Weeks had passed and although Joan saw her parents at most mealtimes, she hadn't had any alone time with her father as she had hoped. She spent more time with the queen during morning prayers and while they did needlework in the afternoon. Queen Philippa was quick to advise patience when Joan became frustrated with an incorrect stitch.

One day, the king summoned the children to the throne room. Meals were generally full of other people, but as the king and queen sat alone in their red velvet and gold framed grand chairs, the room suddenly felt uneasily empty.

"My children, I have been in correspondence with the Holy Roman Emperor, Louis IV. To secure an alliance, I must go to his kingdom and discuss things, man to man. I will sail there within the next week or so."

Joan's heart sank. Her time with her parents would be coming to an end for who knew how long.

"He has invited me to his Imperial Diet, where important dukes and princes around Europe gather in a forum to discuss important topics. It is an honour for me to attend. And I've decided Joan will accompany me."

Joan's jaw dropped as everyone looked at her. "Me?"

She tried to think back on her map lesson. How far was the Holy Roman Empire? How long would it take to get there? What was it like there?

"Oh, Joan! You'll love seeing a new kingdom," Queen Philippa said. "Meeting the emperor, and the empress is my sister! My elder sister Margaret and I were close friends as children and we still write to one another. I wish I could go with you." The queen touched her stomach. "But I am unable to travel so far now. You will make our family proud, and behave kindly to Louis and Margaret as you would to us.."

"I am glad to accompany you, my lord," Joan said, her head still whirling. She had many questions but knew the details would come later. The king decreed--everyone else followed.

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"I will have a few gowns made for you for the trip, and we will leave soon on our voyage," the King said. He raised his glass. "To unions!"

Joan and her siblings followed and raised their glasses. She thought about how at last she would get her father's attention. Even with business he had to take care of, there was so much time to travel that she could have hours and hours to talk to him.

Talk about what? she wondered. Her future, her studies, his adventures in Europe? The possibilities were endless. It was what she was most excited to plan for.

* * *

Later that night when the girls got ready for bed in their room, they were all abuzz with excitement about Joan's journey.

"Sister, I am so jealous! I've never been out of England," Isabella said. "You will meet so many new people, see so many new things. You'll sail on a big ship!"

Joan beamed. The possibilities of travelling seemed endless. She could hardly picture what it may entail. She knew her mother came from Hainault and her father claimed the French throne, but she wasn't able to picture life outside of what she knew. She was excited to see possibilities for herself.

Cousin Joanna took her hand. "Princess, I will miss you. I will write to you often. We can share all the details of our lives."

"Oh, I shall write to you too! To think how much fun it will be!" Joan exclaimed. She loved receiving letters, but she had few people to write to. It would be a good way to practise her handwriting and language skills.

The girls soon after blew out the candle for the night, but Joan could hardly sleep. When she did, she dreamed of ships she had seen drawn in her books.

* * *

Within a few weeks, the preparations were made. Marie had helped her get new dresses and pack her belongings in trunks. As the carts were being loaded up with their possessions, Joan felt pangs of excitement and nervousness set in. She had travelled to different castles in her life, but never so far away before. None of the castles were her true home; the country itself was her home, and she would be without it for some time.

She had never known life without Isabella. Her parents were often away, but she had always had her sister by her side no matter where they lived. She had always had her brother as well, but she would not miss him. She knew she would miss her sister most of all.

Joan tearfully said goodbye to Isabella, Marie, and her mother. She was scared, but proud. Her father chose her to accompany him. Her father picked her. That gave her the confidence she needed as she entered the carriage and waved farewell to the life she knew.