Disclaimer: I do not own or claim to own the Realm of Tortall or anything therein. Only my character, Lena, belongs to me.
Chapter 2 : Getting to Know You
Though Lena continued to share his tent, Prince Liam was decidedly cooler toward her after that night. His royal upbringing left him too noble to curse her outright, but the young prince let her know, if subtly, that her presence as his body-guard was only just tolerated.
This suited Lena just fine. She was fascinated by the sights, sounds, and smells of the camp. Never having before left Port Cayne, the terrain, climate, and people were entirely new to the girl. As soon as she was well enough, Lena set to hobbling about on crutches, exploring her new domain, and befriending the soldiers.
Then, at night, there was what Master Numair called meditation. By teaching her to release her thoughts and relax her body, the man had given her the most valuable gift she had ever received: the full use of her Gift and Sight. At first, Lena had been afraid; she hadn't known that such a power dwelt inside her. But as time went by, she realized that her power was a strength that she could use, and grew more comfortable in her own skin. Master Numair, her teacher, had noted this as well, and had informed the King himself. Unbeknownst to her, Lena del Mar would become a force to be reckoned with.
Finally the day came that she was able to walk on her own again, and every day after that she spent drilling herself, forcing herself to take long walks, and to climb trees, in order to regain full use of her leg. Even Prince Liam had to respect her perseverance, though he would never accept her as his guard.
Does father think so little of me that he would entrust my life, the life of his son, to a mere girl? he thought. I understand that as ruler he must be fair, but at what cost? That of my life? Liam didn't bother to voice these sentiments in his letters home. He already knew what the King would say. As a ruler, as a diplomat, or as a noble, sexism would get you nowhere, not in this King's lifetime. Liam understood well why his father felt as he did. His generation was that of Lady Alanna, of Queen Thayet, and of Commander Buri. Even now a new Lady Knight was out to prove that she had won her shield fairly. But to Liam, his mother and adoptive aunts were extraordinary, larger than life. A jian Wilima, a K'miri with a grudge, and a woman blessed by the Goddess herself? Liam thought. Of course they were destined for greatness! What have they to do with Lena? She's such a slip of a thing! Couldn't they have at least picked a girl built like Lady Keladry? A girl who might last in battle? So she has the Sight? What of it? It isn't that uncommon. Even if it is as strong as Uncle Numair says, what do they expect the girl to do if danger were to arise? Scream for help? I had to rescue her for gods' sakes.
After giving the subject much thought, the Prince remembered something: a knife. Lena had pulled a knife when threatened by the other squires. And her clothes; weren't they a bit loose for a dancing girl? Liam wasn't stupid. Either his new guard had lost several pounds recently, or she was concealing weapons. How had he not seen it before?
He briefly considered tattling. Raoul or Buri would certainly see her locked up! But acting rashly, as young men often do, Liam decided to handle the situation personally. How better to show his elders that he was a man grown than to prove them wrong about Lena, his unnecessary would-be body-guard, and what better time than the present?
It was nearly noon. The girl would be at the mess tent soon if she wasn't already. This actually fazed Liam briefly. He would have to accuse her in front of the entire company! He chewed his lip. Now that the time had come, his plan did seem ridiculous. So what if the girl had carried weapons? Any gutter rat with the Sight would surely be connected with the Rogue, or in hiding from them, and in Port Cayne, one could never be too careful. Of course she would have a knife! Of course she would have one, he thought, but could she use it? Suddenly, Liam was shocked by his own audacity. He had actually considered challenging Lena, a girl! He would have to think of another plan. He couldn't hurt her. Thayet would have his head! However, a good duel would prove the girl incapable of combat. She would probably refuse it anyway. He wouldn't ever have to even touch her…It was brilliant. No one could fault him, not even his mother.