Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2003 1:55 am
*hangs head* People!! be nice!!!
<i>Part 2</i>
By Andrea Sinisterra
It was not much late when we finally climbed into the room, our breaths shallow, and our hearts beating furiously with excitement. It took us a while to finally calm ourselves, while hastily changing clothes, and with Hilde pinning my hair up in an elaborate bun to match the regal gown I am to wear for dinner. Surely these daily escapades will not last much longer.
I feel nervous; from what Father told me, we are having visitors for dinner. Supposedly, they'll help our kingdom defenses, and keep Lord Kushrenada's forces at bay. It used to make me angry whenever I thought of my Father begging for help in other kingdoms, everything happening after my dear brother Milliardo was killed.
But, I'm tired. We all are. Milliardo has been gone for a few months, and with each passing week, new threats, and warning have been sent to my Father's hands. Promises of wealth and safety from other kingdoms if we resign to our titles, and I marry to provide them with an heir, this way, sealing them to royalty.
A few weeks back, my Father sent word out to his long time friend, King Odin of Kquest. Rumors had it that the King had made some sort of arrangements with the Kingdom of Luruah over the North Sea, since those two kingdoms were the principle lines of attack and defense from pirates. I've heard stories about the beautiful Kquest, and the castle where the King resides. It is supposed to be one, if not, the biggest castle in all the north territory. Kquest is considered, from what I've heard from my father's royal advisors, one of the strongest kingdoms, with the fiercest and most numerous army. I've also heard that the castle is shielded with a natural barrier, some sort of risk, I suppose, that protects it from overseas attacks... And King Odin's son was going to be sent as a mediator between our kingdoms. Kind Odin's son, Lord Yuy.
"My Lady," Hilde's voice is scolding, her tone low even as she smiled. "Stop fidgeting, you will soil your dress."
"I'm praying to the Heavens... I just hope they find a way to remedy all this. Though, I fear the consequences."
Hilde sighed, and I could just tell what she was thinking from the look in her eyes. "My Lady, maybe you should think about your kingdom's safety. Remember your Father is not well; if they think a marriage will safe us..."
"Then, a marriage we shall have."
There was a knock on the door, and when Hilde answered, something was said that I couldn't catch. Her shoulders stiffened slightly, before she softly closed the heavy door, and gave me a sad look. "Our visitors have arrived."
I breathed deeply, resigned, and hoping... "We should not have them waiting, then."
My steps are slow, I feel as if I have walked a far distance for too long, even as my heart beats at an irregular pace. The soft murmur of voices carries through doors, and down the hallway, the lulling sound making me feel edgy, and somewhat anxious. Three figures were waiting when I walked in. My Father smiled, even if he was unable to shadow his tired features.
And beside him, a man too familiar to give me any comfort. His blue eyes are hard and cold as they narrow, and if it not were for Hilde standing behind me, I would have collapsed to the floor... Lord Yuy knows.
<i>To be continued...</i>
