To say that Rhiane had a lack of enthusiasm for their schedule was an understatement. For once it was not his petulant behavior or condescending attitude that was the cause for concern, but rather the setting of her home town. As much as she genuinely loved the placed where she was born, she was worried about their reception of Luke and his entourage in particular. The people here had no illusions about the flaws of the government and crown, and while they were not all rebellious dissidents, they had suffered under the faults, and been systematically ignored when it was convenient. Many more here died from the plague than her mother and brother. Perhaps the resistance had not gained a strong foothold here yet, but if the heir to the throne paraded himself around, unsympathetic to their plight or in denial of the bias he had been given by subordinates, it would be disastrous. The announcement of one of their own as princess elect had gained back some of the lost favor, and instilled slightly more loyalty, but the battle for their fealty was far from won.

"It will be harder to convince them than anywhere else we've been," she mused quietly. Nolan and Tobias might be able to overhear, but it wasn't as if they weren't aware that the engaged couple had their complications. The facade of romantic love was a tale sold to the masses; on the other hand, the nobility was comforted by the fact it was was a charade. They simultaneously had to sell the concept of being madly infatuated with one another to the majority of the populace while reassuring the privileged minority it was only a political arrangement for the betterment of their society. Royal staff in particular were aware of the dichotomy, they just did not expect her to be so willful or practical when her predecessors were enthralled by beauty, wealth, and prestige. History had taught them she should be madly in love with Luke and she was reluctant to reveal the reality.

She let silence fall until they reached the marketplace and the vehicle came to a rolling stop. It was only then, when they were supposed to disembark, she let out a heavy sigh. "Nolan, Tobias, could you give us a moment of privacy?" she asked politely. Rhiane anticipated a protest from Nolan but, either because he sensed the prince would agree, or because he didn't want to be blamed for another fight, or he wanted to avoid listening to their discussion, he gave a curt nod and both men stepped out of the vehicle, closing the doors behind them. Outside a crowd was beginning to gather as they realized who the expensive motorcade arriving belonged to.

"I'm not accusing you of not doing your research, but I want to warn you these people won't be as fooled as easily as the other places we've been," she said as she ran a hand through her hair thoughtfully. "They knew me before I left for the contest and entered the capital. Lying to them will be much more difficult. And unlike our other stops, there is a much higher percentage of the population here that is apathetic or upset with your mother, and they'll be looking for any sign that you're a fraud. You could be perfect and I'd wager they'd assume the worst. I just want this to go well for you, so..." the former farmer took a deep breath. "If it would be easier we can split up. Nolan doesn't like me, but if it would make you feel better, we could swap bodyguards if you absolutely can't allow me to spend time alone with Tobias."

What she was trying to delicately state was that she knew that Luke did not have any affection to her. The media had their suspicions. In person, with an audience that didn't like him, that was invested in her, the future king had much resting on his shoulders. Without sincerity he would have to be an excellent actor. In the best of moods- which he was not in now- he had not been award-winning. As heartbreaking as it was to feel rejected, to know she'd never be good enough for him, and that he'd choose the side of the aristocracy over her every time, she didn't want to demolish his image in one fell swoop. She had alternatives to marrying him now that she had become the darling of New Rome. Rich and powerful as he was, he seemingly had one path, and if it was ruined she did not want to be the one responsible.

Tempted as she was to clear the air about the painting, if he couldn't figure out that Nolan didn't care for her, and would side with him, and that he held Callista on a pedestal, then that was his own fault. Tobias was the only person in her proverbial corner that treated her with honestly, dignity, and respect. A frown flickered onto her face as she realized how much simpler it would have been if her childish crush was on someone who was so kind, patient, and considerate, rather than someone arrogant, haughty, and emotionally unavailable.