"But-but-but father! I can't marry someone I haven't met!" Epineh said.

You fathers face takes on a stern expression, although his eyes are filled with sadness "You are a princess of the realm, a political marriage was always likely. You have bee n given many privileges while growing up. Now it is time for you to do your duty"

Epineh lowered her head.

"Yes, father."

"Good girl" The king said giving you a brief hug "We need to prepare, the announcement will be made tomorrow at court"

"Understood father," Epineh said.

Lady Alisha leads you from the room and back towards her chambers she sits you down and begins to make you a pot of tea.

"You must be in shock" she said eventually as she worked. "What do you plan to do?"

"What can I do?" Epineh asked as she broke down crying.

Lady Alisha gently hugs Epineh letting her cry it out "I think that depends on what do you want to do with your life Ephie. If you are not willing to be a pawn in someone elses game you'll need to start making your own plans"

"Yes, but I'll need to find out where it's headed first," Epineh said.

Alisha nods "We should hear that tomorrow during the public announcement" she said "Or we could try asking your mother she might know"

"It's clear the games are going ahead. Which means I'm going to be engaged, but not to who," Epineh said. "It could be anyone at this point."

"Yes" Alisha agreed "Anyone can enter, so you can choose a Champion to fight for you for example"

"But I would have to marry them and, um, do you think I could get a guard to be my champion?" Epineh said, blushing.

Alisha laughed lightly "As you said anyone can enter the tournament. So if you can convince them to there is no problem having a Champion of your choosing. You have someone in mind then?"

Epineh continued to blushed deeper and squeaked out a "Yes..."

Alisha smiles slightly at Epinehs reaction "Well then I guess for now you had better rest, and ask tomorrow after the announcement "

Epineh nodded.

Alisha escorts you back to your room when you've finished the tea. You notice extra guards outside your room now.nit seems security has been increased after the attack.

Epineh decided to get ready for bed and turn in early.

You manage to sleep butbuts a fitful one, interrupted by dreams of recent happening and worries of whats to come.

You are awoken the  next morning by the servants informing you  breakfast is ready.

Epineh got ready and headed for breakfast.

You ate breakfast in the main hall, your mother and father were not present when you entered but several others were including several of the guards sitting together on one of the tables.

"Has father made any announcements?" Epineh asked the guards.

The guards looked at each other "No your highness, he has called the court later this morning though" one says "I guess that's to announce something... Do you know what it is?" he asked hopefully.

"I do, but I shouldn't say anything until the announcement," Epineh said.