The sunlight that morning was thankfully not very harsh. It gleamed softly over the castle courtyard as Aeric and Delva prepared to leave, their mounts walking gracefully toward the gates.
Wandering in his mind as he usually did, Aeric's sharp gaze swept across the grounds, taking in the lively scene around him.
As usual, workers were moving about with their objectives in mind, tending to the cobblestone pathways, trimming the hedges, feeding the beasts and livestock, while commoners milled near the castle entrance, their hands full of produce and goods for the royal household.
"Good morning, Prince Aeric," several greeted warmly, bowing their heads or waving.
Aeric nodded back, a faint smile gracing his lips, his noble poise never faltering. He was really starting to like the feeling of responsibility this gave him, knowing that all the people here looked up to him and respected him and because of that, much was expected from him.