Twenty-Sixth

They spent the night camping together.

Most of the next day was spent riding.

The area they rode through was quite lovely. Rolling hills dotted with beautiful forests. Scattered farmsteads and small villages dotted the landscape. Occasionally, they passed travelers heading in the opposite direction.

"Hello!" Stella called out to everyone they rode by, waving enthusiastically and giggling in a delighted manner. "Are you people okay? Did you see any bandits? What news of the forest goblins?"

"Excuse me!" Stella exclaimed to a random person working the fields. "Have you seen any fairies today?"

The person stared at her in confusion as the carriage rode past them.

Emily facepalmed.

She hadn't the heart to ask her to stop.

Mia had the face of a cute innocent girl, but she still had the personality of a devil.

...Honestly Emily wasn't even surprised that Mia's attempted disguise still wasn't normal at all.

Adrien seemed to be finding the ride amusing enough, at least.

"The sun feels nice on my skin! It's shining so bright!"

"That's nice, Stella." He smiled slightly as he sat back in the royal carriage.

Mia, disguised as Stella, hung outside the window slightly so she could look at everything passing by. Everything about her stance was over-excited.

"Kieran looks so bored..." She giggled mischievously. "Like that one horse with the lame leg. HAHAHA."

Like the what...?

Whatever reference Mia was making, it seemed not even Adrien understood it, as his expression flickered to confusion for a few moments.

Adrien sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose then, shaking his head. "Perhaps you should rest, Stella."

"You know what would be fun, your Highness?" She giggled.

"Hm?"

"Kicking him out of the moving cart to see if he can land safely on the road without breaking any bones!"

"Mi-Stella...!" Emily started.

The fae immediately scowled at Emily's near slip, giving her a death stare.

It's not my fault you can't control yourself!! If you said normal things this wouldn't happen!

"Emily?" Adrien glanced at her.

Emily tensed slightly but quickly recovered. "Uh. She...gets overexcited when traveling. Apparently. Don't mind anything she says, she doesn't mean it."

She swallowed hard and then hastily added, "B-by the way! Y-your highness...who will be at this meeting?"

"Ah, well..." He chuckled and glanced downwards for a moment before lifting his head again. For now, at least, it seemed her question successfully redirected him. "There'll be representatives from several nations. Mostly ambassadors."

"Ambassadors?"

He nodded. "Mh. However, because of the importance of the Keybearer being announced, I can't rely on an ambassador. It would be seen as rude and dismissive to make such an attempt."

"It also gives you more negotiating power to be there in person~" Stella said, peeking over her shoulder at him mischievously.

"That is indeed the case." He smiled slightly and folded his hands together. "However, we mustn't become overconfident due to that. There are multiple very powerful people who will be present."

The prince settled in comfortable as he continued to explain the situation and the most important attendees.

King Gregor would likely arrive himself, as his kingdom hosted the negotiations.

Gregor, it seems, was quite the control freak. Ruthless to his enemies, firm and controlling to his people, and a lover of war. Despite his brutish appearance and tendencies, Adrien warned that Gregor was known for how cunning and calculating he was.

His son, Prince Tristan, was kindhearted, and so Adrien hoped when Tristan eventually ascended to the throne he would improve relations between Austerland and Verilonia. 

The second most powerful person represented would be Queen Carlaxi, ruler of Denarendi. However, she would likely send an ambassador.

Denarendi had an even more powerful military than Austerland, and was even more militant in terms of its laws.

Formality, civility, and book reading was so highly prized in that kingdom that such behaviors were codified into laws, rather than simply polite practice. Visiting that kingdom was thus a difficult proposition.

King Etienne, rule of Medar, would likely also send a representative.

He was, evidently, a very manipulative and meticulous man, who struck peace with all that he could and then worked in the shadows to sabotage and do harm to the kingdoms he was supposed to be at peace with.

Adrien's added a wry comment that the last bit was only 'alleged'.

Besides them would likely be around a dozen other smaller nations with far less power and influence. Some might send ambassadors, but most would likely not. Adrien was quick to point out that keys might be present in those lands, too.

They reached the city closest to the capital, Melvald, a bustling hub of trade, politics, and intrigue, shortly before noon.

It spanned out as far as she could see from the gates. If there were any significant differences in their culture or tastes from Verilonia, Emily couldn't recognize them at just a glance. Apparently this had something to do with prior disputes between Austerland and Verilonia.

Their carriage followed the winding path of the main road until they eventually pulled up in front of a grand palace.

Stella was the first to hop out of the carriage, heedless of any propriety. Fortunately, Adrien didn't seem to particularly mind this, and hung back to help Emily get out of the carriage alongside him.

"Greetings, Princess Emily, Prince Adrien," a servant greeted them, bowing his head deeply in respect. "I welcome you to Melvald."

Princess????

Emily almost choked on her own tongue when Adrien didn't correct the servant.

The man motioned for them to follow him.

A set of double doors stood before them as they reached the front steps of the grand building, each bearing an enormous wreath of flowers. Two guards dressed in dark red uniforms were stationed on either side, standing at attention with their hands resting on their swords.

Adrien nodded at them with a warm smile as they passed through the entrance, leading them through the interior hallways to their accommodations.

"If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to inquire." The servant announced.

"Thank you," Adrien replied, taking the offered room key from the attendant.

He opened the door for them, and revealed their accommodations.