The journey took nearly a full week to reach the lands under control of the young king. King Simon and his daughter reached that point their caravan was met by a group of armed soldiers all bearing the flag of their kingdom.

"King Simon." The one on the largest horse called out. "I am to lead you the castle myself , in order to protect your well being."

"Father, don't!" Cecile cried as her fathered opened the carriage door and stepped out to greet the man who called him. "It's alright child." He said patting her hand and turning and met the man.

"I presume we're not far." King Simon asked while stretching. "my old legs have nearly formed to the seat." He joked, hoping to get something out to the stern looking soldier, he got half a smile. "We'll be there before dark." He answered back.

King Simon stepped back in and looked his irritated daughter in the face. "See nothing happened, your father just need a look around."

"There's a clear view from the windows." She huffed.

"Cecile you never need to come, this is a just a boring meeting between two stubborn kings and that's no place for you." Simon held his daughter's chin in his hand, "though your beauty may be to our advantage to avoid this whole thing." He laughed.

"That's my plan." Cecile mumbled.

"What dear?"

"I have my own offer for King Derek father, I know our arms are not as strong has his and so in order to spare the people of this I will offer myself to him." Cecile finished her speech. Her father didn't answer and that caused a shiver to go through her.

"No! Absolutely not!" King Simon bellowed

"But father!."

"No, this is not yours to worry about." There was angry in his voice.

"They are my people too!" Cecile shouted back.

"You are a child, more than that you are a woman! No power goes to you!" The king hollered, he's face red and his breathing heavy.

Taken aghast Cecile didn't speak, instead she turned her face from him a just stared out the window for the rest of the days drive.

Just as the man on the horse had said, they reached the castle dwelling just as dark crept into the sky.