Lishinia dressed a sleepy Peregrine and combed out her hair for the day. The frizziness from the rain was gone, and Peregrine's long pink tresses were silky enough that Lish had to use a twist while braiding it to keep it secure before tying the ends.

  As this was their last day of travel, she wanted to have something that would survive the distance so her mistress would look presentable when they arrived at the palace. She brought out one of Peregrine’s favourite dresses, hoping to give her charge a bit more confidence.

  Because she needed it.

  “Lish…” Peregrine’s eyes glanced at the door for the hundredth time that morning. “When you go down, could you see if the delegation from Peldeep is still here?”

  This level of nervousness was new, and Lish cursed in her heart. She cursed the royal family, the crown prince, and especially the rude oaf that they’d chosen for her precious lady.

  There were mourning periods for a reason. Peregrine was mourning the love of her life, she deserved a proper time to grieve his loss! How could they do this to her?

  And with a non-elf foreigner!

  Lishinia wouldn’t call herself bigoted– but there was an added cultural barrier between her mistress and whatever-he-was. The man couldn’t even follow Valarian polite conventions, calling out to her miss in a hallway for their first greeting!

  And just look at Peregrine now! She was so nervous she couldn’t even freely leave her room for fear of running into him in the hallway again.

  “Of course, miss!” Lish squared her shoulders, readying herself.

  A part of her was upset when she didn’t see the knight standing in the hallway. She wanted to give that man a taste of her mind. But no, she only found Sir Bay Nordon standing guard outside Crown Prince Deryl’s room.

  Sir Bay was a branch member of the Nordon duchy, and only managed to get his position through nepotism and min-maxing his strength stat.

  Unfortunately, Lish had to speak with the elf. “Sir Bay. Greetings from my mistress.”

  It was easier using the Fern household to ask for things, since speaking on her own terms might only be met with silence Her decision was proven correct when Sir Bay gave a pained expression before looking down his nose at her, “What is it, maid.”

  “Countess Peregrine would know when she should make herself ready to leave, so as not to inconvenience the crown prince.” Lish said, playing with her words.

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  Sir Bay frowned, “It is your duty to be ready at all times, should our master call.”

  “Of course, great knight.” Lish bowed low, “I only ask because my mistress has seen your skill at arms and told me to seek you out for information– as surely you would be the most knowledgeable on the matter.”

  The words appeased the guards vanity, and softened his stance slightly. “As you say. Tell your mistress that we will be heading out after the noon hour.”

  Lish curtsied again. “Thank you.”

  From there, Lish ordered breakfast, checked on the horses, and confirmed her suspicions with the innkeeper.

  The Peldeep delegation had already left.

  …

  Peregrine:

  “I don’t care what is in the way.” The Crown Prince snarled from inside his carriage loud enough for all to hear. “Move it or run it over.”

  I wasn't surprised at the order, but it left a sour taste in my mouth.

  The carriage in question was turned on it's side and obstructing half the road. The owners were a family of rabbit folk, who were clearly in need of assistance. The mother had her right arm in a makeshift sling made out of two kerchiefs tied together, and the children were trying to help by collecting any clothes and valuables that had spilled from an open chest suspended off the back of their carriage from half-cut ropes.

  I had to stop myself from helping, gripping my reins as tight as I could to remain silent; simply watching the mother walk over and push the chest back into place with her one good hand. Maybe I could signal Lish to fall behind...

  “We can clear you the space, but you should turn back until the Black Brigade Knights arrives.” The rabbit father came forward, eying the elves nervously after hearing the prince’s words. “There's—”

  “Silence, beast.” Crown Prince Deryl glared down at the rabbit man.

  “But the bandits–”

  “You think some sorry excuse for bandits is going to bother me? They couldn’t even steal one chest from your unarmed cart!” The prince scoffed and turned to Sir Bay, “Push their things aside and move on.”

  The rabbit father looked a mix of offended and worried, but didn’t reply because he was too busy protecting his family from Sir Bay. The knight had dismounted and was walking towards them ominously.

  Instead of righting the carriage, he lifted a foot and shoved it further into the ditch.

  “Clear,” Sir Bay called, and the delegation prepared to move out.

  This was life– desperately wanting to do something. To help. If they weren't going to help, I could. With 28 Strength, I might even be able to lift the overturned carriage on my own!

  Not that I could advertise that.

  The only consolation I had was the knowledge that the Black Brigade was on its way, and help would arrive soon.

  “Hey now!” A female voice called out from behind them.

  It belonged to one very angry troll.