Air Warrrior

Past Memories

When I woke up, I searched for Christopher but, he must have left during the night. I smiled to myself as I remembered last night events. I heard a knock on my door. "Come in."

Claire stepped inside holding a tray, "I thought you might be hungry, so I had them prepare lunch early for you."

"Lunch? What time is it?" I looked towards the window, how long was I asleep? 

Her laugh filled the room, "Nearly noon my dear, The Prince insisted I let you sleep." She gave me a curious smile as she said his name. 

"Nothing happened!" I blurted out causing her to laugh. 

"Don't worry dear, whatever happened or didn't happen is none of my business." She paused, "But I am really happy to see he has found a girl he is interested in; you guys are good together." Together... I let that word sink in. Were we together now? The thought of it made my heart race. 

I started to get out of bed, and she stopped me, "Sorry miss, I have orders to keep you bed ridden for the next few days." She smiled and plopped the tray down on my lap giggling. I groaned and rolled my eyes; I think I know who gave those orders. 

"I'll be back later in the evening to check on you." She nodded as she left, leaving me to eat. I didn't have much of an appetite today. I drank my tea though, it felt nice on my throat that was still a little sore. I sat the tray on the table next to my bed and picked up the book that Claire had left for me. Just as I opened it, I heard a knock at my door.

I didn't take my eyes off the book as I shouted, "Did you change your mind about making me stay in bed?" I laughed to myself as the door opened. I looked up expecting to see Claire but, to my surprise it was Christopher. He had a smile on his face as he walked towards me.

"No changing of minds here, my lady." He smirked as he spoke. He was holding some bandages so; I knew he was here to care to my wound. He helped me sit up, placing a pillow behind my back. He changed the cloth and cleaned my wound. 

His eye stopped on my book, "that used to be one of my mum's favorite books." His face didn't seem sad, I got a sense of happiness.

"What was she like?" I asked, hesitating I would offend him for asking. He pulled a chair up to the side of my bed and sat he before he spoke.

"She was amazing. She passed when I was 10, she had a lot of health problems throughout her life but, she always made sure she lived her life to the fullest. You remind me of her." His eyes met mine as he spoke. "She was brave, never afraid to be herself and to speak her mind. She would have liked you." His words made me smile for ear to ear. "When I was 18, Claire gave me her journals. I learned a lot about her life before my father, about her time in the Ash Relm." His face looked deflated; I could tell it wasn't easy to take about this.

"Hey, you don't have to tell me about it, if you're not ready." I reached for his hand and our fingers intertwined. 

"No, I want to share this part of me with you." He kissed my hand as he continued. "My mother was born to a poor family; she had a difficult life. Her family sold her to the King as a servant. She wrote about the abuse she endured during her time there. The King had a thing for beautiful girl, he thought he could have anyone he wanted because he was the King. My mother fought back one day, and she was sent to spend her days in the dudgeon. The King Victor is a sick man, he torchers and beats his villagers until they comply to his rules. He gets satisfaction out of seeing others hurt. His dungeon is filled with prisoners who's only crimes were not agreeing with him. He had just taken the crown from his father so, he made sure people would fear him. " His words made my skin crawl. 

"My mother refused to apologize to him, he wanted to make her one of his mistresses. He could have just killed her but, it was a game to him. He wanted to break her, to have the satisfaction of seeing her beg for her life. That night, he had broken her, the guards were taking her to his room when my father was visiting the castle, trying to harbor peace between the two kingdoms. He saw the look on her face. When the King refused, a fought broke out. As we retreated, he found her in the woods running. He chose to take her with them. My father fell in love with her, grandpa never approved who my father marrying her but, he didn't care. My father took the crown a year after they met, and they married. She was a great Queen, and he showed his people that he ruled based on his heart, not traditions." He spoke proudly of his father. I could see the tears he was fighting back. I gave his hand a squeeze and he smiled as he sniffled a bit. 

He looked at me, "Claire raised me as if I were her owe son. She would tell me stories about her before I was born, the adventures that they had together. I am lucky to have her, I am happy my father found love again. He deserves it, especially after raising me." He laughed to himself. 

"She is something special, she's been very kind to me since I arrived. She reminds me of my mum." I smiled as he leaned forward in his chair. His thumb stroked my knuckles softly. 

"I'd love to hear about them, whenever you're ready to share." His words were kind. 

"I am sure you have a busy day, maybe another time?" I spoke.

"I had them clear my schedule, I told them I was spending the day with you."

"You didn't have to do that."

"I know... I wanted to." He turned to look at me.

I patted the spot next to me, "Well, at least make yourself comfortable. If I'm stuck in this bed, then so are you." He laughed as he unlaced his shoes, throwing them to the side. 

"Yes, my lady." He plopped down beside me and we both laughed.