One-Two Millennia Isn't Very Different than Before

Chapter 20: The 'Wonderful' trip

Jessica's POV

I left camp the next morning irritated. I didn't want to go, but I went for everyone's sake. A sense of loneliness hit me as I got further from my group and closer to the capital.

I had feigned cheerfulness when I passed the entrance to the wind tribe's capital, Fuuga. If they saw me with low spirits, I would never get to my destination.

A few towns and quite a few hours later, I found a caravan headed to the capital and hitched a ride with them. They were nice people, and they recognized me as a priestess. That made it almost impossible for me to turn them down.

~~

I took a deep breath as we entered the city surrounding Hiryuu Castle. I parted ways with the caravan as we entered because only certain people could approach the castle. I, unfortunately, was one of those people today.

The trek up the hill to the gates was slow paced, but I made it to the top. I saw the guards and walked up to the gate, "Hello."

The guards turned to me, "State your business."

"Okay. Straight to the point," I said softly. "My name's Jessica, I was sent for–"

They moved away and the one from before spoke, "We've been informed. Please head in."

"A-ah," I nodded, "Thank you."

~~

My irritation was back. I was let into the palace about half an hour ago but without instruction on where to go. Therefore, I was lost. Majorly lost.

The castle is extremely big, and I believe I've found myself in an archery training ground, "Lady Jessica?"

I turned to see the man who summoned me dressed in what seemed to be a training outfit, "Soo-won-sama."

"I was beginning to think you wouldn't show."

"Fuuga isn't all that close to here, your highness," I said indifferently.

Although I was treading on dangerous ground, the mostly ignorant king smiled, "I guess you're right, Lady Jessica. We will leave in the morning. I will have one of the servants show you to your room."

"Thank you, your majesty."

~~

The night had passed without the slightest of disturbance, so we started our journey on time. I rode horseback on Soo-won's horse because 'A lady should ride behind a gentleman' and 'There was no time to argue anyway'. Bullcrap. There was no way he couldn't have had someone prepare a horse for me. I personally think he has it out for me.

"Do you need to rest, Lady Jessica?" The ignorant king asked.

I began to twitch and tried not to tighten my grip on him to one with the intent to kill, "I am perfectly fine, Your Highness. I would appreciate it if you would stop treating me like a child."

His majesty's guards, including Joo-Doh-sama, steered their horses slightly away from us in reaction to my comment.

"Eh?" Soo-won questioned innocently. "I wasn't aware I was coming off that way. I'm sorry, Lady Jessica." I calmed my breathing to the best of my ability, and 'forgave' the seemingly ignorant king.

With a heavy sigh, I said, "Let's just go already. When are we supposed to be in Chi'Shin?"

"Oh! You mean like a scheduled meeting?"

The king then looked back at me only to see me deadpan, "No, I mean like a tea ceremony." Then my whole demeanor did a 180, "OF COURSE I MEAN A SCHEDULED MEETING!"

Seeing as how I was sitting right behind him, I may have busted an eardrum, "Sorry, sorry! But there is no scheduled meeting."

". . . What?"

He gave off a sheepish laugh, "I'm going to surprise Lee Geun-Tae." He then continued in a softer voice so only I could hear, "The Earth Tribe is having some economic difficulty with the mines, so I'm trying to find a way to help them. I need your help to make it go smoothly and to help with the idea."

I bit my lip and sighed, "I don't believe I have a choice in the matter, do I?"

"No, not really."

~~

"You know, I was joking when I said 'tea ceremony'."

The seemingly ignorant King laughed, "Lee Geun-Tae, this is Lady Jessica. She's the high priestess of the Dragon's Shrine."

I bowed politely, "It's nice to meet you, Geun-Tae-sama."

"A-ah," the startled general nodded in respect to me, "please, My Lady, have a seat."

"Thank you," I said as I took a seat next to my favorite person in the world. I also accepted a glass of tea from the Earth General's servant. I must admit, for a surprise visit, the tea was probably my favorite part of the trip so far.

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Update! I hope you like it!

I wanted to show some comical relationship between Jessica and Soo-won; I think I did that pretty well, eh?

Oh, well!

Thanks for voting and commenting! You don't know how much motivation it gives me.

Keep reading,
~Ashley