The princess picked up the skirt of her gown, tempted to pull the knife out from under her dress and cut off an entire foot off the end and toss it into the mud. The dress was beautiful, a sapphire gown that touched the floor with quarter length sleeves. A sleeveless cloak was draped over her shoulders, cinched in the front with a simple sapphire embellishment. It was a lovely dress, but simply not for the girl.
She patted one of the muscular shoulders of the horses as she walked past, earning a grunt from the white gelding. A brown carriage awaited before her, along with the driver and doorman. Just as she always did, she ignored the hand of the doorman that offered to help her into the cart, and offered him a faint smile instead. He blinked but said nothing, continuing to help the queen and prince into the cart.
The prince sat beside her and my mother sat before her, adjusting the skirt of her gown so it laid neatly on the floor of the carriage. The princess folded her hands in her lap and slouched a bit, not enough for the queen to notice.
"We are going to town to interact with our people." the Queen said, brown eyes drifting to the window in the cart. Both the prince and princess shifted uncomfortably. "Serena, you will be assisted by two guards. Derrington, I am sure you can handle yourself." Nasuada said, ignoring the glare coming from her daughter. "You are to enter stores and chat with people. It is crucial that you remain official, but kind."
The princess eventually zoned out her mother, giving the occasional nod of her head to make it appear like she was listening. After what felt like an endless journey but was really only a shirt ride into the center of the village, eventually they managed to make it to their destination. People automatically gathered around the carriage, intrigued by the beautiful carvings on the wooden cart and powerful steeds. Serena was last to exit the cart, dropping down onto the ground gracefully. Already her mother was walking away, to where she assumed was the dress store.
Derrington came up beside the girl, putting his arm around her slender shoulders. He looked handsome in light brown, the color complimenting his features appropriately. "So, my dear sister." He said, revealing a small white flower he must have just retrieved. She smiled at it, taking it between two careful fingers. "What is first on your agenda?"
"Get out of these shoes." She answered automatically, kicking off the white shoes with too much heel. She didn't bother placing them neatly on the ground. Somebody would pick them up and sell them for a pretty coin. Serena turned her head over her shoulder, looking at the two guards waiting patiently for her command. "And ditch the guards."
The girl pulled two small brown bags from a small satchel, tossing one to each of the guards. She portrayed an innocent, flattering smile. "Meet me back here at dusk." They glanced at each other once and then left in separate directions. Derrington grunted, impressed by the movement before planting a kiss on the girl's cheek.
"Stay safe, then." He said simply, before walking away without waiting for a reply. The princess turned, looking over the people scanning over her with wide eyes. She was a sight to see. Olive skin, blue eyes brighter than even sapphires themselves, wavy brown locks coming down to her hip bones. Her frame was petite and she was average height, but she had been training with knives and bows, and her running skills were remarkable. Even without a drop of Elven blood in her system she could appear nearly just as graceful. Serena smiled at them, giving an awkward wave. A small girl with curly black locks bounded up to her, arms stretched out wide. Calm as ever the princess leaned down and lifted the girl onto her hip, moving forward at a steady walk.
"Your hair is pretty." The little girl cooed, tugging gently on one of the brown locks. The princess released a soft laugh, lightening the mood of all the people around her. They followed her eagerly, striking up casual conversation about the village and such. This was where Serena sometimes felt most comfortable: amongst regular people. The girl dropped from her hip, but grasped Serena's hand in a tight hold, tugging her along throughout the stores. For hours upon hours Serena talked to various villagers, purchasing random trinkets and other things to please the store owners. By the time the sun began setting the villagers had all left, treating themselves to hearty suppers and converse. Leaving the princess completely and utterly alone.
A massive mistake on their behalves.
"Ahh, the Princess…" A voice cooed, his voice resembling the sound of claws on glass. "You are finally alone, I see." Serena turned fast, recoiling at the sight. A tall man stood there, a hooded cloak draped over his shoulders. By torch light she could see a pale face, and two white hands that held a sword by the hilt. This was the first time she had felt so alarmed by somebody. Her blue eyes narrowed, but she kept her relaxed posture.
"Hello there." She said quietly, taking a single step back. She was prepared to gather up the ridiculous skirt of hers and run if needed. "And who might you be?"
"Emefus." The man said simply. He smiled, revealing teeth that seemed to come to a point. Serena gasped, stumbling backwards. "Brother of the infamous Varaug."
Only through her studies did Serena know exactly who Varaug was. He was the Shade created by the sorcerers of Galbatorix, even stronger than Durza had been due to using more spirits in his creation. The Princess shook her head in disbelief. "That's impossible…" She murmured.
She turned to run, but wasn't quite quick enough. The Shade suddenly appeared in front of her, clasping a pale hand over her mouth. Cool metal touched her neck. Fortunately she was smart enough to know that it was the tip of a blade. Tears shone in her eyes as he lifted his hand from his mouth, pressing a single finger to his lips, as if to shush her.
"Quiet now, my dear." He said, tilting his head to the side and smiling once again. His hand wrapped around her wrist. "It is time for my brother to be avenged."