prisoner (shadow & bone)

Chapter Six

GENERAL KIRIGAN

"Morning, Sunshine," Genya called out as she strode through the door to Tatia's room. The girl blinked and sat up groggily, still tired.

"Morning," she muttered, swinging her legs off the bed.

Genya handed her her signature white kefta, and Tatia tilted her head in a confused manner. "You're going horse-riding with General Kirigan," Genya explained, and she watched the girl's eyes light up.

Within seconds, the girl was dressed and ready. She simply adored the horses of the Little Palace.

Genya escorted her out onto the courtyard, where the general stood waiting in his usual black kefta. His black horse stood behind him, but Tatia approached the white horse first.

"Hi, Ardena," she cooed softly to her horse as she pet it, watching as the animal stepped forwards to greet her. "I feel like I haven't seen you in ages."

"I realised that I have been so busy over the last few days, that we have not been able to go on rides as much," Kirigan spoke up, smiling at the girl. "I know how much you love the horses."

The man stood by her side as she hoisted herself up onto the back of her horse, his hands outstretched so that if she slipped, he would be able to catch her. She didn't slip, and instead smiled in accomplishment from her position on the horse.

Tatia gripped the reins loosely as the general ascended his own horse, sitting down in the saddle.

"Ready, my dear?" he asked.

Tatia nodded, and together, they set off. Through the gardens they went, for Tatia was never to leave the premises. She never questioned it, being quite content with being able to go outside at all.

They eventually came to a stop at one of the fountains a bit further away from the castle, and far away from prying eyes. The general often noticed that the girl was most at peace here.

Tatia perched herself on top of the edge of the fountain, her legs dangling in the air, as she watched General Kirigan flip a coin into the water of the fountain.

"What did you wish for?" the girl asked, looking up at him innocently.

The general chuckled. "You ask me that every time, darling, but I'm afraid I can't answer that. It won't come true if I tell you."

"I know, but if you just-" the girl cut herself off with a gasp; she had leaned backwards a little too much, and would have fallen into the water below if it had not been for Kirigan's fast reflexes.

The general quickly gripped her arm, preventing her from falling. "Here," he muttered, pressing a coin into her hand, clasping her fingers around it. "Make a wish."

Tatia hopped down from the edge and turned around. Looking down into the water, she could see her own reflection, and she remembered the first time she had ever looked into a mirror. It had been a few years ago, when she was already at the Little Palace, and that's when she realised that she had had no idea what she looked like.

General Kirigan seemed to read her mind and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Tatia took a deep breath and followed his example, flipping the coin around in the air and watching as the water rippled from the force of the little coin hitting the surface.

"What did you wish for?" the general murmured in her ear.

Tatia grinned to herself. "I can't tell you. Otherwise, it won't come true."

"Using my own words against me?" Kirigan said, in mock offense. "My dear, that is simply hurtful."

The girl threw her head back and laughed, and he couldn't help but fall silent to watch her. He loved it when she was like this - so carefree and happy.