I stood behind the door that led to the stronghold's war room. Nyx stood beside me, her little hand clasped firmly between mine. I rapped my fingers across its surface quickly, and a deep voice answered a second later. "Enter."
I pushed the door open and stepped into the dimly lit room. Dim candles hung from rusted metal sconces attached to the various pillars that enshrined the war table. Tattered yellow paper lay strewn across the table, but a single large map dominated it but was barely illuminated by the faint yellow light that struggled to fill the room. Seated at the circular table was Rikard. His fingers crossed, and his milky white eyes faded as he stared off into the distance.
"Ah.. Alessia, I didn't...expect to see you so soon. It's a pleasure to see you once more." He turned his head up towards me as he dropped his hands. His voice was faint, and his words seemed to be distracted.
"It is my pleasure, captain. I am here taking the princess on a tour of the domain." I told him as I stepped into the room and gestured Nyx forward.
The captain straightened up as fast as he could. "Princess? Forgive me, Alessia, I hadn't realized that she was paying a visit." His eyes were still clouded as he seemed to gaze beyond us.
The poor man, he was still caught in whatever life he thought he lived, unable to see what was truly happening before him. "All is well, captain. How are things going on the war front?" I asked as I crossed the small distance between us and the table. Nyx scampered behind me, though she was still pressed against my leg.
"Ms. Alessia, what is he saying?" She asked as she looked up at me.
"He said he wasn't expecting to see you," I told her as I pressed my finger to my lips, hoping that she would get the message. Thankfully, it seemed to stick, and she pursed her lips and nodded her little head.
"The invaders haven't really struck at the stronghold. They have been prodding the stronghold and have even taken two of the outposts." Rikard replied as he leaned against the table and looked over the map. "I fear they are preparing for a massive invasion."
Ah, there it is, While Rikard can react to the invaders well. He just hasn't seemed to realize that the life he knew is gone. "Worry not, captain, if any large force were to invade, we would react appropriately."
He paused for a second as he reached out a metal-clad hand and looked at the map. "Of course. I will hold the fort if that day comes. It is as the Empress demands." His gaze seemed to stretch once more, and I knew I was losing him again. But that was alright; perhaps I should leave him be.
But as I stepped back with Nyx, attempting to usher her away quietly, the sound of wings rapidly beating filled the air as one of the courier pigeons appeared from a hole in the ceiling. The tiny bird released what sounded like a hybrid between a squawk and a groan. Its beady white eyes greedily drank in what little of the light that managed to radiate through the room. It landed on the table, hopped over to me, and presented a small piece of paper that was rolled up tightly pressed against its back.
Curious, I reached out and quickly undid the seal.
To whom this may concern,
The adventurer known as Redrick has returned. The Empress, however, has informed me she is busy with a project and has named me the prime minister in her absence. In an hour, we will meet at the stronghold and hold a small meeting with Redrick and his delegation. Alessia, please attend since you are the most directly tied to the Empress. Also, she has noted that while you protect her daughter, she wants her daughter to learn how to live in this domain. Her words were, "Keep her safe, and teach her what you can." She has also noted that she wishes to speak with you about a few topics once she is finished with what she is working on.
Regards,
Kharon
My eyes quickly skimmed the page, and I felt a twinge of emotion in my chest. Redrick, the man that started all this and dared drag my lady into this mess. I clenched the paper and felt a fire billowed in my chest as the memories resurfaced of that day. It also mixed with all the emotions that I felt then. That man caused her pain, and I hated him. He nearly took her away from me.
"Alessia, you are frightening me." The child's voice cracked the veil of anger that had settled around me, and I quickly released it when I saw her staring up at me. Her brilliant emerald eyes had tiny beads of water that were quickly forming on the sides, which caused me to pause.
"No, no, I'm sorry. I just saw something I didn't like, was all." I squatted down and made eye contact with her. "But your mother just told me she wants me to teach you to act like a princess."
"R..really?" She asked as she sniffled and wiped away the tears that were running down her face. The fear in her eyes was still prevalent, but she seemed to have a good reaction to that.
"Yes really! Some people are coming to visit, and your mother wants me to teach you how to interact with them. With that being said, you will also get to meet one of your mother's closest confidants." I told her as I reached out and gave her head another pat. "I'm also sorry for scaring you; I didn't mean to."
"It's okay, Ms. Alessia. I know you didn't mean it." She told me as she reached forward and threw her arms around me. I stood there, shocked at the display. Before I tentatively reached out and returned her hug in kind. "So you are going to teach me how to be a princess?" She asked as she pulled away from me.
"Yes. However, this time, I need you to be quiet and watch how Kharon and I talk to the envoys. Then one day, as you get better, then you can do it too." I told her as I stood up.
"I understand, Ms. Alessia; I will do my best." The little girl looked as if she were about to explode from the happiness that seemed to be flooding every inch of her veins.
"Good girl," I told her as I gave her head a pat and stood up to face the captain once more.
"Captain Rikard. I apologize for bothering you once more."
The captain shifted his gaze from the map and towards me. "Oh, Alessia, I didn't expect to see you so soon." He told me as he stood up from his chair, his body struggling to salute me.
"I've come here to inform you that a few envoys will arrive soon, headed by Lord Kharon. We wish to use your office for a short time while we finish negotiations."
"Of course. As the Empress demands." His eyes seemed to clear up slightly, and his words became more focused as he shambled over. "But, who is the young lady that stands next to you?"
As the captain approached us, Nyx quickly darted behind my leg. "This is the princess of Asteria."
"The princess?..." His words trailed off once more as his eyes glazed over. He stood there, as still as a statue, until he moved once more. "Oh, the princess! Welcome to my stronghold." He told her as he tried to bow his body. His armor creaked, and the sound of various bones popping filled the air. "You are as beautiful as your mother."
Nyx shifted her glance from the captain to me. "What did he say?"
"He welcomes you here and says that you are as beautiful as your mother."
Her skin flushed slightly, and she shook her head. "No, Mother is the most beautiful woman I couldn't hope to compare."
Rikard straightened himself out as Nyx's words seemingly fell on deaf ears. His eyes still seemed to be slightly glazed over, but he seemed more lucid than he did a few short minutes ago. "I will dispatch a platoon to lord Kharon and escort them here. The roads as of late have been filled with bandits, and there have been sightings of foreign troops."
"Do what you can, Rikard. If you need my support, please let me know."
"I could never ask the right hand of the Empress for anything. I will make do with what I have." Rikard told me as he limped over to the table and sat back down. "As soon as lieutenant Flint returns, I will send a detachment out."
I stiffened at that and glanced at Nyx. I didn't want her to be around someone like Flint. "Thank you, Rikard; if you need anything else, I will be in your office. Thank you for your help." I told him as I gave him the customary bow.
"Of course, Alessia. It is as the Empress demands." He replied as his eyes slowly glazed over once more. I rested my hand on Nyx's shoulder as this time, I was in a bit of a rush to get her away from here. But sadly, as I reached out to open the door, it swung on its own, revealing the large skeletal form of the Lieutenant.
"Alessia." The skeleton nodded his head towards me.
I narrowed my eyes at him and pushed Nyx through the door. "Flint," I replied as I kept walking, not wanting to get drawn into a conversation with him. Especially not with her nearby. He was far too reckless and bloodthirsty, and he would prove to be a bad influence on her. Even if the Empress trained with him from time to time, I refuse to allow such a vile being to influence Nyx.