Okay, first i want to thank EllaFreak for the title suggestion. while i wasnt sure if it would work for the story, it worked for the first chapter!
He arrived today! I was so worried that he would see me, but he didn't. Mandy had asked Areida's mother, Mistress Rausti, if I could have the days off Char was here. I think she partially understood, for she agreed when she normally would not have. I will stay in my room as much as possible, though I will do the shopping as I usually do. However, Mandy said she would do something that would make me unrecognizable to Char.
I walked through the market, my head bowed. No one would recognize me, for Mandy had painted my face with the stuff the court ladies used. It looked real. But still I was afraid of discovery. I did not want one of Char's men to find me. No one could discover this façade, no matter the cost. Char's life, and the future of Kyrria, could be the price if it was, and I would not risk that. I loved him too much.
Tears streamed down my face, washing away the face paint. Tears for the life I couldn't lead, the lies I had to tell, but mostly for the love I left behind. More than anything, I wanted him to know I returned the love that he had for me, but he must never find out. And I continued to weep.
As I walked and wept, I silently sang my favorite Ayorthian song, one that brought me much comfort. I remember the night Char sang it quietly in my ear, and all my bitterness increased.
"Oak, granite, Lilies by the road, Remember me? I remember you. Clouds brushing, Clover hills, Remember me, Sister, child, Crown tall, Remember me? I remember you."
"Yes, I do remember. Everything. your smile, your fingers, your handwriting, the hair on the back of your neck, how your hand felt in mine. Your laugh, your goofy grin as we slid down stair rails, the light that lit your eyes when you where happy. Everything." I said quietly to myself. As deep as I was in my memories, I didn't notice the person who came up beside me. He cleared his throat, startling me out of my reverie. Seeing who it was, I turned white.
/AN I should stop it here, but that would be rather mean, wouldn't it? It bothers me to death when people do that. Especially when they never finish it! So, I will continue/
"May I help you, Sir Knight?" I asked, making my voice a bit higher than it normally was. "Yes, mistress. We are looking for a young woman, about your age. She has dark black hair, similar to yours, light skin, and vibrant green eyes. Good with tongues, too." He eyed me.
"I am sorry, sir, but I have seen no one fitting that description." I lied easily.
"Ah, too bad." He sighed. "The prince is looking for her. Loves her very much, he does. Pity. I thought we had finally ended our search when I saw your hair and the way you walk. Guess not, though."
I nodded, my sadness returning. "Excuse me, sir, but I must be getting home to my husband and children." I curtsied, not an easy feat with a basket full of food balanced on my head, and made my way back to the inn.
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On returning to the inn, I ran into Char. Literally. Startled, I got up and dusted myself off. My basket had been emptied onto the floor. Luckily, everything was tightly wrapped. Pushing everything into it, I curtsied and walked quickly away, looking back every few seconds. He stood there, looking rather confused. I walked more quickly, going behind the inn so he would not look for me later.
I climbed over the fence and took the back door in, startling Mandy, who was making bread on the counter.
"Wha-" She looked at me, and sighed. "Lady, you frightened me! Don't do that! I didn't know who you where. Warn a person before you sneak in behind them." Mandy quit her lecturing and returned to her kneading. I rolled my eyes, set the basket down, and left. Heading towards my room, I noticed I'd forgotten my magic book in the basket. Sighing, I headed back to the kitchen.
Mandy had already emptied it out, and my book wasn't in it. "Mandy, was my magic book in here?" I asked, though I was sure it was.
"No, sweet." She answered, not looking back.
Beginning to grow frightened, I asked, "Have you seen it? I thought I'd brought it with me."
She was becoming annoyed, I could tell. "No, Ella. Go look for it. I need to work."
"Fine." I sighed again, and walked out, thinking about where I had last had it. I was sure I had it with me when I went to the market, so where could it be? Suddenly, I remembered bumping into Char, and everything falling out of the basket, then hurriedly pushing it all back in. Frightened, I ran to the door.
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I stood up, confused. The woman, young lady really, had left rather quickly. She seemed frightened. Maybe it was because I was the prince, and she was afraid that I would punish her. I shrugged my shoulders. I began to walk to my room, but noticed something sitting by my feet.
It was a book, beautifully bound in red velvet with gold lettering that said something in a language I could not read. The girl must have dropped it when she had left so hurriedly. I picked it up, hoping to be able to return it to her. I followed the path I had seen her take, but when I asked for a girl fitting that description, no one seemed to know her. Defeated, I returned to my room. We will leave the next morning, I believe. If she does not return to claim her book, I will take it with me, I suppose. Maybe Cecilia will enjoy it. She has always liked looking at books.
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I still have not found my book. I have searched everywhere and asked everyone I could, but no one seems to have seen it. This is awful. Mandy says she cant tell who has it, for she doesn't know calling magic. I do not know what to do. What if Char finds it? That would be terrible? What would I do? My magic book is my favorite thing, one of the few comforts I have. I see Char through it. I am still close to him because of it. I know his doings, his thoughts. This is awful.
AN: I know this is short, but I promise to update soon cough review cough
thanks to my wonderful, encouraging reviewers. you guys are the greatest!
EllaFreak: thanks for pointing that out! i cant believe i missed it! well, lets pretend that mandy ordered her to be friends with Areida if she wished on their journey.
To everyone else: thank you so much for the encouraging reviews and wonderful suggestions for the title! im sorry it took this long to update, but i had to redo it because the second chappie i had really sucked. i was trying to get my sister to read it, but she refused. now i dont have my beta anymore! shes 2 busy with her boyfriend! woe to me! sorry, i get carried away.