The column finally started moving down the road. The carriage lurched forward and then had to stop. The whole column moved and stopped like a large accordion until the rhythm of the march finally took hold and their speed stabilized. Alric sat across from the princess, absently gazing out the window at the passing countryside. It was Anna who broke the silence.
"So tell me, Alric," she said, "do you really think all these guards are necessary?"
Alric, startled out of his daydreaming, looked at the girl sitting facing him. "Of course. You're a Royal Princess, anything less would be impolite. We place great importance on your protection."
"No offense, but I'm pretty sure my knights are more than capable of defending me."
"Yes, but our troops lend an air of respectability to the march."
