Ascardia

((2))The Mercenary

Nyx was in the gardens, it was truly beautiful. Of course, she had never seen the entirety of it. It was four hundred miles of multi colored roses. One day she'd get to the other side. For now, even a hundred miles in, she was satisfied. The pinks and reds contrasted greatly against the darkness of her hair. Her daggers laid an arm reach away as she lounged by the pond. She didn't think any danger would find her, but she was always cautious.

As she looked at the clouds above her, she noticed the native bird of Ash. Dingas, that meant trouble for Nightingale. She mounted Obsidian and raced back to the palace.

She entered the gates just as the giant eagle landed beside her father, who was questioning a leather clad man, not much older than herself. He was very handsome, he had breathtaking emeralds for eyes, and a chisled jaw, and he looked to be in excellent shape. She noticed he was armed, from swords, to a bow and arrow. She realized, he was the male version of herself.

She guided Obsidian over to the mystery man and his own horse. Her father was reading the letter attached to the eagle. Not paying any mind to his daughter for once. She heard him muttering curses in their native tongue,

"Dingas! Karcas!"

"Hello. I'm Princess Onyx Rose, but everyone calls me Nyx. Like the goddess of night." The man looked at her and bowed.

"My name is Enoch Ashbury. But you can call me Nox." She faintly recalled Ash's native tongue. Nox, meant darkness, and lonliness. Why was this handsome man alone?

"Nice to meet you. What a lovely beast you have." Nox smiled at her compliment.

"Her name is Matilda fastest horse in the world I think. Made a nearly seven hundred mile journey in two moons and three suns."

"Impressive. This is Obsidian. He's faster than he looks." Nox laughed.

"So, you're the Warrior Princess of Nightingale."

"Is that what Ascardia is calling me?"

"Afraid so."

"I haven't even been in a true battle." Her father returned, a troubled look upon his aging face.

"Papiso?"

"Oh Ki'Finesse, we must get you inside, you too Nox. Philip, take the horses to the stable please." Philip bowed to not only the king but to Onyx and Enoch as well. He guided Obsidian and Matilda away. Her father ushered them both indoors and closed the doors himself.

"Papiso what is wrong?"

"Meet me in the grand hall Ki'Finesse. Nox will tell you enough. I must go and get your midra."

Worried, Nyx didn't protest, instead she gathered her skirts and led Nox to the grand hall. She sat on her throne, the one adorned with wooden roses and anxiously waited for Nox to say something, anything.

"I suppose I should start with what and who I am."

"That would help you Diaor!" Nyx all but shrieked. Nox whinced but continued.

"When I was five, I was framed for the murder of my parents. I was banished to the Forbidden Forest with my nanny, Hannah. As I grew older I realized that I knew who killed my parents, my brother Edmond the current Duke of Ash. The same man that has asked for your hand in marriage to get to the crown. Once he is sworn in, he will kill you. I was asked by my sister Lady Emmerson to protect you and I will, but it involves taking you from the only home you've ever known."

Nyx stared at the Mercenary he was the legendary Nox, the shadow you never saw and never heard. She felt great privilege to actually see the Shadow. He had volunteered to protect her.