The next morning, I woke at dawn, feeling the weight of my reign on my shoulders. I hurried to make myself more presentable and slipped on a simple but elegant chestnut dress with a laced bodice and hurried to meet a member of the Royal Flight and an old friend of mine, Rakè Crowscaw. He was usually out helping and training with new recruits at this hour or in the dining hall. I decided to check the dining hall first and possibly get something to eat.
The guard at the door let me pass and as I walked in, people stood from their seats and bowed, some nodded their heads as I passed though to head to the practice courts. Well, he wasn't here, so might as well check the courts.
There I found Rakè dueling with a young sparrow. "Come now, Lyn, you've got to master the twin daggers. You can't keep shying away." He chuckled. I smiled at his optimism and watched them duel for a while. I felt my mind drift from their duel and jumped when I felt a warm calloused hand on my shoulder. "Oh, it's just you." I replied, relieved.
"You seem jumpy today Ala." Rakè remarked, using his nickname for me. I heard concern in his voice behind his mask of reserve. I shied away, not meeting his soft gray-green eyes. Maybe he'd leave me alone if I remained silent.
But I was wrong. "Hehj'hena's nesma gen lalintoth?" he asked.
"Nothing is wrong It's just…it's the first time I've been alone. Without Mother to support me or…I've never ruled a kingdom before, Rak." My voice had dropped to a soft whisper as I spoke.
"You'll find ways, Ala, if it is one vow I honor most of all, it is the vow to protect my queen and the privilege to be your friend, before, during, and after death."
I felt touched at Rakè's concern and of his loyalty; he was a rare friend that was for sure. But lately, every-time I'd looked into his eyes I felt as if something more were shaping, something he felt but never showed.
Could it be love? Or was it just an infatuation?
Could I take him as an alastair or would the kingdom turn on me?
I inwardly sighed as I invited Rakè to the dining hall, deciding to have an early breakfast and forget my troubles. After all, it had only been the first day.
And I hoped my troubles could be kept to a minimum.
A/N: I do not know how this should go! Should she fall for one of the visiting serpiente or her friend? How should she bring up the idea about Kiesha and the other eight serpents' visiting Hawk's Keep?
Any ideas or comments would be greatly apprieciated!
Regards,
- Notebook