Watching the Kings Steward she was curious about him, he reminded her of Rochefort. Her father’s advisor and most trusted of the King which meant that Manawyndan was similar in that regard to the King here. Nodding her head as he spoke, she turned to Treville who seemed to relax a little more now they were safely past the gates and at the palace. [color=6ecff6][b]“Thank you, we look forward to being able to rest.”[/b][/color] 

Nodding to Treville who signalled for his men to follow she turned to the two soldiers who would lead her to where she was staying. It was a relief to know she could rest in private, away from prying eyes. [color=6ecff6][i]Well, I will be watched. Let’s face it.[/i][/color] Frowning slightly as she walked trying not to ponder on the fact that she was no longer free. It hadn’t taken them long to reach the Silver Tower that was being used for her stay, well. [color=6ecff6][i]It’s not really a stay is it? Is this where I am to stay forever?[/i][/color]

“Your highness.”

[color=6ecff6][b]“What now Treville, more encouraging words? Or are we to discuss more about my impending marriage and role in life once more?”[/b][/color] Snapping her words at Treville as she stopped in one of the halls glancing back at him, the rest of the men had been shown to rooms they could use and it was just them two plus one of the soldiers that was showing them around until the seneschal had been sent over. 

Taking a step back Treville looked from Elise to the soldier, eyes expressing his clear distrust to her speaking out in front of one of the Kings subjects. “You’re not helping matters.” 

[color=6ecff6][b]“Oh please.”[/b][/color] Scoffing she looked at the soldier who had escorted them here and already knew that Treville was suggesting not to outwardly show her dislike in front of them. [color=6ecff6][b]“What’s the worst that can happen? The people here already wish for my death, the King knows of my dislike on this arrangement. This is all information he already knows; he is not stupid and if for one minute you think he is oblivious to all of this that will be your death Treville.”[/b][/color] Turning on her heel she waved him away like he was nothing, infuriated by his words as she moved into the room the soldier was stood by assuming it was for her. Slamming the door behind her she felt her body shake with anger as she stood in the middle of the room trying to regain her composure. 

It was only then she took in the sight of her room, lavish red curtains adorned the windows. A magnificent four poster bed sat against a wall adorned with art. Bedding covered with fine silk that looked ever so inviting, embellished wooden furniture with some sort of fine metal and a door which no doubt led to a bathroom. The floors were crafted with fine wood and she caught site of a soft rug by the bed, it was only now that Elise started to feel alone in this place. Trapped with nowhere to run or hide. Turning to look at the window there was a bay bumped out allowing a person to sit there to look out of it, red velvet cushions were placed at either end of the window sill and a black fabric covered the nook to give comfort for whomever was to sit at this window. 

Closing her eyes, she felt a tear slide down her cheek, her hand raised wiping it away like it was nothing. [color=6ecff6][i]I can’t let my emotions get the better of me.[/i][/color] Even with her words she felt more tears and without realising she fell to her knees in the middle of her room and began to cry. As much as Elise had kept most of her composure the last part of the ride had scared her, it reminded her just how powerless she was in all of this. She had been powerless to fight against her father in his decision to unite the Kingdoms and as much as she showed confidence against King Ozragad she was ultimately at his mercy, powerless against him. It was a moment of weakness, now alone in her room she was free to show it without fear of anyone finding out she was weak and scared. 

Placing her head in her hands she sighed heavily, dragging her fingers down her cheeks before looking up after having spent quite the few moments crying. Pushing herself to her feet she heard a knock at the door and frowned, making sure her face was dry of tears she used her fingers to comb her hair to make sure she was still presentable. [color=6ecff6][b]“Come in.”[/b][/color] Calling out she turned her gaze to the door unsettled on what could happen next. 

“Your highness.” An older Formori woman herself entered bowing her head respectfully holding a plater of food, moving inside fully she placed the platter on the table before turning to the Princess smiling. “I am here to assist you; I am one of the ladies who will be ensuring your stay is satisfactory and you are well kept for.” Looking up and down at the Princess she glanced at the platter of food, she was a woman with plenty of experience and had tended to many nobles and even she could tell the Princess was unsettled. If she right in her thoughts she was certain the Princess had been crying. 

[color=6ecff6][b]“Ah… thank you. Might I ask your name?”[/b][/color] Smiling slightly Elise looked at the woman, she had a sense of kindness about her and it was oddly relaxing. 

“Atarah.” 

[color=6ecff6][b]“That’s a lovely name. Thank you Atarah.”[/b][/color] Glancing down at the platter of food she could see an array of cheese, cold meats and other nibbles. There was also a range of fruit should she not want any of the selection on the platter. [color=6ecff6][b]“I apologise, I do not want to sound rude, but I’m not really hungry. I’d quite like to just get some rest. If that’s okay.”[/b][/color]

“Of course, your highness, I shall be here in the morning to help you dress for tomorrows event. Ensure you get plenty of rest.” Atarah bowed her head before moving to the door, “Do you require anything else?” Upon seeing the shake of the Princesses head, she smiled and bowed out of the room signalling one of the guards to keep an eye on the door for the night. It wasn’t just to ensure that the Princess stayed in her room, but to also keep anyone else out of it for her protection during the unrest of their people. 

[centre]______[/centre]

The night had passed, and it was not a peaceful one for Elise, although she had settled herself into the expensive bed that had lavish covers it did not encourage sleep. Throughout the night she had tossed and turned in the bed, listened out for every sound in case someone was out to kill her. Even though her men were staying close and Treville regardless of her snapping at him would ensure her safety she was still highly unsettled in this new setting. Sleep was not her friend, not tonight and she doubted it would be for a while until exhaustion consumed her. 

Sitting up bolt right in the bed when she heard the door open her eyes snapped to whomever had entered, but she felt herself relax more seeing Atarah move inside. 

“Good morning your highness, I am here to get you ready for todays events. I have the other chambermaids preparing your breakfast and they will assist us this morning.” Atarah smiled as she opened up the curtains looking over at the Princess, “Did you get much sleep?”

[color=6ecff6][b]“Ah…”[/b][/color] Rubbing the back of her neck, [color=6ecff6][b]“Yeah…”[/b][/color] Frowning as she shook her head, she moved herself from the bed standing herself up looking over at Atarah who was placing down a gown on the table. It was a fine dress, a dark red colour with black lacing that adorned the rim and the bodice of the dress. [color=6ecff6][b]“Is this what I am to wear?”[/b][/color] 

“Of course, it is a fine gown that is customary to our people. I didn’t see much of your belongings sent with you, so I thought it best I arranged for clothing. It would be wise to wear something of our culture; it might help the unrest.” Atarah smiled as she signalled for two of the ladies at the door to enter the room. One bringing a selection of fruits on a platter which was tempting as she was quite hungry having not eaten much yesterday. The other was holding a tankard of something drink.