The 'Princess' (Grumbo)

Chapter 2; The Meeting

 Mumbo paced the halls of his castle, nervousness swelling in his gut as he prepared himself emotionally to meet his soon to be fiancée. He was excited, of course, this was his future wife. He had heard some rumors, though, about-

"Mumbo!" He heard his mother call for him. He turned around, facing the aging Queen. "We are heading out soon, are you ready?" she asked, avoiding the topic of his anxiety for today.

"Yes, I'm just a tad bit nervous" Mumbo gave a small chuckle, rubbing his hands together in habit.

"Don't worry, you two will get along perfectly" his mother went to hug him, and Mumbo returned it. She moved away, heading down the hall. "Get a drink, it will help"

He headed down the hall soon after, stopping in the kitchen to get a glass of water before making it to the throne room. His mother and father sat in their thrones, the intricate gold room creating a regal atmosphere.

"The carriage is outside waiting for you." His father stated, red-gold eyes digging into Mumbo's dark red ones. "Don't be late."

"Okay, goodbye" he waved farewell to his parents, before boarding the carriage just outside.

His carriage pulled up to the baroque castle, nervousness flaring through his gut once again. He decided to ignore it, leaving the carriage and heading up to the entrance of the castle. There waited two guards, the two of them immediately noticing the pendant of Mumbo's kingdom on his overcoat.

"This way, your majesty" The left one bowed, his dark brown hair covering a robotic eye. Mumbo nodded, following him as he leads Mumbo through florid halls of the castle to the throne room.

The guard went to stand at the entrance of the room, the lavish thrones seating a King, Queen, and a princess. Mumbo felt his anxiety blaze. The rumors were definitely false, Griana was one of the most beautiful princesses he had ever seen.

"Hello" He gave an anxious smile, scanning for any disgust or disappointment on the royalty's faces. He saw nothing.

"Hello" Griana replied, her voice loud and commanding, yet soft. She stood, walking down towards Mumbo gracefully.

"We have prepared a feast for you both, hopefully you may get to know each other over dinner." The Queen chimed in, a hint of anxiety in her voice. She shifted slightly as the King gave her a worried look. "Griana, will you lead Mumbo to the dining hall?"

"Yes mother" Griana replied quickly, taking Mumbo's hand and leading him through the halls of the lush castle, before they arrived at the sophisticated dining hall. An array of foods laid on the table, all freshly cooked.

Mumbo sat down at one end, while Griana sat at the other. They both grabbed their plates and began eating.

It was silent, neither royal knowing what to talk about as they ate.

"So, how are you?" Mumbo spoke up, giving a small, anxious smile as they both continued to eat. Griana looked up from her plate.

"Good" She gave a smile, finishing up her plate. Mumbo finished up soon after, the two standing up.

"I can show you to your room for tonight, the trip must have been tiring for you" Griana smiled, her voice steady as she walked over to Mumbo.

"Thank you" Mumbo followed Griana as she lead him to his room, opening the door for him.

"You'd better get some sleep as well..." Mumbo gave her a friendly hug, before heading into his room for the night.