Hi, sorry I haven't uploaded in..well...like over a month. Just thought I was writing to myself. But here you go!
The next morning, Kyana got up like she normally does and walked over to the water basin that was set in the corner of the room. Cupping her hands with the cool water, she splashed it onto her face to wake herself up. Once she was fully awake she stripped out of her sleepwear and put on a simple black leggings, black vest with the black cloak. Kyana grabbed her bow and her clutch of arrows, strapping them on her back as she strapped a knife on her ankle.
When she was ready, Kyana flipped her hood so that it covered her face as she made her way down to the throne room. She was curious on not only what her father and Shruikan were obviously arguing about as well as what made her father leave so suddenly the previous night.
Kyana strode down the hallways, surprised not to see any one. She continued walking, almost making it to the room, stopping right outside the door when she heard her father talking with someone. Even though she knew it was wrong, Kyana pressed her ear up against the door as she heard a male voice let out a shattering scream. She had to bite her lip to restrain herself as she knew her father must be torturing the man. Still, she pressed her ear up higher, wanting to hear more.
Kyana heard the man begin to quiet down, his screams getting quieter and quieter until she assumed they were silent. She stood there, her ear pressed against the door, for what felt like minutes. Right when she was about to pull away, Kyana heard her father's voice in her head, You know it is not lady-like to spy, Daughter. Come in.
Kyana quickly opened the door, her head lowered as she felt her face brighten with the blush over her embarrassment. Her eyes remained lowered, her hood still up so her face was hidden from both her father and the guest. Knowing that the man didn't know who she was she walked to the King's side and said, "I apologize my king for my wrong doings." She ended with a slight bow.
"Rise, Kyana." Galbatorix responded. She lifted her eyes and saw that the man that knelt before her father had a cloak up, covering his face. The one thing she did notice however, was the tiny flaming red dragon that remained curled up by the man's side.
Kyana quickly turned to her father as he lifted his eyes to meet hers, I will explain later. Galbatorix snarled in her mind. Out loud he said, "Kyana, I have a task for you. This man will be staying here for quite some time. Please show him around." He paused when he saw the puzzled look that spread across Kyana's face. "Oh dear me, I forgot my introductions. Kyana, this is Murtagh, Son of Morzan and a Rider sworn into my service. Murtagh this is one of my warriors, Kyana." His eyes sparkled as he turned to his daughter, "Please find Murtagh some proper outwear."
Kyana nodded, moving from her father's side, pausing to quickly run her fingers down the hidden spine of Shruikan as the black beast was hidden in the shadows. Once she reached Murtagh, she spoke softly in his mind, Come Rider. I will show you to a place where you may clean up. Your dragon may come too.
Kyana walked towards the door, her hand on the knob before she felt the Shur'tugal come to her side. She gave her father a nod as she left the room, Murtagh and his dragon on her heals as she turned down the hallways, leading him to an unused room close to hers.
When she reached the room she turned to him, "You may wash in here. If you want, I can watch your dragon until you are finished. Then we can eat quick and I can show you around the town."
Murtagh didn't respond, he just looked at her before walking into the room, closing the door behind him leaving Kyana alone with the ruby red dragon. She looked down at it. Its blood colored scales seemed to shimmer in the light that came in from exposed drapes. Its eyes reminded Kyana of the crimson blood of all the slain animals and soldiers she has killed. It let out a squeak as she decided to try and speak to it in its mind. Greetings skulblanka. Eka aí fricai. She spoke softly.
The dragon tilted its head, like it understood her words. Kyana found herself wondering how long ago the dragon hatched, its mind felt very young but she could tell her father must have used his magic to make it grow faster as it was already the size of a dog.
Kyana knelt down, curious on how this dragon would act compared to Shruikan. She held her hand out, allowing the dragon to sniff it before it began to rub its scaled head against her palm. She smiled as she patted the dragon affectionately.
"He likes you." Kyana looked up to see that Murtagh had just come out of the washroom. After seeing its Rider, the dragon quickly bounded over and jumped by his side.
Now that he was clean, Kyana noticed how ruggedly handsome the Rider was. His dark hair hung shaggy and wet, covering half of his steel gray eyes. His face was cleanly shaved and she could see well-toned muscles that almost bulged under his shirt. He was tall and evenly tanned. Murtagh must have noticed her stare as he stood there, letting her analyze every aspect of his appearance.
"You done yet?" he asked after moments of silence.
Embarrassed with herself, she hung her head as the rosy blush crept up her cheeks. "I apologize for my actions, Rider. I mean no disrespect."
Murtagh actually laughed, not much but a deep chuckle; okay maybe not a laugh, "None taken. If I may ask, how are you one of Galbatorix's warriors and yet you look so young?" he spoke slowly, his voice deep and ominous. As he talked, he slowly advanced towards her, taking slow steps until he closed the space between them.
Kyana had to take a deep breath to calm herself, before thinking her response thoroughly, "My father is a very important member of the army and is highly respected. He would be a main target if someone tried to invade Uru'baen, so Galbatorix thought it best for me to begin training at a young age. I was able to surpass grown men in the army at age six, training them by the time I was ten. I am among the most deadly people in the kingdom." It wasn't really a lie.
Murtagh seemed to ponder Kyana's words, his eyes darting from her to the weapons she openly displayed across her body. From the bow and arrows strapped on her back to the knife bulge in her trousers, and finally to the hanging black sheath of a sword that was strapped to her side.
"If you are done now watching me," she said, noticing how his eyes lifted to meet hers directly letting the blush show, "The King asked me to show you around the town."
Murtagh didn't even try and hide the blush that crept up his face, his steel eyes easily meet hers as he gave her a slight nod. "Proceed," his deep voice mumbled as he held his arm out in front of him, motioning for her to lead.