The castle was bustling with activity when Adrian and Alessandra rode in. The servants all took time to bow to Adrian as he walked past them but it was obvious that they were all frantic as they hurried about. Thinking that Adam was back and that he would report directly to the King, Adrian went straight to the throne room. But Adam was not there. Instead, he saw a woman with long black hair wearing a red hang bok standing in front of both the King and Queen, handmaidens and guards flanking her.

Queen Anne's face lit up at the sight of Adrian, [color=salmon]"There you are, Prince Adrian. Come closer and meet Princess Hye Jin of Gyeongsang."[/color]

Realization washed over Adrian's face as he realized that this was probably the Princess he had been arranged to marry. He had originally expected that his father would strike up an alliance with either Bareahard or Connelly but the king apparently had greater, more ambitious plans. This Princess came from a long way away. And from what Adrian remembers from his studies, her kingdom was one of the most powerful in the world.

The King looked towards Adrian. [color=goldenrod]"Come forward, Adrian,"[/color] he commanded.

Adrian obeyed and walked forward. As he stood next to the King's throne, his father looked to the herald and nodded his head in silent command. The herald bowed his head. "May I present [url=http://static.asiachan.com/Kang.Han-na.full.72645.jpg]Princess Wang Hye Jin[/url] of Gyeongsang, the second princess of the House of Wang. Princess, let me present to you Prince Adrian Havensworth, crown prince of Whitehaven." 

As the herald finished his intriduction, the Princess smiled prettily and gave Adrian a graceful curtsy. [color=red]"I am pleased to meet you, Prince Adrian,"[/color] she said in a heavy accent. 

The surprise that had been on Adrian's face a few seconds ago was replaced by a confident smile. He stepped forward, smoothly took the Princess' hand and kissed the back of it. [color=00aeef]"It is an honor to meet you, Princess Hye Jin,"[/color] Adrian's voice sounded as confident as he carried himself. [color=00aeef]"I can imagine the weariness from the long journey you have undertaken to get to Whitehaven,"[/color] he looked to his father.
 
King Thomas nodded in approval as the Queen began speaking again. [color=salmon]"I had the servants prepare your room to make you as comfortable as possible, Princess Hye Jin. I hope it is to your liking."[/color]

Hye Jin gave the Queen and King another curtsy. [color=red]"I am sure that it will be, Your Majesty."[/Color] He turned towards Adrian, a shy smile on her face. [color=red]"If you will allow me, Prince Adrian. I would like to freshen up. And then perhaps have you show me around after?"[/color]

[color=00aeef]"Of course,"[/color] Adrian smiled back politely. 

The queen's handmaiden bowed low to Hye Jin before leading her, her handmaiden and her guards to the room prepared for her. As soon as the princess had left the throne room, King Thomas addressed his son. [color=goldenrod]"I am aware that you have expected an alliance with Bareahard or Connelly, Adrian. But an alliance with Gyeongsang will be more fruitful as they have the same interest as Whitehaven. Princess Hye Jin might not be the crown princess but the House of Wang would still pledge allegiance to us through your marriage. The King of Gyeongsang have already chosen a date for your wedding. It shall be in six months time hence you have until then to familiarize yourself with each other."[/color]