A/N: Do you like it? Tell me! Do you hate it? Tell me!
Ten Days Later
Alexia
I sat in the sand at the beach below the castle, and waited for George to arrive. The wind blew my auburn locks, protesting the ribbons that held them away from my face. I sighed loudly, bored.
Suddenly I felt a cool slither on the back of my neck, along with a bit of pressure. The hairs on the back of my neck rose. There was someone behind me, softly pressing a knife to my neck. My eyes widened, and I cursed myself for not paying attention to my surroundings. I froze, pondering what to do. Finally, I made up my mind and stood rapidly, turning to face my attacker and ready to scream bloody murder.
It was George. He grinned at me, and slipped the dagger back into its sheath.
"Your Royal Highness," he bowed. I couldn't curtsy (I was wearing breeches for the first time in my life), so I nodded. "Rule number one. Never let yourself be caught off guard. Always, ALWAYS, pay attention to the people around you and your surroundings. NEVER drop your alert."
"Yes, sir."
"Rule number two. ALWAYS carry at least two daggers or knives."
"But… I wear gowns most of the time. How can I carry daggers while I'm in a gown at a ball?"
"I'll show you. Or, rather, Alanna will. Show up in a not-so-fancy gown next time, so that you'll get used to fighting in normal circumstances." He pulled out a large velvet pouch, and opened it. He took out six daggers, in a variety of shapes and sizes, and laid them out on the sand. "These are yours to keep."
"Wow." They all had velvet lined sheaths in deep royal purple, and their blades were dipped in gold. Intricate designs on the handles were made so that they wouldn't compromise the holder's grip.
"You'll have to have special straps sewn on to your gowns to hold them. Make sure they cannot be seen, and feel comfortable, but can also be accessed easily." I nodded. "Most people carry them in their sleeves, on their waist. I like to carry one 'round my ankle."
He pulled the leg of his breeches up to reveal a silver knife with a blade the size of my palm. "That may be inconvenient or you. You have to wear stockings and shoes. A dagger 'round the calf would work better for you."
I kept nodding. Soon I was completely entranced by the tricks this middle aged man had up his sleeves.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
When I returned to my chambers after the two hour lesson, I was exhausted! All I wanted to do was soak in a hot bath with some sea salts and lavender scents. Yet I still had a magic lesson, a sword wielding lesson with the Lioness and my astronomy lesson. I was starving, and managed to convince Loralie, my governess, to ring for some chicken and soup.
Sarra, my magic teacher, was ready for me when I arrived in my room.
"Hullo, Highness."
"Hullo, Sarra. May I change into proper clothing before we begin?"
"Go ahead. You might want to take a bath, while you're at it."
"Oh thank you! Would you mind terribly if you had to wait for me?"
"Oh, no. It's fine. As long as I have a book, I'm fine." She pulled out a copy of Magic, by Jelorinna del Morice (an ancient mage-scholar).
I disappeared into the bath-room. A steaming tin tub was waiting for me. I quickly shed my sweaty peasant clothing and slipped into the water. A velvet pouch held my favorite mixture of sea salts and rose. I poured a scoop into my bath.
But I knew it was bad manners to keep Sarra waiting, so I hurried myself. I scrubbed my hair and body and jumped out. I wrapped myself in warm purple towels.
"Loralie!"
She hurried into the bath-room. "Yes, Highness?"
"Can you dry my hair please, and help me into my gown."
"Of, course."
She helped me into a white satin gown with a jade green velvet bodice and pearls sewn around the collar. Then came stockings (silk) and dainty leather slippers. My hair, my mother's pride, was damply hanging down my back to my waist.
We sat on the balcony for lessons while Loralie helped the sun dry my hair and formed each curl perfectly. When She decided it was perfect, she put emerald encrusted combs on either side to hold it away from my face.
Our magic lesson was on learning to properly focus my Gift into a few points, to heal my sore ankle (it got twisted when George tried to teach me a fighting move). I was no longer exhausted, but felt refreshed after my bath. I managed to heal it properly by the end of the lesson.
Then I had my chicken and soup, to hold me off until supper, which was at seven. (It was three when I was finished with the magic lesson.)
I went back into the bedroom, and Loralie helped me out of my gown and I put on a fresh pair of white breeches and a linen shirt, with a silk purple tunic. I braided my hair and fastened it into a tight knot on the top of my head. I pulled soft leather boots on. And Loralie accompanied me to the armory, where Alanna was waiting.
"Hullo!"
She bowed a bit. "Your Majesty. Pick out a sword, but don't let it be too big or too heavy."
I nodded and surveyed the swords, picking a few up and testing my grip. They were all heavier than I expected. Near the end of my search, I spotted one with a beautiful jade and amethyst design on the handle. I gasped. It was beautiful. I picked it up. It was smaller than most of the other swords, but it seemed almost twice as heavy, and razor sharp.
I grinned. "This one."
"She's a beauty." Alanna agreed. "But won't she be too heavy for you?"
"No. I promise. And I grow fast too. Please, can I use . . . her?"
Those unusual violet eyes sparkled with hidden amusement. "Go ahead. That sword's special. Make sure you take care of it. Will you name it?"
"The sword? I don't think I will. It's just a sword, after all."
She nodded. "All right. Let's get started."
Alanna
She reminds me so much of myself. Alexia does. I couldn't help but ask her if she would name the sword. I expected the word "lightning" to spring from her mouth. That sword is special. I found it in the ruins near Olau.
But she's also different from me too. She has wit, charm, diplomacy. And she has a regalness about her too. The future Queen is a truly magnificent Princess.
Alexia
I struggled with the sword for two hours, and when I finished, I was dead tired. I headed back up to my rooms, hoping for another quick bath, or at least a washing, before supper and my other lessons.
Loralie knew me well enough to expect me to take a bath, so when I entered the bath chamber, the silver tub was full of steaming water, soap and herbal shampoo were laid out on a low table, and fluffy fresh towels filled a wicker basket. I shed my sweaty clothes and reached for the rose essential oil, emptying the entire vial in the water. I didn't have enough time to wash my hair, so it stayed bound in its knot.
When I emerged ten minutes later, I still felt tired, but it was a good kind, despite the protest of the muscles in my arms and legs.
"Loralie?"
"Yes, princess?"
"Can you help me into my supper gown?"
"Yes, of course."
I put on the under clothes that were laid out next to my bath and she came in, with a deep wine red velvet gown. It is one of my favorites. There are pearls and gold embroidery all over the velvet bodice and my sleeves, which are buttoned on with tiny pearl buttons because I despise laces, are of satin and see through taffeta. It's beautiful. Loralie undid my knot and gathered my hair in a golden hairnet adorned with rubies and emeralds, at the nape of my neck. On my throat rests a ruby-emerald-pearl combination on a thin gold chain and in my ears pearl earbobs.
Loralie says I look like my mother in this outfit. I wouldn't know. I have never seen my mother. Well, I suppose I have, when I was a tiny baby, before they gave me to the wet nurse. But I don't remember her at all. Neither do Antonia or Alyssa. She has been banished from court since a year after I was born, and Father does not allow anyone to visit her. Only he pays her a visit, every two years. He has a mistress, at Court. Her name is Eulalie and Antonia, Alyssa and I have a little half sister named Elaine. She's a doll. She's five, has thick blond hair, Father's blue eyes and a dimple on her chin. She's always cheerful and happy, and given the title of a Grand Duchess. I am not at al jealous of her. I love her as I love Antonia and Alyssa. In fact, she's Alyssa's best friend when Alyssa is at Court.
I think Eulalie is expecting another child, because when I accidentally ran into her at the Royal Palace in Corus, her belly was quite round, and she looked about four months pregnant.
The bell rang in the clock tour. Time for supper. Loralie and I left my chambers and were escorted down by a maid.
After supper, I went on a walk with Antonia in a quaint little garden near the castle. We sat on a stone bench and talked for some time while the sun was setting. Then we made our way to our bedrooms, escorted, this time, by two Royal Guards.
This was a typical day of my two months at Pirate's Swoop. At the end of my visit, I had a test. For sword fighting, I had to duel with Lady Alanna's Granddaughter Elena (who's twelve, and a page at the Palace) and for my dagger/knife lessons, I was jumped unexpectedly by a man George hired to actually attack me. With my father's permission, of course. George himself was hiding nearby, in case the man hurt me. But he didn't. I did well. I used all of the three daggers that were hidden in my gown. I did give the man a horrible stab which Alanna healed before letting him go. He was so stunned to be attacked by a seven year old princess, that he fainted after he clearly saw my face!
Now I'm in a carriage on my way back to Corus, with Antonia and Grandmother Thayet. I shall call the Palace home for the next four months. I will attend banquets and balls, and sit primly while the kingdom watches me. Ugh!
Alexia
I have survived the four months. Father has congratulated me on my quick learning. In two days I am off to Tyra, then a month later, Carthak, which is to be my home for two years. I shall keep a special book of my travels.
A/N: Reviews very much welcome! NEEDED! AS IS CONSTRUCTIVE CRITISM!
Ten Days Later
Alexia
I sat in the sand at the beach below the castle, and waited for George to arrive. The wind blew my auburn locks, protesting the ribbons that held them away from my face. I sighed loudly, bored.
Suddenly I felt a cool slither on the back of my neck, along with a bit of pressure. The hairs on the back of my neck rose. There was someone behind me, softly pressing a knife to my neck. My eyes widened, and I cursed myself for not paying attention to my surroundings. I froze, pondering what to do. Finally, I made up my mind and stood rapidly, turning to face my attacker and ready to scream bloody murder.
It was George. He grinned at me, and slipped the dagger back into its sheath.
"Your Royal Highness," he bowed. I couldn't curtsy (I was wearing breeches for the first time in my life), so I nodded. "Rule number one. Never let yourself be caught off guard. Always, ALWAYS, pay attention to the people around you and your surroundings. NEVER drop your alert."
"Yes, sir."
"Rule number two. ALWAYS carry at least two daggers or knives."
"But… I wear gowns most of the time. How can I carry daggers while I'm in a gown at a ball?"
"I'll show you. Or, rather, Alanna will. Show up in a not-so-fancy gown next time, so that you'll get used to fighting in normal circumstances." He pulled out a large velvet pouch, and opened it. He took out six daggers, in a variety of shapes and sizes, and laid them out on the sand. "These are yours to keep."
"Wow." They all had velvet lined sheaths in deep royal purple, and their blades were dipped in gold. Intricate designs on the handles were made so that they wouldn't compromise the holder's grip.
"You'll have to have special straps sewn on to your gowns to hold them. Make sure they cannot be seen, and feel comfortable, but can also be accessed easily." I nodded. "Most people carry them in their sleeves, on their waist. I like to carry one 'round my ankle."
He pulled the leg of his breeches up to reveal a silver knife with a blade the size of my palm. "That may be inconvenient or you. You have to wear stockings and shoes. A dagger 'round the calf would work better for you."
I kept nodding. Soon I was completely entranced by the tricks this middle aged man had up his sleeves.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
When I returned to my chambers after the two hour lesson, I was exhausted! All I wanted to do was soak in a hot bath with some sea salts and lavender scents. Yet I still had a magic lesson, a sword wielding lesson with the Lioness and my astronomy lesson. I was starving, and managed to convince Loralie, my governess, to ring for some chicken and soup.
Sarra, my magic teacher, was ready for me when I arrived in my room.
"Hullo, Highness."
"Hullo, Sarra. May I change into proper clothing before we begin?"
"Go ahead. You might want to take a bath, while you're at it."
"Oh thank you! Would you mind terribly if you had to wait for me?"
"Oh, no. It's fine. As long as I have a book, I'm fine." She pulled out a copy of Magic, by Jelorinna del Morice (an ancient mage-scholar).
I disappeared into the bath-room. A steaming tin tub was waiting for me. I quickly shed my sweaty peasant clothing and slipped into the water. A velvet pouch held my favorite mixture of sea salts and rose. I poured a scoop into my bath.
But I knew it was bad manners to keep Sarra waiting, so I hurried myself. I scrubbed my hair and body and jumped out. I wrapped myself in warm purple towels.
"Loralie!"
She hurried into the bath-room. "Yes, Highness?"
"Can you dry my hair please, and help me into my gown."
"Of, course."
She helped me into a white satin gown with a jade green velvet bodice and pearls sewn around the collar. Then came stockings (silk) and dainty leather slippers. My hair, my mother's pride, was damply hanging down my back to my waist.
We sat on the balcony for lessons while Loralie helped the sun dry my hair and formed each curl perfectly. When She decided it was perfect, she put emerald encrusted combs on either side to hold it away from my face.
Our magic lesson was on learning to properly focus my Gift into a few points, to heal my sore ankle (it got twisted when George tried to teach me a fighting move). I was no longer exhausted, but felt refreshed after my bath. I managed to heal it properly by the end of the lesson.
Then I had my chicken and soup, to hold me off until supper, which was at seven. (It was three when I was finished with the magic lesson.)
I went back into the bedroom, and Loralie helped me out of my gown and I put on a fresh pair of white breeches and a linen shirt, with a silk purple tunic. I braided my hair and fastened it into a tight knot on the top of my head. I pulled soft leather boots on. And Loralie accompanied me to the armory, where Alanna was waiting.
"Hullo!"
She bowed a bit. "Your Majesty. Pick out a sword, but don't let it be too big or too heavy."
I nodded and surveyed the swords, picking a few up and testing my grip. They were all heavier than I expected. Near the end of my search, I spotted one with a beautiful jade and amethyst design on the handle. I gasped. It was beautiful. I picked it up. It was smaller than most of the other swords, but it seemed almost twice as heavy, and razor sharp.
I grinned. "This one."
"She's a beauty." Alanna agreed. "But won't she be too heavy for you?"
"No. I promise. And I grow fast too. Please, can I use . . . her?"
Those unusual violet eyes sparkled with hidden amusement. "Go ahead. That sword's special. Make sure you take care of it. Will you name it?"
"The sword? I don't think I will. It's just a sword, after all."
She nodded. "All right. Let's get started."
Alanna
She reminds me so much of myself. Alexia does. I couldn't help but ask her if she would name the sword. I expected the word "lightning" to spring from her mouth. That sword is special. I found it in the ruins near Olau.
But she's also different from me too. She has wit, charm, diplomacy. And she has a regalness about her too. The future Queen is a truly magnificent Princess.
Alexia
I struggled with the sword for two hours, and when I finished, I was dead tired. I headed back up to my rooms, hoping for another quick bath, or at least a washing, before supper and my other lessons.
Loralie knew me well enough to expect me to take a bath, so when I entered the bath chamber, the silver tub was full of steaming water, soap and herbal shampoo were laid out on a low table, and fluffy fresh towels filled a wicker basket. I shed my sweaty clothes and reached for the rose essential oil, emptying the entire vial in the water. I didn't have enough time to wash my hair, so it stayed bound in its knot.
When I emerged ten minutes later, I still felt tired, but it was a good kind, despite the protest of the muscles in my arms and legs.
"Loralie?"
"Yes, princess?"
"Can you help me into my supper gown?"
"Yes, of course."
I put on the under clothes that were laid out next to my bath and she came in, with a deep wine red velvet gown. It is one of my favorites. There are pearls and gold embroidery all over the velvet bodice and my sleeves, which are buttoned on with tiny pearl buttons because I despise laces, are of satin and see through taffeta. It's beautiful. Loralie undid my knot and gathered my hair in a golden hairnet adorned with rubies and emeralds, at the nape of my neck. On my throat rests a ruby-emerald-pearl combination on a thin gold chain and in my ears pearl earbobs.
Loralie says I look like my mother in this outfit. I wouldn't know. I have never seen my mother. Well, I suppose I have, when I was a tiny baby, before they gave me to the wet nurse. But I don't remember her at all. Neither do Antonia or Alyssa. She has been banished from court since a year after I was born, and Father does not allow anyone to visit her. Only he pays her a visit, every two years. He has a mistress, at Court. Her name is Eulalie and Antonia, Alyssa and I have a little half sister named Elaine. She's a doll. She's five, has thick blond hair, Father's blue eyes and a dimple on her chin. She's always cheerful and happy, and given the title of a Grand Duchess. I am not at al jealous of her. I love her as I love Antonia and Alyssa. In fact, she's Alyssa's best friend when Alyssa is at Court.
I think Eulalie is expecting another child, because when I accidentally ran into her at the Royal Palace in Corus, her belly was quite round, and she looked about four months pregnant.
The bell rang in the clock tour. Time for supper. Loralie and I left my chambers and were escorted down by a maid.
After supper, I went on a walk with Antonia in a quaint little garden near the castle. We sat on a stone bench and talked for some time while the sun was setting. Then we made our way to our bedrooms, escorted, this time, by two Royal Guards.
This was a typical day of my two months at Pirate's Swoop. At the end of my visit, I had a test. For sword fighting, I had to duel with Lady Alanna's Granddaughter Elena (who's twelve, and a page at the Palace) and for my dagger/knife lessons, I was jumped unexpectedly by a man George hired to actually attack me. With my father's permission, of course. George himself was hiding nearby, in case the man hurt me. But he didn't. I did well. I used all of the three daggers that were hidden in my gown. I did give the man a horrible stab which Alanna healed before letting him go. He was so stunned to be attacked by a seven year old princess, that he fainted after he clearly saw my face!
Now I'm in a carriage on my way back to Corus, with Antonia and Grandmother Thayet. I shall call the Palace home for the next four months. I will attend banquets and balls, and sit primly while the kingdom watches me. Ugh!
Alexia
I have survived the four months. Father has congratulated me on my quick learning. In two days I am off to Tyra, then a month later, Carthak, which is to be my home for two years. I shall keep a special book of my travels.
A/N: Reviews very much welcome! NEEDED! AS IS CONSTRUCTIVE CRITISM!
