Emerald eyes filled with tears as she read the words of the note. Ruka noticed the elegant script with which the hand had written it, and could see her friend's careful consideration of each word, chosen for their meaning. They spoke of unrest within the kingdom, and a Duke Alant who aspired to hold the throne for him.
"My dear Ruka,
How I have missed your presence here at the palace, and could use your advice now. You left so suddenly, and I wished many times I could have apologized for the harsh words I had spoken. I wish this could be just a note of repairing broken hearts and friendships but, alas, it cannot be.
Before you is my beloved daughter, Serenity. The political unrest among the court has erupted beyond containable limits, and I fear for my and Serenity's safety. Please guard over her until such time as she is able to understand what is happening, and return home. I do not know how long that will be, but please see she is schooled in everything a Lady needs to know, I know that you understand all that will be required.
I apologize for asking this of you, but you are the only one I can trust with this. I fear that I will not live to see her grow up, but I fear that if I did not send her to you, then Duke Alant would have her killed rather then take the chance she might grow up to be like me.
Above all else, Ruka, please do not let anyone know who she is, or all will be lost. The man who seeks my throne is a tyrant who would not hesitate to hunt her and kill her if he suspects she escaped. Please, Ruka, save my daughter, she may well prove to be our only hope.
Only one more thing, my dear old friend, I want you to know that he always loved you.
Your friend,
Serene, Queen of the Seven Kingdoms
Ruler of the Stars
Keeper of the Light"
Ruka blinked back her tears, and looked again at the young girl before her. The only daughter of her best friend, Serene, and the only man she would ever love, Richard, was indeed a lovely creature, and would be very difficult to keep hidden for long… Unless….
"Ah, my dear child, welcome. I understand that you're Aunt, the queen, wishes for you to train here with me. Excellent, come, we will begin immediately." The girl looked about to argue, but Ruka looked at her sternly and extended her hand. She looked at the coachman, "You may leave her baggage here, and we will have it moved to my home."
"Yes, Healer. There is more, however." Ruka's blood ran cold as she turned to look at the man who had driven the young, frightened princess here. She looked imploringly at Claudette, who took the girl's hand, and led her into the Inn.
"What more is there?"
"As we were leaving, the army of Duke Arant was advancing upon the palace. It was assumed that he would destroy everything in his path, including the palace. We could see smoke rising from the direction of the palace, perhaps he burned the gardens, and the surrounding forest to protect him. The Queen did not expect to live much longer, and she told me to stay with the girl."
Ruka blinked in surprise, perhaps he was more then just a driver. "You are welcome to stay here in town, but there is not enough room for three in my home."
"Of course, Healer, I thought perhaps, that if there is a need, I could set up a smithy." He grinned, and his brown eyes danced as though he truly liked the idea. She looked at him a little closer, and could see muscles hidden beneath the loose tunic he wore.
"Perhaps…"
"Chase, Healer."
"Perhaps, Chase, we could indeed use a blacksmith here. If you ask nicely, Claudette might even allow you to stay at her inn until you have everything built. And please, call me Ruka." She gestured towards the Inn as well, and together they went inside.
Inside, tables and chairs were scattered around the room, all to the right side of the door. To the left, a small bar, and behind the bar was a door that led to the kitchen, where Claudette did all of her masterful cooking. At the back of the room was a rickety looking staircase that led upstairs to the guest rooms.
At the bar, the young girl sat, staring into a glass of milk, barely holding back tears. She looked up when she heard the door close, and turned to look at Ruka and Chase. Claudette emerged from the kitchen, and looked pityingly at the small girl, whose face was so forlorn.
"Claudette, this is Marianne, and she will be staying with me for a time. Let's see that she has a warm welcome." Ruka turned her emerald eyes to the girl who she had just named Marianne, hoping she understood. "I need to speak with Claudette in private for a moment, dear, but when I am done, I will take you home, okay?" With that, Ruka walked around the bar, and she and Claudette went into the kitchen.
The kitchen smelled of sweet bread baking, and Ruka inhaled deeply before turning to Claudette once more.
"Claudette, it is imperative that no one know who this girl really is. She must be safely guarded, can you help me?"
"Of course, Ruka, I will help you take care of her, but someday you must tell me how you came to know the queen enough that she would send her daughter to you for safekeeping."
"I will, Claudette, I promise. But for now, I'd best get her back to my place." Ruka nodded, turned, and walked out the door, towards the main room. The girl looked up at her once again, her eyes frightened, and Ruka resisted the immediate urge to console her that would have to wait until they were safely out of town.
"Come child, it is past time we were on our way." She took the girl by her small hand, and led her out of the Inn, and out of town, leaving Chase and Claudette at the Inn to sort things out.
They arrived at her small house, and Ruka opened the door to let the girl in. She hesitated only a moment before entering, and stood rigidly by the door once Ruka had shut it. The interior of the house was quaint; the parlor room had a small couch and a coffee table in front of it, though it was covered in small potted plants. The kitchen had a small stove, and many more plants, and bags of dried herbs. Ruka took the girl to the back bedroom, and she caught a small smile from the girl.
It had a small bed, covered with a blue blanket. Beside the bed was a small table that held a candle, and an empty vase. The curtains were covered by light blue curtains, and the floor had a blue rug as well. It was almost as it the room had been decorated especially for the young girl.
"This will be your room. Come let's sit and discuss what is happening, okay?" She tried to sound friendly, hoping the girl would not be too afraid of her.
"I do not like the name." she said, in a quiet voice. "My name is Serenity."
"I know dear, let me explain why you can't use it anymore."