If she were not the princess, some other great catastrophe, hinted by Castleman and dreaded by Yolanda, might happen; and it is well for disinterested persons to remain away from the scene of impending trouble.
Aside from all these good reasons for cutting short our journey to Peronne, was the fact that our motive for going there had ceased to exist.

The princess was soon to become the wife of the Dauphin.

If Yolanda were not the princess, there was still good reason why we should abandon her at Metz.

She was dangerously attractive and was gaining too great a hold on Max.

We were under contract to escort Castleman to Peronne, and no danger should prevent us from fulfilling our agreement; but if Castleman should voluntarily release us, our obligation would cease.
As we passed under the portcullis at Strasburg, Max spurred his horse to Yolanda's side.