At the center of the walled city stood a massive castle of grey and red stone that towered above the residential buildings around it. The sprawling structure was the workplace of over 500 civilians who in turn served the populace as clerks, diplomats, and other government officials. Perhaps more importantly, it also housed the royal family and all of their personal staff.

On the west side of the castle, the tallest tower overlooked the wealthy Red River district below. Due to its height, the tower was never shaded by the Gwendolyn Wall and it had the best view of the sunset in the entire kingdom.

In the room at the top of that tower, a young woman watched the sunset with a bored expression. She was sprawled across a bed of the finest silk that money could buy, imported at great expense from distant lands, and she was hugging a tasseled pillow to her chest. Contrasting with her elaborate bed, she wore simple seafoam green pajamas and no socks. She had long brown hair that shone beautifully in the sunlight, but it was currently tied back into a simple high ponytail.

"I'm bored, Beebee," the woman said, not taking her light blue eyes from the vibrant orange sky. She had pale skin and a narrow, elegant face with high cheekbones and thin eyebrows. She was perhaps eighteen years old, but she had a rare kind of nobility that made normal aging clues unreliable.

"I apologize, Your Highness, but Beebee isn't here," said a woman standing at attention by the room's stout wooden door. "She was summoned to the dining hall to help with dinner preparations."

That woman had striking shoulder length strawberry blonde hair, green eyes, and fair, freckled skin. She wore a stern expression just one step from a scowl, and she was dressed in a floor length black dress with white lace trim. The white apron that covered the front made it clear that she was a maid of some sort.

"Then can you go find me something fun to do, Bethany?" the Princess asked, casting a hopeful glance at the maid.

Bethany shook her head. "You know I can't leave you unattended. I'm sure if you just wait a bit longer, we will be called to dinner. Your father is back from his trip and would love to see you there."

The Princess rolled back onto her stomach and kicked her legs feebly. "Fine," she whined, tugging on the bedspread in frustration at being cooped up. For someone that appeared to be at least eighteen, she wasn't acting it.

Two short knocks came from the door, then it was opened from the outside. Bethany stepped clear and stood up very straight, as if expecting an authority figure.

Instead, a woman in gritty peasant's clothes stepped inside and closed the door behind herself. She looked like any regular villager that could be found walking on the street or traveling the dirt roads outside the city.

"At ease, Bethany," the new arrival said. She had hair the color of straw, currently parted in the middle and pinned back over her ears. Her eyes were a deep brown and had a piercing look to them. She had a narrow jaw like the Princess but her cheeks were less prominent, giving a very slim appearance. Notably, she was also about two inches taller than Bethany and the Princess.

Then the new woman turned to address the Princess. "Princess Evelyn, I have interesting news for you."

"Please, just Evy is fine."

"Very well, Princess Evy," the woman said.

Evelyn sighed and muttered, "I meant to drop the 'Princess' part…" Then she shook her head and smiled at her head maid. "What's this news, Alexia?"

"Rumors from the city. I haven't been able to verify any of this myself, but I heard word of a very strange man in town of late. He's dressed like a peasant but carries himself like a merchant or mage, and he seems to possess a lot of money. He has short brown hair in an odd spiked style, and hazel eyes."

She took a breath, then continued, "Another informant spoke of a man, likely the same one by the physical description, telling a wild story of a world with no magic, and with devices beyond even those of the Kobolds."

The Princess sat up abruptly. Her eyes were alight with interest, making her stunningly beautiful. "Tell me more," she said eagerly.

Alexia shook her head. "There is no more. That's all I've heard. Most likely, the man just arrived in town today."

Princess Evelyn jumped to her feet and grabbed Alexia's hands in hers. Alexia seemed a little uncomfortable with the closeness, but unsurprised at the Princess's behavior.

Evelyn forcefully said, "Then find out more. Follow him yourself if needed." Then the fire in her eyes calmed a little and she added, "But please stay safe, Alexia."