Snippet #2510969

Down the main road, a full company rode with carriages full of brightly dressed courtiers and soldiers and knights with light armour as head towards the great gates of the castle. Men at the front of the company held emerald banners depicting a great silver oak that represent the royals of the kingdom, Foretiere. They were travelling to visit Maree and at the end of their time there, would ride away with a new alliance--sealed with the bonds of marriage.

Among them was Prince Valeraine on his white horse. He was sweltering in his light travel armour and royal cloak, but there were appearances to be made. His courtiers were equally steaming in the carriage and their fans in hand however he preferred the gentle wind and good exercise. Riding beside him was a lady riding with her legs both to the right, her pretty light blue dress elegantly draped. She said with an affected air, "My lord, how much further are we from the castle? I fear I might soon faint from this heat."

Val's mouth twitched, but didn't smile, "Dear lady, I pray you take a drink from your bejeweled canteen for I fear should you faint I will not be able to catch you from my horse."

"Nonsense, my lord, you are as quick as you are brave and strong as you are passionate." The lady complimented.

"Your flirtatious words are making me blush, dear lady." He did no such thing.

The lady tossed her elaborate braid gracefully and looked at him coquettishly through her long lashes, "I would never dare flirt with a soon to be wedded man, my lord. But perhaps, if I dare, you may consider this as practice?"

"There's no need for reminders, Lady Lorraine. I know my duty to my kingdom and my future-wife." Val said to his half-sister. All their open flirting was a disguise to veil the truth of their birth, that Lorraine was the eldest and bastard daughter of the King, out of contention for the throne. She was taken in as the ward of the kingdom's spymaster and sister to the King, Lady Vivienne and acts as a spy herself. Her air-headed courtier personality was her way of getting people to underestimate and overlook her. She also claims that it's good fun. And out of the two of them, one of them had to have fun while Val was off getting married and serious.

"Oh, my lord, you and Lady Amelie's courtship will be so romantic!" Lorraine flustered. If Val didn't know that Lorraine could gut a man within seconds, he would have believed Lorraine's head was filled with nonsense. Val is many things but romantic is not one of them. "I do look so forward to meeting everyone!"

And with her words, they had arrived the gates to be welcomed. Val inhaled a breath for confidence and prepared to meet his potential in-laws.