Rhiana had been under her Yamani guardian's charge for about a week. Despite the strict code of conduct Lady Yukimi believed in, she was a very kind woman and since Daine Visited her almost every day it wasn't a bad way to live. Yukimi had given Rhiana the day off and she intended to use it.
She hadn't gotten the chance to explore the palace completely yet, and she was sure there had to be people here own age somewhere. Rhiana went into the palace grounds she wanted to see the horses and then the knights. I wonder if I'll see the Lioness, she thought, I hope so. She looked up at the sky, and smiled, Tortall is so much prettier then Scanra.
She was so entranced by the dancing of the clouds that she didn't notice the boy until she was on the ground starring up at him. He smiled and offered his hand, "You need to be more careful. I could have been some bully and then what would you have done," Rhiana just starred into his blue eyes surprised by his kindness as well as how familiar he looked, "Are you ok? I think I'll take you to the infirmary. Oh, by the way my name is Liam. What's yours?"
She was startled out of her daze. Liam, she thought, Lady Yukimi said that was the name of the youngest prince. "My name is Rhiana." She was still in shock but what shocked her now was the face of the boy in the market place, it was the same smiling face of the boy that was still holding her arm and dragging her most unceremoniously to the infirmary. "You were in the market the day I got here."
Liam looked startled, "I don't know what you are talking about," he was nervous. He let go of her arm and said flatly, "I never go to the market without and escort. Father would be furious."
Rihana laughed, "I won't tell, but why were you there? You didn't need to buy anything because I am sure you have people who shop for you."
"For your information I had a good reason to be in the city." Liam said, but Rhiana saw that he was still thinking of an alibi.
"Don't worry I never saw you before," Rhiana winked and smiled, "I was just exploring, I'm new here you see."
A look of dawning comprehension came across his face, "So you're the runaway. I thought you had an accent, well kid, I'll show you around if you promise to tell me all about where you come from." Liam held out his hand with a large grin. Rhiana hesitated, I can't tell him too much or he might find out, she thought. She sighed and took the offered hand but soon forgot all her apprehensions.
Liam smiled and led the way through the palace grounds clearly enjoying his self-appointed job as tour guide. He took her to the stables and introduced her to a young stable hand named Tobby. She was so happy to see the horses and when Liam offered to take her riding she didn't have to think about the answer.
Rhiana and Liam had been riding for a while before Liam called a stop. They were in the middle of the Royal Forest. The watered their horses in an icy blue stream. Rhiana was exhausted from the ride and lay don amongst the soft moist grass. Liam pulled out a loaf of bread from a saddle bag and handed her a piece. They sat there for some time in silence, watching the horses graze.
"Liam, how old are you?" Rhiana's question broke the silence.
Liam looked at her and grinned, "I am 15. Why do you ask kid?"
Rhiana shrugged, "I just don't know why you want to be my friend. I am only 10 and I have no money or anything that would make me worth something. I don't even have parents."
Liam sighed, "I want to be your friend because you need a friend, kid. Do I need a better reason then that?" Rhiana look up at him and shook her head. Her frown faded into a smile, and she asked no more questions just enjoyed the young princ's company.