Strangely Familiar - The Stolen Fate | On Hold

Chapter 10

"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will." - Frederick Douglass

***

It had been over a year since Tia had arrived at the Mansion, and she had worked so hard to prove her loyalty and service to the Royalty. She had learned the secrets of their culture and their customs, and she had gained the trust of most of the Knights. She was bestowed with an important task that seemed to have escalated its level to difficulty ever since Naina arrived. She knew the mage shared some sort of bond with the Royalty after having witnessed the expressions they shared at the Median last year.

Tia was supposed to guard Lady Fauna - The Forest Princess from any potential conspiracy. Not that the Princess needed any protection if her magical potential was anything to go by.

"My Lady," Tia slightly bowed. "You asked for me."

"Yes." Her voice was a low hum, much like the bumblebee at the garden's edge. It was soft but unmistakably female. "If you would be so kind as to arrange a meeting with the Saviour I've heard about so much."

Tia was sure she misheard her. "You want to meet her?" 

For some reason, Tia could never bring herself to call Naina a 'Savior.' She could have helped her former weak self at the Median, yet she made a conscious decision to stand and watch.

"That is correct."

"She isn't a celebrity." Tia expressed her displeasure.

"A-what?"

"Famous."

"In this Realm, she is." The Forest Princess said calmly.

Tia nodded and took her leave.

***

After the soft, steady trill of the stringed instruments and horns had stopped ringing in her ears, Naina paced toward a rough door made from wooden planks that appeared like it was part of the forest. A sliver moon hung in its branches above, although by its light she found herself at a loss to see where the wood ended and the door began. It was all a setup. The Royal court had sent her to this spot that looked like a vast and untamed wilderness; as if you were plucking one piece of scenery out of the woods and pasting it here. She knew only one thing: there should be someone within, surely.

Someone who isn't a carnivore. She shuddered.

"Is this part of the Brickstone Mansion?" she asked, her eyes darting across the massive wooden walls that loomed above them.

"But of course, it is," came a reply, "It is designed in a way that every resident feels right at home."

Naina ran her hand over the curious pattern inscribed deeply into the wall and wooden door. "Shaurya definitely needs a modern perspective."

"You are simply playing on my nerves now."

"Oh, really?"

She shrugged her shoulders and smiled halfheartedly, while her gaze roved over the surrounding area. Her eyes quickly found the mini forest that seemed to loom all around them like a solid barrier of bark and green leaves. The Chamber of the Forest Princess was carpeted with lush grasses, with tall trees forming a canopy overhead so thick that only a hint of moonlight could pass through its curtain of leaves. It was as if the night sky above embracing the faint moonlit occasionally peeked in on them before shying away.

Ayaan's brow furrowed. "I must reiterate since you clearly need reminding, I am not here to serve as your bodyguard, and it would be befitting if you'd address the Royalty with his rightful title," He spoke as he stepped beside her, and a crease was etched above his lips when he finished.