Grimilde observed the fort enveloped in the night's darkness and consulted with Iza regarding the safety of their position. After hours and hours of traveling across Arran's territory, they had reached the border with Umgard, in Helmholtz's duchy. The fort where they would stay for the night was called Duskcombe, a well-protected place with massive walls and, above all, the duchy's soldiers.
Since a small caravan would attract attention even at that late hour, the guards would spend the night in the fort's barracks, guarding the royal family's property, while the passengers would head to a small inn, whose owner was known for her discretion. Indeed, as soon as they reached its doors, Myrel welcomed them promptly, informing them that she had prepared the rooms and that they could use the back entrance to avoid being noticed. The group wore heavy cloaks to hide themselves, as well as to protect themselves from the night's chill.
When they stepped into the warm inn, they lowered their hoods, and Myrel finally got a good look at all of them. Her eyes widened, holding back a gasp of surprise: they were all so beautiful, not to mention the princess and the Queen, who confirmed the rumors and songs that spoke of their magnificence.
"Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness... it is a pleasure to host you in my very humble inn." Myrel recovered quickly and, as per custom, began to collect their coats to make the guests comfortable.
"Myrel, it is a pleasure to meet you. Federik has spoken very highly of you."
At those words, the woman's eyes lit up: "It has been so long since I've seen him. How is he?"
Myrel was the royal counselor's aunt, the third of four sisters, born in the duchy of the Erfen Peaks. Federik had taken charge of organizing the journey through Arran's territory, speaking with Myrel so the Queen and the princess could stay comfortably and safe from prying eyes.
"Federik is a truly competent and decent person. I am grateful to have him as my royal counselor. There are no better candidates than him." The Queen's words comforted Myrel, who smiled even more brightly.
"I am truly happy to hear you say that... well then, how about you follow me? The rooms are warm and ready to receive you. Dinner will be served shortly. Please accept the humble meal my kitchen can provide, and for anything you need, do not hesitate to call me."
The group thanked Myrel again and headed to their rooms: Myrel had prepared the best rooms and, as requested by the Queen, she and the princess would be staying in the same one. Myrel had no doubts: the two women had much to discuss and sharing the same room would facilitate the process! The innkeeper's innocence was shared by Iza, who, after dropping her belongings in her room, joined the Queen and the princess to talk. They had decided to discuss some details of the plan they would implement in Umgard's territory that night. Organizing the protection of both women would not be easy, but Iza had solemnly sworn that she would defend Grimilde and Snow White even with her life if she had to.
The auburn-haired woman knocked gently on the door and waited for permission to enter. Inside the room, Snow White barely had time to make herself presentable. Grimilde had caught her by surprise when she went to undress to put on more comfortable clothes than her travel wear: the Queen had grabbed her by the waist and showered her with kisses until her legs trembled.
After taking a quick look in the mirror, the princess invited Iza in, while Grimilde was busy pouring hot herbal tea into the cups she had arranged on the table. When they settled into their seats, the Queen grabbed a medium-sized map and laid it on the wooden surface, away from the steaming cups, then searched with her eyes for what she was looking for.
"The Oyindar will be held right here..." she pointed to a spot on the map of Umgard, and the princess saw the name Krussgard. She remembered reading something about the foreign country, regarding its traditions and the religious cults of the territory, but she didn't know much else. She was curious to learn about the foreigners, but at the same time, the impending meeting with the Empress of Atenarte made it impossible to relax even for a moment. There were still a few days of travel left before they arrived in Krussgard, which would allow Snow White to mentally prepare for what was going to happen. She would not show weakness to anyone. She had to be ready for anything.
"We will arrive in time for the welcome banquet, while the athletes will be introduced a few days later for the official start of the games. The opportunity the Empress has given us, however suspicious, is of great importance. We can strengthen ties with foreign rulers and understand whose side they are on..."
"During the games, I won't be able to access the nobles' common rooms... have you thought of a solution?"
Grimilde nodded thoughtfully and got up to fetch a letter from her bag. She presented a family seal to the two women and explained what the letter was about: "William Blueblood, Prince of Olson, and his cousin Adelina Floris, heir to the most important naval and merchant company on the continent, are acquaintances of mine. We had the chance to talk and get to know each other when they were invited to court years ago, and I have kept in touch with them for business and friendship. Their presence at the event should guarantee us some form of reassurance."
"Floris? I've always wanted to see one of their ships. They say they're enormous!"
"One day we could take a trip to Olson."
While the Queen and the princess had drifted into their own world filled with hope and lovestruck smiles, Iza began to doubt the idea she had formed of the relationship between Grimilde and the Princess of Arran. Initially, she had believed that the familiar intimacy they often showed in public was just to sell the image of a strong, united family. Yet, they were so natural in their gestures, and their eyes concealed a truly profound affection. Iza had seen those looks on other people, but they were lovers...
Suddenly, she was shaken by a great curiosity to discover the true nature of the relationship connecting Grimilde to a woman like Snow White. Of course, she didn't know her personally, but she only ever heard about her beauty, and her first impression hadn't been illuminating: the Princess of Arran was undoubtedly gorgeous, but she was young, seemingly innocent, and certainly lacked Grimilde's experience.
"Iza, did you have the chance to check everything?"
The woman was roused from her thoughts and nodded firmly, casting a final glance at the room's windows. She had already checked all the escape routes (or entry points) shortly before coming to the Queen's room: although the trip had been organized in utmost secrecy, thanks to the help of the royal counselor and Myrel, it wouldn't be wise to lower their guard. The three women discussed other details for another hour until it was time to part ways.
"Well then, goodnight."
"Goodnight." Grimilde bid Iza farewell, walking her to the door, then locked it and went to tidy up the things she had left on the table. She didn't particularly like a mess.
"Do you really think the Empress will hurt us?"
"No, but someone else in her service might think to offer their services to the Sun of the Empire. I am fairly certain that among her athletes there will be mercenaries or members of the Order. It would be the most logical choice to have someone on the field gathering information when the Oyindar begins."
"It's all so uncertain." The princess approached the blonde as she finished putting her things away, wrapping her arms around her waist. "I must admit, though, I am curious and thrilled. I've always wanted to explore new territories... get to know a different culture, see with my own eyes people with traditions I know nothing about..."
"You and your inexhaustible curiosity!" Grimilde smiled and pressed a deeply affectionate kiss to her beloved's cheek. She adored that side of Snow White: within her lived this fervor that was always ready to spark to life when it came to new knowledge and unexplored worlds. Probably, the King of Arran's choice to keep the princess imprisoned had done nothing but increase the hunger for adventure she was born with. If she could, Grimilde would have taken her everywhere: she would have shown her the northern territories, the beaches of the island of Olsen, the deserts of Damiur, and the immensity of the ocean that led beyond their continent.
"Now, how about we go to sleep?"
Snow White nodded against Grimilde's shoulder and let herself be led to bed, where, as soon as they touched the mattress, they held each other tight to spend the night as close as possible. Once they arrived in Krussgard, they would have to keep their distance so as not to draw too much attention; they would take advantage of their last moments of intimacy and freedom.
The night passed quietly for almost everyone... and by almost, it means someone didn't sleep much.