It had been a long time since Alexa had last seen her father. When they first moved to the main capital she was mad. She didn't want to leave her life behind. She did not understand why her father chose the work for the man that had killed so many of his people. It took her little over a year and a friendship with one of the older daughters that made her see the emperor for the man he was. Maya was the third oldest daughter of the emperor. She was only one year older than Alexa when they met. Initially their first meeting did not go very well, clumsy as she is, Alexa stumble over an invisible obstacle and threw her lukewarm red herbs tea on Maya's dress. She was angry at first but, when Alexa later that day went to apologize for the mess she created, Maya was so charmed that she began to laugh. She made Alexa promise to be a friend in that lonely palace.
First their friendship was based on guilty feeling, but is soon grew into a solid friendship. Trading secrets and everything. It was Maya who had shown her the kindness her father had in him. When Maya asked her to accompany her to the southern lands, her home country, she didn't hesitate for a second. At that time in her life all she wanted was going back to the place she thought of as home. She soon realised that 'home' is more than a place. She discovered that most people had no trouble forgetting about her existence. It had been a long few months. Maya received her education and since Alexa was her chaperone, she too could attend the classes. Some things were too difficult for her to understand. They required knowledge she had never gotten. Other parts were very interesting, when explained simply it all made sense. Still she was ready to go back home. Back to the people that made it 'home'.
"Are you happy to be back?" Maya's voice brought her back to the present. She shifted in her seat and turned to look at her.
"Happy might not be the right word, more... Ready. Are you? You look very excited." Maya smiled.
"The last letter my father has send me announced that my brother is returning from the northern camp. I can't remember the last time I saw Kygo." Her eyes turned back to the passing scenery outside.
The last time they talked about her brother she was sad that he left when they were on bad terms. She had sent him a letter to apologize and after a few weeks received a pleasant answer. All was good, yet she was nervous seeing him again. From what Alexa understood, his royal highness was send to the northern camps to learn how to be a good combat leader. Rumour had it that all that came back had changed.
The carriage entered the inner city and Alexa noticed her excitement over the noise the city produced. The fondness for the main capital was unexpected and she smiled. It wouldn't take long until they arrived back to the palace grounds.
Walking through the palace ground gates reminded Alexa to the first time she had walked through them. Even at that time, when she hated the idea of living in a part of the land that had a cold winter, she had loved their statuesque presence. It turned into one of her favourite subject to draw.
"Legend says they are based on the ancient animals that once protected the emperor from harm." She knew that voice all too well. Always ready with a smart comment or little piece of knowledge to keep the mind entertained. Above all it was the voice that brought her comfort, support and belonged to the shoulder she could always lean on.
"Ilaya." Her voice was barely hearable. She sped up her a pace a little bit, barely noticeable. It was of course not proper behaviour to run.
"Hey little one." The only person she missed in the southern lands.
"I am barely a few counts younger than you are 'Older brother'." They looked each other in the eye and smiled.
" Hello Ilaya, how are you doing?" Maya joined them and the three of them set foot for the welcoming hall. Before they walked in Alexa felt her brother's hand on her shoulder, slowly adding some pressure to slow her pace.
