The process of dressing up right for the day, was frustrating enough for her, as thoughts reeled inside her head. Ainara, while enduring the pulling and tucking of her maids, on the other side of the partition, her courier was relaying a message from the castle. The king has sent a private message to her, detailing the attendance of all the courtiers. Each and every one had arrived, in the most frantic of manner. As soon as her father's death had been announced and the summons have been sent, the noblemen didn't need to blink an eye. Old lords sent missives to her and the king, requesting a private audience with their eligible sons. Their wives sent a separate letter of condolences, an invitation for tea and dinner, to secure a "friendship" with the now, powerful Lady Stoikos. What's the most intriguing part of the letter was the king's mention that other than her presence, another noble was yet to arrive? Lord Marcus.<br/><br/>She was certain, that he would have replied to her missive, the moment she knew it would arrive. However, she knows he was a very cunning man, who vies his time to make a move. If it was a game of chess between the two of them, it would be a current stalemate. As it is, the pawns are still being slowly placed on the board, and the both of them is yet to make a move.<br/><br/>"We shall leave at lunchtime. If I am correct, Lord Marcus plans the same thing I am. Making a grand entrance." The courier excused himself, bowing before he stepped back and left.<br/><br/>Looking at herself in the mirror, Ainara was satisfied. The dress was purple in color, trimmed with gold. The jewels around her neck where diamonds and rubies. Her hairdresser made sure that her wavy raven hair flowed down her back with pearls in the strands. She wore a small pearl and silver diadem, and the Stoikos ring on her right finger. She was ready.<br/><br/>Ainara took her time in her morning meal and inspected the preparation of her entourage. The carriage she shall be using is the famed, black and gold carriage, with her family crest modeled on the door and on the roof.  As midday arrived, Ainara and her carefully selected and prepared entourage departed from the Hillard House and to the castle.<br/><br/>*****************************<br/><br/>The Stoikos heir arrived at the castle, a mere hour before the evening festivities. Her carriage was immediately seen by the castle guards, and it was welcomed with the ringing of the tower bells. It was, after all, an arrival of a powerful heiress, and the whole court is awaiting her. As the carriage draws to a stop, a footman hopped quickly to open the doors and reached out his hand. Ainara gracefully took it, slowly stepping out of the carriage. The waiting ladies followed suit, help to arranged the skirts of her gown.<br/><br/>She slowly ascended the steps towards the doors of the palace, the wind catching some strands of her hair. But, before she could enter, however, another carriage arrived right after her. Ainara stood there, by the steps, anticipating the appearance of the people inside the carriage.