The five mortals could have sucked up all the air in the room as the dragon drew his weapon. Even the Princess, as composed and poised as she was, nearly gasped in fear that he might strike them down. But he surprised them all when he balanced the sword in his palms and bowed his head as he dropped to his knee. Devotedly he vowed to protect her, just as any knight would in the presence of their ruler. A small smile crept onto her lips and she nodded, “I accept your oath. You may rise, Gabriel of Valdaran.”<br/><br/>The pleasant look upon her visage did not last long as she caught the utterances of her cantankerous protector. She turned to him, an unamused look making him straighten up a bit. Though they all surpassed her in age and even in wisdom, it could not withstand her title. Her word as the Princess was final, to be heeded above all others. “That’s quite enough, Sebis.” She said admonishingly. For all her wild and mischievous tendencies, she knew when to exercise her authority. The dragon deserved a chance and the same courtesy they would have granted without question to one of their own kind.<br/><br/>“Well, if you are to leave come morning then we should all get some rest. Gabriel, we have but so much space, but you are more than welcome to sleep by the fire there.” Melina explained, pointing to the rug before the hearth. “I can bring you some blankets and pillows. We have plenty to spare. Now, if you’ll excuse us. We must make preparations for the Princess. The plan for this evening has not changed, young Princess. Bath, dinner, and then bed.”<br/><br/>“Of course. Good night,” Vail said, turning to go back to her room. She did as she was instructed with the help of her handmaidens who tended to her dutifully. She was drawn a bath, then dressed for bed. Instead of eating at the table, she had her meal in her room and then the servants made sure she was tucked in bed with the lights out.<br/><br/>Nothing but the silvery glow of the moon lit her dark room. On her back, she laid beneath the blankets, restless as her mind raced. She was nervous about leaving the cottage, even though it was all she had ever dreamed of. Vail often contemplated running away, leaving her title and the throne behind to see the world. Still, the monumental task of joining with the resistance was very much daunting. They probably had expectations of her, ones that she didn’t know she could live up to since she had lived her life in seclusion, cut off from the rest of the world. For hours she laid in bed, tossing and turning until she decided to push herself up. She went to her window, quietly and carefully lifting it so that she could sneak out into the garden. All she needed was fresh air to clear her mind. She wouldn’t get it cooped up in her room, though the servants would have had a conniption if they found her roaming around among the flowers.