“Oh, I’m glad. I was already feeling very guilty about the delay we had before my arrival. I would have felt horrible if I ended up affecting your health on top of that.” Maire sighed in relief at Jules’ answer. She listened carefully to Jules’ description of Circassia. The topic of other kingdoms had always fascinated and scared her at the same time. On one hand she would have loved to see new sights and landscapes in the foreign countries, but on the other she was scared of leaving the comfort of her own home. Then again… She had already left it. The princess frowned a little when Matthew interrupted them. She would have liked to hear more from Jules, and Matthew’s forward mannerism was making her very uncomfortable.

Her expression brightened quite a bit at the mention of the balcony. “Really? I would love to see that.” Then hearing Jules’ apology she answered, “Ah, not at all. His excitement is a little difficult to keep up with, but I don’t think it’s a bad trait.” Smiling she added, “And I think it’s wonderful that you two seem to get along very well with each other.” She had been surprised by the sudden change in eloquence as Jules spoke to his brother, but she had taken it as a sign that he was comfortable speaking to Matthew and that perhaps that was how Jules normally was.

Having difficulty keeping up in her heels, Maire trailed a little behind. She was beginning think that the reason her sister never ran around like she did had less to do with lady-like manners, and more to do with Alicia’s attire. She had no idea that her first day at the castle would be so physically demanding.

Taking advantage of the fact the two princes had moved ahead, she whispered to Evan (who was following closely behind them), “Is there any chance you could loosen my corset?”
Evan raised an eyebrow. “Not here. When you have the chance to return to your room, please ask one of the maids to help you.”
Maire gave him a rather pitiful look that clearly said she was about to reach her limits. He let at a small sigh.
“Excuse me,” He called out to the princes, Matthew in particular. “Would your highnesses mind slowing down? Princess Alicia is a little tired from her journey here and would like to take things at a more leisurely pace.”
Then whispering very quietly he warned, “You need to stop relying on others for help. You need to think for yourself, and voice your thoughts.” Frowning, she chose not to answer him and instead did her best to catch up to Jules and Matthew without actually running after them.

“I’m very sorry… I don’t intend to be so… Slow.” She was trying hard to hide it, but she was beginning to run out of breath. “But… If it is no trouble… Could we walk a bit slower?”