ses, earrings brushed her clavicle, and diamonds strung around her throat. Her hand was heavy with the ruby and diamond ring that meant her marriage was real and intruding on her life. She looked every bit the regal, beautiful, and young queen she was and she hated it. For the last few years she had been wearing rough furs and leathers made by dwarves, sturdy boots, and the only jewelry or makeup she wore was soot from the mines, and the rare, rough, gems one of her clan would give her for a good job. She thought of the corded, rough-cut, gem in her cloak pocket, the only keepsake she could bring on this trip, and she longed to reach for it. She refrained, not wanting to fidget if she could help it.
"We should arrive within the hour, dearest," The Prince- Kieran, Snow really must try to call him by his name as he'd asked -broke her thoughts. She nodded with a fake smile, and he returned it with one of his own. She hated all his false endearments, and the way his closeness made her skin crawl." We are meeting with the leaders of Corona today, their daughter was recently found after years missing, and is set to be married soon. They are a prosperous port city and could be a good ally in taking down... well in helping our forces with the Dwarves. We must make this alliance, if we can help it, Snow."
"I know how important this is, I promise, your highness," Snow said, her tone more than a little bitter at his chastising. She blew out another sigh, and turned her gaze back towards the window. How she longed for her horse, a rough, wool, coat, and her sturdy riding boots. She wouldn't trade all the luxury in this cabin for that." I promise I will play the good princess, and bring up my alliance to the Dwarf kingdom as well. That's what you want isn't it?"