The Royal Court of Weldwyn was busy as Alric made his way into the great hall. His father was in deep discussion with several nobles and Alric was loath to interrupt him. He kept going over, in his head, how to break the news that the princess wished to travel north.
A voice interrupted his musings, "Alric, what news?"
He turned to see Alstan, striding across the room, drink in hand. "I've been coordinating things with our visitor," he said.
"And how's that going, Brother?"
Alric had to think a moment before continuing. He looked around conspiratorially to make sure no one else was in earshot. "It's infuriating," he said at last.
"How so?"
"She won't follow protocol. She wants to go tearing off on... a tour of the kingdom. I have to figure out how to tell Father."
"She'll need an es
