The memories of the travel stirred within her.
The steep cliffs on the way were overwhelming. The air was different, not quite as pleasant or floral compared to Firene but rather harsh, smelling of stone, like the surrounding terrain itself. And as the sun was illuminating the view, the almost monotonous shades of red were occasionally broken up by fortified structures, hamlets of hardy farmers, and the steel of soldiers.
In her young mind, this matched what she had read about the country.
This is what Brodia is like.
And in this kingdom of warriors, a tall, imposing man with a fierce gaze showed up after the guards led them into the castle. Her mother and father greeted him. Father didn't look too well again. The man greeted them back. They exchanged words.
She felt her brother pat her back for comfort.
The tall man walked up, his armor clanking as he did. His stony gaze rested on her. She wanted to hide behind her brother but was frozen in fear. He wasn't even doing anything to help her either.
The man smiled and let out a hearty laugh, a few locks of his short crimson hair swayed as he did. "So, this is the little princess you two have been hiding from me!" he said, voice booming.
Reaching his hand out, she stayed still. His hand hovered above her head for a split second.
A pat.
Followed by more.
"What an adorable daughter you two have been blessed with. I wish I had one, but I got stuck with two boys instead."
Her parents laughed.
She looked up at the man in awe, just now noticing his crown. Oh. So he was…
"Princess Céline, welcome to the Kingdom of Brodia!" the King of Brodia said with a hearty laugh.
Author's Note:
Very short one inspired by this line Céline says during exploration at Brodia Castle: "I was a mere child on my first visit here, but I can still recall King Morion patting my head."