The whole castle was in an uproar. It wasn't that the people seemed excited, more like they were curious about Isabelle Vozenilek, the twelve-year-old traveling across the ocean to stay with the Royal Family as their ward. Alphard had heard too many servants gossip around here. There were so many rumors floating around, most of them were utterly ridiculous. He could tell his Mother wasn't ecstatic about their guest either.
Laila had already expressed her delight at the prospect of finally having a girl around, even if she was four years younger than her. She often talked to Alphard about the girl, wondering what she would be like. Alphard wanted to ask her what was the point of making speculations when they were going to meet her in just a few day's time. But he only nodded his head where he thought necessary.