After a two day ride, they had finally arrived in Tolais, the capital of Lavos, and were greeted by king Elon and his family.

Byron grinned widely when he dismounted and caught a woman around the waist. He whirled her around as she clung to him, and kissed her.

Darius could only assume this was princess Eloni, his wife, and rolled his eyes. You'd think Byron had been gone for months instead of the better part of a week judging by her greeting.

King Elon cleared his throat and the couple broke apart, a deep blush on Eloni's face while her husband chuckled content. Eloni turned to Darius and curtsied. "Prince Darius, be welcome at our court. We hope your stay will be enjoyable."

"Yes," Darius answered dryly, "I hope so too."

King Elon now stepped forward, shadowed by a line of women. He smiled at Darius. "Now that my daughter has remembered her manners, I would like to welcome you in Tolais, prince Darius of the house Tirzé. Please meet my wife, Queen Loise Fraise. And my daughters; my heir, princess Eloni, and my other daughters; princess Eloise, princess Elora, princess Elvira, and lastly our little one, princess Elena."

Each of the girls curtsied as their name was being called, except for the youngest. Elena pouted and crossed her arms. "I am not little," she stated, "I am almost seven."

"Oh yes, very big indeed," one of her sisters said, while rolling her eyes, "you can almost reach the door handles."

Elena stuck out her tongue.

"Elena! Elvira!" the second daughter hissed, "we have guests! Apologize!" She looked at her sisters mortified.

Elvira let out a heavy sigh and turned her eyes towards the sky while her younger sister only pouted once more.

"I ask your forgiveness for my inappropriate behavior," Elvira said monotonously, "I will assure you that it will not happen again. Please do not let this incident taint your perception."

Torcan, who stood at Darius' shoulder, hid a smile. It seemed this wasn't the first time princess Elvira was reprimanded. She sounded like she was reciting a well-rehearsed play.

Byron chuckled again. "Still argumental eh, Elvi. Behave now or I won't give you the bookrolls I brought back for you."

Elvira's eyes went wide in anticipation.

"Do you have a present for me too?" Elena asked hopefully.

"Maybe," Byron said slyly, "but only if you behave. You wouldn't want our guests to think you were raised by animals."

"I like animals!" Elena pointed out.

King Elon cleared his throat again. "Why don't we go inside? I'm sure our guests would appreciate some rest and would like to clean up before dinner tonight. Eloni, are the rooms prepared?"

His oldest daughter nodded at her father. "Everything is ready, father. There is food and wine in their chambers and water if they wish to bathe."

King Elon nodded content. "Good, thank you. Prince Darius, if you and your servant would follow then a servant will point you towards your room. After dinner we will talk. Welcome to Lavos."

***

Vara looked over her shoulder at Ariane and withheld a sigh. After what had happened with the village in Sylice, both women were still a bit unsettled. As soon as they had returned home, arrangements had been made. King Marcos had sent soldiers to aid the Strega family. A healer was treating the injured and new homes were being sought for those who had lost everything. There wasn't much either Vara or Ariane could do, but they could help distributing food and blankets. So by the king's wishes, Vara had asked Ariane to join her, seeing how she would be queen one day and these things would be her responsibility.

Ariane quietly worked next to Vara, placing food in baskets and overseeing the loading of the carts. She bit her lip and glanced at her sister-in-law. "I'm sorry about lord Hector," she said hesitantly, "he would have made a good husband."

"He will still make a good husband," Vara answered, "just not for me. He is a good man, but he wanted to keep me in a glass case. We wouldn't have made each other happy."

For a while Ariane didn't reply. She thought about her own situation. Would she ever be able to make her own husband happy? She wasn't even sure what would make him happy. Zara's words ran through her head again.

"He loves another woman."

Cyrus hadn't been happy to find her in Sylice, but he hadn't been angry. He had told her there was no use in denying it had been Vara's plan to go to the village, that she was stubborn like that. He had also told her to not indulge Vara next time there was danger involved. He had promised her father and her brother to keep her safe. It had made her happy that he was concerned for her. It must mean he cared. Even now, thinking back on it, she could feel her cheeks heat up. "I hope you will marry well," she told Vara softly.

"Yes," Vara smiled sadly, "I hope so too." She filled the last basket and handed it to a servant. They had ended things friendly after speaking with the Strega family, explaining she wouldn't be a good match for Hector. They had been more understanding than she had expected. She had feared their reaction. After all, they were related to the house Aurelios.
King Marcos had been disappointed, but had not been angry. She had two other suitors. Perhaps one of them would be the one.

"You did well in the village," Vara said.

Ariane looked down. "I didn't do much of anything," she admitted.

"You sat with that woman," Vara replied, "it helped her. Sometimes it doesn't take much to comfort someone. I couldn't do much myself. I might be able to wield a bow, but I could never stand up against a raider from Balor. That is why we have soldier who are trained for battle. But I can bandage an injured child. Sometimes that is enough."

Ariane shook her head. "I am not strong like you."

Vara smiled. "There are different kinds of strength. You just need to find yours."

***

It was the first time Torcan had ever seen Darius uncomfortable. Lavos was so different from home, or even Zeir, that the prince didn't seem to know how to portrait himself. Dinner had been awkward, with the king asking him many personal questions, including asking after his first wife Zara, while all the Lavos daughters were present.

Then king Elon's oldest daughter, princess Eloni, had started asking questions. She had wanted to know what he was looking for in his next wife and why he chose Lavos.

Darius of course was not used to a woman being so direct, so the conversation had been strained.

Now, the family had seated themselves on recliners all across the room and Darius had joined them with Torcan posing as his guard.

Torcan moved his eyes around the room and hid his amusement. If one didn't know any better, you'd never think this a royal family. Princess Eloni was sharing a couch with Byron who was leaning back with outstretched legs. His usual smirk seemed even wider than normal.

The princesses Eloise and Elora were upholding polite conversation, though the two had completely different personalities. Eloise was very poised and correct while her sister had a certain playfulness to her.

In a corner of the room, princess Elvira had retreated and was ignoring everyone else in the room. She had a recliner all to herself and had pulled up her legs while reading intensely in the bookroll Byron had brought for her. She seemed completely absorbed in its content.

At her feet, the youngest princess Elena was drawing pictures. Her crayons and papers were sprawled out all over the floor.

"Perhaps you would like some more wine, prince Darius?" Elora asked. She stood up and took the decanter from the table.

"Elora!" Eloise said in shock, "we have servants for that!"

Elora glanced over her shoulder at her sister while approaching Darius. "I hardly think it would make a difference for him," she said casually and she turned to Darius, "wouldn't you say it is so, Your Highness?"

Darius studied her cautiously for a moment. Her words seemed to hold a challenge, but he did not understand the rules. This was not the same as his time in Zeir when lady Vara had grated on his nerves. The house of Lavos was a potential ally. He was going to marry one of king Elon's daughters. If he insulted anyone now, instead of an ally, Tireze might gain an enemy.

He took a breath. "That depends, my lady, are you practicing being my servant or my wife?"

Eloni let a small laugh escape and quickly covered her mouth with her hand. Eloise looked horrified while the youngest two didn't even seem to notice what had passed.

Elora didn't seem offended in the slightest. She smiled at Darius sweetly. "Are you saying a wife shouldn't offer her husband a drink at times?"

"Elora, that is enough," king Elon warned calmly but firmly.

Elora looked at her father. "I meant no offense. I'm just wondering about the difference between attentiveness and servitude."

"The difference is your sharp tongue." It was the first time Elvira had paid any attention to the other occupants in the room. She glanced over her bookroll at her sister. "Perhaps you shouldn't provoke him. He doesn't look like he has much sense of humor."

"Elvira!" king Elon barked, "apologize this instance!"

"Why?!" Elvira bristled, "I didn't ask for this! I don't want to marry him! Why can't you just leave me alone!" She stood up and stormed out of the room.

King Elon sighed and turned to Darius. "I apologize on her behalf, and I will make certain she apologizes to you as well."

Byron excused himself quietly and went in pursuit of Elvira. The rest of the room had fallen silent.

Darius wasn't sure how to respond. The behavior of these women was highly inappropriate. It seemed like king Elon wasn't able to control his daughters. It annoyed him. Was Tireze the only nation that taught women to have respect? He inclined his head at king Elon. "That would be much appreciated," he said stiffly, "I am a guest in your house. I didn't come here to be insulted. I came to liaise with you by taking one of your daughters as my wife."

The king nodded. "I am aware," he said seriously, "I assure you, I do not condone Elvira's behavior. She will apologize."

"Very well," Darius conceded, "then we will move on."

Elora bit her lip, feeling slightly responsible for her sister's outburst. "Father," she said, "if you please, will put Elena to bed. It is past the usual hour."

King Elon gave her a curt nod and Elora curtsied at Darius with downcast eyes before picking up her youngest sister from the floor. "Time for bed, my sweet."

Elena protested only lightly. She too was affected by their sister's outburst. She squirmed in Elora's arms as she was carried away. "I have to say good night to the prince," she muttered.

Elora nodded and put her down. "Go say goodnight then, but after that I'll take you up."

Elena darted towards Darius and Torcan and studied them carefully. She squinted her eyes in thought and ran back to Elora. "Which one is the prince again?" she whispered harshly.

Elora bit her lip to stifle a laugh. She didn't want to anger him again. "The blonde one," she told the little girl seriously.

Elena nodded vividly and dashed back towards Darius. She lifted the edges of her skirt and made a deep curtsy while placing a serious expression on her face. "I bid you a good night," she told Darius.

"Your Highness," her sister Eloise reminded her pointedly.

Elena frowned. "He is not a highness," she told her sister, "he is a prince."

Elora stifled another laugh at Eloise's mortified face.

Eloni cleared her throat. "That is very true, Elena," she said "thank you for reminding us."

"Eloise is just silly," Elena shook her head, "she should have studied her lessons better." She took Elora's hand and let her sister lead her out of the room.

Torcan coughed to hide a laugh. This sure was a lively household.

"If you'll excuse me," Darisu rose to his feet, "I would like to retreat for the night as well."

"Of course," king Elon nodded. He rose simultaneously with his wife and two remaining daughters. "I wish you a good night, prince Darius."

Darius bowed at the king and queen, and the women curtsied.

Torcan followed Darius quietly out of the room He hoped there wouldn't be a repeat of what had happened in Zeir between Vara and Darius.

"What's with that look?" Darius demanded. There was annoyance all over his face.

Torcan stiffened slightly. He hadn't meant for Darius to notice. "Nothing," he muttered while looking down at the floor.

"What? You were so eager to voice your opinion as of late. Don't stop now."

"It's not my place to criticize," Torcan said quietly.

"Exactly," Darius said angry. He picked up his pace and Torcan hurried to keep up. "Someone ought to teach those women some respect," Darius muttered.

Torcan let out a small sigh as he followed his lord towards their appointed chambers. He had been thinking the same thing, only not regarding the women, but towards his prince.

***

"So this is where you're hiding eh, little hummingbird."

Elvira looked up at the sound of Byron's voice and vividly wiped at the tears that ran down her cheeks. She made room for him in the small alcove and he sat down next to her. "It's not fair," Elvira said stubbornly, "why am I ought to be sold like I'm some trinket in the market place? I don't want to marry him. He's arrogant and mean. I don't want to go with him to his stuffy barren land. I want to stay here."

Byron tapped her chin. "There's still two other sisters of yours he could choose from. And I've been to Tirèze. It's not nearly as stuffy as you make it out to be."

Elvira crossed her arms and sniffed. "I still don't want to go there."

"That doesn't mean you should be rude, Elvira."

The girl looked away stubbornly.

"Your father expects you to apologize," Byron told her, "I know you won't want to, and this prince is probably going to be awfully smug about it, but it's the right thing to do. He is going to be king soon and Tirèze can be a valuable ally. They have liaised with Zeir recently. They are a mighty nation."

"I know," Elvira answered, "I've read about them."

Byron smirked. "No doubt you have. Is there anything you haven't read about?"

"There's nothing wrong with reading," Elvira said offended, "I like reading. It's interesting."

"Ah don't be cross with me, lass," Byron said, "smile for me, will you? Your sister will make me sleep in the barn if I leave you upset."

The corners of Elvira's mouth twitched slightly.

"Ah, there's my little hummingbird," Byron grinned. He wrapped an arm around her and Elvira crawled in his embrace. She liked Byron. She had always wanted a brother.

Byron smiled sadly. Elvira might be seventeen, she was still fairly young. Being the quiet one of all her sisters, she was often overlooked, but she had reached the age of marriage and soon enough her father would find her a husband, whether it was this Darius or someone else. "Go to bed now, little lass," he nudged her gently, "and stay clear of foreign princes." There had been enough drama for one night.

***

When Darius rounded the corner, he almost collided with princess Elora. She jumped and placed a hand over her heart. "You frightened me."

Darius looked at her impassively. "I didn't think you'd be frightened so easily, lady Elora."

Elora sighed. "I apologize if my behavior earlier offended you, prince Darius. That was not my intention."

Darius raised an eyebrow. "But?" he asked.

"But?" Elora blinked.

A wry smile appeared on Darius' face. "It sounded as if you wanted to say more. Please don't let me stop you."

Elora tilted her head. "I wouldn't want to risk insulting you again," she said innocently.

"Very well," Darius replied, "I wish you a good night then." He moved past her to continue on his way.

"But," Elora's voice stopped him and he looked at her over his shoulder.

Instead of smiling, her face held a serious expression, "perhaps you should consider that a difference in customs and upbringing does not mean a lack of respect, but is merely a matter of perspective. Just because women in in Tirèze cannot inherit and are not allowed to speak their mind does not mean that other nations are weak. Just as I am sure not all men in Tirèze are uncultivated and barbaric."

"Uncultivated and barbaric?!" Darius hissed through his teeth.

"I said, not all," Elora replied.

"I thought you didn't want to insult me again," Darius said darkly.

"I didn't," Elora answered, "so I'll apologize again. I wouldn't expect you to do the same."

"Why would I apologize?" Darius gritted his teeth.

"For your insults towards us," Elora answered.

Darius looked at her strangely. He had insulted them? How ridiculous. "Do elaborate, my lady. It must be my uncultivated upbringing, but how have I insulted you?"

"You wrote to my father that you wish to wed one of his daughters, yet you have made no effort of getting to know any of us. You seem to expect us to leave home and hearth to go live in a foreign kingdom with completely different customs. Do you even know my sisters' names?"

"Your names all look alike," Darius huffed.

"We were all named after my father," Elora said, "as is tradition. If I'd had any brothers, they'd be named after mother. I'm not asking for an apology. All I ask is that you at least attempt to know us before you whisk one of us away to Tirèze." She gave him one last look before continuing on her way.

Darius gritted his teeth. How dare she berate him as if he were a child?

Torcan coughed discretely. "Darius, there is sense to her words. It wouldn't harm to interact with king Elon's daughters. When you married Zara it was a political arrangement. She was picked by your father. This time..." He stooped when Darius glared at him.

"Do not tell me how to live my life," Darius warned. It was bad enough to be spoken to in such a manner by his servant and a woman, but it was even worse when they were right.

---

A/N I have been wanting to introduce the girls from the house Lavos to you all. They're a lively bunch. Hahaha. I'm almost feeling sorry for Darius. Almost :P 

Darius is right when he says their names all look alike, so I will add the house of Lavos to the list of characters at the beginning of the book. 

Of the people from Lavos, I think I like Byron the most. He's loud somewhat obnoxious and with no filter, but he has a good heart.

Until next time!