Right the wrongs done by your blood, free the oppressed, give power to those who deserve it, give rights to those who are slaves.
Your people need a Hero. It is time that Hero awoke.
The door burst open and was then quickly shut again, making the morning sun burst into the room like lightening. The sound of wooden shoes hitting the wooden floor echoed around the chamber, making their way to the windowsill, which looked over the palace gardens and the old King's tomb. The curtains were pulled back and light flooded into the chamber, waking Princess Nymira. She did not stir, hoping pointlessly that Jasper would allow her to sleep for a moment more, to revisit the dream that had plagued her. The woman, there was something about the woman. A shadowed face, pointed like her brothers. A small figure shrouded in white and red. And glowing eyes. Well, that she'd rather be rid of. Nonetheless, Mira stayed still, eyes shut and back to Jasper.
"What a dreadfully sorry sight," he sighed. Mira could tell he was looking straight at her, but refused to move. The sun lit the back of her eyelids, and Mira groaned, remembering all her duties for the morning: first up, practice with Walter. He would not tolerate her being late again. She sighed, pulling the sheets up around her, like a protective cocoon.
"Such a beautiful day to waste in bed, don't you agree?" Jasper asked, pulling open the next set of curtains, allowing more of the light to pour in.
"Oh go away, Jasper," the princess moaned, burying her face in the soft down pillow to escape from the intruding morning sun. She was awake now; there was no going back to the odd dreams for at least another day. However, it did not stop her from making a nuisance of herself.
"Now that is hardly the response of a princess," Jasper said, and Mira heard his shoes clack as he approached the bed. "I'm afraid it is time to rise. With your permission," he continued, not waiting for a response from Mira, "I will wake your sleeping companion." He tore the sheets back to reveal the wolf lying next to Mira. He gave a yip at the sudden exposure to light and Mira giggled as he snuggled into her back to evade it. Like owner, like dog. Or in this case, like wolf.
The grey canine had been a present from Mira's brother, Logan, when he had first begun his travels around Albion. It was unusual for a wolf to become a companion to anyone, let alone a Royal, but Henry had been found as a pup amongst a small pack of slaughtered wolves. The guards had been set to kill him too, but Logan had saved him, thinking what a marvelous present he would make for his adventurous little sister. Mira had raised Henry, feeding, washing and sheltering him. The two had grown as thick as thieves, stealing treats from the kitchen when no one was looking and causing general mayhem to the Nobles of the palace. There was no greater companion for Mira when she had nothing to do all day but saunter around the castle.
"Ah yes," Jasper went on, looking at the princess, sprawled on the bed in her nightdress and the wolf that had cuddled into her, "One's heart soars before such regal bearing." He said sarcastically. "I trust you both slept well. You have a busy day ahead." Mira sighed, finally sitting up. She gave Henry a scratch behind the ear when he whined.
"Come on boy, if I have to get up, so do you." Mira said, swinging her legs off the bed. Henry bounded off the bed, making the whole mahogany frame shake and sat in front of Jasper expectantly.
"It's not going to work." Jasper said defiantly. "Don't look at me like that." Henry gave a wag of his tail, which practically shook his whole body. "Oh, very well," Jasper said, finally giving up and scratching Henry under his chin. "Good dog,"
"What a pair," Jasper muttered to himself as the princess walked past, stretching and yawning, "The kingdom is doomed."
Mira flashed him a smile. Jasper was one of her oldest friends, a steward of her father, before turning his services purely to Mira. Logan had enough men to do his work, and Jasper preferred her company. He wore the same attire everyday, black pantaloons, a light blue waistcoat, a dark blue tailcoat with a gold lapel and gold cuffs. The gold buckle on his spotless black boots shined and the pure white of his gloves and cravat gave the outfit the brightness it required. He was one of the few people that stood taller than Mira, his long thin frame was straight and proper from years of being trained as a servant of the royal family. His white hair was fairly flat, it shaped his face all the way down the sides of his jaw, but he had a small curl that stood straight up atop his head. Mira often wondered whether it was intentional. Besides that, he had an aging face that was usually quite gentle, which was welcome amongst the fake faces of the Nobles.
Jasper returned the smile quite affectionately. He may be paid to serve Mira, but to her, he was family.
"Now, madam, if you will follow me," He beckoned her to come to him, "Perhaps we can find more… appropriate clothing for today's activities." He led her over past the piano and the numerous bookshelves to the fireplace, where the embers dimly glowed.
"Master Elliot is most eager to speak to you this morning," Jasper said, as Mira's face lit up. "He is waiting for you in the garden. No doubt you will wish to look your best for your young 'friend'," He concluded, seeing the smile in her eyes and the hastened steps she took.
In front of the stone hearth stood two manikins, both the same size and build of the princess. One held the attire of a princess. A petticoat was the first thing that drew Mira's attention and she gave a gag. The rest of the attire wasn't much more desirable to her. Large white sleeves tied with purple ribbon, a purple corset laced with gold and a bonnet that mixed all three colours. She made a face at Jasper for his choice.
"Master Elliot is a charming boy, but perhaps wearing pyjamas to meet him would send the wrong message?" Jasper said, looking at his pocket watch and then gesturing to the other ensemble that was before her. This was much better. A loose white shirt with long puffed sleeves decorated the manikin from the bottom of the breast upwards. It had a more relaxed neckline than that of the other attire and what looked like a less restricting bodice. The corset was a light brown, laced with pale gold. It had a split skirt with the same pale gold outline as the corset and white tights underneath. Mira would have preferred boots to the red-brown heeled shoes at the bottom of the attire, but she wouldn't want to keep Elliot waiting just so she could be more comfortable. She was going to kick those shoes off the moment she set foot in her chambers again anyway.
She hastily undressed the manikin, took the clothes behind the screen then did the same to herself. After five minutes of fiddling with the corset, she was presentable. As she approached from behind the screen, Jasper smiled at her.
"An excellent choice. I'm sure Master Elliot will approve. Perhaps you ought to make your way to him now." The happiness in his voice faded for a second, and Mira grew concerned. He grimaced quickly before mastering his face again, making it expressionless, "and I would recommend avoiding your brother today. King Logan is rumored to be in an… ill temper." Mira sighed. Typical, she thought, as she whistled for Henry to join her. He bounded across the room to heel at her side.
"Have a good day, madam." Jasper said, as he retreated behind the screen to collect her nightdress.
"Will do," Mira promised as she grabbed three apples from the basket on a table and opened the door. "Bye Jasper."