Medieval Hammerstacks

Ryia's POV

Being alone in the dimly candle lit halls wasn't bad, what was bad was taking the small little naps that I had been trained to do every once in awhile to keep my strength. It had to be done, but it caused me to be the lightest of sleepers. Even just the long off sound of a cat that drifted in through the hall windows had me jerking awake.

I had no company to be there with me, I could have called for one but then it would have been hours of card games and telling stories that I had told a thousand times before. I preferred to sit outside the door sitting on a stool back pressed against the wall humming a song to myself.

I ignored the loneliness when I thought about how Wilkin was gone now, I could wait another month, or two if I had too. An of course I wouldn't let myself believe that I needed someone with me. I had everything I had ever dreamed of in my life. Even being born into a poor family that worked as servants just outside the castle was a big streak of luck. Because of that I eventually became best friends with the princess.

Even more luck had been bestowed upon me by the gods when I had gained permission to go to training so I could become a castle guard. It had been granted to me by the King himself. Being a guard had been my dream since I was a child, once they had finally given me my post I had quickly and efficiently worked my way up to Commander and Royal Guard of the Princess. Hudde had been the one to give me my breast plate to cement my title as a Royal guard, I wore it every day like a badge of pride.

"Commander." I heard my title whispered from down the hall, I popped up straight. My hand flashing to my sword hip in an instant. I watched as Pate almost completely silent approached from around the corner. I relaxed, he knew as many people did just how I was and I was glad he had made a point to warn me of his presence ahead of time. The entire Royal Guard knew of my reputation, I had been known for almost severing the head of anyone who just happened to catch me off guard while I was sleeping.

"Pate." I greeted he nodded to me not saying anything until he was right in front of me.

"How are you Commander?" He asked looking at me with his blue eyes watching me closely. I rose my brows, he never was conversational.

"I am well, do you have a message for me?" I asked and Pate shook his head of blonde hair.

"I do not, I was taken off duty for the night and I heard that you had no company which seems to be too normal for you Commander." He said with a warm smile. I cringed in my head, I hadn't realized how much Pate had like me. He most likely had gotten word that Hudde had arranged a room for Wilkin and I, which might of caused Pate to have a fit of jealousy. I placed my hand on my sword hilt and leaned back against the wall.

"I do it because I'm more alert when I'm alone."

"But now you must guard both the Prince and the Princess. That is a bit much even for you Commander." Pate said never taking his eyes off of my face.

"Do you think I can not handle one more royal?" I sounded a little offended and he smiled instantly shaking his head.

"Not at all Commander. I know you can handle it, I was just going to suggest that you assign someone else to help you as well."

"Do you have a guard in mind? I wouldn't mind training a new recruit." I answered purposely avoiding asking if he was thinking of joining me. His smile never wavered but his eyes were watching me as closely as he did with everything else. I was not as used to his critical gaze.

"I do actually." He answered and I felt an internal thankfulness, I nodded making sure he couldn't see the relief on my face.

"Then tomorrow bring the guard and I will take him under my wing." I answered smiling politely at Pate who's smile widened.