Beatrix had found a door to the side of the bed, and she discovered it lead to a bathroom. She decided to take a bath, for she felt in need to cleanse her body after their lengthy trip. She was wondering whether she would go search for someone to get water to fill up the tub or if she would get it herself when she heard a knock on her door. Beatrix cautiously went to open the door, only to find a young, terrified-looking maid. She had a pale skin and brown hair, which had been put in a bun. Her nose was small and slightly upturned, it was also full of freckles, which only enhanced her greenish eyes. This was a very pretty girl.

"I'm very sorry to bother you, miss, but I have been instructed to ask if you need anything," the girl said in a small, weak voice. "What is your name?" asked Beatrix. "My name is Lydia, miss, and I will be your maid for now." Beatrix smiled a little and said in a calm voice, "Thank you, Lydia. Could you go get me some water to fill the bathtub? I'd like to take a bath."

The young maid nodded fast before running down the hallway and going down the stairs. She seemed to be immensely afraid of you, said Bryony, with a touch of humor in her voice. What she doesn't know is that between both of us, I am the least frightening, replied Beatrix, chuckling silently to herself. Don't put yourself down, Little Bee, said Bryony, using her sweet nickname for Beatrix, it is impossible for a girl like you to be scarier than a dragon. Beatrix closed the door, and started going through the saddle bag, searching for clean clothes. She had taken three different outfits, so she could always have one ready. She got her pair of pants and a blouse, and set them on the bed.

She sat besides them, thinking to Bryony, How are your lodgings? Can I come visit you soon?, in which she received as a reply, They are fine, you can come to see me after you take your bath. I have met Murtagh's dragon, a red male who goes by the name of Thorn. Beatrix received a mental picture of Bryony's location and the dragon. Thorn looked like he was around two years old, estimating from his size.

Lydia came rushing in the room, buckets in hand, apologizing madly for her delay. She was rambling incoherent excuses, when Beatrix, out of pity of the maid, said, "Lydia, you did not take too much time. Don't worry. Now, help me fill the tub with water." Lydia looked relieved, but was still looking frightened. She protested when Beatrix took one of the buckets, but gave up on retrieving it and focused on bringing the one she was holding to the bathroom.

Steam filled the room, the mirror became fogged up, and the tub was filled up with hot water. Lydia opened a cupboard and pulled out a fluffy towel, which she hung on a towel holder. Beatrix thanked her and dismissed her, telling her she wouldn't need her anytime soon, but to just keep close in case she needed anything. The girl nodded, confused, then said, "Thank you, miss," and left the bathroom. She is still so scared of me, said Beatrix, getting into the tub. She sighed in happiness, for she thought the feeling of warm water against her skin felt wonderful. That she is. I think it is your eyes, they are not used to it, replied Bryony.

Beatrix agreed. It was probably that. She had been born with perfectly ordinary dark brown eyes, but when she learned how the elves change their appearance, she decided to try. Her eyes kept their shape, but she exchanged the brown for a light silver, one that matched Bryony's. It made her look different; dangerous, unique. She liked it. When trying to remain inconspicuous, though, she had to either to hide her face in a cloak or pretend to be blind. It is hard to forget a girl with light silver eyes

Beatrix scrubbed her body, removing all the grime from her, also untangling her hair with her fingers as best as she could. She emerged from the tub dried herself with the towel. She wrapped herself and walked out to the bedroom, where she changed into her clothes quickly. She searched the drawers for a comb and brushed her hair until it was silky and smooth. Beatrix took hold of a big lock of hair and imagined how it would look silver. What do you think? She asked Bryony, who was too busy cleaning her scales again to answer. Maybe some other time, she thought to herself.

A shy knock on the door broke her from her thoughts. She stood up and answered it, where she found Lydia once again. The girl said in a meek voice, "Master Beatrix, the King has called you to dine with him." What is it with "Master Beatrix"? questioned Bryony, whether she was asking herself or to her partner she did not know. Beatrix had no clue, and she told her so. "What should I wear?" she asked the girl.

"I think the King is getting impatient, it would be better for you to go as you are," she replied. Beatrix nodded her head and asked her to lead the way. They walked down the hallway, descended the stairs, and walked some more. Beatrix told Bryony that their plans of meeting up would have to be postponed, but the dragon replied saying she was also being taken to dine with the King. Lydia opened a door for Beatrix, you thanked her and proceeded inside. Seated at the table were only Murtagh and Galbatorix, but there was enough food on the table to feed a village. Beatrix noticed that Thorn, she recognized him from Bryony's memory, and a black dragon.

Beatrix was at fault with words to describe the size of the black dragon. Beatrix knew about the growth spells, scrolls and elves told her so, but nothing prepared her for the sight in front of her. "Beatrix, thank you for joining us," said the king in a loud voice. "The pleasure is all mine," she said, before seating herself to the king's left. He sat in the head of the table and Murtagh sat to his right. Lydia pushed Beatrix's chair in, and then went to the corner of the room, where she stood with the other servants. "When Bryony arrives, we shall dine," Galbatorix told Beatrix.

He held respect for the dragons, she had to give him that. The doors opened once more as the silver dragon came in, being lead by a terrified looking boy, who looked no more than eight years old. Beatrix could not help but stare at the black dragon, whose eyes expressed nothing but hatred and disdain, as if he would slaughter them all without blinking if not for his rider. "Ah, I see you have noticed Shruikan. Magnificent, is he not?" Galbatorix said. Beatrix nodded, "Yes he is. I have to say, the colors of his scales would make a beautiful blade. If your Majesty would allow, I'd like to create such sword. I would need to have access to brightsteel, however, for it is only from it that Rider Swords can be accurately made from."

The King looked at her with interest. "I was not aware you had blacksmith abilities," he said. "I picked it up with a friend of my father's," Beatrix replied carefully, as to let too much information slip. "And, if you don't mind me asking, who might that be?" Galbatorix was going to find out sooner or later about her heritage. Her shoulder's fell a little with defeat as she told him, "His name was Briam."

She was ashamed of sharing the blood with her father, for his name was tainted with weakness and cowardliness. "I have come to redeem myself from association to him." Beatrix said. She looked at Murtagh, who met her eye. He looked... Understanding, sympathetic. She made a mental note as to find more about it later.

Bryony had, throughout her rider's and the Kings exchange, laid down behind her rider, positioned as so she could view everyone in the room. Galbatorix motioned to a servant, not bothering to look at her, and ordered her to serve them. The woman had to be around her late forties, but she moved with the speed and agility of a youngster. She first filled their glasses with wine, then put food on their plates. She was back in her place without sparing a moment or wasting a droplet of food or wine.

The King then started talking of a better fate for the Empire, how he wanted to bring the dragons back. His words beautifully chosen, so convincing, enticing. Murtagh and Beatrix just listened for what may have been hours, not noticing time slipping by. It was only when Galbatorix took a break to drink his wine that she noticed how bewitched she had become by his pretty words. The scrolls had said he was a master at his persuasion skills, but it was a major understatement. Beatrix ate some food from my plate, holding the silverware the way etiquette demanded and trying not to chew with her mouth open. "You have good table manners," the King noted, "So different from Murtagh. You know, when he came to court, he would eat like an animal, didn't you Murtagh?"

"Yes, your Majesty," the addressed replied, looking a little embarrassed. As they had already finished eating, Galbatorix dismissed them, telling Murtagh to accompany Beatrix to her chambers. Murtagh nodded, and proceeded on opening the door for her. I will see you later, she said to Bryony, and with that they left.

Sorry for any errors. Please favorite, follow, and review, it means a lot. Even if you didn't like it, tell me why and how I should change. Thanks to DaughterOfDarkness94 for reviewing, and to all (six :( ) of you who followed this story!

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BluestOwl47