"I think it's best if you go," Marie put her hand on her daughter's shoulder, "I'll stay here. Even though the five kings will be there, they may still try to attack." Natalia tried to protest her mother's words, "this will be a good opportunity to practice your diplomatic skills. Don't you think?" "Just admit you don't want to go," Natalia smiled at her mother, who did not smile back. "I said no such thing, go pack your things." The next day Natalia and her entourage were prepared to leave. Natalia checked her horses' saddle and secured her sword to her hip. Marie looked at her and placed a hand onto her daughter's arm, "I am putting all of my faith in you," tightening her grip, "Do not fail me. Understand?" Natalia nodded, "Yes, mother." Marie let go and smiled, "Good." Charles ran up to them and held onto Marie's dress, "When will you be back, Natty?" Natalia crouched down to meet his eyes. "I'll be back soon, is that alright with you?" Charles nodded, "Yeah, but when you get back, we'll play together, right?" Natalia grabbed him tightly, "As soon as I get back." He giggled, and she let go of him. "We should get going, my Lady," The guard said. "Right," Natalia stood and hugged her mother briefly, "I will not fail you." She got on her horse and waved to her brother. They watched her as she turned and left out of the castle gates. "Is this the first time you've left Prauth, my Lady?" One of the guards asked Natalia, "No, I've been to other kingdoms." She stopped and turned to see the city was out of sight. "Well, let's keep moving," she kicked her horse and yelled, "I want this treaty signed as soon as possible." Natalia stopped her horse many hours later, "I need to change before we get to Camelot," Natalia said to another knight and childhood friend, Eli. He frowned and stopped as well, "What's wrong with what you're wearing?" "I'm a woman wearing pants and have a sword on me; I think it's a bit informal for these talks." Eli nodded, "Fine, we'll stop at the next town and find a hostel for you to change at," Natalia scoffed, "Camelot is the next town. We already passed through Dioré." She dismounted and took out a light blue dress and a pair of nice black riding boots. "Are you sure?" Eli asked as Natalia looked around for a big enough tree for her to change behind or some bushes. She spotted an oak tree, "I'm sure," she walked over to it and started to dress. After a few minutes of tightening her corset and making sure she wouldn't faint, she strolled back over to Eli. He admired her beauty before smiling cheekily, "Well, don't you look like a real princess?" Natalia curtsied dramatically, "Why, thank you," handing Eli her sword, "hold onto this for me?" He took it, and she ungracefully mounted her horse. "I will never be able to mount a horse in a dress," She took her hair out of the braid she had it in. "If that happens, you will be unstoppable."
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