Wolter sat hunched over the table of the guards' dining hall, shovelling the delicious pile of potatoes and beef into his hungry mouth. All day he had been part of the guard while the King held court. It was boring work, just standing there listening to the drivel of the petitions. At least it was also clear that the King was also bored by it all. But such uninspirational work had its privileges; a trifle less dangerous than the battlefield and the pay was very handsome. The uniform of course brought other perks too.
Looking around the crowded hall, there was not exactly anyone he wanted to take to his chamber that night. It was dinner time, the room filled with noise. The only women to be seen in the hall were the uninteresting kitchen staff, who were serving up the evening meal. The castle had a small army of plump and feisty middle aged cooks. They had a reputation for taking no nonsense from anyone and were well known for being able to knock a battle hardened man to the floor. A wave of commotion suddenly ran through the hall, shouting and wolf whistles. Wolter looked up to see one of the Princess Emelda's maids scurrying up the edge of the dining hall, looking very embarrassed. One of the cooks stopped her, scalding her for being in "no place for a little girl!"
She explained to the cook, that she had been ordered to fetch someone. The cook rolled her eyes and grabbed her arm, heading to where Wolter was sitting. "You!" The cook snapped at Wolter, poking him in the back with a stubby finger, "Someone here for you!" Wolter turned to the girl, looking her up and down. The Princess only allowed the prettiest of girls in her service it was said. With her face like a tomato, the girl curtseyed.