The White Prince

The Send-Off (Chapter II)

It had been a few days, and it was late afternoon. Dorian and Margaery were standing outside the Black Castle, with everything ready in their carriage and several other carriages that would escort them back north. There were many people to see them off, including servants, maids, and other retainers, as well as Raphael.

Dorian, dressed in a long, fitted jacket, waistcoat, necktie, and flared trousers, all in white with silver trim, approached Raphael.

Raphael, dressed in a steel chainmail hauberk, a dark red cloak with a wolfskin lining, a black leather belt with silver buckles, and black leather boots, approached Dorian.

"I'm glad you stayed a few days, Dorian," Raphael said. "Margaery told me you've been spending a lot of time together and getting to know each other better."

Dorian nodded.

"It's been very important to me," he said. "Margaery is a wonderful woman."

"I know," Raphael said. "And you're lucky to have found her."

Dorian smiled.

"Thanks," he said. "I'm very happy."

Raphael looked Dorian in the eyes, and for a moment, the two men's serious expressions softened. Dorian also remembered his childhood, when they were inseparable. They had grown up together, and they had shared many adventures. They had trained together, gotten into mischief together, and supported each other through good times and bad.

Dorian felt a pang of nostalgia.

"Take care of her," Raphael said. "She's a good woman."

Dorian nodded.

"I will," he said. "Don't worry."

Raphael turned to his sister and hugged her tightly.

"My little sister, Margaery, you're all grown up now, and I hope you'll be a great wife for my best friend who's been like a brother to me since we were kids," Raphael said, holding back tears because he knew a man shouldn't cry, especially a lord. "One day you'll be his queen, and I hope you'll be a great help to him and that you'll help him rule with great wisdom."

Margaery also had to hold back tears as she returned her brother's embrace and nodded to what he was saying.

Once they had said their goodbyes, Raphael stepped back and addressed the crowd of people around them.

"Goodbye, everyone!" he shouted. "Farewell!"

The crowd responded with a loud cheer.

Dorian and Margaery waved goodbye to everyone and got into the carriage. Dorian wore his white jacket with silver trim, and Margaery wore a blue dress with silver trim.

The carriage set off, followed by the other carriages.

Dorian and Margaery sat in the carriage, holding hands.

"This is a new beginning for us," Dorian said.

Margaery nodded.

"Yes," she said. "And I'm ready for it."

The carriage pulled away from the Black Castle, leaving their old lives behind. Dorian and Margaery looked into each other's eyes. She felt a mixture of joy, excitement, and nervousness, while he felt a mixture of responsibility, nostalgia, and maybe a little joy because now he could make someone happy, have a family, and be able to rule alongside someone when it was his time to succeed his father as the king of Zandaleon. They both knew that the future would be unpredictable, but they were determined to face it together.