“My liege.”

The polite greeting was the only warning you had before your royal butler opened the door to your quarters. Alden had traveled with you from your home kingdom, refusing to leave your well being and daily needs to strangers, the idea itself had made him shudder. His family had been loyal to your family for as long as the two’s history went back. He was your closest confident and your advisor in all things to do with your position as royalty. Just because you were being treated like a political bargaining chip didn’t mean his loyalty to you would suddenly disappear.

“A request has been made to have you tour the market. The prince and his advisors believe it would help settle the people to see and meet you.”

His subservient manner dropped for a second as he scowled.

“Not that they are taking into account what your plans might be.”