.
"Thank you, Princess." I watch as she walks away. For a moment I feel at home; before I remember why I am here.
My sole purpose being in Dalgonia is to set up a marriage pact between the Princess and Shilo. After meeting her, I feel more confident than ever that Shilo doesn't deserve the Princess. A sickness builds in my stomach as I realize that I have to paint him as a kind person that just wants what's best from both kingdoms, when all he does is slouch from the golden crown that rests on his head.
     I stare up at the image of the late King's mother, the Princess was right. She was beautiful. The more I stare at her the more I see Princess Elara in her face. They share many features; the upturned blue eyes and dark hair. They could be sisters.
I listen as I hear the Princess's footsteps fade down the marble hall as I decide to run after her.