Disclaimer: No claim is made to any of Tamora Pierce's character or places. No profit is being made from this works and no offense is intended to any person.
Hi, welcome to my story! This is my first story, so I would love any advice or opinons you wish to pass on.
Eowyn
Now on with the story!
Shaynah's POV
As I gazed up the palace gates in Corus high up on the hill, my mouth dropped open in awe. They were huge and golden, glinting in the sunlight and inlaid with carvings and pictures. There were pictures for harvest, and war (those weren't so nice) which all added to the beauty of them.
"Shaynah!" The sharp call brought me back to earth. It was my mistress, Lady Adela of Comlig. I had been her slave for as long as I could remember. Her parents had bought me when I was aboutfive I think, and she was seven.
"Shaynah!" The call came again, and I winced. I had been thinking too long (like a lot lately), and now I would be punished. Sure enough, when I entered her caravan, her personal guard was waiting, belt in hand. So many times over the years have I been thrashed, I've learnt crying out only caused harder hits, and for longer.
When the guard had left, Adela began to order me to tighten her corset, set her hair, and just generally ready her for the court of Tortall. This I did, trying to refrain from letting her see how much I hurt. Not only from the beating, but in my feet, legs and stomach, from walking on too little food over a long period of time.
You see, my mistress and her parents are ambassadors from our country of Kenmaila, to Tortall. Kenmaila and Tortall are several months apart, and I only being a slave was not worthy of riding in a caravan or riding a horse. Adela came along with her parents who are actually the ambassadors, in hope of finding a husband as part of the treaty. In fact, what I overheard when I was tending my mistress, she was hoping to snare the Prince of Tortall, so she could become Queen one day.
As the caravans passed through the gates, up on the hill, horns announce our arrival. Adela descended from with me trailing behind.
"Remember, don't speak unless you are asked a question and be invisible." Adela hissed at me as we walked towards her parents.
When we reached her parents, Adela's mother, Lady Emi, exclaimed in a loud tone,"my dear, you look splendid! The Tortallans will have no one more beautiful at court!" As much I didn't want to, I had to agree. Adela's low cut, pale pink dress showed her figure, and highlighted her midnight hair. Her ebony eyes shone, and her ivory skin glowed. She was sixteen, and I thought the only reason, she was so far unbetrothed, was that she was very spoiled and vain.
Thinking about myself, I sighed. I had no figure, reddish brown hair with blond streaks from the sun and very, very pale blue-green eyes. As a slave all I could wear was a simple shift to my knees, and I kept my hair in one long plait to my waist.
As we entered the big hall, I was astonished to see hundreds of people there. I stared around in wonder as the herald started introductions. "Your Majesties, may I present Sir Calwin of Comlig, his wife Lady Emi, and his daughter, Lady Adela, ambassadors from the country of Kenmaila. Ambassadors, may I present Their Majesties, King Jonathan and Queen Thayet of Tortall, Crown Prince Roald of Tortall" (I heard Adela's intake of breath, this must who she wants to marry) "and Princess Kalasin of Tortall." Next the Herald gestured to the group of nobles standing by the royalties. "This is Sir Raoul of Goldenlake and Malorie's Peak, Commander of the King's Own, Duke Baird, Chief of the realm's healers, Sir Garath of Naxen the Youn..."
By this time I had lost track of who was who. Hoping I wasn't supposed to memorise these or anything, I glanced around at the crowd. My gaze came to rest on a girl. She was wearing a squire's royal uniform, but was the only girl to do so. Who was she? Why was she the only girl? Why was training for that matter, when girls couldn't?
I forgot my questions when Lady Adela called for my attention. "You are to get by dresses and bags and take them to my rooms. Now. Then unpack, and I will want a hot bath." So I hurried out of the hall to do her bidding.
