It was getting late and Prince Alric, finally released from his burdensome duties, exited the great hall. He had wanted to find Anna, but Princess Brida had kept him busy. His brother's insistence that he accompany her was infuriating, yet he was born and bred a Prince of the Realm and must follow through with his duties, no matter how distasteful.
He stopped a servant to ask where the Mercerian delegation was roomed and was told to visit the east wing. He made his way there as quickly as he could while still maintaining his decorum. He finally found the rooms they were using; Anna had been given a suite. There was an outer visiting room that joined to a bedroom. He was surprised to see no guard in the hallway and was about to knock on the door when it opened. A young man, perhaps the sam
