When Jocelynn finally reached the courtyard at the base of the tower, she was surprised and mildly disappointed to learn that Ollie wasn't alone.
A carriage stood ready to carry them into Vale City, driven by a horned soldier who looked like a cross between a well-trained footman and a personal guard. Not that Ollie needed a guard for anything, or that Jocelynn needed one while she was in Ollie's company. When Jocelynn arrived, Ollie was chatting companionably with the soldier, as though they were old friends and there hardly seemed to be any space between them.
It was the woman beside the carriage who gave Jocelynn pause.
"Princess Jocelynn," Lady Eira said as she offered a polite and perfectly respectful curtsy. "I hope you don't mind my presence. Sir Ollie mentioned that you would be shopping today and that you might need a companion to help you with dressing."
