Maiden Mary struts through the town, happily garnering the attention of everyone she passes. A few merchants and merchant's sons come up to her to make passes or offer gifts, which she accepts and carries in a basket that one of the men give her. No woman has ever gotten this sort of open attention that she has ever seen and it makes her feel like a princess. Apparently, the people around her feel the same way and begin calling her "Your Highness" or "Your Grace" and bow in her presence.
As she enters the head of the merchant's camp, she starts to encounter soldiers that have been hired to maintain the order and protection of this traveling group. Plenty of these armored professional warriors bow to her & call out to her flirtatiously as she passes and Mary loves it. They get a little loud as she starts to draw a crowd and she is soon busy introducing herself to these fine specimens. As the men become fully distracted from their duties, the whole of their separate camp is shut down by this beautiful woman.
After a while, a loud whistle is sounded and the men start to disperse back to their places. Orders are shouted and more whistles are sounded as Mary is soon standing before a well dressed nobleman carrying a ledger and an armored military officer with a whistle. Upon finally seeing the beauty of Maiden Mary, both men are compelled to bow. The noblemen addresses her in a sweet tone filled with respect. "Milady, as a representative of the His Majesty's government, I apologize for the behavior of this unit of his guards."
The officer nods. "Believe me, their lack of discipline will be dealt with. Was your integrity dishonored by their actions?"
"No, not at all. They were sweet for the most part. Anything for his Majesty's Men." She lovingly gazes back at the men, who gawk back at her from a distance before their commander silences them once more.
The noblemen smiles and looks down at his papers. "Forgive me Milady. There is no note of the local mayor having a daughter. Are you perhaps visiting from a nearby court?"
Mary humbly smiles. "No Milord. I am not nobility. I in fact hail from Buttundoa and make my living as a humble milk maid."
The nobleman is shocked. "A milk maid? That is obscene for someone of your impeccable beauty and grace to be living as such a lowly caste. You truly have no protection of a noble house?"
"No Milord. Though I must be honest I proclaim that a tournament is to be held three days time to determine which worthy man of the land can win the honor of my hand."
The nobleman smiles proudly. "You are truly a bewitching Maiden. A tournament, you say?"
"Yes sir. I have been made many offers of marriage but I must remain pure until the most worthy man presents himself."
The nobleman turns to the officer. "Captain, send your best scouts and an hawk to the Prince. He is nearby hunting and could make it in time to win this fair maiden's hand."
Mary blushes as the Captain quickly goes off to execute this order. "The Prince?"
"Why yes. Lady Mary, you are too valuable a prize to be hidden in this valley. The Crown Prince Eric has been searching for a wife and I believe you to be the perfect candidate. Oh this will definitely get me my own Earldom, perhaps a Barony." The noble man takes her hand and bows to her again. "Fair Maiden, believe me when I say that the Crown Prince shall ensure the tournament to be a formality as you shall see yourself married within the week."
The poor girl's heart flutters as she is presented with this grand honor. A prince is coming down to Buttundoa, for her! She knew the Enchantment was powerful but it is taking her to heights she never thought possible. No longer would she have to live in poverty and she could be flouted and worshiped by countless people as a Princess. Marrying the Crown Prince, she will be Queen one day.
Enticed by the luxury, she nods her head in acceptance. "Milord, I accept and invite His Royal Highness to come and enter the tournament. I expect he shall be a most favored competitor."
In three days time, the tournament is held. Many villagers, merchants, and travelers are waiting for the events of the day, eager to see which man will rise to the top. Mary is also very excited about the tournament, for this day shall determine her future husband. But which man has her favor?