Five years Before
Daroth had come to the palace in a permanent position when I was fifteen and he was twenty-three. He had risen quickly through the ranks of his city and eventually had even caught my Uncle's eye when he had come for council meetings and the like. When the position of advisor had come open, he had taken the role. As my Uncle's youngest Advisor, he had been quite charismatic and most everyone who met him had become enthralled with him nearly instantly, I included. I had always found him attractive when he had visited before, but now at fifteen I was nearly a lady and he was man. My feelings for him became more romantic. The infatuation that ensued lasted several years.
I still remembered the first time we had ever spoken.
It had been nearly six months after he had arrived.
"Advisor Daroth" I had said as I curtsied. It had been in one of the small private libraries of the palace to escape my father's wrath and my tutor's harsh lecturing on proper royal protocol. After such a trying day I just needed an escape. Reading was just that for me. After choosing a book I had thought would be interesting enough, one particular tome about mage legends, I had turned to go to my favorite chair only to find the Advisor entering the solace of the library.
We were the only ones in the room.
I took a deep breath and tried to keep my heart steady as I met his eyes. Running into the man I had daydreamed about constantly both excited and scared me.
"Princess Namina." He acknowledged with a bow and a smile. His shoulder length dark hair fell over his shoulder. "You are looking well today. And how are your studies going?"
I played with the spine of the book in my hands, looking down with embarrassment. I hoped with all my soul that he couldn't see the color rising in my cheeks.
"They are fine. My tutor can be exasperating but it is only to be expected."
Daroth had laughed. It thrilled me to the bone and caused my heart to go pitter-patter. I continued, heartened,
"While I do enjoy learning about and exploring my healing magic I hate his constant droning on the ethics and application that magic should have in royal life. I'd much rather work in a hospital or learn the history of healing than the dry information of 'how to apply everything to politics'"
He coughed "Well politics can be exhilarating at times. You just have to learn how to enjoy it. The challenge comes in decision-making. One wrong decision can mean exponential trouble. It keeps things interesting if the stakes are higher."
"I didn't mean to offend," I quickly added, my eyes going wide.
He waved it off and smiled.
"Oh, not at all. Besides, a beautiful thing like you would find politics boring. It can get pretty dry."
I startled at his words.
Beautiful.
I had never seen myself as beautiful. Average, yes. Pretty, maybe. I was half Parth half Irisidean and my looks reflected that. Not as exotic or lovely as some of the courtesans the men in the court kept. However, I relished the compliment, tucking it deep into my heart.
"So, what are you looking for this day?" I asked, changing the subject. I walked over to the chair I had picked out earlier and plopped down. It was an old overstuffed dark chair that was perfect for long stretches of reading and relaxing. My usual spot when I came here.
Daroth followed, taking a seat across from mine.
"I am not looking for much. Just a small bit of reprieve. A quiet place to sit and rest for a moment. Do you mind if I join you?"
"Not at all!" I said in a way too chipper voice.
Namina, you are making a fool of yourself.
A moment of awkward silence passed. I tensed."Have you been to this particular library before?"
"I'm afraid to say I haven't. Even after half a year of living here I find that I have not seen half of this place."
"Ah, I see. Well, this happens to be one of my favorite places in the world"
And that was the truth. While the library was not opulent (In fact it was quite drab with the dusty bookcases and worn out sitting area lit only by a high window during the day and rusted candelabras at night) I found it had a certain grace about it.
"I can see why." He said glancing around, "Its quite peaceful"
After giving him a quick smile and a nod, I bit my lip and opened my book to read. Unfortunately, all interest in myths and magic were gone and I could only stare at the letters on the page. A few minutes passed it silence. I risked a peek above the book and was surprised to find Daroth studying me.
He sat with his hands on his knees, his face blue eyes were so startling, his gaze one I would have loved to get lost in.
Suddenly, he noticed me again and cleared his throat.
My eyes widened.
Was he embarrassed?
"Forgive me, I forget myself Princess. I was just thinking on some trying matters of state we have been dealing with lately. I did not mean to stare"
I smoothed my skirts. "That's quite alright, Advisor Daroth. I'm sure you have been very busy"
He relaxed and let out a chuckle."The busiest. But I love it."
Then came a wave of sobering, the lightest traces of humiliation creeping back into his features "I do have to admit, however, that as I looked upon you I was contemplating how nice it would be to become more properly acquainted. Perchance during the next ball King Signor holds you could save me a dance?"
It was my turn to blush.
Well, to let my blush grow deeper.
I could feel my cheeks on fire.
"I would. Thank you Advisor." I bit my lip looking around the library. My gaze snagged on the grandfather clock across the room. A quarter after four.
Time to go.
I stood up quickly, my book dropping to the floor.
"Forgive me"
"Here let me"
We spoke the words at the same time and I bent to pick up the book just as Daroth did. He reached it first and straightened, holding it out to me. We both laughed lightly and I took the book from his hands.
At least that was the intention.
As I took a step forward I succeeded to grab onto the book but then tripped on my dress. I had managed to step on my damn hem.
"Oh!" My body pitched forward. I collided into his chest, his hands grabbing my upper arms to hold me up. With only one hand free I managed to take hold of one of his shoulders to balance myself better. I couldn't help but notice how strong and solid he felt. The blood that had finally started to fade from my cheeks came back with a vengeance.
"Are you alright Princess?"
"Yes. Quite. Excuse me." I mumbled my response quickly and stepped back after finding my balance. The warmth from his heat was gone in an instant, leaving me colder than before.
Cheeks flushed, I moved to make my exit.
"Well I must be off. I believe my father will be expecting me very soon and he can have quite a temper if I'm late." I lied, making my way to the door but sad to go all at the same time. I was just too afraid to find out what would happen if I stayed. I would make a complete fool of my self if I didn't leave now while I still had a trace of dignity left.
I stopped on the threshold, my hand on the frame, and glanced back.
"I understand completely. I hope to see you again, Princess" Daroth said with a bow and another one of his smiles.
My insides melted.
"And I you" I smiled and backed out of the library, clutching the book to my chest and adding fuel to the fire that was my ever-growing crush on this young and charming advisor.
