Peace for a Price (1x1)

Eleazar waited a moment until he was certain she had finished. "We will be spending a lot of together over the next few days, a lot of it in close proximity to each other, and most likely sleeping together. So, I suggest you take this time to enjoy yourself and your space because you will not have much space to yourself starting tomorrow. Sleep well, and try to rest and relax. I will see you tomorrow for breakfast."

He opened the door and stepped out but then paused and turned back. "I will make certain to tell him hello from you. Thank you for your help with the notes. It was quite helpful and saved me a lot of time. Sleep well."

He closed the door behind himself and headed off to take care of his work.
 
"Thank you my lord..." She said quietly, standing back up straight once he left the room.

The urge to scream at her own actions in frustration was almost impossible to control, but she managed to breathe in deeply, and exhale... Which took a few tries, but in the end, she was fine, nobody had to hear her screaming at night, which was indeed, a plus.

She went up to the bed, and sat down.


It hadn't been a bad day, she just needed to be patient, that's all she needed. She didn't have to worry, she wouldn't be sent away, she'd not be ignored or left behind, it would all be fine. She just had to keep her mind clear, and not overthink, just like her handmaidens told her to.

All of these thoughts ran through her mind but she managed to lay down and sleep, even if tossing and turning during that time.

Her dreams weren't particularly pleasant either, perhaps the sudden amount of worry had done something negative to her brain.

She wondered... What did Eleazar speak of her whenever she wasn't around?
 
Eleazar took his time speaking with the servants and ensuring everything was ready. They had many carriages traveling with them, ans he and Malisia would be traveling together in the finest, most comfortable carriage they could make, and even staunch haters of Cravonid would grudgingly admit that they made some of the finest carriages in existence. It was one of their only exports.

He went to see Lance last. His friend smiled at him in amusement and asked, "How is the Princess?"

"I think she likes you better than me. She told me to tell you hello," Eleazar said dryly. "And she is clingy, but other than that, she is... fine. You will accompany us tomorrow?"

"I have other business to attend to, but I will catch up in the evening," Lance promised.

"Good. I will expect you." Eleazar left and walked to his own room, bypassing Malisia entirely. They would see each other in the morning. They had an early start. He hoped she would dress appropriately for travel but wouldn't say a word if she wasn't. Unless she was in her nightclothes. Then he might.
 
The morning came after long hours, and she had rested well despite it all.

She had gotten ready since the early morning, and of course, dressed in something more proper thanks to her handmaidens who had begged her not to pick something too bold given the circumstances, she wouldn't want to offend the people from the places they'd be visiting. She wore slightly tighter fitting top, with a higher neckline than her night clothes, paired with a skirt that reached down only to her knees, though, with an unusual mix of some sort of very short shorts underneath to ensure her comfort and mobility, those of course would go unseen unless she went around running or something similar, which she did not plan on.

Her hair had been tied back, but some strands of her curly mane escaped their confines.

Her outfit wasn't the most glamorous, but it still evoked a sense of respect and dignity, and most important, she still looked pretty in it.


Malisia waited for Eleazar in her room, not commenting on any of what transpired last night to her servants, who seemed concerned about her well being and sanity during these days, but they trusted her enough to let her be, for now.
 
The servants arrived with breakfast before Eleazar came. They set it out, bobbed their curtsies and bows, and left quietly.

Eleazar walked in as the last servant walked out and greeted Malisia with a nod. "Good morning, Princess. I hope you slept well. They are packing up the carriages now, so we can leave as soon as you are ready. After we have had breakfast, of course."

He'd made some attempt to tame his long hair, and his horns gleamed of a fresh polishing, but otherwise, he looked the same as he had the day before: black and tan simple clothing. Comfortable and sturdy.
 
Malisia bowed respectfully, holding her own hands behind her back.

"Good morning your highness."

She sat down, waiting for him to do the same, crossing her legs for a moment, deep in though.


"If you don't mind me asking... What places in Cravonid are we going to today?"

Despite being woried, she wasn't cold, nor distant. She was happy and smiley, as usual, or rather, as she usually was around people who deserved her more, outgoing personality.
 
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Eleazar started to walk into the room but paused at Malisia's question. He turned around saying, "I'll be right back," and went to his room. After a few minutes, he returned with a large map. Since the table was already taken up with food, he laid it on the floor next to Malisia.

"Forgive me for not realizing that you hadn't been informed yet," he said as he used a salt shaker and a decorative pillow to weigh down two of the corners. "We will only be going to one place, and we'll be arriving tomorrow hopefully around midday or earlier, but if we are delayed it will not be until evening." He pointed to a spot on the map near the southern border. "Here is where we are." He moved his finger up along the map to a small marking near the river. "This is Castle Okrug. That is where we will be going. It is a nice enough place. It is one of the areas that can grow rice thanks to the river. It's the same river that flows through this town."
 
She watched him explain with deep interest, memorizing important landmarks mentioned in the map, not that she needed to, but she found herself doing it regardless out of habit.

Then again, learning more about the land would be wise, the citizens of the kingdom were important after all, and whether she had power or not, this was still her new home, her people, her new traditions.


"I see... May I ask the reason for our visit? I will go wherever you go regardless your highness. But I would like to know how to behave during the time of our arrival." She admitted, clearly ashamed at her own lack of understanding on the matter.
 
He sat back with a slight frown of puzzlement, not because he was annoyed by the question but because he knew they'd spoken - albeit briefly - about this before. Nonetheless, he answered her question.

"We are going because the kingdom needs to know of their new princess," he replied patiently. "It is important for the people to know who they serve, and it is important for rulers to know who they rule. So, while we certainly do not have time to visit the entirety of Cravonid, we will be visiting five of the more important cities."

One of those places they would be visiting Eleazar intended to make Malisia's home, but he did not want to tell her that just yet. She seemed so anxious and full of worry that he did not want her fretting about it the entire time. The place he'd chosen was far enough from the border to make it difficult if she wanted to attempt some kind of hostile takeover with her own kingdom, but it was a truly nice place. It was a smaller estate, but well-kept and established. There was even a garden, though he could not remember how nice the garden was. He would visit her often, and she would have plenty to keep her occupied as the Lady of the House. It would be her own home, the entire thing, to do with as she wished, and she would have her own servants as well as natives from Cravonid. She would not be lonely.

He stood and rolled up the map before handing it to Malisia. "You may keep this one, if you wish. I have a copy somewhere, and I know the area better." He sat for breakfast. "What have they brought for us today?"
 
"I understand. Thank you, I will do my best to keep the people happy... I'm sure they will be happy that their king found- A wife."

She said those last words in an odd tone, almost pained, though it didn't linger, she fixed her posture and nodded to her own words, forcing herself to believe what she just said.

Once she was given the map, she held it delicately in her hands, appreciating the texture of the parchment before bowing in gratefulness.


"Thank you my lord, I will take good care of it." And she would. She would treasure it, despite it being a small gesture.

She stood up and placed it somewhere safe before returning to the table to reply to his question.


"Tea, bread , cheese and some porridge... Fruits, as well." She had to look at the table for once, despite the servants bringing in their meal just a bit earlier, she hadn't really payed attention to it until now, mostly due to her mind being clouded with thoughts about Eleazar.

She spoke with a soft smile, already in a better mood, all because of a map. Malisia was sure that if she explained why this simple act of kindness she'd be taken for a fool, and kept quiet unless the king spoke to her first.
 
"A good spread. Healthy. It should stick to our ribs," Eleazar approved. He ate a bit before saying, "There is a lot of travel ahead of us. It takes multiple days to get between places here by carriage, but once the trip is over, we can rest and settle in."

He thought about telling her not to worry about making the people happy, but then he decided against it. She seemed to be sensitive, and he didn't want her to think that he was criticizing her. He wanted her to feel less pressure, not more.
 
Malisia nodded, appreciating the fact he took the time to explain the situation, despite him not really having to tell her anything, after all, if he ordered something, she had to obey, and yet, there he was, putting up with her, it was nice.

She thought of the expression he used. "Stick to our ribs", that didn't sound healthy, she thought and nearly asked about it, but she was quick to shut her lips when she managed to pull the memory of its meaning from somewhere in her already crowded mind. Nutritional, that it last longs and fortifies, of course.


The princess waited for Eleazar to take the first bite before digging in herself, not because she thought anything was wrong with the food, simply because she thought of this action as respectful towards him.

Once they did begin to eat, she found herself rather surprised by a distinct taste in the food, she found it hard to pin point, but soon realized it was the cheese, which prompted her to make small talk.

"It's a bit different from the cheese back in Valeskiar... You mentioned that cattle here is scarce, is it imported? Or perhaps you have a different animal for your milk production?"


She didn't mind it in the slightest, in fact, she was quite happy to eat it, but she wanted to know exactly what to ask for if there was ever a chance that she may pick and choose from a meal.
 
Eleazar inclined his head, slightly surprised and pleased she remembered. "This is from reindeer," he replied. "Reindeer and goats manage best in our land, though we do keep a few cows. We do import a lot of different cheeses and many other things, but what you are eating now is reindeer cheese. It's one of the most nutritious and richest of milks, but reindeer do not give nearly as much milk as the average cow does. Therefore, we never export our reindeer cheeses."

He pointed to the second type of cheese - as there were two that looked similar - and said, "That one is from a type of goat. I do not like it much, but many people enjoy it. Some favor it more than cow cheese. If I must eat it, I prefer it melted in things."
 
"I see." She said, taking her time to savor each differently, agreeing with Eleazar that the one produced by reindeers was definetely the superior one, though, she did not mind goat cheese either, she was yet to find something that she would actively avoid when it came to food.

"Reindeer cheese is defintely what I'd choose first. Has a more... Rounded flavor. Goat milk has less fat, perhaps that causes the odd texture and sour flavor?"


She was rambling without noticing, again, although it didn't take long for her to snap out of it.

"Oh- Apologies. We should get going soon." She reminded herself out loud with a nervous giggle, and continued to eat, though with a faster pace.
 
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Eleazar held up a hand to Malisia. "Slow down," he said, faintly amused. "If you eat too quickly, you might choke and hurt yourself. Take all the time you need. After all, the caravan cannot leave without us, can it? They will wait. They are likely still loading. I can hear them in the hall."

Malisia likely could not hear much through the solid walls and the thick door, but since he had more sensitive hearing and was actively attempting to listen, Eleazar could hear the shuffling of the servants as they sorted out the gifts as well as the king's items in the room next door. It would not take them much longer, but soon they would be ready to go, and one of the others would let them know.
 
She paused mid bite, agreeing with his statement even if she was a bit embarassed.

Malisia slowed down, appreciating the meal rather than stuffing her face with food. She spoke to Eleazar every few minutes, trying her best to get into a flow of things before their trip started.

She didn't really comment on his ability to listen through walls so easily, mostly out of shame that he'd likely heard her cry the first night she spent here, and talk to herself in her sleep. Of course, she didn't know whether this was true or not, but it was easier to think the worst first.

Other than that, she had a friendlier attitude than the day before, with a pleasant smile and was ready to get through the day.
 
Eleazar hadn't hear her crying the night before as he hadn't been listening for it and because he'd been distracted with his own issues, but he didn't notice her slight discomfort and easily moved past the topic. Breakfast was good and soon eaten. He left her with her maids to ensure there was nothing left that she needed packed - most of the things she'd brought from home hadn't been unpacked yet, anyway - and went to check on the rest of the stuff. There was a lot that went into the planning of a caravan across the country.

Ambassador Rodrick Banson appeared at Malisia's door after half an hour and tapped lightly. He informed her that everything was ready, and King Eleazar was waiting for her down in the courtyard. Eight carriages and wagons lined up neatly, lead by an extravagant, elegantly decorated one that could easily fit eight, but for this trip would only be fitting two to four depending on if Eleazar and Malisia wanted company as they rode. The horses pulling the carriages and wagons were not the heavy-duty farm horses, but neither were they the beautiful, lightly-built horses that one usually saw pulling royal carragies. These were known as Vanner Cobs, and they were a light draft horse. Heavier than normal carriage horses, but lighter than a farm horse, and they came in beautiful dark and white colors with flowing manes and tails.

Eleazar waited next to the lead carriage with the open door, and he offered Malisia his hand to help her up in the carriage. "Princess. I hope you are ready to go?"

The inside of the carriage was plush and opulent, very comfortable for a multi-day journey. There were even extra pillows.
 
Malisia didn't take long to arrive at the courtyard making sure to tie her hair properly once more, leaving no curls behind this time and fixing whatever wrinkles her skirt had gotten previous to their preparations.

Once she arrived, she took a moment to observe the caravan and the equines pulling the carriages.


She wasn't distracted for long, she joined Eleazar's side and got into the carriage with his help.

"Yes, your highness, I'm ready when you are."
 
Eleazar helped her up and made sure she was settled before climbing up into the carriage. He was not a fan of carriage rides. The seats were almost always designed the exact same way, and it was difficult to find a good way to fold his wings to avoid sitting or laying on them. It was a bit different than a regular chair because these seats were padded and tended to let the person sink in more or roll side to side easier. He stood awkwardly as he shuffled his wings, keeping them close to his body and never once letting them open more than an inch or two as he got them refolded in a way best to sit with them. Only then did he sit down and get comfortable on the plush seats.

A few minutes later, the caravan got started with a little lurch. Eleazar braced himself as the horses started forward and found their footing. Soon, they were trotting along at a steady pace, and the wagon settled into an easy side-to-side motion, added by the springs and shocks built underneath. He looked out the window, arms folded, his expression moody and serious. He was not actually moody or serious. He was thinking about distances and where they would be spending the night and if he should have packed a spare cloak after all. It was just his face's nature to rest in a more serious expression. He had nothing in particular to talk about, so he said nothing as the carriages rolled down the road and soon left the town behind.
 
She didn't mention much about the silence, she had spoken quite a bit to him the day before and in the morning, she didn't want to overwhelm him on a long trip, so she focused on something else.

From observing the world outside their current shared space, to reading the map he'd gifted her.


Things had been... Odd the last few days. Things moved so much faster than she thought they would, and yet, they'd not been as bad as she thought either, not everything was perfect, far from that, but she had managed to survive, and was starting to get attached to her new husband, even if they were sleeping in separate rooms. It had been just like her handmaidens had told her, she needed to be patient, put her best smile, and act like a good wife, even if she was having a hard time building anything that seemed like honest love.

What she said back then still ran in her mind at times, how she'd bursted emotionally and said so many dumb things about her wanting to nurture the feeling of love, of him giving her a chance, even if those thoughts made her flinch in horror, she was starting to get the feeling that her wishes might come true.

Malisia had no clue what was coming for her soon, but for that time only, she felt content with spending time with Eleazar in silence, looking up from her map, only to look at him every so often, smilling tenderly if and when they made eye contact.
 
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