<span style="font-family:Handlee">The journey to the tournament grounds was rather dull and uneventful. The princess did not bother to attempt to speak to the men escorting her, as she knew that they would not talk back. Her father had instilled in them the idea that they had no right to speak to her unless absolutely necessary. Her father was not a cruel man, but he was terribly old-fashioned in many ways. It was rather frustrating at times. As soon as she reached her father, she offered him a warm smile and dipped into a respectful curtsy. The king regarded her for a moment, his eyes studying her form before a look of approval flashed across his features and he motioned for her to rise from her position.<br/>
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The princess crossed the distance between them, noticing that her mother was absent. Lately, her mother had been feeling out of sorts. It seemed that she would not be joining them for the event. The king placed a hand on his daughter's shoulders and looked her in the eye. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4da6ff">"My dear, you look beautiful. You look so much like your mother when she was your age. Shame she won't be able to join us for the event."</span><br/>
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Alexandria paused as she allowed a frown to blossom on her lips.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff4da6"> "Have the doctors been able to figure out what is bothering her, father?"</span> The king sighed and shook his head, removing his hand from her shoulder. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4da6ff">"No, not yet. I may call in for other doctors to assess her. I fear if we do not act quickly, we'll lose her much like we almost lost you. But enough about that. As concerned as I am for your mother, she would not want us to have our moods dampened on such an exciting day. Now come, we must not keep the people waiting."</span><br/>
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The princess nodded and followed her father as he made his way to the highest seats. He stood before his seat, the queen's seat looking empty at her absence while Alexandria stood in front of her own.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4da6ff"> "Thank you for coming to this tournament. As you all know, my daughter has come of age and I want her to be wed to a fine man that will be able to protect her and care for her in my absence. Without further adieu, may the best man win. Good luck!" </span>The king's voice was loud, carrying across the stadium as he addressed his people.<br/>
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He then moved to sit down, Alexandria immediately moving to do the same. She folded her hands on her lap and allowed her eyes to scan the participants presented before them. As she was high up, she was unable to make out any familiar faces among the tournament participants. Not that she knew any of them.</span>