JOURNEY OF US

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Syla stood in her room, staring out the large windows facing the gardens when one of the butlers entered the room. It was Mr. Coliver, the head of staff, who stood by her door with a polite and elegant stance. He softly cleared his throat to gather the princess's attention.

"Miss Syla, your majesty is requesting an audience with you."

She turns to look at him, giving a soft nod. She walked over and stopped at the small vanity in her room, her ivory skin was slightly flushed from the anxiety of the meeting with her father. Her golden eyes feigning determination, she was up most the night planning on what to say to him. The soft tint under her eyes was proof of that. She sighed grabbing the small metal comb of the counter, brushing through the small bit of her long brown hair for comfort before exiting the room to follow behind Mr. Coliver. She knew what the meeting would be about. However, she wasn't ready to look at her father just yet. She was understandably upset by the sudden engagement without her knowledge.. She had to wonder what else was taking place behind her back. She had to fight back the frustration when she did receive the news. Knowing usually his decisions were final no matter the protest.

She hasn't even spoken with him since the announcement, however she thought this might be the last chance for them to discuss the matter. Again it was difficult to know whether or not he would change his mind. But, she had to try! She quietly focused on the skirt of her long blue dress that danced around her with each step. Something to temporarily distract her mind, while gathering what she could muster for this meeting. The short walk to her father's office was just enough to get her some confidence.. a small amount but it was better than none.

"Right this way my lady." Coliver moved to the side by the large office doors. "I'll stop by your room later on tonight. If you need anything, let me know, my lady." He bowed to her as he opened the door.

She stood outside the door to his office, taking a breath to calm her nerves once more before entering the room. She bowed politely to the king as she arrived at the center of the room.

"You asked to see me, your majesty?" Her tone was flat and as she looked up at him where he sat at his desk, her face staring at him blankly. Her nerves were in bunches as she stood in front of him again, but she wouldn't dare show that to her father. She had noticed that at his side stood a knight in full armor from head to toe. His armor was a shade of dull silver with small gold accents around the edges. While his helmet had dark red hair affixed to the top. She was confused who this soldier was since his suit did not match the ones at the castle. The long yellow cape made that fact even more apparent since their knights wore a dark blue to match the Kingdoms crest and flag.

Who is this knight? She asked herself, wondering why they were here. She returned her focus back on her father, surely he would provide the answer to her question.

The King set the papers he was examining down on his desk to speak directly. "Yes, you will be departing from the castle in the next up and coming days. I have an escort here for your protection on this journey. With news of the engagement spreading around, we must have extra precautions."

"Ah, about that!" She clenched onto her dress to gather up the courage she could muster. She wanted to try talking to her father once more about other alternatives for forming an alliance that didn't involve her getting married. Let alone to someone she didn't even know, it just wasn't fair.

"I wanted to talk to you ab-"

The king cut her off as he spoke up again, "It will take approximately 2 months or so to reach Dragonspire by foot. I offered a carriage to make the journey faster however discussing things with the knight here. He feels it would make you both obvious targets. And we want this to be as discreet as possible. Do you understand?"