It all seemed like way too much trouble. All this effort the King had been putting into trying to keep the rumors regarding her heritage from growing. Everyone knew her mother had not been a princess, nevermind that her house was one of the oldest, strongest allies to the crown. She hadn’t been royalty; therefore less worthy, leaving her a stain in the bloodline.
But now that the current queen was with child, talks began sprouting that her mother had been even less than noble. Such curious timing... But it was not her place to notice those things. Nor the suspicious circumstances of her mother’s passing. No. Her own life was apparently in danger enough as it was. So much so that her father had arranged for her to travel across the neighboring kingdoms to strengthen diplomatic ties. She knew he had hopes of marrying her off to prince in a faraway land where his court could not reach her. But she was starting to wonder if they all wouldn’t be better off if she just... disappeared.
Alice couldn’t entertain those thoughts for too long, the sound of the doors opening signaling the arrival of the knight who would be closely accompanying her on this trip. He wasn’t from the royal guard, not even from their kingdom, but he was a man her father trusted. One with whispers surrounding him as well. Turning to face him, the princess tugged at the skirt of her gown and offered him a courteous bow. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ser..?” She had not heard his name yet, only that he had red hair and distinctive scars on his face.
@chillin-at-partys-bar is a pirate knight!