Last Chapter:
Sophie smiled just a bit when she saw what it was.
The man made to speak, but before that put a hand on the prince's shoulder.
Chapter 5:
Jon nodded at Sophie.
"Good evening Page Sophia. I trust that your first day here in the palace was a pleasant one." he said. From the look in his eyes he wanted to speak to his son privately. Sophie saw this.
"It was interesting, sire. If you'll excuse me, your Majesty," she said with a polite bow and yet again in that pleasant voice. "I don't believe that I have visited my horse since arriving at the palace and it will be getting late soon. Good evening, your Majesty, your Highness." And with that Sophia left the room, trying to remember the way to the stables. Leaving father and son the chance to talk. Now all Sophie needed to do was try and find her way out of this blasted place.
"Good evening, father. I trust that you are well." Liam said tightly as soon as Sophie had left.
"Yes, I am fine. You should already know that the news about you being sponsor to the new Lady Page is all over the palace. It is important that no one do anything to Sophia. As you should know from attending Council Meetings Count Davyd is a very important figure in the country and to anger him through his daughter is not wise. If we lose his favour we loose half of the Conservatives." Jonathan told his son.
Liam frowned. "But I thought that the Count was a progressive. That doesn't make sense if half of the conservatives listen to him."
The king smiled at his on. "Davyd for some reason is one of the few people that the conservatives listen to that is a progressive. That is the reason why we need him on our side. Even though he wants change in the country he had enough power to do that without the help of the crown. Do you understand, son? Jonathan asked Liam. At Liam's nod he smiled and said, "I knew I could count on you. Good night. You should go to bed early. You have a busy day tomorrow."
"Night, father." With that both father and son left the Royal Gallery and went on their separate ways.
Sophie was walking down an unfamiliar hallway trying to find her way to the stables where Alya. Obviously she was lost. Turning into another hallway Sophie finally admitted to herself that she was lost. She gave a huge sigh and turned another corner only to bump into a tall figure.
Sophie jumped back, startled. She slowly moved her gaze up to see the tall person who was now looking down at her, scowling.
She bowed. "Forgive me, my lord. I did not see you."
The man froze. "What is you name?" He asked.
"Sophia of Sylverden, my lord."
"Ah, a Sylverden, I see. Forgive me for my hostility. My name is Numair Salmalín. I have been in a bad mood of late due to some important issues. I should not have taken it out on you. Now, pray tell me what you are doing wondering this hallway?" Numair questioned.
"I was heading towards the stables, but I have seemed to have taken a wrong turn and am not quite sure where my bearings are." Sophie told him in that pleasant voice that reminded everyone so much of her father.
"I do believe that if you were to find your way to the stables that you would not find your horse there. They were moved to your own private stables near the Sylverden wing. If you have the time I would be able to show you exactly where they are." Numair offered to Sophie in a weird voice.
"I would be honoured to, sir." Was the only reply that Numair received from the silver-eyed page. With that he turned around and gestured for her to follow.
They walked in silence, Numair with a thoughtful look on his face and Sophie with a look of pleasantness.
"I hear that your father is going to be staying at the palace for a more considerable amount of time now."
"That is true, sir. I also believe that he will now be joining the council."
Numair nodded. "That's true." Just then they rounded a corner and Numair stopped walking. "This is the Sylverden wing. Your father should be in there and he should be able to direct you to your horse. I am terribly sorry but I must be on my way."
Sophie turned and bowed at him. "Thank you, Master Salmalín for showing me here. I am very grateful for what you have done." With that Numair nodded at her and went down another hall and disappeared from sight.
Sophie looked to the door to her now family wing, and knocked on it. A minute later her father opened the door and greeted her.
"How was your first day at the palace?" her father questioned her as they walked into their quarters.
"Very interesting, Papa. But as I was trying to find my way out of this inconceivably huge palace, I got lost and ran into Numair Salmalín."
"Yes well, that is very interesting. But I suspect that the real reason you're here is not to see your poor old father rather that thing you call a horse – the Lofty One." Davyd said with mock-agony.
"'Tis true, father dear, 'tis true. Now how are the stables like here? Are they sufficient enough."
Davyd was nodding. "The stables that are attached to this wing are very nice. There is also a big field and trees for them to run around in. My room is actually rather nice and so is yours. I'm having two of ours coming to here to live permanently. One of them will be able to sew. So that means that you should be able to come here to get any of your clothes repaired or made. How does that sound?"
"That's all very good, Papa, but even though I haven't seen Alya yet I think I should try and head back to my room. If I can ever find it again." Sophie told her father.
The Count grinned. "I'm sure she'll understand and when you leave I'll go and tell her. You should be off though. Lights out should be soon and of course you being the perfect little angel that I know you are wouldn't want to get into trouble." Sophie scowled at her father in mock annoyance.
"When will our other belongings arrive here?" she questioned.
"They should be arriving in about a week. I should be gone by then so I want you to organise it all. I'll get one of the palace servants to call for you when it arrives. Now off to bed with you." And with hat Davyd shooed his daughter and she set of down the hall, trying to find a familiar corridor.
On her third turn into yet another hallway, she bumped into her sponsor. Liam smiled at her. "I suppose you are trying to find your way back to your room?" At Sophie's nod, he turned back around and motioned for her to follow him. They continued walking in silence until the two pages arrived back in front of Sophie's door.
"I'll come for you tomorrow morning for breakfast, then we can get your clothes and finish that tour around the palace." Sophie nodded in agreement.
"Goodnight, your Highness." She said politely.
"Goodnight, Sophia. I hope that you sleep well." With that the Prince turned around and went to enter his own room while Sophie opened her room and entered.
Getting changed out of her clothes and into a nightgown, she realised how tired she was a drowsily hopped into bed, but not before saying her prayers.
She fell asleep listening to the fire crackling merrily and the howling of the wind as it made its way noisily through the trees.
Hope you enjoyed it. So far this is the longest chapter that I have written. I'll try ad get the next one out faster.