Hello! This is my first story and take on Cornelia Funke's "Reckless." Of course, I do not own any of her work, I'm just reshaping the story. This version shows Kami'en's side of things and is a little different. Anyways, wish me good luck! :) (Rated M since it contains not very serious adult scenes and swears. Later on however, I WILL start putting more mature scenes in. You have been warned.)
Sunlight poured through the train car window, waking Kami'en. His personal guard, Hentzau, was near him as always, being alert as ever. Still though, Kami'en noticed how his shoulders slouched and his eyelids were being weighed down by fatigue. As Kami'en stretched, Hentzau looked down and clearly whispered,
"Good Morning."
Kami'en nodded back, being polite and stood up. His forehead clearly scrunched up from exhaustion, having not slept in 2 weeks, while most Goyl didn't need sleep until after 1 week instead. The rest he had just taken was very appreciated. Fiery petrified flames danced around on his skin, one of the perks or disadvantages (depending on the Goyl) of having carnelian skin.
"Where is my suit?" he grumbled, still a little groggy.
Immediately, Hentzau called for a maid, telling them to fetch the best clothes they could find for the King. He was, after all, going to be the first Goyl to have a human bride. As the human maid walked away, she almost fell, the train car bouncing back and forth as the cause even though Hentzau and Kami'en barely noticed.
"So..."
Hentzau mumbled, slightly nervous of the upcoming events.
"So?"
Kami'en countered back.
"You are set to marry in the heart of the enemies' capital and our men are more than half a day away!"
Hentzau retorted, the nervousness suddenly flowing out of him like a river. But Kami'en just shrugged, as only one could who had half of the world in his palm. After what seemed like forever, he finally spoke back.
"If I go without my men, it will seem that I have my trust in the Empress. Not to mention, I won't be hiding behind my guards, like a little girl hides behind her mother." He mocked.
Hentzau said nothing, the right words just not appearing in his head at the moment.
"You see? I'm right." As Kami'en said this, his already fiery carnelian skin seemed to flare.
Hentzau stared at the ground, wondering when the maid would get back so he wouldn't have to endure this awkward silence. As he waited, he noticed his stony, brown jasper face staring right back at him with those piercing, yellow eyes from the reflection off of the train window. I may not have a lot of patience, but I am quite handsome. Sure, not a lot of people noticed him being the King's Bloodhound and all, but he was a slight fox. He was everything a Goyl or human could want: Tall, charming, smart, loyal, a good fighter, and best of all, not so attractive other women would go looking for trouble when it came to him. Or at least, that's what he thought.
What seemed like forever and then some, the maid returned, her scuttling feet making her appearance more than her actual presence. Any Goyl could have heard her noisy movements before she even opened the door and some humans as well, if they were lucky. Hentzau was not in the mood for any annoying sounds, like the maid's breathing. The large intakes of breath, only for each gust of wind to be pushed out the human's delicate windpipe. But, at least he tolerated it somewhat. As soon as he was handed a suit and some other clothes, he growled at the servant, making her yelp and scuttle away once again. Kami'en sighed, opening his eyes. He was never aware of closing them. One eyelid slowly raised to reveal the golden iris underneath while the other eyelid popped open, another startling and stabbing golden iris under it, too. His hand brushed over his head, smoothing his stony hair and he stood up, taking the clothes surprisingly gently from the other Goyl. Right there and then, he told himself
"One kingdom at a time Kami'en, one kingdom at a time."
This is a start. I'm not finished, of course (at least I hope not). I just want to see what people think of it and if it's good, I'll keep adding onto it. Please review! I want to know what I'm doing wrong or right. :)
