Merrium stood next to her husband, who had polished his leathers and armor and stood at attention, nervously awaiting their arrival. The entire staff stood outside in double lines in front of the entryway, ready to greet their guests. Today was the day, and she was dreadfully afraid something might be amiss. She ran through everything in her head; the beds were prepped, the study cleaned and organized, meals planned and ready, music, and she had about twenty different activities at the ready to suggest should they ask for it. William had no complaints other than the occasional bark at the servants in regards for their attire, though that, too, was impeccably presentable. Every bit of preparation she could have done is done, and yet she was deathly nervous.

At last they appeared over the hills, so surprisingly small of a group that they almost mistook them for a traveling merchant. But the closer they got the more she recognized the strange attire, as as she looked, she locked eyes with one’s she knew; Prince Arstel’s face lit up and he gave a private and excited wave.

“Welcome to our humble home, my lord.” William led the way in greeting the foreign king, his son, and their small group of soldiers, bowing deeply and respectfully. Merrium felt very small in the presence of such an intimidating man, and felt it best appropriate to keep her eyes down. The man gazed about their home with a stoney expression, but seemed satisfied. He barked the orders for his men to find board in town, and for William to show him around.

“You may care for my son,” the man’s voice boomed towards Merrium, who held back a flinch with much practice, “since he regards you in favor. See to it he stays out of trouble.”

She lowered her head further and forced her voice to be steady. “Yes my lord.”

He gave a grunt of approval and left the room with William. Merrium continued to keep her head down, until Arstel leaned down next to her with amusement.

“They’re gone now, you may relax.”

Despite herself, Merrium found the air and tension releasing from her breath and shoulders, to which Arstel lit up with surprise, but smiled instead of saying anything.

“Um, shall I show you where you’ll be staying?” she suggested after a moment.

As she watched him poke around the guest room with amusement, she decided to give in to her own curiosities.

“What brings you and your father back to our country so soon?” she asked. “If I may be so bold to ask.”

“My father wishes to help your king settle in his reign, and establish trade of goods and information between our kingdoms. Well, that’s putting it simply.” He then cast a sheepish glance towards her. “He also thinks it will be good I have more exposure outside our realm.”

“I recall you mentioning something like that,” she said, leading the way back to the entry hall. “Have you never traveled before?”

“I have, but never outside our kingdom. It's very interesting how similar the landscape feels, yet so much is so different.”

“Well,” she smiled. “I believe I still owe you a proper tour around town.”

His face lit up once again. “Then please, lead and I shall follow.”