Hail

Five

I can hear my shoes echo on the stone floor as I make my way to Elisa's chambers and I am glad for the sound. The quiet is a welcome relief from the noise of the people that frequently perpetuates this place. Elisa has complained before as she feels that her chambers are too far away from the more frequently crowded areas of court, but father has always insisted that it is safer to have some distance from those places. I have always thought that was one of his best choices as I like to know that there is not just guards but distance from all of the others who spend the time at the castle. I do wish; however, that some of our rooms were closer together. Another one of father's ways to maintain our safety is to make sure that his children's rooms have distance between them so that if something terrible was to happen, the entire royal family wouldn't be eliminated in one easy motion. I have wondered before if the distance between our rooms is one of the reasons that there is distance between us as a family. We don't see each other unless it is on purpose and there is enough activity between our rooms to easily be distracted from my original destination. 

This morning; however, the castle is calm and settled and those around are engaged in quiet discussion, mostly about the arrival of our newest guest and the upcoming wedding. It has put a bit of joy into everyone, this royal marriage. While my father is not old and Valeous is not the only possible heir to assume the throne, the wedding and the continuation of the family line brings a bit of ease to those around.

I pause by one of the windows for a moment to take in the beauty of the morning. I reach to adjust the basket of sewing that is on my arm and try not to grimace at the fact that I am voluntarily going to be sewing for the next couple of hours. I would prefer to sneak down to the kitchens and practice baking or to take a walk outside or even go for a ride, but when I asked Elisa what she would like to do, she insisted sewing was her choice. I want to spend more time with my sister, so I agreed to her choice.

"Your Grace."

I turn to find Lila and Cora behind me, my two ladies, and my friends. "Good morning."

Lila speaks. "Good morning. We wanted to see how you are feeling this morning."

"Much better. Sleep often makes things appear less bleak."

Cora speaks up. "What is troubling you?"

I am reminded of the codes of privacy and secrecy we all have as Lila did not divulge our conversation from last night even to our friend. "I am working to accept the thought of my new husband. Knowing that this would happen one day in the future does not make it easier in the present."

Cora steps closer, her voice dropping even farther. "I have done some asking about and have found that all of those that know the Duke or his son have nothing but agreeable things to say about either one. The Duke is known to be fair and kind and those that had seen him with his late wife say that there was obvious devotion between them. As for the son, his presence hasn't been as prevalent, but those who know him say that he shares his father's kindness. So at least it appears that you are not being married off to some monster."

"What does he look like?" Lila asks and I am grateful to her for it. It is the question I wanted to ask, yet I did not wish to look vain. Appearances may not be the most important quality, but I do wish to find my husband at least mildly attractive.

"From what I have heard, he is tall, with fair hair and a 'pleasant face' according to those who have seen him. I can ask for more details if you would like, but that is all I could gather by being discreet in my inquiries."

"Thank you. I know you two are always looking out for my best interest. Perhaps at the party for Valeous and Eleanora we can start focusing more on your interests. Surely there is someone who has caught your eye. A party is the perfect time to look for a husband. I have already told Collette that you will need new gowns for the party."