Else stared out the window, sighing in boredom. The fields rushing past that were surely a sign of her country's prosperity were the same as everywhere else. She wished the horses would just hurry up and take them to Callera already. She was sure things would be different there. And, she knew, it was not long from the border to the capitol, S'kel. Then she would meet the royal family, and get to see the palace and gardens. She had been told the gardens were breathtaking, and that there was a huge maze that only the servants of the royal household knew the way through. She thought it would be a great way to assassinate someone. They'd never suspect, and making excuses would be easy.
She shuddered at herself, appalled by the thought that she would consider such a thing. Perhaps being Queen had changed her.
A sign flashed past the window, too fast for her to see the words on it. But it was obvious what it had said, because at that moment green water was the only thing out the window. "The Leik," Else breathed. They had to be near now; there were only a few miles between here and the border.
She sighed again when the river ended. The monotony was back. She was about ready to fall asleep in boredom...
In fact, she wasn't entirely sure she hadn't nodded off, because the next time she looked out the window she saw thatched cottages in a distinctly Calleran style. She brightened. Surely it couldn't be far.
The villagers looked up, pointing at the carriage, obviously excited by the visit of a foreign monarch. Else could understand Calleran fairly well, but over the noise of the carriage she heard almost nothing of the conversations. Only snatches: "-could be a prospective-" "-only for a week or so-" "-her name, again?" Then there were whispers of "Else, Else," like the rustle of trees. She smiled to herself, and her boredom retreated a few yards, leaving her to admire the strange new sights.

When they finally reached the capitol, there was an escort waiting for them. Else was impressed by their green and gold finery, and the long banners with the Gryphon of Callera on them, fluttering majestically in the breeze.
And even in the city, it was different from Shannai, Cyann's capitol. There were masses of brightly colored stalls with merchants crying out their wares, even as they bowed respectfully to the Queen and her escort.
And the palace...! It was made of all white marble, so different from the sturdy granite of Cyann's palace. It seemed almost ethereal in the setting sun. Then there was the inside-plush green carpets, tapestries with hunting scenes, and windows of colored glass. It struck another note of contrast with Shannai-while her palace was dignified, ancient, and fine, this place was bright and gay and merry. Just to be there made Else smile.
She was so caught up in the wonder of the evening that she scarcely realized she had a duty until a servant stopped in front of a large door decorated with gold leaf and said, "The prince will see you now." He opened it for her, and she walked into the room.
But there didn't seem to be a prince there. There was only a young man wearing a smock, paint-stained from head to toe. He was enthusiastically dabbing some purple onto a mountain range when he noticed her, and turned.
"Hello! What can I do for you?" His voice was strong and cheerful, his smile wide and genuine. His long brown hair was drawn back in a hasty ponytail.
"I was looking for Prince Lassan."
"Well!" said the young man, putting down his paint brush and palette. "That's me!"