The Seer of Iros

18.

Lillian

We spent the night at an Inn last night in Hillside. Hayley and I shared a room. With us, Patrick, six guards and the man, Frank, driving our carriage we took up the whole top floor. Let's just say the Inn owner was very happy to put no vacancy on his sign.

On the move again now since early this morning we are finally clopping on the cobble stones through the capital. Patrick is going to be dropped off at his family's residence and Hayley will be staying with me in a suite next to mine in the Palace. I was allowed to have one guest. Hayley adores the palace. She's always told me since we were little she sees herself marrying into a family that resides there permanently. The royal family obviously lives there but also because it is so huge the members of the royal courts families are also welcome to reside there. Not all of them choose to live there but it's always an option for them. Many always occupy the palace during the four month period of the season as well.

It's just always easier as most of the events to attend are normally within the palace and its grounds. King Harold and his wife Queen Merribell and Prince Jarod have their private quarters on the whole east wing of the palace and that is the only section off limits unless you are invited to visit. It was announced just last year that Price Jarod is now betrothed to Princess Kalalaya of the Southern Isles, a small country just 20 miles off our Southern coast. Prince Jarod, who's my distant cousin, is only 18 years old and they will marry after they both turn 20.

I feel bad for him that because of his position he can't choose who to spend his life with. I've always liked Jarod. Even though he was born into privilege and has never been left wanting. He never acts spoiled or full of himself. I attribute that to King Harold and Queen Merribell. I've always thought highly of them. They really are great rulers. They've kept Iros in peace and prosperity for the last 30 years...until recently that is with the Platian conflict. At 25 years old myself this is all new and almost like and out of body experience.

I've been searching for headlines every morning on the current battle going on. I'm always thinking of Finch and look for mention of him in the articles. Though I've not seen any yet. I notice there are more people in uniforms milling around on the side walks and more guards than usual at residence doors in the richer parts of the city. Everyone seems to be on alert but it's still a relaxed environment.

We pull up in front of Patrick's family's large house. It's like 3 town houses put together with a gate and private gardens in the back. The servants are on it and two men walk out to get Partick's trunk.

"Welcome home, Mr. Calloway." one of them says as Patrick steps out.

"It's nice to be back. Thank you Charles." The man just nods and then motions for Parick to go in first.

Pat turns to us, "I'll see you later ladies! Most likely at the Queen's Basket Luncheon tomorrow."

"Sounds good Pat!" Hayley says. "I'll make sure to scope out the ladies for you." She then winks at him with a smile.

""I'll be looking forward to it." Pat then says chuckling. He gives us both one more quick wave before turning to walk in. Charles and the two others with his trunk follow him.

As we set off only a few blocks from the palace gates now Hayley doesn't stop smiling.

"I'm so excited!" She exclaims. "I've been waiting for this all year! Aren't you excited Lill? I can't wait to see that hunk Duke Whetherington. I had a good time with him last time I was here in the capital. That man is always a good lay."

I giggle at her antics. "I'm just looking forward to finally stop moving and being shown to my suite where I can nap until dinner."

"Oh you're no fun anymore! Remember how we used to have fun? Remember how we would run the halls as soon as we got to the palace, scoping out all the new arrivals and watching which men we'd like to pursue? The last few years you haven't done that with me and I've had to go alone with Patience and Katelyn. Katelyn is betrothed now and Patience is annoying."