King Erick’s horns reappeared just in time for anyone to see. Now that they were here it was best they knew exactly who they were, or so Flora figured. She nearly quaked at the task before her. Sucking in a breath and settling her heart, she spurred Condor on as the two closed in to the farm.

The farm itself was large. Very large. The main house was a large white two story building, and Flora assumed there was a cellar beneath. In the distance she saw two long cow barns, as well as a few smaller worker’s houses. Fields that rolled long and well were fenced up with white painted wood. How they kept it this clean was beyond her.

A stable hand came up to collect the horses, and a man - Flora assumed it was the owner Theodore Smith - came out to greet them. He was dressed in nice cream colored work pants with a white work shirt and blue vest on top. “Your Majesty and our dear Beast Master! How lovely it is to have you!” He came up and gave a hearty shake to King Erick’s hand before bowing low to the both of them.

King Erick smiled, though it felt insincere. “It’s always a pleasure.” He replied in a tight voice. Either Theodore didn’t notice or didn’t care. The group walked with Theodore towards his house. Flora quietly adjusted her book bag, shifting the weight of the large log book within as she followed the two men.

“My wife just finished preparing breakfast, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.” Theodore said with a flourish as he opened the door to the house. Inside was a cozy and clean atmosphere, not at all what Flora had expected for a farmhouse. She was used to tools being left in corners and by tables, straw building up in the corners, and mud tracked by the door. This house was quite the opposite.

The interior was clean, with little farm related trinkets gracing the walls and tables in a decorative manner. The walls were a gentle blue with white floral patterns, with white panels coming up to waist height.

They followed Theodore deeper into the house, Erick making short replies to the man’s attempt at conversation. He’s clearly being very hospitable, why would King Erick be so distant like this? Flora continued to ponder this question as they entered the dining room.

The dining room was decorated similarly to the rest of the house, and a woman - presumably Mrs. Smith - was just finishing the table set up. Her hair was in a neat bun, and she wore an off-white dress with a blue apron on top, matching her husband’s clothing. And the house. It was almost too neat and orderly, and left Flora uncomfortable. They’re probably just rich, being the biggest milk producer around. Flora tried to settle her unease as she sat at the table next to King Erick, who was given the head seat. Two children in matching clothes sat next to their parents, filling all six seats at the table.

Theodore continued his conversation about the beautiful weather, well behaved animals, and the overall state of things. To Flora, it sounded like he was just sucking up for the King. His wife made very small comments in between, and Flora sat quietly as food was served.

King Erick did not eat right away. Instead he sat and watched as everyone was served their food, making polite replies to Theodore’s commentary. It wasn’t until everyone started eating that he also began to eat. Flora had already gone through half her food consisting of pancakes, eggs, and a couple of sausages. She noted that Erick seemed stiff and rigid, but didn’t say anything as the conversation continued. Or at least, Theodore continued talking.

“Alright boys!” Theodore said with a clap of his hands. “Let’s clean up and get the cows ready for our esteemed company.” He winked at Flora, and she couldn’t help but feel a little hot and awkward given that the man’s wife was right there. She didn’t seem to notice though, and helped her sons clean up the now empty dishes. King Erick gave her a small but polite thank you before getting up to follow Theodore out to the farm. Flora quietly followed suit.

Flora pulled out her logbook, digging around in her bag for her pencil. Theodore continued his conversation with King Erick, and at first neither noticed as Flora lagged behind. That was when she fell.

It was not graceful or ladylike in any way. It was really quite embarrassing. Flora fell down face first into the dirt, her logbook sprawling before her and the contents of her bag spilled out. It wasn’t much beyond the papers of instructions that Leon had given her, but it quickly blew away in the wind.

King Erick swiftly bent over and picked up the remaining papers and book as Flora picked herself up, dusting off her clothes. As if the fall wasn’t bad enough, she then bumped her head into Erick’s on the way up, causing them both to wince.

“I’m so sorry!” Flora quickly grabbed her things and bowed in apology. “I’m really sorry, please forgive me.” She apologized again, trying to make up for the mistake.

“It’s no problem. Here.” King Erick pulled out an ornate fountain Ken that was encased in yellow ivory and gold. Amusement danced in his eyes and Flora abashedly took the pen from him. Flora didn’t hear the remark that Theodore made as she stuffed her papers back down into her bag and began writing in her log book. Or pretending to, as her thoughts were stuck on the way the king had looked at her. I am a respectable woman. She sternly reminded herself.

Flora kept her head down and followed the men into the cow barn, where she quickly switched into work mode. She began assessing the state of the barn. Despite being so old, the barn looked practically brand new. The floors were swept clean all the way down the aisle, and hay was stacked neatly for the cows to lay on. Buckets and troughs were full and neat. It was almost too clean to be a cow barn but there they were, lazing in the hay.

Flora quickly jotted down notes about the barn and animals, not saying much. She was engrossed in her work and didn’t realize that both Theodore and King Erick were looking at her expectantly.

“Oh, I’m sorry?” She looked confused and was hurt by the flash of irritation on King Erick’s face. But it was gone in a moment as Theodore reassured her.

“Quite alright young Master.” Theodore gave a dismissive wave. “I simply wanted to know when you were ready to view the second barn?” His tone was polite and Flora was inclined to agree then and there when she saw the look on Erick’s face. He wasn’t angry, or pleading, but something that told her to take a second look.

“I’ll… just be another moment.” She tried to make it look like she was just doing a thorough inspection, checking the corners, the beds, the troughs, and the cows one more time. Nothing out of the ordinary, just a wealthy well kept barn. She gave a nod to Theodore and the group trekked over to the second cow barn. She found it much the same and wrote down as much in the log.

Seemingly satisfied, King Erick called for the horses to be saddled and readied. “Won’t you stay a little longer, Your Highness? I’d hate to not be hospitable enough for you.” Erick gave him a side eyed look before turning to face Theodore.

“I believe we’re done here. Just have some of your milk bottled and in my saddlebags before we go.” He didn’t even wait for Theodore to reply before turning to leave. Flora exchanged a look with Theodore. He seemed just as confused as her. With a shrug he left, and Flora followed.

The group found the horses at the front, having been groomed and cared for in the hours they spent at the farm. King Erick gave quick pleasantries before mounting Penelope and preparing to leave. Flora scrambled up on Condor and quickly followed Erick, who seemed to be in a hurry to leave.

After about an hour of riding, Erick once again concealed his dragon horns and unicorn mark. Flora had been contemplating his behavior this entire time, and couldn’t hold it in anymore.

“Is something the matter? With the Smith’s farm?” She did her best to sound polite but still winced at the end, waiting for a rebuttal. Then she thought he didn’t hear her and she was about to give up when he finally replied.

“I don’t trust him.” Was all he said. He didn’t even bother to look at her, staring at the road ahead. Flora quietly contemplated this. While it was very clean for a barn, she assumed that it was in part to their wealth and another part to the fact that they were expected. She didn’t ask him, but Erick went on to explain his reasons.

“I don’t trust him because I can’t hear his thoughts.”