The clashing of wooden swords echoed off the brick walls surrounding the training grounds in the palace. The sun was supposedly high in the sky but there was a shadow at this time of year.
Princess Marie leaned against the railing that bordered the walkway that stood over the grounds and stared at the Royal Knights below as they sweat through the cool breeze. She could smell the changing of seasons. The cold that whipped her hair across her face told a story of autumn and the cold winter they were to face in less than a couple of months.
Since the final night of the banquet, the princess had been in a quiet mood.
After the knights had left, her eldest brother, Alfred XV, shared a dance with her. Normally she didn't get along with him but in front of nobles, she was required to act pleasant.
