City of the Underground

A first meeting

Kaylana sat and sat in the empty bed chamber, waiting for anyone to arrive. It felt like forever since Robert had taken the horses to the stables and Jonathan had offered to find her a maid to assist in her unpacking. The entire affair felt completely foreign to her. She knew no one, did not know how to navigate the castle, and felt entirely out of place in her chambers. The drafty room probably hadn't been used in years. She stood up and approached the vanity mirror, eyeing her reflection carefully. Her long brown hair needed a brushing. Her riding clothes were filthy from the long ride and her cheeks were smudged with dirt. What she wouldn't have given for a long hot bath. She wondered if she would have to find a wash tub on her own. The confidence she had become so infamous for was waning. In this strange new place and odd circumstances she could not help but worry. How would her future unfold? She gazed sternly at her reflection.

"You are strong," she told herself. "You will keep your fears at bay, and find the solution."

Being strong was the only option she had. Her father had raised her to always hold her head high and trust in her decisions. This time would be no different. She had chosen to fight for love and that is what she would do.

A gentle knock interrupted her thoughts. She broke her self reflection and turned towards the door.

"Enter."

The door creaked open and Robert entered the room. His eyes were darkened from lack of sleep. There was hay sticking out from strands of his hair.

"Well the horses are retired and settled. They seem to like these stables. Their spacious and well groomed." Robert said. "How are you fairing?"

Robert glanced around the empty room.

"Are you not going to unpack?" he asked.

"I've been waiting for an extra hand," she shrugged sheepishly. "I feel so out of place here."

"That's because you don't belong here. You belong at home, with me."

Robert shut the door behind him. He was tired of being constantly separated and watching others make decisions for them. He would have his beloved. He strode over to her and gently pulled her into himself. He brought one finger up to her fragile cheek and stroked it gently.

He missed the touch of her skin and spending endless hours with her in their forest haven. He leaned down and brought her lips to his. Her warm mouth was inviting and welcoming. He had not kissed her like that in ages. His body longed for her. He squeezed her a little tighter and relished in their contact. Kaylana felt herself complying with his desirous kisses, ready to give more. He began to run his fingertips down her neck. Kaylana smiled gently under his lips. Out of all the places to find time together, it was ironic it would be in the castle of her presumed groom to be.

A sharp knock broke the spell. The door quickly swung open revealing Jonathan and a blonde female entering the room.

"Kaylana, I'm sorry I've been so long. I -..."

Robert and Kaylana hastily dropped their embrace and tried to regain their bearing.

The blonde female accompanying him smiled sardonically. "Are we interrupting something?" she asked.

Kaylana coughed aloud trying to think of a response. A plausible reason as to why they were locked in such a close embrace. This new chamber maid was going to be a problem.

"Is this the maid to help me unpack?" Kaylana asked nervously.

The blonde female laughed and looked at Jonathan who had not taken his eyes off the couple. "So now I'm the chamber maid? Is that what I look like."

Robert eyed her carefully. Her attire was striking him as familiar from somewhere. He thought about where he might have seen her before. Then he recalled, the archer by the stables was wearing the same thing.

Jonathan finally broke from his stupor and looked at Kaylana.

"Kaylana, this is Caitlin." He gave a small grin before repeating her previous words. "She is the reason I cannot marry you. Caitlin, this is Kaylana and Robert." He dropped his gaze to the floor. "I thought we should all be introduced if we are to work towards one goal together."

Jonathan stood awkwardly between both parties. Everything about their meeting felt uncomfortable. He could sense Caitlin was still fuming and Kaylana seemed completely caught off guard. Robert just stood from the corner and watched in that self aware state he seemed perpetually stuck in.

"You are the archer I saw shooting off rounds earlier," Robert began.

The young stable hand had been right when he had told Robert she was angry. He could feel it emanating from her even now.

"Why would you be watching me?" she asked. "I thought you were only here for her." She nodded her head towards Kaylana.

"I am here, acting as her protection. I was retiring the horses to the stables. Your shots were excellent." He continued.

"Best in the land. Second only to my father." She looked over to Kaylana. "I know exactly where to drive it in for the kill."

Robert took a step towards Caitlin, his height towered over her.

"Then I suppose it's good we are on the same side."

Caitlin stared down the tall and broad figure before her. He definitely had bravery on his side, but he was overprotective. She could see he claimed Kaylana as his own. Not just in words, but in his heart. That alone would prove to be an ally against this preposterous faked engagement. She trusted this Robert would make sure of that.

"Right." She finally breathed out.

Jonathan grabbed Caitlin's hand and slowly began leading her towards the door. "I'll fetch a chamber maid and make arrangements for Robert's chambers as well. Be careful no one walks in to suddenly." He added as he closed the door.

Kaylana breathed out heavily and sat on the bed.

"That was interesting." Robert said.

"Yes, I wonder where they'll be placing you." She replied.

"Well not too far, I'm here to watch over you. I'll request the next room over."

"Robert. We must be careful. We cannot let the king suspect anything. He will surely report it back to my father. He'll dash all our hopes."

"What are you saying?"

She worked up the courage to tell him the truth. "There is to be a ball. An engagement ball. Jonathan and I will have to act as though we truly are engaged."

Robert sat on the bed beside Kaylana. The reason for Caitlin's anger was beginning to sink in.

"That's why she's so upset." He said. "You need to act like a couple?"

"I suppose so."

"I'll be attending this ball as well then."