The Kingdom Of Stories And Lies

Chapter 11

Niran fell asleep in Arya's chair but when he woke up Arya wasn't there. He jerked up, looking around and he caught the clock, it was ten in the morning and he realized that he never slept that much. He felt safe with her.

He rubbed the heels of his hands to his eyes and stood up to go to his room. He entered his room, took a shower and changed his clothes, and went to meet Caroline. He was heading to her room when he caught a glimpse of Arya in the terrace, she saw him too and was moving towards him, so, he stopped walking and waited for her.

She smiled at him, a greeting smile. "Thank you." He knew about what and all the words seemed to vanish and die "nothing to thank me for." He nods and smiles a smile that doesn't reach his eyes, she smiles back and her eyes hold all meaning and appreciation in the world. 

Caroline interrupted them "good morning." She nods at both of them and they both reply "good morning." Niran's voice is hoarse and Caroline tilts her head, knowingly. "I hope you find our lodging appeasing," Arya says to Caroline. 

"very, indeed." She replies with a nod and a smile. 

 "would you care to join us?" Caroline asks Arya 

"where?" Niran looks at Caroline, furrows his eyebrows 

"breakfast." Caroline says. Arya looks surprised, she thinks about it and then "yes, that would be lovely." Caroline beams and they all head to the terrace to have breakfast.

They sit in the middle of the terrace, the sun is bright and shining. Caroline breaks the silence

 "can I ask you a question, Arya." Niran looks worried and Arya nods. 

"have you ever been in love?" Niran almost spits his food and Arya coughs. 

She looks at the sky and thinks of a book. Her favorite character talking to her, telling her that everything will be okay. She looked next to her and saw him sitting there, holding her. She thinks of her book best friend and how he was always there for her. She looks at the sky and sees her chosen family and for a moment she thinks that she'll never understand how books hold a large place in her heart and how devastating it is and how comforting it is to know that they are with her and only her. 

She looks back at Caroline with something like longing in her eyes. Pain even. "No, never." 

And then her eyes averted to Niran and his eyes were on hers the whole time. Caroline nods "I'm sorry if I crossed a line." Arya shakes her head "No, not at all." Niran was watching Arya for the rest of the time and they said nothing after that until Arya excused herself and left.

Niran turned to Caroline "Was that necessary?" Caroline eyes him "what? I wanted to know" Niran shakes his head "and why is that?" 

"I don't know, it's just a question, brother. Don't make a fuss out of it." Niran closes his eyes and leans back in his chair and thinks about how Arya's eyes were full of emotion and pain, he wanted to know more. He wanted to know her. He wanted to know the reason behind those sad eyes. 

He stood up "I need to discuss some matters with Callum. Do not get into any troubles, Care. And please abide asking questions okay?" Caroline rolls her eyes "you're no fun, brother." He narrows his eyes at her "fine, Niran." He exits and heads to his room and calls for Callum.

"you called for me?" Callum says as he enters the room. Niran nods "how is it going in Alynthi?" any troubles?" Callum shrugs "just the usual stuff." 

Niran looks up at him now "what do you mean the usual stuff.?" 

"you know, rumors, rebel groups, and with you gone people are kind of....celebrating." Niran rests his hand on the chair and slides down "huh, of course, they are." Callum is still standing there, waiting for an order, anything. 

"the Princess herself is in control of our ship problem but if this issue is not resolved by the end of the next this week, I will leave and probably ask for compensation for the ship. Either it's money, food, anything." 

Callum nods "should I inform anyone about that decision?" Niran shakes his head 

"No. I'll do so when I see fit." Callum nods "should I send word to my men Alynthi that we may be heading back at the end of the week?" he shakes his head again "you are dismissed." Callum turns around and leaves.

Niran stands up and goes to the balcony to smell some fresh air, his shirt is opened and his hair is messy. He spots Arya in her training. Again. And she saw him. Again. She moves with such ease and he wonders how lovely would it be to spar with her or even have her near him, that thought made his heart quicken and he had to look away to stop thinking about her. 

Whatever he did or wherever he went, he always thought about her. She was always there. Hovering in his mind, as she owns it. Or how his heart thumps whenever they are too close. Something tells him that this is not a good sign, because maybe he's better off unloved. Forgotten.