"Good morning everyone. As you know I'm Princess Kalasin. You're all here because you think you have the ability to be a member of my guard, The Princess's Elite," Kally told the 20 or so noble girls standing before her. "These are the officers of the guard," she said, motioning to Shauni and me. "They will be deciding who makes it and who doesn't. Lark?" I stepped forward.
"Hi. I'm Kyleah of Queenscove, you can just call me Lark. I'll be judging you on your riding competence and teamwork skills." I informed them.
"My name is Shauni of King's Reach. If you make to the Princess's Elite, you'll be required to use weapons, these include mostly staffs and bows. However, any sword fighting skills would not hurt your chances."
"I think that about covers it. If you'll just follow Lark to the stables, we'll begin," interjected Kally.
A few hours later, Shauni, Kally, and I sat in Kally's room, deciding on the members of our new guard.
"First, we have Doanna of Fenrigh. Lark, how'd she so in riding?"
"Let's see. When she broke a nail she cried for over 15 minutes, she's afraid to hold the reins, and she refuses to wear anything but full skirts." We all burst out laughing, recalling Doanna's pathetic attempt to mount her giant horse. She had gotten one high-heeled shoe into the stirrup, but the heel had pushed against its side and the beast drove off at full gallop. Doanna had been pulled along, screaming at the top of her lungs. We laughed even harder when we remembered her trying to handle a staff without breaking a nail or her nose, which she came quite close to doing.
"Obviously, she's out."
We continued debating for a long while before finally ending up with a final count of eight girls. The girls were: Lydian of Hannalof, Jelena of Irenroha, Meliora of Mandash, Shana of Josu's Dirk, Serena of Darroch, Rosabel of Stone Mountain, Bailey of Tasride, and Regan of Nicoline. We were ready for our first adventure. Only one thing stood in our way. We had nothing to do. Kally decided to go to her father for a quest. Meanwhile, I had to grudgingly return home.
"Kyleah Kiana of Queenscove! Where in the world have you been!", the screeching voice was the first thing I heard as I entered our house. My mother would have run out of the parlor to meet me, if it was lady like to do so.
"Mother, I told you try-outs were today," I said, trying not to let my temper get the better of me.
"And I told you we were having company for dinner! Duchess Marjorie and Duke Harbin of Genlith and their son will be here any minute! And just look at you, you look like you've been fighting in the Immortals War," she scolded.
"Thanks Mom, I knew you'd like it. Your much to loose with your compliments." I said sarcastically.
"Young lady! I have had it with your immature, smart alec comments. You go up to your room and change into a good dress. If we weren't having company, I'd take a switch to you right now!," she was going to say more, but a knock interuppted her. She gasped. "Their here!," she said and pushed me up the stairs.
In the hall in front of my room, I could hear my mothers simpering voice, laced with false honey sweetness. "Come in, Come in! Baird, come greet our guests. Kyleah should be right down," she said in her high voice. I knew if I didn't do exactly as she commanded I would pay for it later, so I changed, washed, combed, and appeared downstairs perfectly groomed. My mother stood as I entered.
"Ah, here she is. Marjorie, you met Kyleah at the ball the other night." I could literally see the Duchess's nose getting higher in the air as I went to curtsey. "Kyleah, this is Vinson." The lanky youth stood and bowed.
I could think of no word to describe him but yucky. His face was covered in pimples, he was thin and weak looking. My first instinct was to run, but finishing school's second nature took over. I smiled my gracious smile, curtsied again, and sat gracefully. Dinner was served promptly, as always. The conversation was as dull as Marjorie's dress. That is, until the subject of marriage came up.
"Eleanora, don't you think my handsome son and your daughter would make a cute couple?" asked Marjorie, emphasizing your daughter and the word handsome. I nearly choked on my food. Handsome? Vinson? After I swallowed, I had to try not to laugh.
"Yes," my father answered."You know, an alliance between two powerful houses such as ours would benefit both of us."
"Yes. I think a marriage between our children would be most beneficial," Duke Harbin agreed. Unfortunately, at the same time he said this, I had just taken a drink and at the end of his sentence, I could not contain myself. I spit the water all over the person sitting across from me. It just happened to be my mother. Perhaps my manners would get me out of a marriage! I thought during the awkward silence after my accident and my mother's shriek.
However, the exact opposite of my pray had happened. Duchess Marjorie's laugh shook the table. She laughed so hard and so long that she cried. I stared at her. Finally, she managed some coherent words.
"Goddess! If that girl is like that all the time, I say we marry them tonight!", she managed to get out before huddling over with laughter again. Needless, to say, it was going to be a very long night.
Authors Note: That's the end of part two. I can guarantee that in the next part, the girls go on their first quest and meet some famous people. Maybe even Kel or the Lioness might pop up somewhere. I don't know. I still have to write it.