Gazing At The Moon

Chapter 3

What did she mean?

Amaryllis sits on her balcony, wrapped in a fluffy robe, with a cup of tea. The night is clear, much different from earlier that day. Her legs dangle off the edge of the little wall, bare feet exposed to the cool air. She breathes in deeply.

It was already somewhat of an odd day, but her mother's cryptic words didn't make it any less odd.

"You're twenty-four, time to start planning ahead."

Planning ahead? For what? Amaryllis frowns, shifting on her spot. Something about me taking the throne someday? But that seems early.

Amaryllis glances off to the side, at the knights patrolling the walls of the castle.

Sir Abel is an odd one. That much she was already aware of. She can't figure out what he's trying do to. Previous knights didn't talk much at all, but Abel actively attempts to strike up conversations with her. It's a little awkward, but Amaryllis can't say she minds. What does he want from her?

It was irritating when he got lost in the middle of a downpour, but she could tell he didn't mean to. It'd be cruel to get mad at him for that. He did everything he could to keep her dry and get her home. Besides, she still prefers it over being in a dusty castle all day.

She sighs and shakes her head. Why must her father always overreact to these things? At least she was able to shield Abel from his onslaught. It was his fault, but... He also protected me today. She won't admit it, but she felt backed into a corner when that guy suddenly approached her. She worried her knight wouldn't have noticed because he was still in line, buying something for her that she was too nervous to buy herself.

But he did.

Amaryllis finishes her tea and gets off the little wall. The moon's nowhere in sight tonight. A shame.

She enters her room and closes the doors, placing the cup on her dresser and taking off her robe. She removes the pin from her pale white hair, which lets it flow down her back. She crawls into bed with a sigh, laying down on her side and pulling the sheets up to her face.

For a while, she doesn't move or attempt to sleep. She glances around her room, at the dark blue walls. No matter how long she waits, there's not a single sound. Amaryllis rolls onto her back. The silence is too loud. She gets up, to open the glass doors again.

--

"Good morning, Lady. Did you sleep well?" Sir Abel greets her as she exits her bedroom.

She nods.

He tilts his head a little, pleased, and follows her to the dining room.

Her parents are once again already there, though this time they're looking expectantly at her.

"Sit down, dear."

A little shiver goes through her. Is this what she mentioned before? Regardless, she sits. Abel stands off to the side, she hears him say a simple 'Mornin' ' to another guard.

"We forgot to tell you something yesterday," her father begins, "So might as well tell you now."

"...Alright..." Amaryllis watches them both dubiously, eyes squinted.

"There'll be a tournament today!" Her father grins. "And I thought it was a grand idea to have your knight compete."

Hah?

That's what this was about? Amaryllis breathes out a sigh of relief, thankfully it's nothing important. Well, important to her anyway. Her father seems to love tournaments. But, wait, Sir Abel will be competing?