**A few hours before the Princess's arrival**
"Your Highness, the lunch is ready. Would you like me to serve in the dining hall?" Albert knocked on the door.
Adrian was going through some letters "Bring the lunch here. Also, any news about the Princess?"
"Yes, the Princess should arrive at the port now. We are awaiting a final confirmation. As per your instructions, two Royal Knights were dispatched in the morning to escort them here"
Adrian nodded.
Albert left and came back with lunch and a letter.
"Your Majesty, we have received a response from the Lumin merchant guild. A representative will meet you soon"
Adrian took the letter from butler and frowned.
"Also, we have received word from our Knights at the port. The Princess has safely reached Azure port and right now is on her way here"
"Albert, don't you think we are missing something?"
"Apologies, I do not understand" Albert looked confused.
"Who is accompanying the Princess?" Adrian steepled his finger and looked at Albert.
"As per report, Princess Ignis is travelling with a few of her close staff, Knights and - " Albert's eyes widened. Adrian hid his face in his palms and laughed bitterly.
"So the 'Big Mission' that the Lumin merchant guild were talking about was to safely escort Princess Ignis across the Kingdom" Albert concluded.
"Not only that" Adrian sighed "Lumin is well known to take difficult missions and hence they charge a hefty sum for their services. The Princess must have more wealth than that of a regular Count to afford the services. As per the hearsay, she has always been at the mercy of the King of Fyre Land. How was she able to amass this much wealth?"
Adrian shook his head smiling "We will need to ask her directly"
He stood up from his chair "Albert, go and fetch the best outfit you could find in the city within an hour" and walked towards the double door.
"Yes Your Maje- What?!" The King paused at the door.
"What? I simply want to look magnificent today" He rubbed the back of his neck and added "If I am bound to lose this mind game, I might as well have some fun"
** That evening **
The butler entered the King's chamber "Your Majesty, the Princess will be here any second. As per your order all went out to receive her. But - "
Adrian looked at the butler through the mirror, raising one eyebrow "But?"
Albert kept silent for few minutes. The King's attendant was helping him get ready.
"Forgive me Your Highness, but I think we should ask someone else to escort the Princess to the Great Hall, rather than the King himself going to receive her. There are many nobles attending the event. What will they think?"
The attendant brought the white fur cape and clipped it on the King's shoulder. After taking a last look at the King, the attendant left.
Adrian kept looking at himself in the mirror.
"I am curious" he confessed "A young daughter of one of the powerful kingdoms, reaches out to me as soon as she hears that I am looking for a bride. She even makes a ridiculous offer to get my attention. I want to meet her as soon as possible to know her intentions"
Albert shook his head "If she is as wealthy as we think her to be, there are enough resources for her to utilize in her own kingdom. If she is reaching out to another Kingdom for help, I am concerned that, she is planning to cause trouble for the entire Empire"
Adrian smiled at himself in the mirror
I would love some trouble too.
***
Adrian stood at the landing just before the second flight of stairs started. The Royal Knights stood behind him on the stairs in a disciplined order. The nobles stood behind the Knights whispering about why everyone has to come out to greet a mere princess. Some ladies kept glancing and giggling at the King, making uncomfortable remarks.
Adrian felt frustrated with all the weird gazes falling upon him. He almost thought of killing everyone when the gates rolled open and the two Royal Knights escorted a carriage along with Knights clad in dark silver armour and maroon cape with the crest of Fyre Kingdom. Every Knight looked fresh and clean. The proof of a long journey is nowhere to be seen. A junior Royal Knight rushed to escort the Princess.
Princess Ignis got down the carriage, one hand lightly taking the support of the Knight and the other holding the hem of her dress. Amidst the magically lit cobbled path, she was a vision of timeless beauty and grace. She gave a soft smile to the Knight. Adrian saw the Knight's ears turning red. Well, that was understandable as he himself felt his heart skip a beat. Her waist-long hair, as dark as the midnight sky, fell in sleek waves down her back. With light wheatish skin, she possessed an ethereal glow that rivals the luminance of the moonlit night.
She quickly straightened her voluminous skirt, made of layers of tulle that create a dreamy silhouette. The sleeveless bodice of her lavender dress, features a plunging V-neckline and is adorned with intricate beadwork and sequins. The waistline is perfectly fitted, highlighting her figure, which is adorned with curves that are sculpted to perfection, before the skirt flares out. Though slender, she carries herself with a regal poise befitting her royal lineage, her above-average height granting her an air of statuesque elegance. She wore arm-length white laced gloves embellished with crystals that looked like rain drops. The Princess and her troops reached the landing.
Upon a close look, Adrian felt that more than any feature, it is her eyes that were the most mesmerizing. Dark amethyst orbs that shimmer with a depth of mystery. Like precious gems gleaming in the darkness, they hold the secrets of the past and the dreams of a future yet to unfold.
Albert cleared his throat and whispered "Your Majesty, we should quickly go inside, it's getting late".
Take her inside? I would be insane to share her beauty with anyone. Adrian frowned at his own possessive thought. These feelings felt foreign to him. He quickly tried to regain his composure.
The Princess curtsied and greeted him. Her voice felt warm and pleasant, with a calm pitch. It conveys a sense of intelligence and confidence.
Although being graceful, her stiff shoulders gave away the fatigue. The Princess's party that stood behind looked crisp and regal. But, their tired eyes, too, screamed for a bed.
After all she wont be staying out too long
That insensible thought, again, brought a smile to his face.
He welcomed the Princess and took her inside the Great Hall.