I GOT UP EARLIER THAN USUAL AND I PUT MY NICEST DRESS ON to impress Riftan on our 'morning duties'. I didn't know what he was planning to do and why he needs me there, but today I felt pretty. So might as well highlight my beauty today.

I got out and I was waiting for Riftan, where he told me to way-by the stables. I didn't expect to ride a horse in just early hour, but keep in mind I didn't know what he was planning. As I was waiting I noticed a poster on the local news board, where everyone puts a messages, if something important happens.

I came closer and I see Ruth's handwriting on it, it spelled: 'write me a letter again' and I knew this was a message from Riftan. I guess he won't give up on his search of the mysterious woman. Geez, what a pain.

"You saw it", a voice behind me made me jump and turn around quickly. I saw Riftan's face above me staring down at me. The good of his cloak was covering his head, but half of his face was still visible. He moved his eyes from my face to the poster, "it's genius, right?".

"Why are you so confident, that she'll write you again?", I asked him and I turn around to face the board too, "Isn't she a commoner, why would you care about her?".

"Who cares, if she's a commoner, or not. If she's the one I think she is-she might be the perfect wife for me", he explained.

"But..you already have a wife in the way, ain't that right?", I look at him again and I raise my eyebrows at him. He rolled his eyes.

"It's arranged, remember? I can call it off, if I want to", Riftan said and I turned around to walk inside the stables.

If it was THAT easy, why didn't you just call it off right now? Why are you waiting to find who wrote the letter, you big bag of muscles and no brain? I thought to myself and I roll my eyes as I'm watching Riftan pull his horse out of the stables. Then he put the saddle on top of it and made sure it's secured.

He hops on top and looks at me, the horse makes a step towards me and Riftan gives me his hand. I put my hand in his and he pulls me up on the horse with just one hand. He's so strong, my weight is literally nothing to him.

Riftan sprung the horse and the beautiful black animal started running. Sir Elliot Karon opens the gates for us and we exit Anatol. The horse was fast and the ride was nice. Riftan's hands were around me and I felt secure. Beautiful meadows around us filled with flowers and the smell of lavender hits my nose. It was magical.

"Where are we going anyway? You didn't tell me anything", I asked him and I had to shout a little bit, because the sound of hooves was way too loud.

"We are going to Balto", Riftan said and once again gave a signal to the horse to run faster.

"What? That far? Are you crazy? I have so much work to do, Riftan", I started whining, because the thought of Ruth giving me that dirty look, when I leave all the work to him, gives me chills.

"Calm down. You need to take a break for a day. I'm sure Gordon and Ruth will handle everything around the castle", he chuckled.

I didn't know the reason why we were going to visit Balto, but I'm guessing it about business or to give Lord Lucien an invitation for the engagement. Ah, only the thought of Lord Lucien gives me chills. I never met him personally, but I heard he was a very bad man.

I heard he killed many soldiers during the war between Livadon, Balto and Dristan. I heard also, that he liked to be with different woman every night and then kill them, because he doesn't need them anymore. I don't know, if the rumours are true, but I don't wanna know.

"Why did you bring me with you and not Ruth for example? He'll be more useful", I asked him and I heard him chuckle behind me.

"Don't you like vacations?", Ruftan asked me back and made the horse go faster.

The ride was uncomfortable, but nicer than I expected it to be. Me and Riftan arrived at the gates of Balto before sunset and I saw happy we didn't run into any goblins. The guards were already expecting us and they immediately let us in. My jaw dripped for a moment, when I saw how beautiful Balto was behind its big gates.

Children running around, old magicians are casting spells so freely. Mothers and fathers are working around, running jobs. It felt like the not peaceful place of all seven kingdoms. And over all I was impressed by the big library we passed by on our way to the castle. Ruth would be so impressed by it, I thought.

"Do you like it here?", Riftan asked me as we were entering the castle property. I nod my head and I looked around. It was so clean and everything was in order. Impressive.

Suddenly the horse stopped and I looked in front of us. Army of twelve man was in front of us and right on the front line Lord Lucien himself. He didn't look that scary in person, but he sure looked like a tough man. Riftan gets off the horse and helps me get off too. We walk up to his majesty and we bow down.

"Lord Riftan Calypse, it's a pleasure", the Lord of Balto greeted Riftan and shook his hand, then his eyes move down to me and I bow my head a second time to show respect, "and who is this beautiful lady with you? Your fiancé?".

"This is Eleanor, my advisor and helper. You can call her my right hand", Riftan introduced me and I look up at Lord Lucien.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, your majesty",I say and I put a wide smile on my face. He slowly observed my face and then he turns his head to the side. I could see a slight blush on his face.

"T-The pleasure is mine, miss Eleanor", he manages to say and I feel Riftan's hand on my upper back. I look at him and he doesn't look very pleased at that moment, "shall I show you your rooms now? I guess you need a rest".

"That would be nice! Thank you", I said and I feel Riftan pinching my back. I squeal a little bit and I look at him furrowing my brows.

UNEDITED