Lamont hadn't recognized Kiara at first. His mind was wandering as he pondered if he should drop the disguise and go look for the princess. Every moment that passed convinced him more and more that she was mad enough at him to drop their plan, that he really ought to step forward and apologize, perhaps. Why else wouldn't she be down here by now? It was already well after the agreed-upon time to meet, and he was starting to get tired of doing this yard work. They did have a gardener for this very thing, after all.

Just as he turned to head back into the castle, a peasant girl let out a yell and thoughtlessly kicked at the leaves he had just raked together. His eyes widened in stunned surprise before narrowing in anger. "What do you think you're doing?" he snapped. "I worked hard getting this pile together, and you up and undo it all, just like that!" He sneered. "What is someone like you doing out here anyway? I don't remember our gardener being a woman. Shouldn't you be back inside the castle? What is your official duty anyway?"

Instead of answering with a job title, the girl answered with his name. Lamont blinked, surprised once again, wondering how this peasant girl came to know his name...

That's when he noticed the shape of her face, took note of the way she spoke, and noticed those eyes... how could he forget those grey eyes?

"Kiara?" he murmured back, any remaining trace of anger melting away to astonishment. He squinted before he broke into a wide grin. "It is you!" he gushed quietly, taking a quick glance around to make sure no one was watching before dropping the rake to take both of her hands in his. "Your disguise..." He gaze ran appreciatively down her form and back up again, "It's quite good! I almost didn't recognize you! You almost look like one of us. Anyway, I'm so glad you decide to meet me here after all. Come, we have no time to lose." He began to lead her eagerly towards the outer side gate that would lead them into the city proper. He let go of one of her hands to check his pocket; yes, the key for the gate was still there. "I've been thinking so much about all the places I want to discover with you through the guise of a commoner. I want to stroll the market square and purchase something. I want to visit a tavern. I want to find some sort of street play or performance, if there is any." He began to rattle of his list of things to do, his entire demeanor aglow in his excitement to spend a unique day outside of the castle with Kiara. He forgot at once about how he behaved earlier and it certainly did not cross his mind to apologize.