Let's visit Camilla

A match with Camilla would go a long way towards establishing stability in the kingdom. Renard would be very useful in your pocket, and local princesses are typically more popular with the nobility of a realm. Dietrich, ever faithful, joins you in preparing for the trip. He comes up to you as you oversee the servants packing your things, and decides to regale you with a tale from his childhood, which you listen to with great patience. "...and that's how I learned not to make snap judgements. It's always best to take a cool, collected approach in my opinion. Do you see what I mean?" You mutter some words of assent, and Dietrich smiles and walks away. You wonder, now a bit anxious, about what Dietrich was obviously hinting at with his story. The man may be admirably honest, but he needs to work on being more forthright. You decide that there's no point worrying before you can do anything about it, and try to relax.

Renard's castle is not far from the center of the kingdom, where your own is located. The small size of your kingdom keeps the trip short at only 2 days. You arrive with all the pomp a king must show on official personal business. Your decorated carriage is flanked by knights in finest armor. Upon arriving, servants lay out a carpet for you to walk on up to Renard's open gate, where he awaits you. You see the man, for the first time as far as you can rember. He has dark hair in a bowl-cut and a goatee. He is short and swarthy, with a forgettable face. He holds his arm out to shake as you approach. "Welcome, my liege. It is an unbelievable honor to have you in my humble residence. I must introduce you to my family, they will be delighted at your presence. If you would be so kind..." he bows and motions for you to follow him. As you walk, you think about Renard. He is as far as you know a typical noble. He is ambitious and self-serving, but not one to break an oath lightly. A man like him is a reliable ally so long as incentive is provided.

You twist and turn for a while before entering what appears to be the main dining hall. "I hope you don't object, as I've had a feast prepared to welcome you after your journey. But enough out of me, my family awaits!" At this point you understand Dietrich's omen. Camilla is, to be frank...rather plain. Your gut sinks as you see your potential bride. Her face is completely lacking in charm, and her figure provides no enticement to remain. Devastated, you settle in for a long night.

After lukewarm introductions, especially from you, the feast begins. Her parents would have to be fools to not understand the meaning of your visit, and as such you are seated by Camilla. It's slow at first, but as you get to talking you find that Camilla is actually very sweet, even funny. She has studied scripture as well, and the two of you bond over obscure references. You enjoy pleasant conversation until the feast dies down. "Milord, would you care to join me in the garden for a walk?" You agree, and head off together. "Milord, it has been an immense pleasure spending time with you tonight." She smiles, which helps to lessen the homliness of her visage. Her smiles fades quickly though. "I hate to spoil a good moment, but I must tell you something, it would be terrible of me not to." Confused, you plead with her to share her mind.