I can see that Katanira is not at all happy or comfortable with her current situation. I know I would not be thrilled if my mother had sent me away elsewhere for such purposes. Talis curtsies and takes her leave to go attend my mother.

"Fear not, Katanira, for I promise we will try not to corrupt you too much," I say with a wink and a smile, hoping to put her a little more at ease. "I hope you will find life amongst the Court enjoyable once you become more acquainted."

"Thank you," she says, graciously.

"You are not alone in your quest for a good marriage partner," I continue to rattle on. "It seems to be much on my brother's mind for me; though I think he should worry less about me and more about himself. And, I am sure if my mother was not dealing with so much as she is now, it would be foremost on her mind as well."

"Neither you nor your brother are married?" she asks.

"No, not yet. It is certainly not for lack of potential partners. It is just that neither of us have wanted to rush into anything just because we are of 'marriageable age', and thankfully, our mother has not pushed. She knows it is an important decision that is not to be taken lightly in any respect."

"You are lucky then."

"Perhaps," I respond. "I hope you will dine with us after this formality is out of the way, then I can introduce you to my brother and some of our friends."

I look over to where Darius, Megara, Prince Kamiros and Nikolaos are gathered. The Prince is looking our direction and a smile instantly forms on my lips as our eyes meet. The room is then called to order. It is about time too, as I, for one, am famished and ready for dinner.