-1As Kara alighted from Freddy, she observed that the castle had not changed from the last time she was there. In fact, she had never changed her original observation of it being cold, hard, and GRAY. She was greeted by a servant, who led her to a suite of rooms that were much grander than her old ones. It seemed Galbatorix knew an oath would never stick to her, and was trying to catch her with money. The anteroom was filled with plush sofas dyed a remarkable maroon, and the gray walls were covered with what several tapestries. Kara almost felt like the thick carpet was massaging her feet, and she could see that it continued into her bedroom. This room had a bookshelf made of intricately carved mahogany, and a matching desk. The bed filled three quarters of the floor, and looked just perfect for a sleeping charm. She was rather scared of it. In fact, Kara knew that she would never actually BE in these rooms, her place was with Freddy.
Before she could sneak out, another servant came, this time with a bath. When she was bathed, clothed, and poked to everyone's satisfaction, Kara was introduced at court.
This was not her first time. She had come down that staircase so many times that Kara had memorized exactly where everyone would be sitting. Galbatorix would be smack dab in the middle, surrounded by all his loyal followers. To her left, and his right, would be the royal magicians, and on the other side would be the warriors. This was usually where Murtagh sat, but Kara made note that this time he was sitting at her father's right, directly across from the seat she would be sitting in. Kara gulped. It would be hard enough to convince Galbatorix that she really wanted to serve without deceiving the man she believed knew her better than anyone else did.
Kara could remember spending long hours training with Murtagh. He taught her most of big weapons skills. Sure, she had learned how to use a dagger and her fists at the inn, but Murtagh had taught her so much more. Kara sat down across from him.
"So, daughter, it is good to have you back," wheezed Galbatorix. Kara had barely a thought to spare to the disgusting creature that was her father. Instead, she had engaged herself into a staring match with Murtagh.
"It IS good to see you, Kara," said Murtagh, "it has been such a long time! And with a Dragon, too, who would have thought?" Galbatorix looked nervously between the two. He was in charge here, not them. But he felt utterly powerless in this conversation.
"I don't see why its such a surprise. I do have the genes," at this comment Murtagh's eyes narrowed, "and the training."
"I do remember you as a most capable student," said Murtagh. He had seemed stung by her earlier comment about his genotype, and was determined to win this fight. To anyone else it would have been a compliment, but Kara knew what he thought of 'students'. At one time, he had even said that the only way to learn something was on your own. Kara completely disagreed.
"Well, it seems some of us have gotten over our fear of instruction to elevate our status." Murtagh visibly flinched at that.
Just then, the person seated to Murtagh's right turned. It was now Kara's turn to flinch. Mary- Alizabeth (not a typo) was a close second to Kara's least favorite person. Kara always had to fight for her time with Murtagh; Mary-Alizabeth had seemed determined to be the daughter-in-law of a foresworn. Murtagh had seemed to be as disgusted with her attempts as Kara, but judging by the way he put his arm around her, his opinions had changed.
"Kara, how nice to see you," started Mary-Alizabeth, but was cut off by the arrival of the food. Kara missed the comings and goings of the servants, and barely ate anything all night; she was too busy trying not to keep eye contact with Murtagh.
Kara pleaded exhaustion from her journey, and with a good-night to her father that could almost be considered courteous, she left.
Unfortunately, someone decided to follow. As soon as they left the dining hall, he touched her arm. Kara flinched, and Murtagh said,
"I guess I deserved that." Kara just started walking away. "Kara wait!" she stopped again, this time with her back turned. "You shouldn't have found out like this! I-I-I just didn't know how to tell you."
"You've made it perfectly clear to me that I am only a way-ward student of yours. Why should I have not found out this way?" Kara said stiffly, and walked away.