The Girl with Golden Eyes

Chapter 6

"Ah, Lady Raiyama how are you fairing today?" I stopped hearing the voice behind me and turned to face Lord Kona, a younger Noble who served the crown prince. He was a bit of a naive boy at the crisp age of fifteen. His father had passed not too long ago making him the next Lord.

His hair was black, even though it appeared a dark grey in most lighting, and he had amber eyes that twinkled with boyish glee. He wore the colors of his noble house, since he was also a Duke instead of just a minor Lord. His house showcased black tones, along with light brown tones, and bronze touches. He looked the part of the newest Duke in Clarines.

"As well as one can in the hot weather." I replied watching as the young Lord took in my appearance because even though the summer sun was blistering today I still wore every piece of my noble clothing, "How about you Lord Kona?"

"Ah, I just came from a meeting with Izan- I mean the Crown Prince!" The young Lord pursed his lips together in distaste as he shook his head.

"You'll get used to every thing. Eventually, Lord Kona." I smiled softly at the boy trying to comfort him the best that I could. His father had died suddenly which had left him unprepared about advising the crown. I understood that feeling all to well, after all, I gained my title when I was but fifteen as well.

"I don't know if I'm cut out for this I mean, whose going to listen to a fifteen year old? I should just resign and let my Uncle take over." Lord Kona lowered his eyes shuffling his feet as he talked.

"Do you think I am wise, Lord Kona?" I asked him bending down on one knee so that he would look at me properly while we spoke.

"Get up Lady Raiyama! You can't be seen showing me any respect or your reputation will be-" Lord Kona tried to get me to stand up but I refused to move. My eyes stayed on his as my smile continued to remain on my face.

"Do you think I am stupid then, Lord Kona?" I asked and watched as his face grew red from effort and worry.

"Of course not! I think you're rather amazing, Lady Raiyama!" He spoke hurriedly and only then did I stand glad that he was now looking at me once more forgetting the notion of resigning.

"I was fifteen when I became Lady Raiyama and since then I have learned many things about this world." I spoke watching as his eyes widened, he clearly hadn't known that.

"If you feel unprepared, arm yourself with knowledge. If you make a mistake, fix it or ask for help. Above all though, when you advise speak with confidence so that you can be heard." I began to walk hoping the young man would follow me and he did. So, we began to walk through the halls of the castle in step with each other.

"How do I arm myself when there is no one in this place that wants to see me succeed?" He asked and I simply smiled at him knowing that there was no way that was true. At the very least I wanted the kid to succeed and I refused to believe Izana would want one of his men to fail.

"I can guide you if you wish, Lord Kona." I replied and I couldn't stop the smile that rose to my face. His eyes seemed to beam joy at me as he quickly nodded his whole body full of energy.

"I would absolutely wish that my Lady! Thank you!" He spoke so happily that I was jarred to see his smile falter and only then did I notice his gaze. I looked over my shoulder finding the answer to my unspoken question.

"You're first lesson is simple, Lord Kona." I turned to face him again nodding my head to get him to start walking towards the people he had seen over my shoulder. Two lesser nobles than ourselves and yet it was obvious as they whispered back and forth. Their eyes occasionally looking in our direction.

"Never show a reaction to such pitiful shows of displays." I spoke just before the two men could see us and then we stopped directly in front of them. I didn't wait to see what Lord Kona would say to my first lesson.