Adrian gave Alessandra a small smile before he turned to Amelie and gave her a curt nod. He walked past the two women and headed for the sitting room, his thoughts turning back to the conversation he had with Adam about arranged marriages. He clearly remembered how Alessandra had sounded offended when he had announced that he didn't mind having no love in his marriage. While he knew that it was his responsibility to follow his father's commands, he now felt a slight twinge of... [color=00aeef][i]Disappointment? Strange that I would feel this about my arranged marriage,[/i][/color] he found himself thinking a little perplexedly. He tried to push the thoughts and the feeling away but it nagged at him.

Amelie opened the door for him and he stepped into the sitting room. At the sight of the crown prince, Princess Hye Jin immediately stood up and gave him a bow. She flashed Adrian a pretty smile that showcased the small dimples near the corners of her lips. Adrian gave her a polite bow of his own. He smiled and extended to her his arm to take. [color=00aeef]"Shall we proceed to our little tour of Whitehaven, Princess?"[/color]

The princess looked delighted at how charming Adrian was. She nodded and then curled her arm on Adrian's. [color=red]"Thank you, Prince Adrian."[/color]

Adrian looked amused. Hye Jin was pretty and polite but he wondered how she really was underneath the perfect facade. [color=00aeef]"You may call me Adrian and I will call you Hye Jin,"[/color] he started. [color=00aeef]"It would be good not to be too formal and familiarize yourself with your future husband. And this tour would familiarize you with your future kingdom,"[/color] he finished in an as-a-matter-of-factly tone.

Hye Jin gracefully lifted a hand to her mouth to cover it as she giggled shyly. [color=red]"I am looking forward to spending the day seeing Whitehaven... Adrian,"[/color] she said as she looked up at him.

[color=00aeef][i]Alessandra would have thought me self centered for saying that,[/i][/color] Adrian found himself thinking and then blinked when he caught himself. He smiled down at Hye Jin and tried to focus his attention on her. 

Hye Jin turned her attention to both Amelie and Alessandra, her perfect eyebrows arching in question. Although she looked haughty, her voice remained refined and calm. [color=Red]"Will the two of them accompany us?"[/color] she asked, obviously thinking that the two women a hindrance.

Adrian glanced towards Alessandra then at Hye Jin. He should probably have Alessandra stay and just let Henry accompany them. But strangely enough, he wanted the handmaiden close to him. [color=00aeef]"Amelie is my mother's handmaiden. She will be staying behind,"[/color] he started. [color=00aeef]"Alessandra will be coming along with us to tend to both our needs,"[/color] he finished in a tone that was final and left nothing open for argument. [color=00aeef]"Come. Henry should be waiting for us in the carriage. He is my personal guard and will be accompanying us as well,"[/color] he said as he started walking.

Hye Jin nodded meekly but gave Alessandra another pointed look before she turned and walked away with Adrian.