Ryan made his way toward the Duchess' estate for their designated meeting.
'Maybe, this was her plan all along, and this is a terrible decision,' Ryan thought, still debating his decision to attend this dinner.
'Maybe I should have brought Emily, but she's been away from class too long. She needed to see her teachers.'
As Ryan's mind debated, he ran out of time as he stood before the Duchess' front gates.
As he approached, the gates opened automatically, allowing him to step inside.
No guards like the Frost General's abode gave the huge mansion an ominous atmosphere.
"Welcome, Ryan," a voice said from the doorway.
Out stepped a figure in a green silken dress with a marvelous hourglass frame and a veil that covered her face.
"Green hair, just like your daughter," Ryan said. "You're even more beautiful than I imagined."
Striding forward, Ryan reached out his hand and took hers, kissing it.