Shelby felt like her jaw had hit the floor. She pointed at the princess.
"You..want me...?" she felt like her voice was going to squeak if she said anything else, so she remained silent.
"This is a high responsibility," the queen continued, "and most ladies-in-waiting don't usually guard their princess as well as wait on them, so I understand if you turn down the offer." Shelby felt dumb-struck. In hindsight, she probably could have seen it coming from the Princess's previous behavior, but she had been oblivious. But, something in her mind was screaming at her to accept it. She wasn't meaning to be precipitate, but it just seemed like the right thing to do.
"Are you sure you want me?" Shelby asked weakly. Abigail smiled so warmly, Shelby felt at once like she belonged somewhere.
"Watching you today, and the other day...I wouldn't trust anyone else." Shelby swallowed a lump in her throat.
"Well, then," she said, her voice breaking a little, "I would love to be by your side." Abigail grinned, and Cassandra stood from her chair.
"Then I welcome you to our family," she said, arms wide, "Lady Shelby Treaty, of Redmont Fief."
Queen Cassandra requested an audience with Shelby whenever one of her parents returned to discuss the responsibilities of her new job. So, Shelby spent a few days following Abigail around, and finding her way around the castle. A few days after Shelby accepted her ladyship, Abigail had dragged her to the castle courtyard.
"I want to show you the beautiful garden!" Abigail had exclaimed. So, Shelby had followed her to the castle gardens. A small maze made of green shrubs bordered the cobblestone pathway through the courtyard. A few ladies and lords were walking together in groups along the path , and a few other important looking people rushed back and forth every once and awhile. The expensive looking clothes, wigs and fashion statements made Shelby want to throw up. She was so used to bland looking clothes, and cloaks and such. But not here. Everyone wore clothes on a daily basis that Shelby and her family wouldn't wear on the most fancy occasions. As if reading her mind, Abigail looked over at Shelby.
"Like the clothes?" she asked. Shelby looked at the princess sidelong.
"Their interesting," she said eventually. Abigail smiled but said nothing else. The two girls walked under a brick arch, and crossed onto loose ground. A large garden of white, pink and red roses grew along the walkway, and several shade trees grew over the perimeter and large brick walls gated the garden. However, the thing that seemed the most prominent to Shelby was the pathway leading to a large white painted gazebo in the center of the garden. A water fountain sat in the center of the gazebo, and water flowing from it streamed down a few canals, with little wooden bridges crossing over them.
"This place is beautiful," Shelby admitted. Abigail smiled.
"I come here to read," she said. "Here, I'll show you my favorite spot."
The princess led Shelby to the north-east corner of the garden where a large willow tree stood. Abigail sat under the branches, and patted the tightly packed ground beneath her. "Sit with me," Abigail invited. So, Shelby sat. The air smelled like sweet roses and the the sound of running water echoed in the distance.
"Whoever designed this garden is a genius," Shelby said after awhile of observing the place. Abigail smiled warmly, and looked at the beautiful art of nature around her.
"It's pretty fantastic," she agreed. "I come here all the time." Shelby continued to look admire the scenery.
"I could definitely get used to this," she mused. Abigail smiled and rested on the willow tree's trunk.
"So," she said. "Let's talk!" Shelby raised an eyebrow at her, so Abigail went on. "I know we're friends already, but I don't know much about you." Shelby sat closer to the princess and pulled up her knees to her chest.
"What do you want to know?" she asked. Abigail looked up at the sky as if she would find a question there.
"You're fifteen, right?" she asked finally. Shelby smiled a little.
"Yep," she agreed. "How old are you?" Abigail looked at her.
"Fourteen," she answered. "My birthday is around Christmas."
"So you've got about three months, huh?" Shelby asked. Abigail nodded.
"Yeah," she agreed. "Mason and Gavin are both sixteen." Shelby nodded absently.
"That seems about right," she said.
"What about your middle name?" Abigail asked after a small silence.
"It's Saya," Shelby said.
"Ooh, that's pretty!" The princess swooned. "It's sounds Nihon-Jan."
"It is," Shelby confirmed. She creased her brow. "I think it means 'swift arrow'." Abigail's eyes lit up.
"That's really cool!" she said. Shelby smiled.
"Thanks," she said. "Yours is Laila, right?" Abigail raised her eyebrows in surprise.
"How'd you know?" she asked.
"The hearing," Shelby explained. "I believe the mentioned it there." Abigail nodded.
"Yeah, it's Laila," she said. "I've been told it is Arridan for 'night'."
"That's pretty cool," Shelby commented.
"Yeah," the princess agreed with a smile. "I like it."
"Lady Shelby!" called a voice. Shelby turned to the sound of her name being called. A man ran up to the willow tree, and stopped for a short breath.
"Yes?" she answered.
"The queen has requested an audience with you," he announced. Shelby frowned and turned to the princess.
"I thought we were going to wait until one of my parents came back?" Abigail shrugged.
"Ranger Will is here," the man added.
"Oh," Shelby said simply. She stood and brushed grass from her brown trousers. "Well Abby, I guess I'm going to see your mom." Abigail nodded.
"I'll catch up with you later, okay?"
"Alright," Shelby agreed.
"Follow me," the man said. Shelby nodded at the princess, and then the man.
The man led Shelby to the small office in which she had seen her mother last. The man opened the door for Shelby, and closed it behind her. Four figures alone sat in the room. The queen sat at her oak desk, Horace stood behind her, and two cloaked men sat in front of the desk. One of them threw back their hood. Shelby instantly recognized him as her father.
"Dad!" she said, and he caught her in his arms.
"Hello, Shelby," he said, his face buried in her long golden locks. She pulled away from her father.
"You're back already," Shelby said. "That was fast." Will smiled.
"Indeed," he agreed. "Once I showed up, it didn't take them long to calm down." He gave Shelby one of those inside joke winks. She laughed a little, and he smiled.
"Sit down, please," Cassandra invited. The Treatys sat in front of the desk. The second cloaked man rose his head a little as Shelby sat next to him, but said nothing else. Cassandra smiled warmly at Shelby.
"So, we're here to discuss you," she said. "And to go over what your duties are as a lady." Shelby nodded for her ton continue.
"Half the reason Abigail wanted you here is because she trusts that, if the need arises, that you would protect her," Horace said.
"As a lady-in-waiting, that isn't necessarily in the job description, but being a lady-in-waiting requires being a friend to her as well," Cassandra continued.
"The rules of authority still remain constant," Will reminded his daughter, "and if she requires you keep her safe, that's what you must do." Shelby nodded.
"Another thing, Abigail aside," the queen continued, "is that most ladies get a fief that they call home. Most ladies that we keep around here weren't born her in the castle town, quite like yourself, being born and raised in Redmont Fief." She looked at Will in confirmation,he nodded, and she continued, "anyways, the ladies are usually assigned to a fief that, with the princess's aid, straightens out any problems going on in her fief."
"Like a ranger," the still cloaked man said, barely audible. Cassandra smiled lightly.
"In some way, yes. In fact, Shelby might have to work closely with the Ranger Corps. But, Shelby will deal with things more political, rather than...physical." Shelby could have sworn she saw her father and the cloaked man smile. "Anyhow," Cassandra continued, "I have decided to place you with Redmont Fief." Shelby looked up. "I assume you know it well, and it will give you an excuse to visit hoe every once and awhile." Shelby smiled.
"Thank you, your Highness," she said. "I think I would like that very much." Queen Cassandra smiled.
"Well, I'm glad. I assume you still want to accept the job?" Shelby smiled a little wryly.
"Yes," she replied.
"Alright then," the queen said, and stood from her chair. "Welcome to our castle and family, Lady Shelby." The young girl smiled.
"Thank you," she said. Cassandra turned to her husband.
"Will you go get it please?" she asked. Shelby turned her head to one side in a questioning manner. Horace left the room for a brief moment, and then returned with a small, wooden box. He set it on the table and the queen unhooked the clasp. She turned the lid up, and retrieved a small, delicate ornament. It appeared to be a Gaelic looking cross hanging from a silver chain. The queen went from behind her desk and stood in front of Shelby.
"This is for you," she explained. "This is your sign of ladyship." Cassandra gently placed the jewel on Shelby's head. The small cross brushed the top of her forehead. The queen stepped back.
"Welcome to ladyship," she said with a smile.
"Thanks," Shelby whispered. Will stood and hugged his daughter.
"I hope this is what you want," he said to her. Shelby smiled.
"This is all I could hope for," she said, and Will smiled with her.
"Then good luck," he said, and kissed her forehead. He turned to the royals.
"We would love to have you stay with us awhile," the queen offered.
"I hate to say it," Will said, "but I should probably head home." The queen and Horace both nodded.
"We understand," Cassandra said.
"Godspeed," Horace said. Will nodded, and looked at the cloaked man.
"See you later, Halt," he said, and the man nodded. Will kissed his daughter's forehead one more time, and then was out the door.
"I should probably find Abigail," Shelby stuttered after a moment's silence. Cassandra smiled.
"Probably," she agreed.
"If you don't mind," Halt said, "I'll take the girl to the princess. I would like to speak with her." Cassandra nodded.
"As you wish," she said. Halt took Shelby by the arm, and escorted her out of the room.
"I've wanted to talk to you for a little while," Halt said to Shelby as they walked the furnished halls. She looked over to him curiously.
"What about, Ranger Halt?" He simply studied her for a second or two.
"I taught your father to be ranger, and watched him grow up. I've seen you around Redmont every once and awhile." Shelby continued to look at him, wondering what his point was. "You're a lot like him," Halt said eventually.
"How so?" Halt grunted.
"First off, you ask too many questions," he said a little harshly. Shelby only smiled, because she knew it was true. "But just your size and demeanor," he said. "You have this air about you that is a lot like Will."
"Well, thank you," Shelby said. "That's a wonderful compliment." Halt nodded.
"Your father has turned into a great man," he said.
"I know," Shelby said with a smile.
"Another thing," Halt continued, "ever since the queen came to me about the princess wanting you to protect her, I've wanted to tell you what a trying job working for the government can be." Shelby raised an eyebrow as a motion to continue. "What ever the highest ruler says is what you must do, your judgment aside..." he trailed off, and Shelby got the feeling he was meaning to say something else.
"Well?" she said. Halt looked at her.
"I don't want to give you ideas," he said.
"Don't worry about me," Shelby said with a smile.
"There are some occasions when you have to defy them, but only if it is best for the people-"
"Or for the people you love," Shelby finished.
"Not always," Halt hurried to amend. "You can't be selfish. Sometimes, what's best for people you love is going to prison for awhile. But you may not think so." Shelby nodded.
"Of course," she agreed. They crossed onto the courtyard grounds.
"One last thing," Halt said as they headed towards the willow tree where Abigail still sat. "The princess is very important, and her safety always comes first. If some order has been made that puts her in danger, come up with a creative way to get around it. Don't plow through blindly." Shelby nodded after everything he said. Then she creased her eyebrows at a though.
"What do you think of these riots, Halt? What do they mean?" Halt looked at her a little roughly, but then looked around the courtyard, as if expecting someone to overhear them.
"I'm not sure what I think of them," he said finally. "But I do know I don't like them. Whoever is behind this clearly wants the princess taken care of, and perhaps right now, your job is the most important." He looked at the young girl with a little pride. "Like the others, I couldn't think of anyone better for the job." Shelby felt her spirits rise a little at getting such a high praise. Halt grunted. "But don't get a big head. You haven't done your job yet." Shelby smiled a little grudgingly, and they both came to a stop at the edge of the willow tree.
"Welcome back!" Abigail greeted. Halt bowed slightly in her direction.
"Princess Abigail," he said.
"Hey, Halt," she said and smiled at Shelby. "Want to go back inside? I think it'll be lunch soon."
"Sure," Shelby agreed. She turned to Halt. "Nice meeting you. Thanks for the advice."
"You have big shoes to fill," Halt said a little nostalgically. Shelby nodded once.
"Yes, sir," she said. "I'll do my best." And with that, her and the princess walked back towards the castle, with Shelby feeling pretty happy with herself and the turn out of the day, and looked forward to the future.