As the sun started it's climb in the sky over the distant horizon, I rode out to the shore, admiring the hazy pink and orange glow playing across the sky. There was a low mist hanging over the water, making the sea look eerie. My horse, Brandt, snorted as we came to a stop. I smiled to myself as a flock of birds flew over my head from the nearby trees. I turned Brandt around and urged him back towards the small city. The rush of the wind set my long, dark hair billowing behind me.
Once I reached the stables, the sun had already become a semi circle connected to the earth. The warm light caused Brandt's chestnut fur to brighten and caused my tanned skin to glow. I smiled then led Brandt to his stall. He neighed, cross to the idea of being inside on a day like this. I laughed and rubbed his muzzle.
"Don't worry, boy. You'll be out again soon enough. I promise," I whispered before turning around and heading towards my home. Before I reached my door, I was greeted with a familiar face.
"Good morning, Jacob. How are you fairing this fine morning?" I asked with a smile.
"Fairing just well, thank you," Jacob said, bowing slightly. "And you, my lady?"
"I as well," I curtsied slightly and started for my front door once again.
"Excuse me, Kylah?" Jacob said, once I had passed him.
I turned to him. "Yes Jacob?"
"Would you care to join me for the morning meal?"
"Sure," I said opening my door. "Come call once you're ready?"
Jacob nodded and smile. "Of course, my lady."
I smiled in response and crossed the threshold of my home, closing the door behind me. I walked down the short hallway to my small back bedroom and sat on the edge of my bed. I picked up the brush off my bedside table and started brushing through my long, wind-tangled hair. I wondered how my mother and father were doing back at the castle. My father, Samuel, was the lutenient of Lord William's army. Lord William was Jacob's father. Lord William and my father grew together from childhood, just like Jacob and me. My mother, Evelynn, was head of all cooking done in the castle, and she also looked over the servants. Jacob's mother had long ago perished in a terrible fire. It was claimed to be the cause of an accident, but Father and Lord William believe it was the work of one of the king's men.
King Carlisle was said to have had lived in irrational fear of Lord William for as long as I can remember. Men would go to Father and Lord William saying rumors about the king's fear, but there was little evidence to support the accusations. All the men would say they heard whispers about the king having fear of Lord William one day overthrowing him, but his inaction proved little. Father made known his opinion on the matter. He believed the king didn't act for one of two reasons. Either the king wasn't afraid of Lord William, or the king had no proof Lord William wanted to overthrow him. Father sometimes said that maybe both were reasons for the king's inaction. I hadn't a clue what to think. Just then a knock on my door broke me from my thoughts. I placed my brush down and hurried from my room to get the door. I wasn't surprised to find Jacob on the other side.
"Breakfast is served, my lady," he said with a smile as he offered me his arm. I smiled in turn and closed the door behind me before grabbing his arm. We walked down the cobblestone street in silence.
"I was thinking," Jacob started. "Maybe after we have breakfast we would pay a visit to our parents?"
I smiled. "I was actually thinking the same."
Jacob smiled down at me. "Lovely. It's settled then."
We reached his home set on the end of our street, and he led me inside, the table set for two.