The ride to Stregare had been long and uncomfortable. She would have loved to ride on horseback and feel the wind through her hair, smell the sweet mountain grass, hear the cry of the ocean, but this was a formal visit, so she had been forced to ride in the carriage with Cyrus and Ariane.

It might not have been that much of a problem if it hadn't been for the argument that still lingered between her and Cyrus. It would certainly help if he stopped giving her those heated looks. It was a miracle that Ariane hadn't noticed it yet. For once she was glad the girl was so dense.

She was glad to have arrived at the Stregare castle. But after the formal greetings and pleasantries, Vara now found herself in a completely different kind of awkward. She was sharing a recliner with Hector Strega who was telling her about the Strega estate while Cyrus pretended not to be watching them. Feeling his eyes on her back made it almost impossible to keep her attention with Hector. If it wouldn't have been improper for her and Hector to be alone, she would have asked him to take her somewhere else, but even if Iason would accompany them, there would be talk, seeing as they were in Hector's home and his parents were present.

The Strega family was very traditional.

"It is my understanding you enjoy riding, lady Vara," Hector said, "perhaps you would join me tomorrow? I could show you around the estate. We can tour the coast. You as well, my prince. Perhaps you would be interested in inspecting our coast defenses?"

Cyrus inclined his head. "Of course."

Hector smiled. "Very well. We can ride out in the afternoon, so the ladies can sleep in."

Cyrus smirked. "Vara likes to rise early. It is often that we already find her in the courtyard before breakfast is ready."

Vara stuck out her tongue at him. "It is not my fault you are so lazy."

"Manners, Vara,"Cyrus lightly scolded her, but he had an amused smile on his face. And easy as that, their argument that had lasted throughout the week, had been cast aside and they fell back in their usual banter.

Hector watched it confused. Lady Vara certainly was different from most ladies he had met. "Are you certain, my lady?" he asked, "I wouldn't want to discomfort you and leave you unrested."

"I had plenty of rest in the carriage ride here," Vara told him, "I enjoy mornings. We can leave right after breakfast. If it doesn't inconvenience you, lord Hector?"

Hector inclined his head. "No inconvenience, my lady. If it suits the prince as well?" he looked at Cyrus.

"After breakfast is perfect," Cyrus answered, "my wife and I will ride with you. She can see our shores then."

Ariane slightly shifted at the mention of her joining them. Was she expected to come? It made sense, seeing as Cyrus would be king one day and she was his wife. She would have to get to know the kingdom, see the different provinces, meet the ruling lords. But on horseback? Early morning? Had he forgotten horses frightened her? Or would there be a carriage available for her? She was afraid to ask, worried she would somehow embarrass him. She would ask him in private, once they had retreated for the night. He had told her she could ask him questions.

"Well then," Quintus Strega spoke, "seeing as tomorrow will be an early rise, perhaps it would be wise to retreat for the night. Our guests have had a long journey. I'm sure they would welcome some rest." He motioned for the servants to clear the table.

"Thank you, my lord," Cyrus inclined his head at their host, "your consideration is most appreciated." He rose to his feet and held out his hand for Ariane to take. She shyly accepted it and let him help her up.

Across the table, Hector repeated the gesture with Vara. "My lady," he said politely, "would you do me the honor of escorting you to your room?"

Vara placed a hand on his and allowed him to assist her. "You are most kind," she answered in the same manner. The scripted conversation and tight conventions were suffocating, but she would have to endure it. Perhaps tomorrow would be better when they would ride out. It would give her a sense of freedom.

She curtsied lightly to lord Quintus and lady Amelia. "Good night, my lord, my lady."

Lord Quintus bowed to her. "It is an honor to have you, lady Vara."

Lady Amelia curtsied and offered a polite smile.

"Father, mother," Hector greeted his parents, and he guided Vara out of the room, after Cyrus and Ariane, with Iolaus and Iason quietly following.

***

"A messenger from Lavos, my prince," Torcan walked into the room where Darius was eating breakfast.

Darius looked up in irritation. He didn't like getting interrupted while eating. "Have him wait in the reception room. I will join them after I finish. You can offer them refreshments."

Torcan bowed. "Yes, my prince."

For the past couple of weeks there had been messengers sent back and forth between Tirèze and Lavos to discuss an arrangement between Darius and one of the daughters of king Elon. There were five daughters. The oldest was already married. The youngest was a child of seven. That left three daughters for Darius to choose from. Not that Torcan thought it mattered much to Darius. He would just pick the one that would be most obedient. He wouldn't want another Zara.

The messenger was patiently waiting for Torcan to return. "The prince will see you shortly. In the meantime refreshments will be provided. Please follow me." He guided the man towards a waiting room, ordered a servant to bring bread and wine, and then returned to Darius to clear the breakfast table.

"Did you tell him to wait?" Darius asked while putting on his cloak.

"Yes," Torcan answered, "and I made sure refreshments are being brought to him."

"Good," Darius said, "now, let's hear what king Elon has to say on my last message. It's about time we finish this. Surely he knows an alliance will only benefit Lavos. It's only a matter of time before Balor turns its eyes East and tries to invade."

Torcan kept quiet. What Darius said might be true in theory, but Lavos was a strong nation on its own. Small as it may be, it had good defenses and king Elon didn't rely on other nations for help. There was a reason Balor hadn't tried to invade yet.

He followed Darius to the room where the messenger was still waiting. When the man saw them coming, he stood up and bowed at Darius. "Prince Darius," he greeted, "well met. I am Byron, messenger to king Elon of Lavos. Health and a long life to you."

"Yes, yes," Darius waved impatiently, "where is the message?"

Byron bowed again and handed Darius a sealed scroll. He stood patiently as Darius broke the seal and unrolled it. Darius read the scroll and then handed it to Torcan. He looked at Byron. "King Elon expects me to travel to Lavos to meet his daughters? Why can he not simply send the most suited one to Tirèze? What is the point in all of this? I have a kingdom to rule."

"King Elon wishes to meet you in person, prince Darius. He wants to make sure you are a suitable candidate for his daughter before he makes any decision."

Darius narrowed his eyes and glared at the man furiously. "Suitable?! I am crown prince of Tirèze! How is that not suitable?!"

Byron's expression was one of amusement. "King Elon does not pass judgment based on status, prince Darius. He judges on personality. He is merely looking out for his daughters' wellbeing."

"You have a lot of nerve man!" Darius growled, "do all of king Elon's messengers talk to their superiors in such a way?!"

Byron remained calm, though a certain coldness had crept into his eyes. "Only those he considers family," he said.

"Family?" Torcan questioned confused.

Byron looked at Torcan now and inclined his head. "King Elon happens to be my father-in-law," he answered with a slight smile, "I was fortunate enough to be deemed worthy of marrying princes Eloni."

Darius narrowed his eyes in annoyance. "Then why pose as a simple messenger? You could have introduced yourself as the king's son-in-law instead of deceiving us."

Byron narrowed his eyes too. "I deceived no one," he said stiffly, "I am the king's messenger, his fastest rider. Perhaps you shouldn't be so quick to assume things."

Torcan bit his lip as a strange sense of déjà vu hit him. He hoped Darius wouldn't lose his temper this time. It wouldn't be a first. He remembered their arrival in Zeir all too well, so he spoke before Darius could, even if it might anger the prince. "Forgive my asking, my lord, but how does a messenger become a prince?"

Byron turned to him and grinned. "Must be my charm."

Darius snorted, but Byron chose to ignore it and continued to address Torcan. "In Lavos, there are no noble houses aside from King Elon's house, but there are opportunities for anyone who proves themselves worthy."

"I had heard such a thing," Torcan admitted, "but I did not believe it to be true."

Byron slapped his shoulder. "Believe it, my friend." He grinned.

"Thinking about a new occupation, Torcan?" Darius asked dryly.

Torcan stiffened and looked down. "No, my prince, of course not."

"Then perhaps you can start preparing for our departure. We will leave tomorrow. I need to arrange things before we leave."

"Yes, my prince," Torcan muttered and hurried towards Darius' chambers.

Byron followed the exchange quietly and with a thoughtful expression. King Elon had asked him to evaluate prince Darius and test his personality. So far he wasn't impressed. The man was arrogant and had a temper. He treated his servant like dirt and didn't seem to have a high opinion on women. He wasn't sure he'd like to see his sister-in-law wed this man. Before he'd report back to his king, he needed to find out more. This Torcan might be able to shed some light on things, but he would have to talk to him alone.

Preferably before they'd leave for Lavos.

***

Cyrus turned to his wife, who was still fidgeting with her dress. The girl the Strega family had appointed to assist her had already left. Now it was time for them to leave too. They shouldn't keep Hector waiting. "Have you not finished yet?" he asked impatiently.

Ariane bit her lip and looked at him hesitantly. "I-is it really necessary for me to join?" she asked quietly.

Cyrus frowned. "Of course it is. You are my wife. We are representing my father. Why would you ask?"

Ariane looked at the ground. "Lord Hector mentioned horses, my lord. Might there be a carriage available for me to use?"

Cyrus studied her for a moment. He vaguely remembered she was afraid of horses. Or riding. Or both. She would have to get over it. "The trails we will use are not suited for carriages," he said, "I'm sure the Strega family can find you some tame horse that won't throw you off." He was feeling slightly annoyed. He had been looking forward to a morning ride.

Ariane bit her lip and let out a defeated sigh. "Yes, my lord," she mumbled.

"Come," Cyrus said, "we're already late."

...

They met up with the others in the main hall. Cyrus smiled when he noticed Vara bouncing from one foot to the other. Someone was eager to get out.

Hector stood calmly next to her, an array of soldiers stood with him. So he had arranged for protection. The coastline must not be as safe as he had believed.

"Good morning," Cyrus greeted once they had reached the group.

"Prince Cyrus, lady Ariane," Hector bowed, "I hope you slept well."

"We have," Cyrus answered, "thank you."

"Good," Vara cut in, "can we go now?"

"Good morning to you too," Cyrus said dryly.

Iolaus chuckled. "Don't tease her, Cyrus. You know Vee is eager to be let out. You kept her waiting."

"We had some delay," Cyrus said, "but we are here now. Lord Hector, do you have a calm reliable horse for my wife? She is not accustomed to riding."

"Of course," Hector said, "I have arranged for calm horses for both lady Ariane and lady Vara."

Vara's head snapped towards him. "I assure you, my lord, I do not require a calm horse."

Hector looked at her calmly. "My lady, as a guest in our home, my family is entrusted with your safety. I will do everything in my power to keep you from harm. If one of our horses would throw you, I would never be able to forgive myself."

Vara opened her mouth to protest but caught the warning look Cyrus gave her. She gritted her teeth. She needed to remind herself they were not at home and she was not bickering with Cyrus and Iolaus. The Strega family had ties to the royal house Aurelios and lord Hector was a possible match for her to marry.

She forced out a smile. "How considerate of you."

Hector smiled at her warmly, oblivious to her tone. "Shall we, my lady?" he held out his hand and Vara placed hers in his to let him guide her to the courtyard.

...

The horse wasn't a bad one. The brown mare looked at her calmly and Vara patted the animal. It wasn't the horse's fault. She let Iason help her into the saddle. It appeared Hector thought it improper to touch her so intimately when they were not yet engaged. It made Vara want to roll her eyes.

Iason smiled at her. "Don't be upset, my lady," he told her, "at least you get to ride."

Vara sighed. "I suppose you're right." She waited for everyone to mount their horses. Hector steered his horse next to hers and smiled warmly. Iason appeared on her other side as her guard.

Behind her, Ariane was clinging to the saddle as if she were drowning, and the saddle was her only means of survival. She looked terrified.

Cyrus sighed and turned his horse to face her. "You need to sit up straight or you'll fall. Don't hold onto the saddle. Hold the reins. It's a docile horse. She won't throw you. Press your heels down. We'll go at a slow pace."

Ariane let out a shaky breath as she followed Cyrus' instructions. She didn't want to be a burden.

"Ready to go?" Cyrus asked and she nodded. Not long after they were on the road.

...

The coastline was breathtaking. The flowers in the high grass were in full bloom and waving in the breeze. The weather was nice and the salty air made her relax. Iason was right. She shouldn't be upset. She was outside, a small break from the strict conventions of the Strega family. She had wondered how lady Eurydice could be so warm and carefree with a family so stiff.

Vara turned her attention back to Hector who was pointing out things in the scenery while explaining how the coast defenses were set up. They were going to visit a few villages too.

One of those villages was down the road they were currently traveling. They would take a break there with refreshments while Cyrus and Hector would make inspections.

Vara smiled at Hector. "My lord, how about a race to the village?" She was eager to run.

Hector's eyes went wide. "My lady should not jest."

"I assure you," Vara said dryly, "I am very serious." Behind her she could hear Iolaus chuckle. No doubt Cyrus was rolling his eyes. She patted the horse's neck. "You want to run too, don't you girl?" she cooed.

Hector shook his head. "It is far too dangerous, my lady. If something happened to you..."

"... you would never forgive yourself," Vara finished for him. She suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. Instead she gave a tight smile. "I understand."

Hector smiled relieved and they continued their track to the small village.

...

The moment they arrived, people rushed up to take their horses. A middle aged man approached Hector and bowed deeply. "Welcome to Rashion, my lord, may we offer you refreshments?"

"You may," Hector nodded while dismounting, "and myself and prince Cyrus will inspect the defenses. Are the towers manned?"

"Yes, my lord," the man answered, and he bowed to the prince. "Your Highness," he said, "it is an honor."

Cyrus nodded at him and turned to Iason. "Protect my wife and Vara. We will return shortly." He followed Hector and the villager towards the edge of the village, with Iolaus flanking him. The soldiers from Stregare that had ridden with them dispersed into the village while villagers came to the remaining three to offer them refreshments.

Vara sighed heavily and looked at Iason with a look of despair. He smiled at her wryly. "I'm sure he means well. He wants to make sure you are not harmed."

"What will he do then if we were to get married?" Vara asked incredulously, "put me in a glass case to look at? I'm not that fragile."

Ariane listened to her outburst quietly. She thought to herself that Vara should be happy lord Hector was so considerate with her, but she knew Vara wasn't one for a quiet life. She was rather reckless, like the two younger Strega boys she had encountered yesterday. Vara didn't like sitting still with needlework. She liked running and climbing and other things not fitted for a lady.

It still surprised her that the king allowed it. He even seemed amused by it. Though, Ariane had to admit, Vara could behave like a proper lady if the occasion asked for it.

Iason gave Vara a calm look. "You only need to make it through this visit, my lady. Then you can inform the king lord Hector is not your choice in marriage."

Vara sighed gain. "I know." She made her way over to the small market. Iason and Ariane followed her while waiting for the rest of their party to return. The walked by the different stalls, looking at the goods on display.

It was a nice town, larger than her home village Dalós, and build along a trade route. There were many interesting things to explore.

Almost an hour passed before Cyrus and Hector returned. Vara and Ariane were admiring some shawls while the vendor smiled at them patiently.

Hector came to stand at Vara's side and smiled warmly. "Allow me to gift you with one of these," he said while draping a shawl in a soft yellow color around her shoulders.

"No, my lord," Vara protested, "I could never accept."

Hector waved her worries away. "I insist," he said while handing the vendor some money. "The color brings out your eyes," he said, "please accept this gift."

Vara's fingers brushed the soft material. "Thank you," she said quietly.

Cyrus scowled, but was quick to hide it. He didn't even notice the wistful look on his wife's face. She would have very much liked to receive one of the shawls as well. They were truly beautiful, but her husband barely paid them attention. His eyes were on lord Hector. "Lord Hector," he said, "We should be on our way if we still wish to visit the rest of the villages."

Hector nodded at him "Of course." He looked at Vara. "Are you rested my lady?"

She nodded, tired of his endless concern, and they return to their horses where Iason assisted her again.

As soon as they were on the road, Vara turned to Hector. "Perhaps my lord would like to show me the defenses in the next village? I am curious."

Hector blinked confused. "The defenses, my lady? I fear it would be a tedious pastime. Would you not rather visit the shops? Sylice is larger than Rashion, with a big marketplace. I'm sure you would enjoy that far more."

"It interests me," Vara said, "am I not the king's daughter? I should know how the kingdom is protected. We can visit the marketplace later."

Hector looked at Cyrus. "Your sister is highly unusual, my prince," he said.

Behind him, Iolaus chuckled and even Iason hid a smile. Cyrus kept a straight face as he answered the man. "Vara takes the safety of Zeir to heart," he said, "there is no harm in showing her how our soldiers do their job."

Hector inclined his head. "Of course." Though he was still a little bewildered. He wasn't really used to women. He only had brothers, and even though they both had daughters, those were still young. Only Cassius' daughter was almost the same age as lady Vara, but she was very poised, every bit the heir she was supposed to be. Cassandra had a passion for floral arrangements and she was a wonderful hostess. She had organized many gatherings. She had never asked to see the realm's defenses.

"My lord," one of the soldiers called urgently, pulling him from his thoughts. The soldier pointed down the road where a small cloud of dust indicated an approaching rider.

Hector raised his hand and their party halted.

"Protect the women!" Cyrus called and the soldiers formed a circle around the girls.

"It is a guard from Sylice, lord Hector," one of the Strega soldiers said once the rider was visible.

The rider stopped when he had reached them. His horse was panting heavily "Lord Hector," the rider bowed, "such a relief to find you here."

"What's wrong?" Hector said alarmed, "why are you in such a hurry?"

The rider took a deep breath. "An attack, my lord. Sylice was attacked. Balor conquered one of our ships. The town, my lord. It is destroyed."