Shalace - A World of Fae

A Chat with the Goblin King

                                              Chapter 9

                            (A Chat with the Goblin King)

Callista was up just as the sun rose. She had a lot on her mind and felt the need to run. She walked out to see four guards jump to attention. “I hope you guys have a way to keep up,” She commented. They looked at her unsure and said, “I need to go for a run.”

Callista almost laughed at the four men for getting horses but didn’t argue. As long as she got to run she didn’t care. She ran for about an hour through the forests before deciding she was hungry. She made her way back to the castle with the four guards.

“Hi guys,” Callista said still panting as she reached her room.

“My Lady?” They said looking at her sweat covered body.

“Needed to go for a run. Be right back.” Callista entered her room and headed for the shower. As hard and fast as she’d run she knew she needed a shower before she offended anyone.

Callista took her shower and quickly changed into a clean pair of athletic shorts and a jersey. She opened the door and started to leave her room.

“My lady, you might want to change,” Cavin said looking her outfit over.

“Why?” Callista asked.

“There are still a lot of visitor here. This might not be the best way to see them,” He warned.

“I don’t have another dress,” Callista said. “I guess I could put on a pair of slacks and a shirt but I don’t think it would be any better.” Not waiting for a response she headed down the hall. She was not going to change her clothes. The four guards shrugged. They figured they’d tried.

Callista walked down the hall and into the dining room. “Morning,” She called out to everyone and went to her seat. “What?” She said seeing several surprised faces.

“Interesting outfit,” A woman said looking at her.

“I like it.” The teenager looked at Embry. “Muffin?” She said smiling hopeful at him. The prince shook his head and one appeared before her. “You rock you know that?” Without another word she started eating her muffin.

She’d been eating for a couple of minutes when she realized several people were staring at her. “What?”

“Did you forget about last night?” Marianna inquired.

“Oh am I supposed to wear the dress again today?” Callista asked confused.

“I believe Queen Marianna is referring to the announcement of who your father is,” King Leoden commented.

“I think you’re telling me something but I don’t get it,” Callista said too honest for any of her family to like. Beven glared at her. Embry looked away. She was guessing so she didn’t see him smirk. “Where’s Grams?” She asked not seeing her.

“Probably still yelling at some guards,” The Goblin King announced from his place further down the table.

“Why is she yelling at guards?” Callista asked.

Your run Cavin told her in her mind.

Callista turned back and looked at the captain of her personal guard. “Are you serious?” She rolled her eyes almost dramatically. “It was just a run!”

“You shouldn’t have been outside of the palace grounds!” Alana yelled at the teenager as she entered the room.

“Why? What’s the big deal?” The girl said openly unconcerned.