Felicitas awoke early the next morning to the sounds of birds chirping. The sun was kissing the horizon, but rising steadily. Felicitas had always been first awake in the castle and today was no different. Quickly she stood and threw the comforter onto her bed. A small draft made its way under her short thin nightgown and she shivered in excitement, today she could go see William! She ran to her large closet and threw it open revealing hundreds of dresses custom made to fit her dainty form. She made her way to the very back of the walk in closet and chose one of her most flattering gowns. It was made of a fine expensive silk and it slipped over her head with ease. As she pulled the black and gold dress over her head she smiled at her reflection. The dress had a large golden trim around the neckline that plunged down to reveal much of her chest. The gold trim in the back hung down to her mid back to reveal her back. The dress was tight around the waist to reveal her trim waist and fell down to her ankles. She quickly slipped on a pair of golden slippers to go with it and ran to her vanity table to fix her hair. She combed it all back except for a few wispy strands and pulled it back with a gold comb inlayed with onyx stones. She quickly applied just a bit of her favorite red lipstick and smiled at her reflection once more, she had never looked so good wearing something that seemed so simple to her.
As she made her way downstairs her father caught her on the grand staircase. "Well my dear, don't you look lovely today!" He placed his hand between her shoulders as he guided her down the stairs. An aura of power still surrounded the old king and he held a twinkle in his blue gaze. "Felicitas, I hate to ask this of you, but could you take Shadowfaux and go check on the winter home? I heard there have been some disturbances and I think your presence will quiet them." Shadowfaux was Felicitas' prize pure bred Arabian stallion. His coat was black as night and he was not gentle with anybody but young Felicitas. "Do you mind if I bring Zhena too? I think she would enjoy a nice walk." Felicitas had just straight lied to her fathers face. She intended to bring Zhena so that William may ride along with her. "Of course my dear, do what you will, just be safe." Felicitas nodded and hurried to the stables. She insisted upon saddling Shadowfaux herself, but allowed one of the stable hands to saddle the old mare Zhena. She pulled herself up onto Shadowfaux and grabbed Zhena's reigns. Upon the black as night horse, she appeared the picture of royalty and so she rode.
As Felicitas made her way to Williams she smiled and waved to her people. As she arrived at his house she tied the two horses up and knocked on the door awaiting an answer. When the door was opened by his mother Felicitas smiled and asked if William could go on a ride with her.
