Aine shifted to study the man, as her shoulders rolled in a shrug. "I would have preferred to be warned." She murmured, moving to study the sky as she walked. Her features tumbled from the heavens, onto a small being that was settled on the ground, drawing in the dirt; tears drying on the child's cheeks.
The woman knelt to pull the child into her hold, bouncing her gently as she inquired, "Where's the orphan-mistress, Ledora?" The small girl peered upward silently, shaking her head; indicating she did not know. The orphanage was a place the princess frequented often enough, and quietly she murmured, "I see. Well, why don't you come home with me tonight, and we'll get you cleaned up, dressed in something nice..." The girl was a little older then three years old; perhaps four. As the child consented, the princess held her close and continued to walk.
"It didn't have to come to this," she murmured. "Things could have gone as they were intended." She was bitter, as she hugged the toddler and walked onwards, trying to get as far from the prince as he could safely allow.
Sorei lagged behind as well, murmuring, "Perhaps I should have told her something before..."
As the princess and her entourage reached the castle gates, and entered, the gates would be closed tightly behind them. Aine had sat down Ledora, and led her by her hand, stating, "I bet you, we have a room somewhere in this castle that's suited for you." She'd lean to offer a soft smile, "So you can choose, any room you desire, and we'll make it up for you tonight."
She'd move to release the child to a maid, "Go pick your room out, then. Pick a nice outfit out as well," she added, waving after the child. Her gaze flickered to the prince, and she stated, "We should discuss things, then. Perhaps over lunch."
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