“Alliah, come with me?” My eyes opened slowly in the darkness of the barracks, a light hand shaking me awake as I slowly came to my senses. Was there something wrong? What was happening? I quickly sat up in bed, grabbing my sword that sat on the floor beside me in the process. Could there possibly be another skirmish on the borders?
“What’s going on? Are we in danger? Why isn’t anyone else awake?” I felt the panic rise in my chest as I watched all the dark lumps sleeping in the warn white cots. They where all lined in small, neat rows in a large room. I heard a small chuckle in the dark as a hand slowly traced the top of my shoulder to where my hand rested. I felt my self-tense at the presence, my hand gripping around the leather hilt of my sword. I rubbed my bleary eyes, and in the shadow of the moonlight, I could make out Nicklos’s face. Cursing silently to myself, I placed the sword on the ground and laid back down on the bed. What was he doing up so early in the morning?
“Jeez, you are always so paranoid. Come on I want to show you something.” He said gripping my hand in his and pulling me up in bed. I was only paranoid because I was the only young woman in a room full of testosterone filled men! But I followed him, anyway, knowing that he was really the only man that I would trust whole heartedly. I let him drag me out of the dark barracks and into a dimly lit hallway. There wasn’t one guard in sight. I wasn’t surprised though. After all a room full of Knights in training where sleeping down this way. If there was really any danger, than a bell would be sound, and we would all be up in a heart beat any way.
Nicklos, not letting go of my hand, steered me out into the hallway. We jogged silently, listening for any guards that might be roaming around this early in the morning. It would be just about time for the guards to switch, so in this moment, everything would be left temporarily unguarded. Our feet fell on the marble floors as we continued to hurry. I could feel my chest start to get heavy, not really use to running at long distances yet. Sweat had formed on the top of my forehead despite the early cold morning.
“Nicklos, where are you taking me so early in the morning? What is going on?” I hissed as we stopped at an intersection of the Palace. He casually and quietly peaked around each corner before tossing a silent smile over his shoulder. For some reason I felt my cheeks blush at his smile, and I looked away. My heart was fluttering ever so slightly. We spent lots of alone time together before, so why was he making me blush like an infatuated bride?
The coast being clear, we took the hallway to the left. I knew where this was, this was towards our garden. We jogged quietly down the hallway once more. He seemed to get more eager with every step towards the gardens, his speed picked up. At first, I struggled to keep pace, but he kept his hand around mine until we reached the opening. The ceiling gave way to a beautiful night sky. Stars speckled and glittered in the dark. They where scattered around, some areas in large clusters, or some in small, separated areas. The moon hung quietly in the sky, slowly sinking towards the ground in the distance as it prepared for the sun’s presence. The trees loomed quietly in the background as the wind quietly whispered through the branches.
Feeling confused, I went to ask him what we where doing out here. He stopped me with a finger to his lips. I could only clamp my mouth shut in utter confusion as he led me through the garden. The smell of roses fluttering through my nose as we passed through. We walked around the gazebo and towards the cliff that presided on the back side. I grew more nervous with every step, not sure what he had planned or if he was trying to pull something funny. So, when we got to the ledge, it surprised me when he sat down. His legs dangled over the edge, quietly kicking as he patted the ground next to him.
I was reluctant at first, but he kept insisting with the quiet look of his eyes. His golden globes pleading with me to sit next to him in the quietness of the dark. With a small sigh, I sat next to him, my legs dangling closely next to his. Not once did he let my hand go, so it sat between us. My face burned brightly; I couldn’t think of anything but of his hand wrapped around mine. I couldn’t bring myself to say anything about it though. He was staring at the outline of the mountains in the distance expectantly. Like he was waiting for something to happen.
“Nicklos, can you tell me why you woke me up so early in the morning? You know I am a grouch if I don’t get enough sleep.” I muttered under my breath. He let a small chuckle escape his lips. His eyes fell upon mine, a grin spread across his face.
“If I have to tell you why we are out here, are you fit to even be Queen?” He asked, amusement plain in his voice. I felt the blood boil in my veins at his remark. How was I not fit to be Queen because I couldn’t read his mind. “Just watch Princess, I promise you it is worth the wait.” He gave my hand a light squeeze in reassurance as we sat quietly. Our feet kicking absentmindedly in the cool summer air. I could feel my body shake in voluntarily as a cool breeze rushed across my exposed skin. I hoped that Nicklos didn’t feel my shaking, I didn’t want him to think of me as weak. But to my dismay he let go of my hand, his warmth fading fast from my body.
I watched as he untied his cloak from around his neck, and then placed it across my shoulders. His kind gesture was unexpected as he tied it around my neck, his fingers grazing against the exposed skin of my neck. My face brightened once again, not sure what to do with the close distance between our faces as he focused his gaze on the string he was tying. When he was done, his eyes locked with mine, and I felt my heart stop, my breath catching in my throat. Raising a hand to my forehead, his fingers lightly brushed the loose bed head strands from my face and tucked it behind my ear. He said nothing to me as he gently pulled away, his gaze returning to the dark mountain.
I couldn’t help but stare at him. I was not use to such kindness. Every man that I came across would say I shouldn’t waste my book smarts and I should focus on being the beauty of the Kingdom and be the Queen that my mother was. But younger sister was already the beauty of the land, even surpassing myself with her golden locks and bright green eyes. She looked like my father, and he was a very handsome man. I had gained the looks of my mother, her long raven black hair and stern green gaze. I wasn’t horrible, but I wouldn’t consider myself a beauty either.
I doubt I would ever find a husband. The way I was looked down upon for my decision as a Knight said as much. I wouldn’t come to regret this choice, because I know that in my heart, I can help my citizens as a Queen, and as a defender. They never disregard a King who gets his hands dirty, so why can’t a Queen do the same for her people? I pulled his cloak tightly around my shoulders. Nicklos noticed the movement and, without a word, placed his hand atop of mine once more. Why was he doing this? Was he not appalled that I was a woman Knight in training?
“Look.” He whispered, pointing out to the mountain. I looked to where his finger pointed and saw the change in the sky. It was a light blue at the base of the horizon. But as time slowly passed, the sky stared to get brighter, light pinks and yellows filled the sky as the golden rays reached from behind the mountain. All my life I had been holed up in the castle, getting groomed to take my fathers place one day. Never once was I able to experience the beauty of the rising sun. With the sun rising from the mountain, it gave it such a Majestic appearance. It stood so tall and proud as the sun crested the peak. I couldn’t pull my face away from the beauty of this nature. I was so very captivated by it, even when the sun finally finished rising, I was still staring in awe as the sky faded very slowly from pinks and yellows to the bright blue it always was when I woke up.
“Since I learned of this place, I come out here every morning to watch the sun rise. Despite the hardships we are going through as Knights, this is a reminder that there is always beauty in the world. That everything will eventually be alright. I like to call it hope.” I dragged my eyes away from the sun rise to face him. He was calm, even smiling as he watched it. His gaze was softer than I had ever seen it. It was a different side to him that I only ever seldom seen. Normally he was passive and tight lipped with the other Knights. But when it was just him and I, this was a side only I could see. He was a very gentle and caring young man. I was glad that I could experience this moment with him too.
“It really is beautiful. I am always taking care of my responsibilities as a Crown Princess, so I never get to experience things like this. So, I thank you for bringing me here with you. It was lovely.” I beamed at him, showing how gratuitous I felt for this moment. He turned to me, his hand tightly clenching around mine as his eyes rested upon mine. My heart did a little flutter as he just quietly gazed at each other. I didn’t know what this feeling was, but I knew that he was the only one that caused these little feelings in me, and I liked them.
“The only lovely thing I can see here your Majesty, is yourself. The sun rise or set could never compare to you.” He spoke softly, my ears barely picking up what he said. I felt the blush rise to my cheeks and turned away from him. I didn’t want him to see how embarrassed I was.
“Stop uttering such nonsense Prince Nicklos. Are you a Knight or a Scholar?” I heard him chuckle before letting go of my hand. There was a scuffling noise next to me as he rose to his feet. I hoped I didn’t offend him; I really did like what he said. “But for what it’s worth, I do appreciate the compliment.” I spoke staring down the cliff and to the jungle below us. The forest was so dense that you couldn’t see the ground underneath them. It was just a giant sea of green leaves.
“I meant what I said Alliah. Tease me all you like, but my view of you will never change.” There was a crunching of footsteps as he started to walk away. Why would he say something like that? I was a woman capable of defending herself, so why was he treating me so warmly? I quickly reached out and snagged his hand, stopping him from walking away. I needed to know why he was being so nice to me.
“Why do you treat me differently than the others. Does my wanting to be a Knight not bother you? Does a woman who can wield a weapon, not make you despise me like the other men?” I could feel the tears threatening to escape my eyes. I feared what he might say, and that he would take everything back he spoke to me. I feared he would laugh at my gullible sense of relief and would start treating me like everyone else. Sure, they treated me properly in front of General Bregus and other officials, but behind there backs I was a weak-willed woman they could torment. If I would run to my father or anyone else, then they would pull me from the Knight training program, and I would be seen as a coward.
To my surprise though, Nicklos just knelt to one knee in front of me and cupped a finger underneath my chin. I was forced to look up into his eyes. I saw the pain that resided underneath them, like the blanket over his emotions came off when I was around. He didn’t see me as an unequal, he only saw me as an equal. It was why I respected him so much and befriended him so quickly.
“I do not believe that men are the only ones capable of lifting a blade Princess. I think that is wonderful you are showing the world what woman can be capable of. I find it noble that you are willing to through you gender aside to step up to the plate to further protect your people. I don’t see you as anything other than a future amazing Queen who devotes herself to her people. Any man who is opposed to this idea is a coward. So don’t listen to them anymore. I know what they say to you when I am not there. It’s always on your face when I leave. You should be more proud of yourself.” With that he let go of my face and rose to his feet. With a brief smile, he turned on his heel and stalked off in the direction we came from. I couldn’t help but watch as he left. What was this feeling of warmth I felt?
His words touched me in ways no one else had ever accomplished. His warmth made me want to pick myself up off from the ground and try that much harder to prove to everyone I could do it. I wanted to see the faces off the Council man the day I would get Knighted. I knew that I could do it, and Nicklos stirred the hope I needed to keep caring me through. I looked towards the mountains again.
“Despite the hardships we are going through as Knights, this is a reminder that there is always beauty in the world. That everything will eventually be alright. I like to call it hope.” Thank you Nicklos, for always looking out for me.
Before he confessed his feelings for me, watching the sun rise was something we did together. A secret that only we shared. It was the greatest feeling to be there in that moment with him because I knew that he would have my back. I didn’t ever have to worry about other Knights in those moments we shared. Any time I felt terrible about myself he was always there to pick me back up, dust me off, and put me on my feet. I am where I am today because he was there to help me. My one and only male supporter other than my father. I stared at the mountain, silently waiting for the sun to rise and bring my hope with it. Hope that this battle between us and the bandits would cease. Hope that I could get over my anger for Nicklos and pray that things would patch up between us. I was angry, that muc
“Did we find at lease one Bandit?” I asked shoving my sword into the ground. I pulled my gloves off my hand, rubbing the numb feeling from having gripped so tightly for so long. We had fought for so long that I thought it would never end. So many of our men and theirs laid strewn across the ground like a tornado had ripped through. Blood filled the air, tainting the once beautiful field just outside the wall. It was once a home to a family of farmers, but in its wake was a shattered house, hopes, and dreams. Even if they where to move back in here, they lost their father, and the safe feeling they once felt living there. This would no longer be thought of as a home, but rather a reminder of what they once had. Memories of a happy life they once knew. “Your Majesty we sent out a few of our scouts to trail the fleeing Bandits. They tr
I felt my back collide with a solid wall, pushing all the air out from my lungs. I gritted my teeth as a hand came across my face, a sickening smack sounding off it. Pain burst across my face from the force of the slap I received. Tears welled up in my eyes as I tried to push the pain from my head. Do not show weakness, do not show them you fear them. Stay strong Alliah, you can do this. A wicked laugh came from the Knight in training that had smacked me. It was almost maniacal as it resounded off the walls and falling back to my ears. In this moment I felt truly terrified because I was outnumbered and out muscled. “So, this is the Great Crowned Princess Alliah. Look at the way you cower. I can’t believe they let someone like you train to be a Knight. You are so weak it’s pathetic. Your father must be so disappointed t
It had been an entire day since I heard anything from the scouting team. But in that time frame I was able to get wounded back to the Palace, and the dead where they belong. The field constantly smelt like rotting flesh and stale blood. It was not an appealing smell, but it was getting better every time we burned a batch of bandit bodies. We did them in small piles so we wouldn’t cause a huge grass fire. We didn’t have the water supply around to be able to stop such a huge fire. So small piles where just more convenient. With the last pile burned this morning, the forest was safe from hazards for one more day. Not that there was much of a forest anyway. It was a small meadow that surrounded us. Perfectly plowed fields laid scattered about in preparation for the early spring seeding. But now with the master of the house
We trekked through the forest until we came upon the camp site of these would think bandits. It seemed quiet at this base of theirs. Small groups of mercenaries walked down the dirt path between the houses, chatting quietly while the scanned the perimeter. They seemed nervous and on edge as they glanced between each other, holding their swords down at their sides, almost like they were expecting an attack. With having scanned the surrounding area, they walked onto the porch of an old, battered home and shut the door. Something didn’t feel right. The air seemed tense and on edge. Even my skin prickled as I scanned the small, abandoned village. Dreadfort was a very historical battle sight between my father’s Kingdom, and the Kingdom that laid just North of us. This village use to be
Nothing about this meeting made any sense to me. Who was that man and his mistress that they kept talking about? Why would they go after Illia when she was just a mere Princess? She had no real power of authority besides ordering the servants around and bossing around the people of the Kingdom as well. Other than that, she couldn’t make executive decisions or even make any laws. It was out of her jurisdiction. She was basically just a trophy that my father harbored under his wing until she could find a suitor. I could understand if they where trying to kidnap her for a ransom, but they where talking about killing her. I wonder if Illia had done something wrong to anger a nearby Kingdom. It was thanks to the river that passed through our lands that we had made some enemies. It has been awhile, and it w
I could feel the exhaustion of the last few days fall over me. My body ached with every step; my head throbbed at every slight of sound. I was sleep deprived I knew that. I could feel the heavy lids of my eyes droop as I slowly walked to my father’s study. All I wanted to do now was sleep in the soft cushions of my bed. Or maybe even relax in the warmth of my tub. I just wanted all of the anxieties of the last few days to melt away. But having to address my father with the current situation was a high priority. With my sister’s safety already addressed, I was at peace with having to deal with him. Thankfully though I wasn’t alone. General Bregus strode by my side, his stance held higher than my own. His bags under his eyes where evident like myself, but he was used to the struggles of sleepless nights and battle worn fatigue. I myself was not as use to it yet.&nbs
With a satisfied sigh, I plopped myself down on the edge of my bed, toweling off my still damp hair. I missed my bathtub and its warm relaxing waters. I missed the scent of the lavender soap that wafted the air and sank into my skin. I missed being clean. With the itch dirt no longer invading my body, I felt like I could take on another battle. I wanted to conquer another Mercenary camp and take on the evils of the world. Of course, I knew this feeling was temporary and that as soon as the feeling wore off, I was going to become dead weight again. I might as well take advantage of this feeling while I still had energy and get some work done. I could only imagine how much work had piled up in my absence. I rose from the edge of my bed and headed towards my desk. A neat pile of papers were stacked on the corner. With a gasp of disbelief,