...Finally

You silently yet ecstatically rejoice at finally arriving at Toscana. It was warmer with their brighter sun. It's fields and its hills were natural wonders to truly admire. Its beaches and coasts, you've heard, were nothing to scoff about either.

Sadly, you aren't here to enjoy its sights and wonders. You are here to see if you can secure a marriage with Duchess Eliza. You and your retinue arrive at the Duchess's castle. A beautiful work of architecture. You snort at the tinge of jealousy you feel from her castle being more luxurious and affluent than yours. Aside from its beauty, it is also an impressive military structure. Sieges on this castle would not be easy.

However it comes as a great surprise that upon passing through the grand gates of the castle you come to find... nothing. No wagons, no soldiers guarding those, no flags bearing foreign crests and sigils and most notably of all...,

"Where are all the other noblemen Lord Dietrich said would be here?" one of your own soldiers asks aloud.

The words 'oh shit' snap in your mind as you instantly realize why there isn't any other noblemen in sight anymore. Your silent thought is followed by a snicker. The snicker then grows into a chuckle. The chuckle becomes full blown laughter. "It appears we've arrived too late."

Much to your surprise and relief, the men start laughing with you. "Your majesty, we really shouldn't have stayed too long with the priests!" Says a man after he managed to stop himself from laughing for a moment. The rest of the men seem to agree.

You and your men all laugh heartily and humorously. Some had tears in their eyes. Others grip their aching sides. Some coughed. Luckily no one fell off their horse. Eventually you all stop laughing. But it seems your bouts of laughter has caught the attention of someone from Duchess Eliza's castle. Here to speak to you perhaps or maybe you should just dismiss the servant and head for home?