Merrium led the way around town, showing Arstel the sights and shops. She showed him Erik’s General Goods, who turned white at the sight of her and the prince, and then proceeded to shower him with the gift of whatever met his fancy in the shop. Next was Morgan’s Smithy and Leatherworks, who unfortunately was not in at the moment. The Stray Arrow was next door to the smithy, a small time pub and inn run by Sybil and Anna. Though the door was unlocked and it was usually filled with customers, this, too, was currently empty. And so was the apothecary, the chapel, and even the esteemed Merryweather Inn up the road.

“It appears everyone is still following the procession,” Arstel commented with a slight air of disappointment.

“I’m sorry, this hasn’t been much of tour…”

“No, you’ve been plenty accommodating, thank you. Perhaps another time?”

She gave a start. “How long do you expect be here for?”

“Knowing my father, probably only a few days. But this little town is quaint, and curious. And it’s not often a new King takes control from an older family. We’ll be wanting to offer our aid and assessment as time moves from here.”

“This sounds like a fairly routine conduct,” she said.

He gave her a mysterious smile. “Now, now, don’t pry too much my dear. I can be quite talkative, but some things are meant to stay unknown.”

“I wouldn’t even dream of it,” Merrium said, smirking a little. Arstel chuckled.

“Your company has been quite pleasant, Miss Merrium. I’m afraid I may be pushing my time, and must go back to my father, but perhaps we may see eachother again?”

Merrium bowed deeply. “It’s been my pleasure...my lord.”

She kept her head down as long as she could be sure he was there, and then carefully lifted her head. Prince Arstel was gone from sight, and she breathed in relief. This was not at all how she thought her day would go. She had met THE PRINCE HIMSELF. Her name was now his knowledge. Was he going to talk about her? Or would she simply disappear in the sea of faces?

Her heart rate seemed to increase as she made her way home, worried about her behavior, worried about what might now become of this interaction. Would her husband approve? Should she tell him? Or would this be something better left out from his knowledge? She didn’t know what to do.

She began preparing a hypothetical meal, banking on the fact that William will probably be bringing home fish. ‘Just calm down,’ she thought to herself. It’ll be okay. Maybe she won’t have to see him again. Though he was quite nice...but anyone can be nice when you first meet them. Plus, he was royalty. She’ll be gone from his mind before the evening is up, she decided. And then everything will go back to normal.