Rose Red

Chapter Two

Rebeka urged Aeris forwards, keeping her head down. For the first leg of the journey she had been chattering away with Mirielle, reminiscing about riding memories. When Kipper had eaten all the carrots and had made himself sick, and when Aeris had decided that he didn't want to walk anymore so he simply lied down.

But then a scout from the Prince's company had come riding up and Rebeka had to scramble to cover her head. Now Mirielle was riding at the head of the group and she was at the back, riding in silence with the soldiers. When they paused to cross a stream, she took a moment to appreciate the weather. It was sunny and warm, puffy white clouds dotting the pale blue sky. The perfect day by all means.

A fanfare cut through the silence, the Prince was ahead in a large meadow. As everyone filed in, Rebeka couldn't help trying to steal a glance at the men standing in the middle of the clearing. Two men of obvious importance were discussing something, clothed in fine riding breeches and embroidered tunics, surrounded by soldiers. One was brown haired and had a pleasant look about him, the other was taller then his companion and had a red beard with streaks of blonde.

Rebeka hazarded a guess that they were the prince and either his advisor or page, although she'd never seen a page so finely dressed. Mirielle dismounted her horse and strode towards them, adopting an air of professionalism. She curtsied and crossed her arms.

"Gentlemen, I am Delegate Mirielle Karlton, sent on behalf of King Jordan Karlton and his daughter Rebeka Karlton. I assume you are the ones in charge of this company."

The browned haired one straightened and bowed, and when his companion did not do the same he elbowed him. Only then did the red bearded one bow, although exaggeratedly.

"Delegate Karlton, I am Prince Erek Darlsbrow, crown prince of Garnarrow. This is my companion and advisor Douglas Jaren."

The red haired one stepped forward and extended a hand.

"Just to inform you, Delegate, Jaren is my mother's name. I'm King Garn's bastard son. Since I have no title, you may address me as you please, Bastard Jaren, Garn's bastard, Bastard Advisor, Handsome Bastard. Any variation. Although such language isn't something that usually passes through a lady's lips."

He winked and kept his hand out, as if expecting a disgusted reaction from her. Mirielle regarded him for a moment, then took his hand and shook it.

"Welcome regardless. From now on you will be addressed as Advisor Jaren. Parentage here is worth about the same as slag. We judge based on deeds and morals. Not wether your descended from this rich rat or that one. My father rising to the throne by leading the attack that drove out the wicked Herrows, is a good example of that."

Jaren stayed silent for a moment then burst out laughing. He had a mighty laugh that reached everyone's ears.

"She's got spunk. And fire. And....and something else but I can't think of it."

Prince Erek rolled his eyes and punched Jaren's shoulder, knocking him off balance.

"My apologies, Delegate. He's...." He paused to look at his friend doubled, still laughing. " he lacks discretion with his tounge. All that aside he's a good advisor."

Mirielle smiled graciously and gestured towards her horse.

"Well at least he has a sense of humor. Shall we? It wouldn't do to keep the Princess waiting."