I step out of the carriage, my legs stiff from the long journey. As my eyes adjust to the bright sunlight, I am overwhelmed by the sheer size and grandeur of everything in this city. Before me stands the palace, tall and exquisite. A footman greets me, and leads me into the palace.

The throne room is larger than my entire cottage, and filled with beautiful girls. I begin to feel extremely self conscious, but I push it aside and stride to the front of the room with confidence.

I notice that the three princes are all very handsome, and I blush a bit as they look at me.

“Your majesties,” I say as I curtsy, “I am Lyla Katana of Wenth.”

“And why have you come here today Lyla?” Asks Nixus. It all feels so surreal, I cannot believe that the emperor just addressed me personally.

“I wish to honor my region and my family, as well as do my duty to you, our great emperor.” I say with confidence. “I think that you will find me ready to face any challenge that you choose to place before me.”

Emperor Nixus and Prince Prar remain impassive, but Delt smiles amusedly, and I catch a glint of something in his eyes. Prince Tamd is looking slightly nervous, which I find amusing, as we are all here to impress him and his family.

“Thank you Lyla, you may take a seat.”

I am led to chair beside a pretty girl in a beautiful dress, and smile politely as I take my seat. I breathe a sigh of relief, feeling pretty happy with myself. I do hope that I am not sweating at all, as I am in my fanciest dress, and my fur. Though I would be much more comfortable without it, I refuse to take off the fur and risk losing it, a gift from my father.