Bab 134: I'm not unwary, I'm a gracious host

The court gathered outside to welcome Prince Octavian. He rode a sleek, pale stallion, armored and with a massive black dog at his heels.

Isabelle's maids and her husbands had fussed and groomed her in the hours before he arrived, and she sat primly in her most ornate dress, hair done up and bejeweled with emeralds and amethysts, Snowball cuddled in her arms.

The entire palace grounds were decorated festively with colorful flowers everywhere, creating an enchanting atmosphere within which many nobles had gathered in order to celebrate their ruler's marriage proposal, and the new alliance with Pristan.

They all stood in an elaborate courtyard, a welcome procession ready and waiting for whatever demands this prince might have, while also displaying that despite their recent plague they were still capable and functional.