The king and queen take a seat in the library as they wait for their daughter to join them. The circular room is covered in wall to wall bookshelves, all stretching from the floor to the ceiling – only breaking for the two double doors and the large rectangular stained glass window on the opposite side. A large circular table sits in the centre of the room with maps and other documents scattered across it. The doors open to allow Andreia entrance and then close behind her. She takes a seat next to her father with a scowl on her face.

"You disappeared last night." He breaks the silence. She doesn't answer and the king and queen exchange glances. "Darling, we're sorry we kept it from you. But we knew telling you sooner would have just made sulk sooner." She throws her father a glare. "We decided it best if the other kingdoms got to see you as the cheerful, loving princess we know you are." He defends. "And we are truly sorry for keeping it from you, and now that you know we can discuss it properly as a family – like we should have."

"Marriage uniting the seven kingdoms dates back for centuries. I was from Corason before I married your father." Her mother adds. "Sweetling, you're getting a choice." She reaches for her daughter's hand but Andreia pulls away.

"But it's a week. I would have rather you told me months ago so I had time to adjust." She breaks in. "Now I have a week and my entire life changes forever."

"Darling, marriage isn't the end of the world." Her mother speaks up again. "And a week is a lot more then what most get."

"I know. I just thought that we would discuss this subject way before anything had to be decided."

"We know, and we understand that, and you're right, we should have discussed this earlier." Her father interjects.

"So you'll postpone the wedding?" She inquires hopefully.

"No darling we can't do that." He responds.

"Andreia, you get to choose. We're not forcing to marry someone you don't want to. You have the chance to spend time with each prince if you choose." Her mother tries to comfort. "I know this isn't what you want but –"

"Yes, I know. I have a duty to my kingdom as a princess, to unite kingdoms through marriage, strengthening both sides so that the people of the lands may prosper."

"Yes that, but also, you might find that once you start spending time with someone that you do in fact like them." She takes her husband's hand. "I had concerns at first, when I had to meet your father. But after I met him and we spent time together, that's when I discovered I loved him." She smiles at him. "Love doesn't happen instantly. It takes time and effort and eventually something beautiful will bloom." Andreia ponders her mother's words for a moment. "And just on the side. The princes from Avalon, Torelion, and Agrona have strongly expressed their interests in you." Her mother smiles. Andreia nods in understanding and bites her lip. "Perhaps you would like to go find one of them and have a conversation." By the quirk of her mother's eyebrows, she knows that that is exactly what will be happening.

"Well, off you go then." He father nudges her gently. "And please make sure you're with us when the parade starts this afternoon."

"Yes father." She nods and leaves the room, travelling slowly down through the castle.
Andreia understands and agrees with all her parent's points, but she's in to much of a melancholic state to actively be happy about the whole scenario. She drags her feet along the cobbled floors until she reaches the courtyard.

"Good morning princess." Borivor comes up behind her, pulling a piece of grass from the back of her head. "Already been out and about I see."

"Yes. Good morning to you too." She sighs.

"Is something the matter?" He questions.

"You mean besides the fact that I have to get married?" She snaps unintentionally. Borivor hangs his head, already aware of her situation –which just makes her feel a hundred percent worse. "Did you know?" She stops him.

"I did." He admits. "Though I was sworn to secrecy. I did advise them that they should have told you sooner." Andreia bites her tongue to prevent her saying something regrettable. She shakes her head and storms away from him. "Princess." He calls after her but she refuses to respond to him. Despite the fact that she's accepting her marriage, she hadn't expected him to lie to her. Him of all people. The one she trusts the most.
She shuffles her way through the village, pushing aside her melancholy to smile and wave at the small children, who chase each other around.

"Good morning princess." Someone calls out to her. She turns to find Prince Dominic striding towards her.

"Good morning." She smiles brightly back, gulping and taking her parent's advice. "How are you this morning?"

"I'm very well thank you." He beams at her. "I didn't get to properly introduce myself last night. I am Prince Dominic of Avalon." He kisses the back of her hand again.

"Andreia. It's a pleasure to meet you, your royal highness." He holds his elbow out so that she may take it. She does so hesitantly and they continue on.

"Your kingdom is very beautiful." He comments, gazing around the cobbled streets of neatly packed houses, with blooming garden boxes on every overhanging balcony. "And your people are extremely friendly." The baker emerges from his home, waving cheerfully at the two royals.

"People are not friendly in your kingdom?" She questions.

"No, no, they are quite friendly." He corrects. "It's just that in our kingdom, the people know their place. They bow in a royal's presence and then proceed with pleasantries. Here, everyone just waves and inquiries about your day."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"No. Actually I find it quite refreshing. I like how the whole kingdom is in a state of such mutual equality, whilst still being respectful to the crown. They acknowledge your position and treat you like a human being." He waves at small group of children.

"Opposed to?"

"Well in most places, we would be treated like gods. People acknowledge you and then bow at your feet until you pass." He informs. "This is much nicer though."

"Is it like that in Avalon?"

"Not particularly. My people aren't as friendly and comfortable around royals as your people, but they certainly don't dive to their knees just to please us." He laughs, a robust sound much like her father's.

"You must have travelled to many places then?"

"Oh yes, I've spent my fair share of time in each of the seven kingdoms, as well as other places." He nods. "And you? Have you travelled very far?"

"No. When I was younger I travelled to Corason with my family. But other than that the only place I have been is around the vast forests of the kingdom." She sighs.

"Really? I would have thought that your parents wouldn't let a delicate flower such as yourself travel alone in the wilderness." Andreia smirks at his flirtation and blushes slightly.

"Oh believe me, they tried." She laughs. "But they eventually gave up. I know my way around these lands better than anyone." She announces proudly.

"Every come across any mythical beasts on your adventures then?" He jokes and Andreia smiles to herself, thinking. Does a dragon count?

"No, not in this realm." She assures. "Have you ever come across any mythical beasts on your travels?" She inquires.

"Yes, I fought a basilisk along the eastern boarders of my kingdom. It had been terrorising villagers in the region."

"Really?" The princess exclaims excitedly. "I didn't know you got basilisks in your kingdom."

"We don't, but it had travelled down from the mountains. After that one I haven't seen another."

"Why do you think it came down?"

"I don't know. Since there were no more incidents we didn't investigate. But some claim it was because a pryde of griffins had taken refuge upon the mountain. But that was never proven." He admits. Andreia's spirit brightens at the thought of griffins.

"Have you battled any other creatures?"

"Unfortunately not. Or maybe it is fortunate." He laughs. "I can't say battling ferocious beast is a pleasant past-time. I'd rather set out and know I'm coming back. I'd rather not be burnt alive or eaten just for the sake of mounting provoked beasts head on my wall." They approach the stables. Andreia ponders his words and approves of his point of view greatly. "Oh will excuse me, madam? I just need to have a few words with my captain." Andreia nods and Dominic strolls over to a group of guards from Avalon.

"Are you taking your horse out for another ride?" The stable-hand approaches Andreia.

"Oh, no. I was just walking." She explains. "How's Sentinel?"

"The horse? Fine." He smiles.

"Good."

"There you are." Dominic comes back over. "Mother and father want you to join us for dinner tonight." Andreia cocks an eyebrow in puzzlement and opens her mouth to speak but is interrupted.

"Must I?" The stable-hand answers.

"Yes you must. And you're required to wear something presentable."

"Is this not presentable?" He laughs, gesturing to himself.

"Mother would have a heart attack." Dominic states. "Andreia my dear, I am sorry to leave you, but I am required to attend a meeting. I shall see you tonight." He kisses the back of her hand, leaving with his captain. Andreia turns to the man on her left, staring at him in confusion.

"What?" She manages.

"Something the matter?" He cocks his head.

"I don't understand. Why are you attending tonight's feast?" She questions in a puzzled tone.

"Something about being a prince requires me to." He responds.

"What?" Andreia's eyebrows raise unintentional. "Prince?"

"Yes. I'm Prince Nathaniel of Avalon." He bows. "Dominic's younger brother."

"What?" Andreia exclaims. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"You didn't ask."

"So you thought you'd just let me walk around thinking that you were a stable-hand?"

"I didn't know you thought I was a stable-hand."

"Well what else was I supposed to think? I haven't seen you leave those two horses alone, and you're under dressed for a prince visiting from another kingdom. And you took care of my horse without protest."

"I'm always dressed like this. And I'm the youngest, therefore I'm not on show at the moment. And I happen to like horses and I had no problem with tending to yours." He rebuts. "And if you want to start picking at clothing. You're not exactly dressed up like a princess." She looks down at herself. True, she's not dolled up like most princess, but she's better dressed then what he is.

"That's…that. Y-you…ah –" She can't think of rebuttal.

"I'm sorry for not introducing myself early, but you didn't either." He points out.

"But…" She sighs. "Then how did you know that I was a princess?" She questions, trying to be clever.

"You mean besides the fact that your horse is in the royal stall?" He retorts. "That, and I was present at the welcoming ceremony. Unless you have doppelganger hiding somewhere, I'm pretty sure that it was you sitting upon the throne." He smirks. The princess sighs and rolls her eyes.

"Alright, fine. But I still think you should have told me who you are." She crosses her arms across her chest.

"Fine." He grins. "I apologise for not telling you." Though he smiles, he's sincere. "Am I forgiven?"

"I suppose." She mumbles, in a good mannered way.

"Well then, may I escort you back up to the castle?" He lends his elbow like his brother did. Andreia takes it and they wander back up through the streets. Looking at him now, she can see the resemblance between the two brothers. They both have the same jawline and nose. Though Dominic is clean shaven, and his eyes tinged with more blue – making them seem aqua instead of olive. And though they share the same auburn hair, Dominic's hair is cut closely to his scalp whilst Nathaniel's is longer and a tad on the unruly side – but it suits him well. Their physical build seems to be around the same; Dominic looks to be the bigger one, but that could just be due to the extra layers of his formal attire.

"So, did you battle the basilisk as well?" She inquires.

"No surprise he's already told you that." He laughs. "No, I did not assist in battling that beast." He tells. "And just to state, Dominic wasn't alone. He had a small army with him." Nathaniel adds, sounding like he's corrected that statement many times before.

"Well he didn't dive into the details of the story." Andreia giggles. "He just mentioned it when I asked if he'd come across many creatures on his travels." She explains.

"Why did you ask that?" He inquires with interest.

"Because he asked me if I had, and I said there were none in this land." She informs.

"Oh, what about the dragons?" He interjects and Andreia's heart skips a beat whilst her breath catches in her throat.

"What?" She wheezes, attempting to sound normal.

"This land used to be known for its dragons. My mother used to read me all these stories about the great wars that unravelled here. How the great kings of your line would control the great beasts and no foe stood a chance against your mighty kingdom." He rambles, smiling as he remembers the awe he felt when he was recited the stories. "Sorry." He shakes himself. "I know there hasn't been any sighted in years. I've just always been fascinate by them." He blushes.

"That's alright." Andreia's concern subsides and a slight slither of joy begins to bloom in her. "Not many people seem to remember those stories. It was such a long time ago."

"Indeed. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they were still around?"

"Yes." She humours him. "Quiet so." They politely part ways when Andreia is called by her mother to join her on the platform whilst the parade commences.