Meg smiles, and curtsies to Philippe. ''A pleasure to meet you, good sir. We are honored to have you here.''
''Indeed.'' Philippe says. Oh, she is lovely.
''Shall I send for a servant to show you to your room?'' the Queen asks, and he nods. He is shown to his room, and in theirs, the five girls talk to each other.
''Is he handsome?'' Cecile asks.
Serafina nods. ''Very much so.''
''What did you think of him, Meg?'' Teri asks her older sister, who is rather quiet.
''What did I think? That remains to be seen, as I have not seen much of him over the past few years.'' Marguerite replies.
XXX
Erik has traveled a long way from Jerodia to get to Enna, and now he is finally here. He does not know how to find work, but he shall. Perhaps even at the royal palace.
He stops at a small hut, and knocks at the door. An old woman opens it. ''Could you please tell me the way to the palace?'' he asks.
''Yes. Go straight on, and you shall see it.''
He thanks her, and heads in the direction she pointed out.
When he does come upon the castle, he admires its beauty, colored pale pink and lilac in the light of the golden sun. He strides up to it, and knocks upon the door. The guards open it, and ask what he wants.
''I wish to offer my services to the queen.'' he declares.
The guards look at each other, but finally, they let him in.