FIVE YEARS LATER
Will this day ever end? Brethen thought for the hundredth time in just the past hour. Judging by the glances Arian threw at her over his shoulder, he seemed to be wondering the same thing.
It was a day of public hearings in the throne room, and the entire royal family had gathered to listen to requests and receive gifts from those who came to the palace. On the highest throne sat King Gavin, with his golden crown atop his light brown hair, now speckled with white. The rest of the family occupied smaller, less adorned thrones, yet equally luxurious. Arian sat to the right of his father, with Brethen standing by his side. Queen Prometia sat to the left of the king, and Princess Acendia on the other end. Fausto Matroni stood by the king's side, as Brethen did with Arian.
"There have been six attacks in the last month, Majesty," said the noble standing before the thrones, a short and thin man with a bald head as shiny as his shoes. "Always at night, and it's always cattle. The financial losses have been enormous and fear is spreading."
Brethen had heard this story before. Nobles and small cattle farmers were having their pastures and pens attacked at night. Cows and goats were found dead, with their throats cut, for no apparent reason.
"I was made aware of the occurrences, Possos," said the king, "and I've sent trusted guards to investigate. Your lands weren't the only ones affected, and the culprit won't go unpunished."
"Thank you, Majesty," Possos bowed. "I have one more matter I'd like to discuss."
"Go ahead."
"My son, Otavio, is the same age as your daughter, and--"
"Princess Acendia isn't considering marriage proposals yet," the queen interrupted. Lord Possos laughed awkwardly.
"Forgive my audacity, Highness," he looked at the mother on the throne, then at her daughter, "If you change your mind, the proposal stands."
The noble bowed once again, then turned to leave. Two guards opened and closed the doors behind him.
"Every time..." King Gavin rubbed his forehead, looking as tired as the rest of them.
"This is the third proposal this month," the princess remarked. Acendia had just turned seventeen, an age when many noble girls began thinking about marriage. Still, Queen Prometia adhered to a more modern mindset, valuing education and independence before marriage.
"Get used to it," Arian rested his chin on his hand. "Just say 'no,' and life goes on."
"It's unpleasant," Acendia retorted.
"That's life," Arian mocked and exchanged another silent look with Brethen, a conversation they were so used to. Get me out of here, the look said, but all Brethen could do was roll her eyes in response.
The king settled in his throne, unable to find a comfortable position, and turned to one of the guards at the door.
"Is anyone else waiting--"
But he never finished the sentence because, at that moment, the door burst open with a bang. Running in was Alma Garri, captain of the royal guard, panting and with a layer of sweat covering her dark skin.
"Majesty," she said between breaths and bowed.
"Alma," the king straightened up. "What happened?"
"An intruder, sir," the captain explained with difficulty. "A man was found in your quarters."
YOU ARE READING
The Shadow Tide
FantasyBrethen is not afraid of anything. Or at least, of very little. Trained by a league of warriors and assassins, she was personally picked to be Prince Arian's Champion. From that day forward, Brethen became the prince's shadow, responsible for keepin...
