Shadow

Chapter 7

I'm so sorry it has taken me this long to post chapter 7! I've been having some serious writers block for this story.

So, without further delay, Chapter 7!

----------

 "Princess, how did that happen?" The guard looks at my bloody sleeve. His eyes shine with concern.

I try to think of a reasonable explanation, but my thoughts keep slipping away from me. "To be honest, I have no idea." The lie slips past so smoothly.

The guard lowers his head with a sigh. "Shall I get someone to look at the wound?"

I shake my head. I don't want to explain how I really got this wound. No one would believe me if I told them someone from a nightmare actually did this.

"I'll be fine."

The guard bows his head. He turns to leave, but I reach out and grab his hand before he gets too far. He turns around sharply. "Princess?"

I let go of his hand so fast, I thought I might smack myself in the face. "I'm sorry." My voice is quiet. "Please tell Talaya I would like to see her."

The guard curtly dips his head and turns around again. He walks swiftly out of my room.

***

About an hour has passed and there has been no sign of Talaya.  I was sitting by my window, overlooking the garden below, when a soft knock raps at my door.

"Enter." I say, still looking out the window. The door opens silently and shuts with a soft click.

"Princess Liliana, I am so sorry for my lateness! Please forgive me!" I turn around and see a young lady curtsying low to the ground before me. Her ginger hair hung in front of her freckled face.

I stand and walk over to the girl. "I forgive you, Talaya." She brushes her hair out of her face and looks at me. "You can stand up now. There is no need to curtsy for so long." I hold out a hand to help her up. Talaya takes my hand, and with my help, stands up straight.

"I heard about your father.  I know he meant a lot to you." She says with a sympathetic look.

"He did, and his recent death has taken us all by surprise." I say quietly. I walk over to my bed and sit on the edge. Talaya follows.

"I see that you are already dressed, princess. Would you like me to do your hair?" 

I shake my head. "Thank you, Talaya, but I would prefer to leave it down today." She dips her head in understanding. A moment of silence passes between us, and I notice that Talaya seems to have spotted something out of the ordinary for her eyes light up with concern.

"Princess, i-is that blood on your night gown?" Her voice trembles a little.

I look down at my hands before answering her. "Yes." She rushes over to my side in an instant, concern and fear clearly visible on her face.

She kneels down in front of me, forcing us to make eye contact. "Princess, why is there blood on your nightgown?" Talaya is one of those people that won't back down from anything.

"I-I don't know." I look off to the side, breaking eye contact. Talaya stands up and put her hands on her non-existent hips. "I think you do know, Liliana."

Her tone of voice snaps me back to attention. "Don't you dare call me by my name again." I look up at her with a scowl. Talaya starts to laugh. "Your face is hysterical!" I roll my eyes in a playful manor and join in on the laughter. Talaya stops laughing for a moment. "Princess, I'm sorry for saying your name without your title, but I needed some way to bring you back to the present." She bows her head.

"Talaya," I begin. "It's okay. I know you didn't mean any disrespect. I thought it was quite funny actually." Talaya lifts her head and looks at me with a smile.

"There is something bothering you, I can see it in your eyes, Princess." Talaya says in a more serious voice. "You can tell me whatever is on your mind, I swear I won't tell a soul!" I drop my smile and sigh. "You have always read me like an open book. Nothing can get past your all seeing eyes, Talaya." I clasp my hands in my lap and look the serving girl in the eyes. I hold her gaze before saying anything more.

"For the past week or so I've been having these really weird dreams. Each time I see the exact same man, except for last night. Last night it was different. A new man, Daemon was his name, came to me. This dream was more of a nightmare, and very real. He somehow managed to cut my arm in the dream world and the real world. That's how I got this wound." I explain. 

Talaya was silent for several minutes before anything was said.