Heart Duel

Chapter 2: The Arrival

The yells of street vendors and shoppers woke me from my sleep. I peered out of the window, and was greeted by the bustling streets of Remalna-City!

Curious onlookers stared at me in interest. I blushed under their scrutiny, and immediately scolded myself for being immature. Mother had mentioned that the reason for my going to court to celebrate my Flower Day was to be looked at, and to contract a good marriage.

Not that I wanted a husband now of course! I figure myself to young to even contemplate marriage at the moment.

The busy streets soon gave way to well-paved roads lined with rose bushes and trees. The golden-roofed Royal Palace of Athanarel loomed up in the distance, seemingly intimidating. Wherever I looked, there was greenery.

My curiosity soon got the better of me, and I questioned one of the liveried servants as I stepped of the coach. "Where are the rest of the buildings?" I asked.

He bowed and replied, "The artful design of the grounds prevents the other buildings from being seen. This is to ensure the privacy of the Royal Family M'lady."

My fear and anxiety were quickly dwarfed by my mounting excitement, as I entered an immense entryway with a mosaic floor depicting a night sky with all the planets and stars, but with the sun at the center. A gleaming crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling as a centerpiece, sending out shards of light reflected from the various stained-glass windows above.

A footman appeared out of nowhere, startling me. "M'lady, if you would please follow me, Her Majesty would receive you in the Primary Guest Wing." he gestured for me to follow him, and with a bow, led me through a maze of hallways and grand staircases.

The rooms allotted to me were done in soft greens and blues, reminding me of the forests of Tlanth. A pang of homesickness struck me.

"Father and Mother will be arriving in a couple of weeks." I said to myself, striving to banish the ache in my heart.

Feeling adventurous, I walked around my rooms, admiring the little parlor and dressing room, which was fitted with a narrow tiled stairway that led to baths on the first level. As if that wasn't narrow enough, an even narrower stairway led to the servants' quarters. I laughed out loud when I envisioned the twins' nanny, Bertha, trying to squeeze through that stairway.

A light knock on the door brought me back to my senses, and I turned to see a woman who looked about Mother's age dressed in the most fabulous silks and jewels. I did not fail to see her crowning glory, as it was hard to miss, it was reddish brown like mine, and hung all the way down her back, like a waterfall.

"Tylana, you've grown!" she cried, embracing me. "My goodness! You look so different from when I last saw you. But you were a baby then, now you are a fine young lady!" she enthused, never letting me get a word in edge wise, as I stood rooted in place.

She finally released me and bid me to sit down next to her on a blue coloured silk Persian couch. I curtsied the curtsy of a subject to a sovereign, ducked my head and sat.

"You are undoubtedly a daughter of my brother and his wife." She commented, "You have the Astiar hair, Nee's nose and her mannerisms, although I can see a spark of mischievousness in your eyes- definitely from Bran."

This welcoming woman took my breath away. Father had said that Aunt Meliara was a fun-loving woman, but he didn't mention that she was this fun loving! "Um.Your Majesty, it.is such an honour to meet you at last!" I exclaimed.

"Call me Aunt Meliara, or Aunt Mel if you wish. Everyone does!" she replied, with an airy wave of her hand.

Not knowing what to say to that, I fingered the fan at my waist nervously.

"I hope you like your rooms," she ventured, breaking the silence. "I stayed in these very rooms when I came to Athanarel, and they do bring back fond memories." She sighed, a distant look in her eyes.

"I'm pleased to have the honour of staying in them after you, Your...Aunt Mel." I said smiling, when the bells for third-gold rang.

"Excuse me Tylana, but duty calls. I heard you have an insatiable thirst for knowledge like me," she stated, smiling lightly, a twinkle in her eyes. "Feel free to go to the Library." She offered, rising from the couch while winking in an undignified manner, before smiling graciously and exiting the room.

I curtsied yet again, and sank back down on the couch with a rustle of my skirts.

Whew! That was a surprise. I think I'm going to like it here! A rustle of the tapestry hanging across the servants' stairway caught my eye, and a young girl no more than nineteen entered.

She wore a plain servant's garb, but had a pretty heart-shaped face and dark brown hair. Curtsying, she introduced herself as Louise, and began the process of unpacking my trunks.

I stood, and walked towards her, offering to help her with the chore. But she ducked her head and mumbled "M'lady should leave this to me."

"Well," I retorted, "I may be a lady, but my parents taught me to take care of myself. Besides, more hands make light work!" at this, she smiled nervously and moved to the next trunk while I rummaged through the first.

When all the work was done, we were both exhausted. "Would you like some tea, Louise?" I asked pouring a cup for myself.

"That wouldn't be necessary M'lady, I would be alright."

"No, I insist." Pouring yet another cup for her and handing it to her.

"M'lady is too kind," she whispered.

"Do you need to be excused? I'm sure you have other things to do, right?" I asked.

"No M'lady, I would be your personal maid for the duration of your stay," she replied simply, performing yet another curtsy.

"That's wonderful! I hope we can become friends Louise," I enthused.

"If M'lady wishes." She replied, turning to arrange a vase of flowers.

Leaving Louise to her work, I left my rooms and headed for the library, reminding myself to send a word of thanks to their Majesties. Treading softly in my silken slippers, I arrived at the library with much difficulty and assistance. Waiting footmen opened the doors for me, and I passed into a huge room and found myself alone. Strolling along the shelves, I let my fingers slide along the binds of various books, feeling the thrill of being surrounded by so many books! I let my gaze wander, allowing it to fall upon a tapestry. Striding stealthily towards the tapestry, I lifted it with my fan, and looked into a pair of brilliant green eyes..
A/N: haha.I know I stole a couple of ideas, especially the eyes thing. Cliffhanger too! Don't you all just hate me? Please Read and Review!!! Also, SPECIAL THANKS to ShadowGoddess.my first reviewer! This is dedicated to you girl, because you were the only person who reviewed, very depressing.but thanks, anyway!;)