Strange how rather hesitant and slightly brash the Princess had reacted to this astonishing of discoveries about her recent savior's identity, but Irina gave it no further thought. It was clear the young girl would much rather return to the royal palace and rest after such an eventful afternoon, an afternoon that may have left her a bit off-guard and weary of her own well-being. The King, he was rather perplexed as well by his daughter's bizarre shift in behavior once Sir Irina had arrived on scene and revealed herself not to be a man but a woman...a woman of all things clad in armor and wielding a sword, not to mention displaying a most chivalrous of attitudes that was thought to only come of male knights....then again the woman was trained by her father in such ways, so there wasn't much surprise to that. Still, what was it about Irina that seemed so off-putting to Princess Crystal? [b]"You must excuse my daughter, Sir Irina. She is only recovering from the recent shock of this afternoon."[/b] The King spoke humbly with a sincere expression. [b]"Ah, but I would be delighted if you were to accompany my daughter and I to the Royal Palace. Once we arrive there, I shall have my chefs prepare the most exquisite of meals for us three, and I shall reward you greatly for your valor."[/b] His slightly plump hand rested firm on the back of Irina's armor in the heartiest and most jovial of gestures as he chortled greatly, his belly undulating with laughter. [b]"How does that sound, Sir Irina?"[/b]

Irina smiled at the King's honorable request and nodded generously, "Your Majesty, I'm indeed flattered, but no further reward is necessary for the due services of a knight such as me, but....I am feeling a tad malnourished, so a feast sounds wonderful to me." A feast was indeed a more desired reward than just gold or silver, or even her own castle. How long has it been since Irina had sat down to a graciously cooked meal and eaten her fill until she could stomach no more? Quite long, as she had traveled the vast lands of Alegasia, the life of a hired sword, not the most glamorous as compared to a true knight, but it did the woman's heart good to serve those in need, even if she had to make due without her own needs for the time. Sure every once in a while there was enough gold for a stay at a ratty and uncomfortable bed at an inn, a piece of discarded bread and some aged cheddar only to sustain her as she carried herself to the next village over, but a feast...it was certainly an opportunity she couldn't pass up, that and...maybe getting to know the Princess a little bit better than before.

[b]"Then it's settled!"[/b] The King chimed happily, again his hand patting hard the back of Irina. [b]"Ready your steed to my carriage, Sir Irina, and we shall be off."[/b] And with that, His Majesty returned to the carriage. Irina soon put her fingers to her mouth and gave a shrill whistle, to where her mighty steed Argo soon followed finally. "That got your attention, didn't it?" She jested petting the large horse on his nose, the horse butting against her with a snort. "Oh not now, you big lug." Irina laughed grabbing the horse's reins and pulling him over to the yoke of the carriage, noticing Argo still munching the carrot Crystal had given him. "Aye, so I see you too have grown acquainted with the Princess. She's a pretty lass, indeed, isn't she?" Another snort issued from Argo, as if to agree with Irina, that or show again his displeasure at being hitched to the carriage. Making sure everything was fastened tight and there was no way whatsoever Argo could break free from the yoke, Irina gave the horse a firm but loving pat on his shoulder before climbing onto the carriage and beginning the journey back to the Royal Palace.