The cavalcade was tiresome but necessary. It was another day or two's ride to the edges of the kingdom held by Snow White and her husband now, and even that required driving the party through the woods. This was not normally a problem, but the woods were littered with brigands that might think the horse-drawn wagons were full of riches one might expect of a royal entourage. It just wasn't the case. It was full of bags of grains to gift to the new ruler.
And if it wasn't brigands to worry over -which he was sure would quickly be dispatched by himself and his guard, there was always the rumor that Verity was roaming this woods. It was better to keep the party close together. So, even though the trail was narrow, the few wagons he had could fit single file and there were two members of his guard positioned at the front, two at the back and one between each wagon while the captain of his guard rode beside him.
Since there were always people scattered about on the road, Charles paid no mind when they started to come upon a woman with a basket. He didn't even give it much thought as his white horse stepped passed her. He looked down briefly and nodded to the woman. There were many in his position in other kingdoms that would have demanded a peasant make proper way for him and his party of royal guard and supply wagons. Except they weren't in his lands. They were in the woods. And really, he wasn't the rude sort.
At catching a glimpse of her face as he passed, he turned to the Captain of his guard and said, “did she look a bit high-dressed to be walking out here alone?”
Raising his hand, as they had gone enough of a distance passed her that he was going to have to turn around, Charles spun his horse around and drew closer to her. Everyone else was given order to stay where they were. “Are you alright, miss? Do you need a ride somewhere? I'm sure we can find room for you on one of the wagons. It is not quite safe to be out here on your own.”