Down in the place of arms, the King and Damia's brother, Prince Elric, watched as the soldiers prepared for the arrival of the guests later that evening.
"Father, do you think we have enough soldiers for today's festivities. There were rumors spreading of a suspicious character roaming the streets last week. He was believed to be a spy from Easland, but the grand knights were unable to find any evidence of such a person existing within the kingdom walls." Prince Elric broke his gaze from the soldiers momentarily to face the King.
The King remained silent for a moment, watching as the grandmaster gave the soldiers their orders and assigned them to different posts. He then spoke as though unfazed by the news. "Son, I'm well aware of the rumors. Easland has long sought after my throne, but fret not. Unlike their armies, we continued training our soldiers after the Great War. I've said it before; no kingdom exists with greater military might than our own. Let them try to attack. We're more than ready."
With nothing more to say, the King turned and walked away from the prince and the soldiers.
"Hmm, well alright Father," Elric thought to himself. Aloud, he then addressed the grandmaster. "Grandmaster Niklaus, the main entrance of the castle is well guarded. Let's move two of the soldiers from there to guard the rear entrance as substitutes for the ones there currently. They have worked incessantly since the rumors started. It would be best to have fresh soldiers there during the event."
Pondering this suggestion, Grandmaster Niklaus knew the two had received substitutions for short breaks, but nothing prolonged, so he arrived at the same conclusion. "You are absolutely right Young Master. They can resume their post after a day's rest."
"Pardon me, grandmaster." The two turned to face the servant bowing at the entrance of the corridor.
"Oh Adi, you're late. Where is Damia?" The grandmaster asked nonchalantly.
At the mention of her name, Elric stiffened. Why would the grandmaster be meeting with her?
"She fell behind on some of her work unfortunately, but she should be here shortly. Given the delay, I thought it prudent to speak with you first and ensure the kitchen staff was given your plans for meal breaks during the festivities."
"Thank you, Adi. You are kind to take this into consideration. As agreed, I prepared it yesterday and gave it to the head chef this morning. Though, I'll need to make minor modifications as the Prince made an excellent observation. I shall report the changes once I'm done here."
"No need Grandmaster. I can deliver your message."
"Wonderful, thank you again, Adi."
"You're welcome. Oh, milad…" Adi paused midsentence, remembering Prince Elric's presence. "I mean, Damia approaches now. I will hold you up no longer, Grandmaster."
Adi stepped back out of the room as Damia entered. Her cheeks were slightly flushed from running from her room, and she had changed out from her maid's uniform to the royal blue and gold livery donned by the foot soldiers. She gave a small curtsey to the Grandmaster, and then froze when she saw Prince Elric.
Prince Elric could be described as Damia's opposite in almost every way. If her beauty came from her dark, soft features, his came from light, cold ones. He kept his light blonde hair short on the bottom, and slightly longer on top, brushed away from his face. He had a tall, strong build, which attested to his prowess in combat training. And while Damia was meek and soft spoken, Elric had an imposing demeaner.
"Prince Elric, I... apologies your royal highness, I did not mean to interrupt. I'll just step outside until you are ready for me, Grandmaster." She curtsied properly this time and kept her gaze down as she started to back out of the room.
"Please stay and rise, Princess. The King may not recognize your title, but do not bow to me. What business do you have with the grandmaster, and what's with this atrocious attire? It's undignified for a lady of your stature." Though his words would mislead one to believe that he cared for Damia, his cold gaze spoke of a different sentiment.
Still looking down, Damia rose from the curtsy, but she remained silent. She was hesitant to provide a response as doing so might give the grandmaster unnecessary trouble.
"Actually, Young Master, the King was the one that directed me to call her here for training with the foot soldiers. He suggested that training her body might help in strengthening her powers so she can shift properly. In her current state, should neighboring kingdoms become aware of her identity, she would become a liability; a target for ransom. I gave her the livery as it would not suit to have her train in a dress among men."
Elric looked up at the sky and noted the sun's low position. "While I agree with this reasoning. It is getting late and the Princess will need time to assume her role for tonight's festivities. I'm sure her training can be postponed for tomorrow."
"As you wish, Young Master. Dami-"
The grand master was interrupted by the prince.
"I must implore you to use proper etiquette with the princess for the time being. The castle will soon host our guests and we must not lead on to her treatment being equal to the staff."
So, this was the true reason behind the prince's comment earlier about Damia. He's assumed the role he always takes on during these events; charming prince and doting brother.