When Keith escorted Henrietta into the Waddling Wombat, he was not expecting to run into the most exhausting excuse for an elf in all the known kingdoms.

But here they were.

"If it isn't the Dark Lord of the Dark Enchanted Forest in his dark carriage right when it's about to get dark outside." Crown Prince Deryl of Sumbria snidely remarked. He had a few overly-dressed-for-travel attendants that stayed back from the exchange. Deryl himself wore an obscene amount of lace for someone on the road.

Keith resisted the urge to rub his temples. "Your Highness. Good to see you, I'm surprised to see you here though. I wasn't aware that the Sumbrian Royals were issued any invites to this year's festivities?"

Or any other year for that matter. North Sumbria had a long memory, and the Grand Duchess held a very deep hatred for those who were at fault for her husband's final death.

"I forget your kingdom is so behind on the news. To think you don't even listen to Madame Pott’s Casts? Tsk." The elf flicked his shoulder length straight hair and struck a pose. "I am, of course, escorting the lovely Miss Peregrin Fern to the Spring Ball this year."

The woman was nowhere to be seen. Lucky her.

"I see," Keith nodded. He leaned down and whispered in Henrietta's ear, "I'm sorry about this…" before putting on his most politically empty smile and saying, "Crown Prince Deryl, may I introduce you to Princess Henrietta Dorin of Nilheim?"

The elf did a double take, then frowned at Ria. Keith wished that he could’ve excused the princess to their rooms while he finished with the prince. But it was important to notify everyone - especially this particular annoying gossipy offspring of his peers - that Henrietta would not be attending the Spring Ball without backing.

"Princess Henrietta?" Prince Deryl eyed her up and down. "You? I feel sorry for the Marquis. No wonder your parents never brought you to our Royal Gala."

Keith had run into the boy a few times. He'd never felt the inclination to punch him in the face until this very moment.

"Actually, they have." Henrietta shrugged. "You simply have a poor memory, it matches well with your poor manners."

A huge smile broke out across Keith's face as his princess continued. "Now if you'll excuse us, we shall retire for the evening."

"Good night, Your Highness." Keith followed her lead and walked around the shocked elf.

Deryl's cheeks burned red as he spun to call after them. "You may have shamed Drendil and made your bed with Monsters, but soon–"

A large palm came down heavily on the elf's shoulder. A fully armoured knight stood in the doorway with an eclectic group of Adventurers behind him. "You'd be wise to stop now, Prince Deryl. The Dark Enchanted Forest has many friends."

"That's Crown Prince to you, Knight Commander." The elf retorted, but looked visibly subdued.

"Have a good evening, Crown Prince." Knight Commander Bastian of Peldeep let go of Prince Deryl and strode past him. Some of the Knight Commander's people nodded politely at the Prince as they shuffled inside as well. The Crown Prince made an angry chuffing sound and stormed off. He had a few retainers himself, who excused themselves to run after the elf.

"Greetings Knight Commander," Keith clasped arms with the giant of a man. "It’s good to see you again."

"Likewise. Let's check in and perhaps I'll see you at dinner?" He let go of Keith's arm.

Henrietta declared, "That would be lovely. I'm famished. We haven’t eaten anything since lunch!"

Knight Commander Bastian chuckled and waved for them to go first. The elderly lady at the front desk looked slightly frazzled - probably from dealing with the Sumbrian Royal. She welcomed everyone nonetheless, and issued room keys with efficiency and skill. After Keith rented two rooms, one for himself and Sithli and the other for Lilith and Henrietta, he sent his minions to go and prepare the rooms upstairs.

"I'm overjoyed that Prince-Look-At-Me-Sumbria hasn't come back down." Henrietta mumbled as they claimed empty seats in the first-floor tavern.

"Thank you for forgiving me, throwing you to the wolves like that." Keith passed her an enchanted chalkboard with the menu, and then filled her glass with water from a jug stuffed with water, lemon and cranberries.

"Think nothing of it. It was refreshing being able to join in on the conversation. Good thing Bastian arrived, or I might’ve challenged the Sumbrian Crown Prince to a duel." Ria's smile turned menacing. "We are in North Sumbria after all, and what's a little duel between royal neighbours?"

Keith was distracted immediately, pushing down a niggling curiosity at how familiar his princess was with Peldeep that she called the Knight Commander by his first name. He took a second to look over the menu himself while replying, "We can ask the Grand Duchess about duels when we see her tomorrow. I'm interested in how they became so popular."

"Good idea." Henrietta looked over Keith's shoulder and waved. "Speaking of Peldeep, here they are! Bastian, over here!"

The Knight Commander had taken off his helmet. He had harsh features, short tousled silver hair, and piercing purple eyes. A small smile teased the corner of his mouth as he greeted them. "Thank you."

"Thank you." The princess replied.

"Well met, Bastian," Keith put down his menu and reached out a hand to cover Henrietta's. He recognized most of Bastian’s companions, famous adventurers all, including the young androgynous boy disguised as a squire. Keith nodded at the lad. "And of course it's a pleasure to see you again, Your Majesty."