The Call

Bitterness

 Serene was awakened by a soft voice in her ear.

"My lady?"

Serene opened her eyes to find her maid hovering over her. The maid lowered her head respectfully before continuing. "My lady, his lordship ordered that I wake you so you can eat."

Serene took a deep breath and tried to push the intense dream from her mind. The scenes faded slowly, but the deep emotions did not. The feelings of grief and confusion gave way to new emotions that she'd never really felt before–bitterness, anger, and vengeance.

"I have no appetite," she said, giving her maid a mere glance as she stood up.

The maid looked a little surprised but nodded her head in acknowledgement and reached to remove the tray of food she had placed there only minutes before.

Serene took a deep breath and went to her wardrobe to change her clothing. She emerged moments later in a dark maroon dress to inspect herself before her mirror.

"It seems of a rather dreary color," she remarked to herself, examining the dress. "However," she continued, "it's suitable for the state I'm in." She laughed bitterly before spitting out the word, "Broken-hearted."

Throwing a dark cloak over her shoulders, she glanced out her window. To her surprise and irritation, several mounted figures galloped over the hill just beyond, approaching the castle at a swift pace. As Serene peered closer, she recognized the leading rider's golden-brown hair and bare hands that gripped the reins. What an irony, Decian prince! Her lips curved in a sly smile, and she turned to descend the stairs to meet him.

"What are you doing here?" she asked when she was within speaking distance. The lead rider had dismounted his horse in the castle bailey and was speaking to the guard who had dismounted behind him. At her voice, he turned to Serene and bowed.

"Good morning, my lady. I am honored to be able to meet you."

Serene simply nodded. She enjoyed receiving the respect of the Decian prince.

"What brings you to Levace?" Serene asked.

"I am on my way back from Jagier, and I wished to meet an acquaintance of mine here before continuing home," he answered with a friendly smile.

"Were you able to find who you were looking for?"

Prince Romeni smiled strangely. "No, he is on leave today, but I am glad to have seen you."

Serene raised an eyebrow. "Me?"

"Forgive me, but I also hoped to speak with you, my lady." He inclined his head slightly still maintaining eye contact. "If you wish to."

Curious but far from willing, Serene remained expressionless. "Shall we walk through the gardens while we talk?"

"My lady, if you have business-"

Serene put her hand up to stop him. "I don't at the moment, and I'll seek to entertain you during your stay, Your Highness."

He opened his mouth to speak, but she held up her hand. "Shall we walk in the gardens?" she offered again, giving a false smile. Why am I talking to him?

He lowered his head for a moment in a slight bow. "I would be honored, but you don't have to."

Serene nodded and led him to the gardens.

"Is there something you wanted to ask me?" Serene asked, eager to be rid of the silence between them.

"Not in particular, but I had hoped we would be able to resume our discussion we had that evening at your knighting."