--- Elise

The wind caressed the stone surface of the monument, a marble plate commemorating King Lanis. According to Elise's father he was the most important among their ancestors, a man who had embraced the responsibility of building that kingdom from the ashes of the war-torn land that existed before it. The girl had also read his story in the books of the royal library.

In principle, five hundred or so years before her birth, there was no Cassidia, just a federation of city-states like some of the distant North. Without unity, military strength was the only thing that ranked those ancient people, whose leaders were actually little more than warlords.

Between them, the most powerful and respected had to be Lanis' father, Lynn. He resided in a mighty fortress, West of the contemporary capital, a place that had subsequently been called Lyngard under his son's dominion. Why was that strong person, the progenitor of Elise's entire dynasty, so relevant even in the present? Because of how he had lived, of course. For there would have never been a King Lanis or a Cassidia without him.

To think the same blood runs in our veins today... I feel strange. Now that I know the legacy I'm supposed to gather, I can't help but asking myself if I'll be worthy.

The princess was standing next to her father in front of that stone. Uncle Darius kept his distance but was there too, in the same special place. It was a shrine dedicated to their family, Sebastian said, something he and his brother visited since the times of their childhood whenever they had difficult choices to make. As the only living heir, it made sense that Elise too got the right to access that secluded garden, a spot hidden inside the walls of the palace.

"Father," she began, after a short while. "Why did we come here?"

The King took a tired breath. "To think, my dear. No one can hear or disturb us, once we pass that gate."

He pointed at the iron bars they had opened to come in. They didn't look like much, to be honest, so the girl hadn't been bothered by what laid ahead of them before that day, despite having noticed them once or twice.

"There are some among the nobles who don't like this place," commented Darius, sitting on a slab that acted as a bench. "They think we should get rid of it, because it's a memory from darker ages. But it's way more than that."

"I never thought you were this sentimental, uncle."

"He is not," stepped in Elise's father. "The world changed much during the last five hundred years. Our language and ways changed with it. Tell me, can you read the writings on the monument?"

The princess shook her head. "Of course not. They are barely visible. And even the part I can see, I can't figure it out."

"You of all people should know, because you are going to inherit the throne someday. Brother, would you mind?"

Her uncle stood up, kneeling before the plate and touching it.

"This here is what a pact between powerful men looked like, back then. Not any kind of pact, however, but one that was supposed to shape the world. It basically granted the authority over these lands to Lanis and his offspring."

No wonder some would want its disappearance. At this point, anyway, I suspect it's little more than an old relic. It holds some emotional value, maybe, but not real power.

"Still," observed the girl, "It's just an ancient stone."

The two brothers exchanged a glance, then the King spoke back.

"I see you understand, daughter. So, you figured out why we are here?"

"I think you already told me, father. It's to make sure we can speak freely, without anyone else around. This is the most private of our private rooms."

"Good girl."

Patting her head, the man went on.

"Since the day of the tournament I've been thinking about what to do. I made a miscalculation, both with you and the nobles," said Sebastian. "Things weren't supposed to turn out this way, but I suppose..."

"Are you referring to the situation with Norburg? The city North of here?" asked Elise.

"Exactly. Your uncle and me talked a lot about it, and since the situation is still uncertain we believe it's finally time for our family to make a move."

Playing with his stubble, Darius took the lead with expertise. "We observed how you acted as a princess, and came to the conclusion that we could use your help with this."

Now you can really tell that they are brothers. Normally they are so different, but when things get serious there's the same determination in their eyes. Am I like them, I wonder?

The girl wanted to know more.

"Tell me what's going to happen, please. If it's for the best of this kingdom, of course I'd like to participate. It isn't going to involve another marriage, I hope."

"No, I learned my lesson," admitted her father. "Darius, you are the one who came up with this idea first, so it's better if you explain it to her."

"Fine. Don't worry, Elise, it's nothing unconventional, really. We are organizing a trip to Norburg to evaluate its Lord and his following."

Elise frowned. "You doubt their loyalty, uncle?"

"Not yet. But as you know one of my roles is keeping your father's rule stable. I've been reached by some concerning voices lately, about how Lord Isaac would need to be reminded on how to pay his respects to the King, apparently. Several people accuse him of badmouthing His Majesty and even you, the princess, albeit in private. His younger brother, Victor, who competed in the tournament, would be guilty of the same crime."

"What does it mean if they did?" wondered Elise. "Is it that bad of an offense? I mean, we practically spied on him just to obtain this information..."

With a sigh, Sebastian grabbed her shoulders gently.

"I'm known as a fair ruler, so it's only natural that I show forgiveness if they turn back on their steps. I'll be clear, this won't happen in public to preserve the image of the Lord and his family, but he needs some scolding, and I can't overlook it anymopre. Consider this a lesson for the future, Elise."

"I get it, father. I'll come with you to Norburg, if you need me."

"I'm happy, then. I'm going to need you more than ever, daughter," said the man. "Your uncle will remain here, to keep things in check. Our departure will take place one month from now."

It's... Around my birthday. I'd rather celebrate it here, in my new home, but...

Before she could reply, however, the girl realized that the King had already decided about the date before even telling her. He probably planned to take advantage of the feast to visit Norburg anyway. That on one side made her mad, but on the other it made her relieved.

As much as she loved her father, as much as she would have wanted to spend her most important day in Cassidia with what remained of her family, she also needed to grow, and fast. There were more important things in that world. She had to accept that, in order to become a good queen for the kingdom.

"It would please me the most," agreed Elise, nodding firmly.

***

Arranging a trip of such importance was bound to be difficult in itself, and Elise had really no clue about what a princess should bring along. To help her, luckily, she had her trusty lady-in-waiting.

Ordering the servants around like a slave master, Annette spent days and days prior to the departure preparing a wardrobe for her mistress. King Sebastian owned a special caravan for such occurrences, with a specialized escort, but after seeing how much the woman was packing up the girl hoped that the space on the wagons would be enough. It wasn't like they were going to the other side of the world, yet it definitely seemed like it.

Still... When he and uncle Darius came up with this idea, I bet they didn't consider how many things Annette would deem as necessary for a noble girl on the road. This is going to be embarrassing, in the end. I'd rather not being seen as a vain, self-centered person during my first diplomatic trip!

Moreover, she had also another little problem. She really wanted to have Roric by her side, at least to show that she wasn't afraid of Lord Isaac's opinion on the matter. The boy knew how to behave properly, and given that Victor wouldn't have issued another stupid challenge it was actually a good chance to make her friend grow accustomed to the nobles. He was staying by himself too much, lately.

That makes me wonder... Does he really spend all his time alone? I don't recall him mentioning any acquaintances in the city during our meetings, so...

The girl however couldn't get out of her head the thought that he had to be hanging out with someone else than her in his free time. It wasn't a crime, of course, but for some reason it made her feel uneasy.

It doesn't matter. We will depart three days from now. We'll talk about it somewhere on the road.

***

And with that, the day finally came.

A brief ceremony was held, in which Elise's father formally left control over the palace to his brother, and then the many servants and ministers began being sorted into the carriages. The multitude of soldiers who were going to escort the King's entourage, both on foot and horseback, had already gathered in the wide plaza of Cassidia's upper district, and was waiting for their ruler to move out.

To think all these people are going to take this trip just because of us... It's impressive. It's what being members of the royalty means, right?

Roric was nowhere to be seen yet, since he was busy getting a mount from the stables like all the others who also didn't possess one. The princess had been uncompromising on that point, she wanted him riding next to her wagon as they paraded through the capital. At least to honour their friendship, something she hadn't been doing much during the previous months.

"Your Highness," said Lady Annette. "It's better if we get to our seats now."

"I'm still waiting."

"We can wait inside the coach, if you want. It's not like we are going before they have finished checking all the lists."

Elise huffed. "Fine. I'm coming."

They reached a decorated wagon, one that was right behind the King's, and a steward helped them board it. It was quite comfortable, despite being a bit cramped, but at least the princess and her lady-in-waiting had it all for themselves.

"How much longer until we are ready?" asked the girl. "I hope Roric gets here soon."

"Don't worry, Your Highness. I think I can see him from this side."

The young woman pointed to her left, towards a point in the direction of the stables. There, in fact, people were approaching at a steady rate and among them was the person Elise was looking for. The only thing was, he wasn't alone.

He... Who? Who is with him?

At his side, on another horse, came also a pretty girl. She was clumsily trying to steer the animal, a clear proof of her first time riding one, but the young warrior patiently helped her. And even if she looked flustered and terrified of every step of her mount, that maiden seemed also really happy to be there.

"Annette," said the princess, in an emotionless tone. "You know almost everyone from the palace and around it. Tell me who that girl is."

Her request came out much more hostile than she actually wanted, and it took her just an instant to figure out why.

Am I really... No, it can't be. I'm jealous?

Truth be told, Elise would have gladly ridden with Roric instead of lazing in that coach. She missed his company so much. They had been living at the palace for so long that the princess had failed to realize it until that moment. So, of course now she was envious of the other girl.

"Her? I think she is a Mage, Your Highness," Lady Annette told her. "One of the few that will accompany us. I was told she's some kind of prodigy, in the Circle, and works as an emissary here."

"I'm asking if you know why she is with Roric."

"I don't know, then. You should ask him yourself, maybe."

Elise laughed. "You just addressed me like a common girl. It's strange, coming from you."

The woman however, simply smiled back.

"I apologize, Your Highness. For a moment, I thought you were acting just like a common girl. If you know what I mean."

It's absurd. Me, doing-

She felt her cheeks burning, and hid her face.

"Annette! That was mean!" she exclaimed.

Meanwhile, the voices of the duo were getting closer. They were arguing on something the princess wasn't aware of, using words she wasn't sure to have ever heard. It was probably related to magic, since Roric's new friend probably knew how to use it.

Crap. I don't know what's happening to me, but... I want to step into their conversation so badly! Why aren't they talking to me? Why isn't... He talking with me?

"Princess?" said her lady-in-waiting, melodically. "Don't think about it too hard, or they will hear you."

"Fine!" replied Elise, bluntly. "I'll do it by myself, then!"

She waited for a couple more seconds, to be sure her blush was completely gone, and leant out of the small window of the carriage.