The Mage Wars

Night at the Inn

Galen's Pov

Everest's sleeping form rolls over. Her features are soft. Not alert like they have been for the past few weeks. We've all been on alert, trying to evade King Korbin's army. We deserve a nice nap.

My book is getting boring. It's about a cook falling for a Lord in the palace. A Prince from King Maearos' reign wrote it. Perhaps Everest's grandfather wrote this. It's not likely. It's more likely one of his brothers or sisters wrote it. They were known for their writings. More than an eighth of Vespera's library is full of their works.

I've had the chance to read a few of them. The best I ever read was written by Queen Bryce, the former Queen of Evanath. Father had the chance to meet her back in the day. He told me she was a beauty but was harsh when need be. I suppose she's how all rulers should be. Pretty but smart.

Queen Bryce wrote several books I've loved over the years. But her first is my favourite. It's about two royal couples. They meet one day at the market. The two females make fast friends, as do the males. Both couples decide that their children will marry. That is when they have children.

20 years later, the princess of the older couple finds out one day and leaves. At the same time, the prince of the younger couple learns of his arranged marriage. He, too, leaves. Across 20 years, the two royals who left crossed paths more than once. In the end, they fall in love. 

Neither the prince nor the princess knows the other is royal. Eventually, they both fess up and tell the other. In the end, they marry, and the ending is happy.

I know it's sappy, but I love it. Father said it was the book I wanted him to read to me over and over again. It was also the first long book I learned to read. Da was so proud. He gave me others to read after. But they never seemed to hit the spot that one did.

I look over at Everest's sleeping form and smile. She's the last thing I see as I close my eyes.
_____

Third Pov

"Chesly, watch the counter. I'm going out." Vivian, the lady from the counter, yells at the young girl in the back of the inn. Chesly walks out and stands where Vivian usually does. Vivian waves to the girl and leaves her family's inn.

On the streets of Gaerwn's main town, Vivan treads lightly to avoid being noticed. Her goal is to make it to the castle, where she will speak to Yaert, the captain of the guard. 

Yaert is one of Vivian's old friends. The two grew up together until he joined the guard. They were to marry until Vivian's Father proposed to another.

It takes her 45 minutes to reach the castle. The inn is closer to the docks than the main entrance of the castle. It takes her an extra 10 minutes to reach Yaert's office. She passes several guards on her way. She knocks once. 

A gruff voice tells her to come in. "Vivian. Who do I owe this pleasure to?"

"Twin royals at my inn,"

"King Avalon's,"

"No doubt. The boy looks like his father," Vivian takes a seat on Yaert's desk. The man doesn't seem to mind. 

"How long do they plan to stay?"

"They paid for one night, and she tried to bribe me to keep quiet," Vivian picks up a quill. She writes down which rooms. She holds it out to her friend. 

Yaert reaches for the paper. "I'll send men down right away," 

Vivian yanks the paper out of his reach. She sends Yaert a particularly nasty glare. The last time his guards were at her inn, they nearly destroyed the place.