[They're going to look like Christmas...green and red! Oh, and her brother isn't married yet.]

She had planned to stay there and wait for the servant that would fetch her, but a different one informed her that the Prince had yet to enter the castle or even be seen close to it. In her apprehension and curiosity, she was up far too early and had gotten dressed and prepared in no time flat. Her small amount of rouging was already done, and she figured that there would be no one calling for her for several hours at least. So, rather, she went to the kitchen and took a slice of still warm bread and butter. So long as she didn't get too much mud on the hem of her gown, her tiring woman wouldn't kill her too much.

She hoped, at least. The last thing she wanted to do was marry a man she barely knew, but a prince...a prince! Eating her small breakfast, she went to the stable. The title would be more than enough to elevate her family status. Her father had made his money with his lifestock and his lands, but they hadn't been a well-known family in such a long time. She knew that the talk alone would garner more offers for the hands of her two sisters. Even her brother would get more interest if she found such a good match. In all respects, it looked like a good idea...but if he was ugly, if he was boring or bland or barbarous...what was she going to do then? Well, she would have to just bite her lip and go on with her marriage. The only thing she was expected to do was provide an heir and several back ups, as many sons as she could. Her family wasn't exactly popular for sons, but his was...and the match was so smart, of course.

Sighing, she finished her bread and stepped inside to greet her favorite horse. Today she wouldn't get a ride like she wished; instead, she play the part of dutiful daughter and match to the prince. One hand went over his soft, velvety nose....she loved him, and her hope was that he would come with her when she went to her new house. If she could still get her daily ride, then she would be content. And contentment was all that could be asked for in a marriage. At least, that was what her mother always told her. Contentment and gentleness and honor....and to never be anything but dutiful. Give boys and run the house; that was her duty. Oh, and look pleasing to her husband's eye. All she was was breeding stock in the end.