*A Portrait of Marriage*
Kaviria of Cantonen looked the picture of a noble lady. She was beautiful, well spoken and had lived in a convent the last six years. But the court of Tortall was going to be very surprised by the 16 year-old, very surprised indeed.
Kaviria rode her black mare, Immortal through the lanes of the Royal Forest. It was fall, and the yellow and red leaves littered the paths. She breathed deeply, taking in the scented air. Suddenly, Immortal reared, almost throwing her off. "By the goddess," she spat out.
Roald of Conte, who had been riding in the lane also was startled. The girl pulled herself back onto the saddle, and glared at him. "what are you doing?" she demanded, resettling herself onto Immortal. "I could've been thrown!" Her fine, dark eyes flashed with anger, then she kicked Immortal into a gallop, and rode away. Roald turned his horse to watch her clear a very high hedge. He wondered who she was, and where she came from.
Kaviria wondered if the prince knew who she was, and what he thought of her. Her soft lips curved into a small smile. She dismounted, and unsaddled Immortal, passing a hand over her dark green dress, so it did not show the stains that had been there. She walked back into the palace, to her rooms which were in the Royal section of the Palace. She opened the door, tonight was her presentation to the court, and that would be very soon. She pulled on her dress, brushed her hair, and put in her amber ear drops. Then, she put on a silver necklace, with a star shaped amber in it. With a little wave of her hand, her hair was perfect, and she was ready. She opened the door to her room and walked down the corridor.
Roald sat on the Throne, extremely bored, wondering when he could escape to meet the other pages and squires. "Princess Kaviria of Cantonen," announced the Herald. And a girl stepped out. A hush fell over the crowd, and everyone stared, including Roald, it was the girl from the forest! She was dressed in a simple, coal gray gown, her long, dark brown hair was twisted up, a few pieces framing her face, which was heart shaped, and beautiful. Large dark eyes looked at the nobles, and then she descended, wishing she could be anywhere but here.
Roald stared at the girl, this is who he was betrothed too?
