"Princess!" I call as I chase after her. I see her freeze as she hears me, smiling as she turns around.
"Is everything alright?" She asks. I catch up to her, out of breath.
"I appreciate," I breath heavily, slightly embarrassed. "Your offer to explore..."
"But?" She asks with a smirk.
"I don't know where to begin." I say.
"Are you asking for someone to show you around?"
"If that person is you." I reply, her expression changes from a playful smirk to a confused smile. "If you're not busy."
"Me?"
"I figure it best to get to know you on a personal level. If our kingdoms are to form any relationship I'd like that to be build on friendship."
I watch as she contemplates the idea. "I would be honored. Follow me."
I follow her through the halls as she points out the occasional door or hallway. "This over here is the grand hall..."
For the majority I just listened. She seems pleased to show someone around. Listening to her speak I start to realize just how ready she seems. Ready to take over as queen.
"Princess, forgive me if I am out of line asking," I begin.
"Any question is safe to ask, Aston. I may not answer, but asking questions is not a crime."
"Your kingdom is so... graceful. I cant describe it. Everyone I've met, everything I've seen. It's just so kind, so pleasant." I smile and she stops. We look over a giant balcony connected to the grand hall. It overlooks the fields of flowers framed by mountains and trees.
"What is your question?"
"How do you do it? It's so peaceful. No neighboring kingdom attacks, no one invaded. Your people obey. It's a perfect utopia, Princess."
She takes a moment to think, staring into the distance of the landscape. "This kingdom is far from perfect. I know that's how it seems, but it isn't. My father ruled over it with respect. He was kind, slow to anger. But he was still a king. He still had to make hard decisions..." she trails off as she mentions her father. "It's not like he never had to defend our kingdom, or fight any battles. He was just so good at leading, so respected. I cant imagine becoming someone that people want to follow like that. And he was nothing compared to my grandmother!" She gives me a sad laugh.
     "Were you close?" I ask quietly.
     She nods. "She stepped down from the throne to let my father rule. When he was busy she would babysit me, teach me. Everything I know is from her." She pauses for a moment. "I'm sorry, this isn't what you need to hear. I don't even know why I told you that."
     "It's quite alright, Princess. I am happy to listen, whenever you may need it."
     We share a smile as we gaze across the lands of Dalgonia. For a moment I don't want to ruin the quiet, but I know there is a time limit on my stay. "Princess, there is something we need to discuss."
     She takes a deep breath as if she knows what I am about to say. "Yes, yes we do."
     "My Queen Nefite has requested we all have a meeting to discuss a treaty. A treaty that includes... marriage."
     The Princess doesn't take her eyes off of the landscape. I look at her, confused. "You don't seem surprised by this."
"I guess I saw it coming. The prince is how old now? 19?" She frowns as I nod. "My father predicted this would happen, I understand what I have to do."
"You knew?"
The Princess nods. "You may set a meeting. My council and I would be happy to host, invite your Queen and the Prince."