Chapter 5
Hunter's POV
The door closed with an ominous bang. It felt like she suddenly closed me out. Very faintly I could hear weight being placed on the other side of the door. Evangaline must be exhausted. I would be too if I just found out the last of my family died and I am to run a large kingdom. I wonder how she can still hold herself together so seamlessly. I mused to myself. Quietly I started down the mall hallway and paced along the top step of the grand staircase. The echo of my boots on the marble floor helped to sooth my thoughts enough to sort through them. This day has been a long and eventful one. My thoughts traveled to early this morning on my ride into town.
The early morning rays danced on my skin. I took a deep breath and let it out into the cold morning air. Silver Mist plodded along on the same dirt road we have been travelling for the past hour. The beautiful white mare was a parting gift from my father. He rode Silver Mist into many battles and on many circuits. The poor girl was 20 years old. I'm sure if she could speak, she'd swear to the grave she was only 4. Just when I was about to call it a day, the modest town where we were supposed to have the tournament at loomed before us. It was anything but modest. I had a feeling that villager a few towns back had under-exaggerated the place I was headed to, now I knew for sure. The town of Pariah was hardly a town at all. It fell short of a city.
Unafraid, Silver Mist picked up speed like she knew the place. I had an inkling she did and knew just where to find the food. I laughed and encouraged her forward. The stubborn mare went straight towards the large arena. Not too far in the distance, I noted a humble palace that blended, as well as a palace could, with the surrounding buildings. Shaking my head clear I went straight into the knight's entrance. I put Silver Mist in a stall to rest before I had to exercise her. She happily ignored me, face dug into the food bin the instant I relieved her of my load. My bags and armor I rested against her stall door.
"Ah, this must be the new meat. Sir Hunter, It's a pleasure." I turned to find a gentleman in his 40's standing with his arm outstretched to me. I grasped his forearm in greeting and smiled.
"I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage." I said kindly to the man in a gold shirt. His black hair peppered with grey and a short beard clung to his face.
"Surely you were told the names of the knights you would be fighting alongside." The knight replied in shock. I laughed heartily.
"Yes, yes I was. Yet I have a 1 in 5 chance of getting it correctly. You see I've never heard of or seen any of you on the circuit and wouldn't be able to match a name with a face if my life depended on it."
The man chuckled. "Quite right you are. If you could guess, who would you say I am? Just from my appearance and your experience."
I gave the man a once over. "Well, given that gold knights are rarely found any more, I would say you are highly skilled and praised. Your ages gives me the idea you've been jousting for a long time. Combination of the two indicates you've been doing this, probably since the beginning of your knight hood. I'd bet my money the scars on your face and chest are from a lance not a sword. All things considered, I believe you are Sir Seth. Anything I get wrong?"
The knight stood there gaping at me. "You got all that from just looking at me?" he asked incredulously.
"Well, yes. More actually. From the way you're standing indicates you've hardly been off the back of a horse. Only one hand is calloused and that's from years of holding a lance. Now that all just helped me to my first conclusion. My second is that you're married and have two, no three children at home." I leaned back against the stall door, satisfied with my answers.
The knight laughed. "Well I'll be damned. You got my name right. The fact that I've only ever been a jousting knight, that I'm married and have three kids. By God man, are you a witch?" Sir Seth just laughed and laughed.
"No, I've been trained to be observant. Sir Alexander taught me that." I said seriously.
Sir Seth's face fell into seriousness. "Sir Alexander? As in the Black knight Alexander?"
I nodded my head gently.
"By God man! He was right hand man to the king. That knight is a legend among all knights. He is incredible. They say he fought a hundred men single handedly and rode a beast so white that even snow looked grey next to its' shining coat. How in the world did you get so lucky for him to be your mentor?"
"Quite simply actually. I'm Sir Alexander's son." I spoke in a clipped tone. I've heard all the rumors and seen grown men fall to their knees at my father's name. It made no difference to me. I knew him as my father. "And the white beast, well that would be Silver Mist. She's in the stall behind me." I pointed my thumb at the stubborn white mare who just happened to have finished eating. She whinnied her disapproval at being called a beast and kicked out at the wall.
"Feisty thing isn't she." Sir Seth commented.
"Yes she is, quite a handful too." I lowered my voice a little. "Poor gal will be getting too old for the circuit soon. She's 20 years old and I think she still believes the damn mare is 4."
Sir Seth let out a bark or laughter and pointed repeatedly at me. "I like you. Well the only thing you have to know about these boys is they have never competed outside this arena. Sir Henry, Sir Jacob, and Sir Gabriel are the younger ones. The bachelors if you will. All the girls chase after them for their strength and beauty. They are skilled yet there is a lot that could use improvement. Sir Mark is caught on the in between, not quite famous or skilled and no longer the young beauty everyone wants. I'm sure you'll have no issue besting any of us with your quick wit and fast conclusions."
"Why thank you for being my guide. Would you kindly help me into my armor? My squire fell ill before this journey."
"But of course."
I pulled my armor out of the stall and slowly Sir Seth helped me attach it piece by piece. "Oh and another thing, The King almost never comes out to oversee this particular arena. The royal blood that occasionally attends is our princess. I've heard rumors that she comes to this tournament today. The princess isn't actually the daughter of the king, she is his niece. The queen as I'm sure you know is barren and the princess is the only heir."
"Yes, I've heard many stories of the princess. Never met her." I grunted in slight pain as two of the metal plates pinched my skin.
"Well, that will be rectified today should you happen to meet her." Sir Seth replied distractedly. After a few moments he rose, satisfied with his work. "All that's left is your horse. We should exercise soon. Shouldn't have let your horse eat, she'll be slower."
Silver Mist let us all know her distain at that statement. "Like I could keep her from the food. Don't worry, the last thing she'll do is disgrace herself. She's too stubborn for that."
A gentle cough broke me from my thoughts. A royal guard stood nervously in front of me
"Can I help you?" Annoyance soaking through my voice.
"I am here to keep the princess… company. The council has decided that she is to choose a guard as her mate for the evening to release the tension she carries. I was elected to woe her." His voice was stale and formal, like he didn't want to be here. The words just spoken finally soaked through and I couldn't contain my disgust for the guard and the council. What a hideous request and demand. Evangaline deserves better than the scum in this palace. Myself probably included. The guard shifted his weight and pulled his bedroll out of his arms and against the wall.
"You have the wrong chambers. The princess wanted a more humble place to sleep. She is in the guest quarters with the noble ladies that arrived earlier this evening. I am staying here. Please leave the bedroll, these beds are far to plush for a warrior like me." The guard made me sick. He even had the audacity to be annoyed that he had to go elsewhere. I waited till the man left down the stairs and disappeared from sight before grabbing the bedroll in my arms. Quietly I made my way back to the room. Once inside I quickly looked about. The room was large and spacious with candle holders all around. Half the candles were blown out, the only remaining light as a courtesy to me. The fair maiden was lying on top of the covers, already sound asleep. She wore a black silk evening gown that flattered her curves and golden locks. Her hair was down and it flowed just beyond the middle of her back. Evangaline was painstakingly beautiful with her moss green eyes and warrior's heart. She absolutely took my breath away. Everything she did amazed me. Eva didn't even realize just how incredible and exquisite she was, which made her even more so.
As quietly as I could I set up my bed roll near the door. It was a very respectable distance away from the princess and id be the first to know if any intruded. Once that was set up I kicked off my shoes and pulled off my loose black shirt, preparing for bed. The princess shifted over the covers, the sound pulling my gaze over to her. I couldn't resist. I made my way over to the bed and pulled the thick blankets from underneath her body. Ever so gently, I covered her with them and placed a kiss on her forehead. She moaned in terror from her dream and began to whisper.
"I am the harbinger of death. As long as I am alive, those around me perish. Everybody must stay away. I can never love. I must die before anyone else does." Her pained whispers stabbed my heart. That simply could not be true. I can see how she would have nightmares about it yet these were not her doing. I'd fight to the death to make her realize this. I headed over and settled in my bedroll, staring at the ceiling. Evangaline couldn't die. She also mustn't think so lowly of herself. If it was the last thing I did, Evangaline would know her worth.
Evangaline's POV
Dawn rays leaked barely into my room. Slowly I woke up from my dreamless sleep. I sighed and stretched the sleep from my muscles. Reality crashed down on me. All the death, all the heartache built up inside me in a rush. It fought to get out, I couldn't let it. I couldn't let anyone see how much I can't handle everything that I found on my shoulders. Put on a face Evangaline, show them what they want to see. Deep breath. Lock it away for a rainy day.
When I was once again in cool control once again I opened my eyes.
"Are you alright? Did something startle you?" His voice echoed around the confining room. Hunter sounded concerned, battle ready, and tired all at the same time.
I looked up to find him sitting on a bed roll, watching me. "I'm fine. Just woke up is all." My words sounded illiterate and forced. Of course I was staring at a shirtless man in my bedroom. Not a single intelligent thought formed in my head. All I could do was stare. Hunter's shaggy hair was a mess, but for some reason it gave him a handsome boyish charm. Those blue eyes of his were vivid and looked like a sapphire ocean, even from my distance. My eyes wandered over his muscles before I stopped myself. Focus, You're about to be a queen! Stop eyeing the security.
"What's that look for?" Hunter asked with fake innocence. I glared and he grinned mischievously.
"Why are you shirtless?"
His grin widened. "It's easier to sleep without fighting my shirt for freedom." He ran a hand nervously through his hair.
I got up from the bed and padded over to my dressing room that I had discovered the previous night. "I have to clean my armor and then get dressed. Will you check on Mia and Allison for me? Then get the cooks to prepare a morning meal." I said with little emotion. My mind still ran wild.
"I'll get right on that." He slid on his boots but left his dirty shirt on the floor, walking out with a smile.
"Well aren't you confident." I muttered under my breath. Taking a rueful breath of air I stepped into the small room and closed the door behind me. I walked to the maroon and gold vanity, on which I placed my armor the night before. Deep in thought I reached down for my leather, yet grasped nothing. A panic grasped at me and I frantically searched for my armor. It was a gift from my instructor when I completed my training and named a warrior. I found my weapons hanging on the wall cleaned, sharpened, and polished. My leather was cleaned and polished on a chair beneath my weapons.
"Huh, wonder who did that for me?" I mused.
I heard a tinkling laugh like the sound of tiny bells. "I did princess." I whirled around and faced a small child but she didn't quite look like a child. She had pointed ears and slightly blue skin. If I squinted, I swore I saw wings fluttering behind the child.
"What are you?" I asked.
She giggled. "Very observant princess, most think I'm merely a child with strange skin. I am a fairy. I have faithfully served your royal bloodline for centuries." The sing song voice was soft, yet high pitched and soothing all at once. It was quite strange listening to her speak.
"Do you need something to eat or anything?" I asked, unsure what was really happening.
It's laugh again was like pealing bells. "No princess, though your thoughtfulness is flattering. You obviously don't know your fairy lore. That is quite alright. I'll explain it to you. I eat dirt, blood, and anything else off of clothes. It's my nature you see, I'm an earth fairy and I cleanse items. My saliva cleans and/or polishes them. I sharpened your weapons too. Only I used a combination of my saliva as well as my teeth. Be warned, your blades are now sharper than any human could ever get a blade."
"That's incredible. I'll just have to remind myself to get my clothes extra dirty for you to eat. Um… Could you turn around of something so I could dress?"
"Of course, I never watch princess. Also, do not fret about my going hungry. If need be, I will clear out the dust in your dressing room." She disappeared in a smoke of glitter. Awkwardly I turned and gazed at my newly cleaned leather and weapons. That was quite possibly the weirdest encounter I've ever had. A fairy? Honestly?
I got changed as quickly as I could. When my boots, skirt, and corset were in place; I strapped on my weapons. I picked up my silk dress and turned to find the fairy. Then she appeared. I leaped back in surprise and brushed off the strange glitter while she giggled. "When you have need of me, all you have to do is ask. I will come. I also tend to know when you have need of me." I nodded at the strange girl.
Gently I handed the dress to the girl. "Thank you for cleaning my clothes for me. I really appreciate it."
"Of course, princess. It's what I live for."
I smiled and started to leave when I stumbled upon Sir Hunter's shirt. I picked it up and suddenly the fairy was in front of me. She held out her hand and grinned. I gave it to her and she pressed her lips to the shirt. It shimmered and then she gave it back. The shirt gleamed with cleanliness.
I smiled gratefully and strolled down the hallway out of my open doors. Still unsure of the palace, I followed my nose to the kitchen. Sir Hunter was sitting at the table full of tension. Mia and Allison fawned over his muscles and shirtless chest. I leaned against the doorway and watched the scene play out.
"Oh, my. You must do a lot of training to get such fine muscles like these." Mia said. I swore she was drooling a little bit. I had to choke back my laughter. I wasn't the least bit jealous or angry, I actually pitied Hunter.
"Yeah, I guess. Why don't you ladies start eating? The princess won't be long now." Hunter's voice was strained. He was getting more uncomfortable by the minute. I thought I'd leave him to suffer for a few more minutes. You're the one that left without a shirt.
"Oh I'm hungry, but it's not food I want." giggled Alli.
"Right… Well… that's flattering but… uh.." he was struggling. I cleared my throat and calmly walked into the room.
"As entertaining as that was to watch you fawn over him, I think that's enough from you two." I laughed at Hunter's relieved face.
"How much did you hear?" Mia asked nervously.
I laughed. "Enough." I paused and looked pointedly at my old friend. "Lots of training, huh? That's the best you've got?" I laughed at their shocked faces. Hunter chuckled slightly.
"We wouldn't really…. I mean… we were just…" I held up my hand to stop Mia's babbling
"It's Hunter's fault for leaving without a shirt. Also, don't lie to yourselves girls. Your drool is showing"
"Well, one isn't blind. Any ways, let's eat." Alli said.
"Oh yes, because you're oh so hungry." I said sarcastically. Hunter chuckled again. I walked the rest of the way over to him and sat down. I pulled his clean shirt from my belt and placed it on his shoulder.
"You might need this," I whispered meaningfully in his ear.
He laughed and kissed my cheek. We filled up our platters and laughed together while we ate. I do enjoy my life as a princess. Hunter remembered about the clean shirt and whispered in my ear.
"How did you clean this shirt and your leather so fast?" The girls were gossiping about how gorgeous the guards were, Hunter and I could relatively have a private conversation. I couldn't tell him.
"It's a family secret." I winked at him and continued to eat.
Hunter mumbled about keeping secrets while he pulled on his clean shirt.
"I have a question for you."
He laughed. "I am not surprised. Ask away."
"So, why did you push Mia and Allison away? I know you're loyal but you could have had them, so why didn't you?"
Hunter choked on water at my questions. The girls only glanced our way. My knight cleared his throat. "I felt like I would be betraying you. I professed my love for you last night. I wasn't going to toss away the chance for your heart so I could have a night of pleasure. That's not the type of man I am." He stopped and searched my eyes. "Would you take advantage of men who threw themselves at you?"
I snorted. "No men would throw themselves at me. I don't know if you noticed but I'm not all that great looking. But if they did, I would find every excuse to turn them away."
Hunter smiled. "Good, because that chance is still mine."
After we finished eating, I went to the royal stables. I tasked Hunter and the girls to supervise the rebuild. They were to assist where they can. It was almost complete from all of the help of the soldiers. I went to the stables to tack Dusk. I felt in the mood for dressage and warrior training. I hadn't done dressage in a year. It was Dusk's favorite pass time and he'd earned it. Well, at least Dusk would see it that way.
I led him to the arena where I had killed Sir Jonathon. There were jumps and obstacles set up. I asked some of the maids to help me. When Dusk saw the arena, he pranced with anticipation. He lifted his head and parted his lips in a huge horse grin. I laughed at him and rubbed his neck before I mounted.
Clearing my head, I started giving signals through my hands and feet. We moved as one, criss-crossing across the dirt arena. First he did a bunny hop and then moved into a straight leg prance. Fluidly we moved through poles and over jumps. For an hour we played. Finally I had him rear up in the center of the arena. I hadn't had this much fun since before my father died. Dusk gave another horse grin when all four hooves were on the ground once more. I laughed and then heard loud cheering.
I looked around and saw that the seats, which were empty before, were crowded with what looked like the entire city. I gasped and had Dusk canter around so I could look at all of the faces. I pulled him to the center of the arena. I was aghast and had waiting guards change out the dressage equipment with warrior training obstacles. Why in the world are all these people here? It doesn't make sense, We're just playing.
"Might as well give them a show. Are you ready for training Dusk?" My beautiful stallion whinnied in approval. The jumps and poles were switched for targets and wooden people. Guards gave me a bow and quiver of arrows to practice with as well. I thanked them profusely. I looked up at the crowd. It looked so large, it made me nervous. Dusk skittered sideways in fear and I patted his neck. He got just as nervous in a crowd as I did. Thinking quickly, I jumped to the ground and looked my horse in the eyes.
"It's okay boy. Do you trust me?" my horse nodded and butted his head against my face. I laughed. "Okay, well I'll block them out. You have to trust me and remember all the signals I've ever given." I pulled out a piece of gold fabric and covered my horse's eyes. "Pretend that they're not here. We can do this." He nodded his head and waited patiently. I mounted and drew my sword free. I kicked my horse and he bolted around where I told him. We cantered around a while to make sure he could maneuver as I needed him to. With a metallic ring, I pulled my sword free and had Dusk rush the wooden figures. I meant to only lightly tap them but I put too much force into my blade. The inhumanly sharp sword obliterated the figures, causing splinters to shower the earth. One after the other, figures were destroyed. I laughed in awe while the crowd cheered.
"Alright boy, we got this. Let's make a mess." Dusk snorted and ran forward again at my command. I threw my chakram at a few figures and hay stacks. Getting bored with only cutting down figures I pulled Dusk to a walk and stood up in the saddle. After gaining my balance and a firm stance, I urged him into a gallop again. He could only take commands from the reins, I had to make sure I sent no mixed signals. He ran around the circumference and all the while I could feel his nervousness in his rippling muscles. I set him towards a target and dropped the reins. Quickly pulling my bow free, I let off some arrows and then looked back to Dusk's path. He was running faster than I expected and the fence was fast approaching. I screamed for dusk to stop and he did, immediately. The momentum propelled me off of his back. I had just enough time to grab onto the fence and slid to the ground. It didn't, however, slow the impact. My ribs, hips, and knees slammed into the stone wall with a sickening thump. I knelt in the dirt trying to stop seeing stars. Breathing heavily, I got up from my knees. I mounted once more yet more carefully.
There was one last target. I urged Dusk into an intense gallop and threw my sword into the center. The sword was imbedded to the hilt. For extra flare I created a star out of throwing knives. Half an hour had gone by before both of us were exhausted and decided to call it a day. I made it to the stables when Mia and Allison found me.
"Wow! I knew you had training but you two are incredible! I've never seen anything like it!" Mia gushed.
"Guys, I'm exhausted already and I need to brush out Dusk. Then I need to bathe him. Could you leave me in peace for a while until I finish?"
"Sure, we'll go find your hunk of a knight to play with," Allison teased.
Before I could protest about them being with Hunter, they had rushed out of the stables. I turned to Dusk and took off his tack. Brushing and washing him soothed me and gave me some energy back. My adventure with the wall caused me to ache in my left side but I refused to stop. I fed him, gave him water, and finally closed his door. Grabbing his dirty tack, I brought it to a stool to wash. I just sat down when the blue fairy came out of nowhere.
"Princess, please let me."
"Um, okay. Just do your thing I guess. I'll go pass out food to the city." I slowly rose to my feet and went to leave before turning back. "Wait, what's your name?"
The blue fairy smiled. "I don't have one. The queen used to call me kitten. You may call me that if you wish."
I chuckled. "No, how about a proper name? A pet name is too impersonal. How about I call you… Aliyannia. It's nothing like kitten but It's a normal name. A better name."
The fairy smiled brightly. "Aliyannia. I love it princess!"
I left her to her meal and walked out of the royal stables. I looked at the mountains and wildflowers as I walked. They were even more beautiful in the afternoon light than in the setting sun. My uncle's grandfather had created a utopia. It was absolutely perfect. The mountains were expansive, green, and full of life. Birds boldly sung happy tunes and butterflies flew around delicately. I turned my gaze back to the city. The city was built like a wheel. A market place and park lay at the heart. The castle was on a hill, still within the walls protecting the beautiful place.
The waterfall that ran from the mountains turned to a river and ran through the center of town, curving and bending along its path. Smiling, I descended to the wonderful atmosphere of rebuilding and joy of things becoming normal for the people. The pain was ever present, yet I'd go to my grave before I ever stopped when there was so much still to be done. I couldn't allow it. It wasn't how I was raised.
Unlike the first time I entered the city, people walked freely among the streets. They bought and sold items. There was laughter and kindness in the voices of the city. It was soothing that I had started this, that I had started a new beginning. Bakers made pastries again, florists sold cheerful arrangements of unique flowers and bouquets. I walked up to a friendly baker and picked out a pastry. I over payed him for it, despite his protests that it was free to me.
"I want to pay like everyone else. I've done nothing to deserve this treatment." I said giving him a gold piece.
The baker laughed. "You've brought life, light, and hope back to our city. You've brought us out of the ashes of sadness and despair. You made this city like a Phoenix. You've done everything for us and modestly accept no reward. I can't take this gold piece." The baker's voice was calm but firm.
I smiled at him. "Like a phoenix huh? Then that is what the new name of the city is. Phoenix. Please keep the gold coin. Consider it payment of spreading the word to everyone. Take the word to surrounding villages, let the entire kingdom know the city in which your acting Queen resides. You need it more than I do anyway." The baker put the gold coin away and started telling people the new name of the city. I walked away with a laugh and began eating my pastry, greeting those I walked by. The baked good was wonderfully crisp with berries and sugar. I hadn't eaten much when I found a little boy sitting in the streets, staring at his feet. I gave him the rest of my pastry and a single orange flower. He smiled, hugged my leg, and skipped down the street. He gave the flower to a little girl and then ran off to play.
I turned down an alleyway to get away from the crowd a bit. I needed to find a place that needed my help. The alleyways even looked cleaned and renewed. I was just crossing over to a quieter street when I heard a whining of a dog. It turned to a heart wrenching howl. I looked behind some discarded crates and found a large dog lying on its side in pain. Its belly was protruding, it looked as though it was pregnant. Gently, I knelt beside it and stoked its soft face. She growled at me but then decided I wasn't going to hurt her. She was in no position to defend herself and push me on my may anyway. I placed my hands on her stomach to feel for the pups, there was nothing. I looked around and found a small heap of bodies not far from the mother. I moved away and looked them over, assessing if they were even alive. Only two pups were breathing out of the six. Tears fell down my face. The amount of pain this dog must be feeling. Most of her children have passed from this world before getting even the slightest chance to live.
"That's why you were crying. Most of your pups are dead. I am so sorry girl. Here, if you come with me, I can help you take care of them. We can find somewhere for you to live." I whispered. Gently I picked up the two pups. They squirmed and cried in my hands. The mother sat up very quickly and sniffed them. The sandy colored dog licked her dark furred pups and huffed in a motherly fashion at them. It was almost like a human mother cooing at their infant. I stood up and held the dog's children carefully.
"Come on pretty girl, let's go find someone to care of you three." The dog followed me, constantly keeping a wary eye on my hands. I walked around and asked anyone I saw to take care of the dog. No one seemed in a good position or had the time to care for her and her pups. I began to feel even worse about the new mother's situation. I knelt down beside her and looked her in the eyes.
"Look like you're stuck with me. Let's go find you a room in the castle for you." She padded after me as we wound our way through the many streets. "How about I name you Dawn? You've got to have name if you're going to be mine." She barked at me softly in agreement. We made it to the castle when the sun indicated an hour or two until nightfall. I put both pups in one hand to open the door when I heard someone walking silently up behind me. Dawn growled and I reached for a dagger. I whirled around and pressed my knife to the person's throat. Then I recognized the perp.
"Hunter! Don't do that! I could have killed you!" I shouted at him.
"Yes, I noticed. Could you put the knife away? I'd like to still have blood flowing through my body." His hands were raised and his voice was strained. I quickly put my dagger back on my belt and pet Dawn's head, letting her know it was okay.
Hunter chuckled. "I leave you alone for a few hours and already you have a new pet?" he teased. Dawn snarled at the word pet.
"Be careful. You just offended a mother. She's here because she wants to be and because she needs help." I smiled at the large dog.
"Yes, I can see that now. Your Dane is temper-mental."
"My what?" I asked as I entered the castle.
"A Great Dane. King Arthur had three guarding his castle or as the rumors go. They come from the Danish I think. An educated guess based on their name. I haven't a clue where Arthur got them. I do know they are very protective. Obviously this girl likes you."
I looked down at the golden dog smiling at me. "Huh, well her name is Dawn. I named her after her sandy color and golden eyes."
We walked to my chamber and opened the door to my dressing room. Quietly I pulled down a maroon gown I'd never wear and made a bed in the corner. Dawn settled down and I gave her pups back to her. Hunter left to fetch Mia and Allison. Quietly I asked the blue fairy to come to me. She appeared in a puff of glitter and then went to fulfill a task I had asked of her. She came back quickly with a large bowl full of meat, and another full of water. I placed them near Dawn. The mother ate and I pet her grey pups silently.
"What are you going to name the pups?" Hunter asked. He settled down next to me. Dawn stopped eating and glanced at him warily. With a slight approval she resumed her meal.
"Well, one is a boy and one is a girl. I'm thinking the boy should be Midnight and the girl should be called Nova."
"You have an obsession with the sky. First there was Dusk. Now there is Dawn, Midnight, and Nova." Hunter replied.
"Yes, I do love the sky. Majestic animals should have majestic names. It's only right." When Dawn settled back in, we left and closed the door. Together we sat on my bed and talked.
"My coronation is tomorrow. I have a feeling more people are going to show up than I expect. Word is spreading through the kingdom that I am some kind of savior. I don't understand. I have hardly done a thing." I mumbled. Hunter stared at me agog.
"You have a strange view of yourself. Why do you think so little of yourself?"
"My father always taught me that I was not extraordinary. I was less than incredible. He always said that our blood may title us as royals but we are the same as peasants. Lower even. We are their servants. The only difference between us was our clothes. He taught me respect of everyone and to have a pure heart. People have told me that I took his words too literally. I understand that it is to make me a great ruler, to be one of the people." I said sadly.
"Evangaline, your father sounds like he ignored the most beautiful and incredible person in the world." Hunter said earnestly.
I turned my face away. "I wish everyone would stop saying that!"
"Well, I certainly have to agree with the knight." A familiar voice came from the doorway. Startled, I turned quickly and faced a childhood friend. Cooper was grinning and said "Hello Evangaline. It's been a long time."