<div style="text-align: justify;">Esther was relieved when Caldar listened to her and put her down. It wouldn't have been a very good beginning for their future marriage to have him carry her down the stairs on his shoulder. Then again, she felt that this marriage was <span style="font-style: italic">already</span> off to a bad start, and they were yet only intended. It would be a long, long life if that was what she had to look forward to, Esther thought to herself. Her relief didn't have time to set in, though, as her husband-to-be looked at her in a way that made her feel dirty. <br/><br/>While she tried to avert her gaze, Esther was unable to as Caldar was holding it, and, once he turned around, the redhead let out a deep sigh. What was it about this man that made her so incredibly uneasy? She could not remember having ever felt this way, around anyone. Wondering what that feeling was, Esther shook her head and turned around herself, walking down the stairs.<br/><br/>Feeling defeated, the girl walked to the dining hall and looked for a place near Caldar's sister Kari. She thought about telling the other young woman everything, but thought it would be too embarrassing. She then limited herself to shake her head on a negative, and then tried to focus on the conversation around the table.<br/><br/>The girl heard her father say something about setting the date for the wedding, and her mother add something about the dress, but she didn't really pay too much attention. It was as though all her mind could think about was Caldar, and the future she would have with him.<br/><br/>Esther's mother noticed her daughter's expression and hoped nobody else noticed how conflicted the girl seemed to feel. Turning her attention to Caldar's mother, she carried on speaking about the wedding preparations. "What does your tradition dictate for bridal gowns?", she asked curiously, since it would only make sense that her daughter dressed how a woman from the land would, if she was to wed a prince.</div>