Discontented expressions are exchanged by the young ladies who fall into step behind them.

"You may ask, your highness, but I doubt either of us will divulge the details of our arrangement. Perhaps after the agreement has been fulfilled, I will enlighten you, if it does indeed come to pass. Sadly I do not have as much control over the future as I would like." She cannot ensure that she will become his wife, though signs so far seem favorable.

A rock underneath her foot causes her to stumble sideways into him with a gasp. The hill back up to their mounts is steep and she nearly has to reach out with her spare hand to keep herself from falling.

"Oh! I beg your pardon. These shoes are designed for riding, not rock climbing, I am afraid."