***
Calden Castle.
Lanercoast.
It had been five days since Quentin and the others had left Calden Castle for the South to fight against Mathilde. Arabelle sat alone in a small wooden chair on the balcony of her chamber, watching the crowds in the city.
Marcella went with Violet into the city to buy something. Princess Mary was still playing with Lady Lucie in the backyard of Calden Castle. Everything was peaceful and serene in this city, especially when the city was guarded by a volunteer army of city people and 10,000 Archibald soldiers.
The door to Arabelle's chamber was knocked softly. Arabelle looked back and hurriedly went to the door. The left hand opened the door and saw a woman walk in, elegantly dressed with a familiar face to Arabelle.
"Lady Marie," Arabelle greeted, lifting the skirt of her dress slightly as she saluted Lady Marie Archibald. Marie did the same. After all, both were equal in nobility status.
