"I would be my pleasure to ride out with you, your Highness. I mean--Prince Polkos." she corrected herself. She was unable to call him anything less formal, fearing what others would thing. 

"The stubborn black undoubtedly giving the stable boys trouble, that's Amos. My father's gift to me a few years ago. Something to remind me of home" she said as she looked out at the flickering lights of the city. She felt as if she had been there for years, and it had only been a day. There was something familiar about the city seen from that angle, but she couldn't quite place it.

She finished her drink and felt it warm her insides as it trickled down her throat. She turned to face Polkos again, wondering how him and Maleea, two completely different people fro what she could tell, would fare after they were married. But her job was to honour her country through service to the Princess, and so she readied herself to paint a cheery picture.

"Princess Maleea is a very kindhearted, honourable woman. I believe she will make you quite happy, and provide you with beautiful children. It's my understanding that this was a very desired union for the benefit of both our nations. I have no doubts you will find her everything you expect a wife to be" she said with a smile. She realised how automated her response had sounded, but Polkos seemed like a genuine person, and for some reason she felt the need to see him happy. She kicked herself mentally at the thought and carried on.

"If you don't mind me asking...what happened? Why did you leave? Of course we heard of it in Dasvrochi, but it was all kept very secret" she said, hoping she wasn't overstepping her boundaries.