[daikokunyo]

Torquil caught himself staring at Vella as she ate, at her delicate lips and the way her throat bobbed when she swallowed. He blinked and looked away, hoping she hadn't noticed. He needed to get a grip. She ate birdlike, which accounted for her slender frame, he supposed.

As they left the dining room and walked through the halls, heading for the entrance where all the retinue awaited, Torquil offered Vella his arm.

In the stretch of land from the palace to the gates of the city, there were uniformed soldiers to lead the parade, a grand palanquin with veiled curtains like layered gossamer for Vella and a couple of attendants to be seated within, and bearers to carry them through the city. For Torquil, there was his favourite steed, and some accompanying knights.

He stopped at the palanquin, resting on the ground, and turned to Vella, opening his palm. "May I?" He intended to help her into the palanquin before mounting his steed. Then the bearers would hoist it up on their shoulders, and they could set off.