My name is Taryn. I am or was the sole ruler of Skida. My fief was left to me by my deceased parents. Skida has been my fief for 4 years now. It was a difficult challenge governing a fiefdom at my inexperienced age of 17 but it seems I also inherited the people's loyalty with the fiefdom. Most would have never let a girl of seventeen years govern a fief without a husband, and I am most grateful to my people for trusting me.
I would never have made it without my friends Ella, John, and Mona. They were orphans that were originally brought from an abusive father to be my companions as I was an only child, and eventually became my family. Ella was the youngest, an adorable child of five years with golden curls and a smile that could light up the darkest day. Mona was the eldest. She had no nonsense long brown hair and was my age. She was the person I confided in, my closest friend. The girls' deaths grieve me, but that enrages me more and urges me to avenge their innocent deaths. I always thought that when a person dies, they are in a better place, and therefore we should not mourn overly long for them. John is two years younger than me and is a brainy sort. His head is shaped rather similarly to an egg, but he has the most intelligent blue eyes. The gods were merciful to leave me John; I will need his wise advice.
When we were attacked by raiders, I was in my personal tent. I had moved out of my bed chambers for the maids were unreasonably underfoot. I prefer not having everyone worship me every minute of the day. My plan is to go to King Roald and ask him for aid in my revenge against the raiders.
The boy's name was Marcus. Marcus of Queenscove. So it was that we decided to ask Marcus to lead us to the palace. It did strike me as odd when he sort of appeared out of nowhere, but we were still going to use his services. My intuitions told me that he wasn't going to lead us to trouble, and I have excellent intuitions. His red hair and green eyes complimented each other beautifully and his handsomely carved figure was hard to miss. His irresistibly striking face was absolutely scrumptious. NO! That was not the intuition part! However, he did seem to have a good light, and a carefree zest for life.
We came to a stop. Marcus said, "We're at the palace now, what do you think?"
The palace towered over us; it had been remodeled in the last decade. It had gorgeous towers and buttresses. Intricate details covered the smooth walls. I had never seen such grandeur before. It was a majestic site that almost blinded me when the sun bounced off the golden inscriptions. Marcus had mysteriously left us at the gates without his pay, and was nowhere to be found. I let John go to tour the rest of the palace as I could see he was itching to explore. I thought such a distraction would provide a brief respite from the mourning of his sisters.
When I entered, someone directed me to a room. After describing my situation, and my request to meet the king, His highness King Roald, I was led to a much richer room. A man, slouching against the door, immediately jumped to attention. He had crystal clear blue-green eyes that unnervingly reached out to me, with warm, honey blond hair that was cropped short.
"Ya gotta let me relieve ya of your weapons ma'am," said the man lazily.
"I own no weapons, good sir, now please allow me to pass," I bluffed.
"My dear lady, that may be the case, but you bear two ankle daggers, one dagger in your sleeve, one between places where only the lucky has gone, and one leather pouch containing deadly throwing stars under your finely made dress," carelessly drawled the handsome man. "Will a body search be necessary?" flirtingly teased the divine male. I was melting.
"No!" I squeaked as I hastily removed my weapons. The man chuckled and let me enter the chamber. When I entered that room, I was struck speechless. It was then that I felt my heart move and I was filled with awe. The sunlight reached in through the tall windows and highlighted the king's face in all of his glory. In that moment, I made a sincere vow that I would serve this ruler for the rest of my life. I waited in the long line and I finally kneeled in front of my king.
"My lord," I breathlessly murmered .
"Your majesty, I believe my fief has been attacked by raiders," I whispered.
"Your name, if you please my lady," gently probed the king. Oh how foolish I felt then, I had forgotten to introduce myself! But the king did not make me feel like the dolt I was.
"My name is Taryn and I rule the fief Skida. My family was killed in the war, your majesty. I have come to beseech you for your aid. I am all my people have left." I pleaded with tears glistening in my eyes as I remembered the deaths of my people. The king came down from his throne and held my hand in his own.
"My lady, I will strive to aid you in whatever way I can," he solemnly replied. I left the room and only then did I realize that he didn't question my age, unlike so many others.
The king had ordered for me luxurious rooms as according to my station. I entered, exhausted from the encounter with the king and stripped to my shift. I soon fell into a deep sleep, but when I awoke, curiously enough, bright blue eyes were twinkling in front of my face.
"AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" I screamed. A man leapt back startled. It was the man outside the throne room!
"Why are you in my room!" I shrieked.
"Exactly what I wanted to ask!" retorted the man.
"No, the king allowed me this room." I explained.
So after an awkward moment where I slipped into some clothes, we stormed over to Salma's quarters where we found out that she wasn't going to be back from her trip till tomorrow. We decided to stay in the room for the night.
"By the way, my name is Sean," said the man as we dragged ourselves back to our room.
"Taryn of Skida," I replied, "look, I suppose that wasn't the best introduction ever but I hope that we can make tonight as comfortable as circumstances will allow us." We walked into the room and awkwardly sat down on the bed.
"Well er, I suppose we must establish sleeping arrangements," I delicately suggested.
"Why? Are you uncomfortable with us sharing the bed?" serenely questioned Sean. His handsome face was straight.
"Oh! It wouldn't be proper!" I was shocked.
"Oh don't look so shocked, " he said loftily, " I was only joking. I'll sleep on the floor, and my lady shall sleep on my bed." Only then did I see the mirth in his eyes. My head was spinning, my legs were weak. It was then when I decided to do a very rash thing. I collected what was left of my scattered wits and said the first thing that came to my mind.
"Actually my lord, I don't see why not." I commented casually.
"Beg pardon," Sean exclaimed.
"I do not see what is so incriminating with us sleeping in the same bed since all we are going to do is sleep," and with a 'Good day my lord', I swept out the door.