Splendor

Liandra felt she still owned Prince Mortimer a grand welcome, so asked the courtiers to arrange for it. He was greeted by one of the most formidable reception parties in Luxius history, but nothing could hide the underlying tension in the kingdom.

Liandra had to be impressed by the man that was going to be her husband. Dressed in plate armor, he showed himself the valiant knight and commander. His manners were also flawless. His skin had the tan of someone used to spending his life on the field, but Liandra accepted that as a fact of life.

"Princess Liandra, we meet at last." Liandra was growing used to the flattery of pleading nobles and merchants; the prince´s words were dry and direct in comparison. Liandra answered politely and demurely, and he then greeted the King and Queen. Liandra noted sadly how much the last few months took out of her father, he looked very old now.

There were games and entertainment, food and beverage ready to greet the Prince. Both endured the royal obligation stoutly, laughing when they felt like it, but they were too far to talk. The same happened in the next day, and the one after. Only in the fourth day were the two able to meet without the demands of the court burdening them.

"oh, Prince Mortimer... these past few months had been horrible. It is true what they say, about the dragon and everything else, but ever since... This gold horde is cursed, I swear" She proceed to tell him about all the plights that assailed Luxius, she was truly ****.

Mortimer smiled as if her problems were quite light, and said "If... when we marry, Princess Liandra, i will be sure to keep an eye on our children´s education. It is true that love fosters strength, but too much love can spoil any children. Your subjects are your children, and you dotted too much on them". The arrogant prick was a good speaker, and Liandra felt guilty because she couldn't deny it was all her fault.

"But that is just natural for the Mother, I suppose. What your kingdom needs is a father, and a just cause for them to think beyond themselves, and into common good." A common goal, that was something the princess believed in. How can thousands of people working together not be a good thing?

"Liandra, I know we are betrothed already, but will you marry me? I will do my best to take care of you and your kingdom" and her gold, but the prince never said that. Liandra just saw his noble face, kneeling he was half a head shorter than her, his hands felt calloused.