Darkefyre (On Hold)

Two

I waited as patiently as a young princess can when under duress. I yanked off my heavy boots, shoving them violently under my bed. I fell backwards into the fluffy coverlet. Its feathery soft, royal purple colour enveloping me in my own brand of comfort. I sighed gently, wishing that my family were here to see me, then realised that the Chronicle, the very people who had raised me, had killed them. Thats when the tears overfilled my striking violet eyes, and my shoulders shook uncontrollably. I wriggled further up the bed, seeking the warmth of a pillow to hug close.

Pull yourself together! What would Arlen say if he was here?

I couldn't take it anymore, I just sobbed harder when the fact that even Arlen wasn't here, hit home. I hugged my giant pillow closer to my already heaving chest and rested my chin on the soft downy fabric. The harsh gold-threaded embroidery brushing against my supple soft skin. I heard Ulhart whistling loudly outside the secret door and swiftly put down my pillow. I raced towards my powder box and dipped my hand in the chalky substance. I whipped my hand round my face, blending as I went, removing traces of cried off mascara.

"Tatiana? Can I come in?" Ulhart asked. I replied.

"Give me a minute."

Whats wrong, Tatiana?"

N-nothing. I shook.

"It doesn't sound like nothing from here."

"Look here, general Ulhart.... If you don't behave I'll demote you, I weakly threatened him.

"Tatiana! You know tears and empty threats don't work with me."

I know but it was worth a try, wasn't it?" I whispered through the door. Surprised that Ulhart could hear me.

"Just let me in, and then we can talk."

I pulled back as the door opened and Ulhart swept forward on his armoured feet and placed his decorated halberd at the side of it. He took off his silver helmet with the royal blue plumes of feathers, and sat on the edge of my bed with me. I watched as he tucked his helmet under his arm, inspecting his bitten nails and hesitated. I waited.

"What happened out there today?" He asked.

"Honestly, I don't know...."I trailed off.

"What did you talk about?"

"Family." I drifted off.

Ulhart just fiddled with the plumes on his helmet again. Unsure of what to say. After all, he had been there that day, at my cottage. He had been there afterwards. He was here now. He'd seen everything. Probably understanding nothing of how I felt.

I watched as his scarred mouth pulled down on one side. His whole demeanour changing. His arm crept round my back and patted once. His approximation of comfort. I took whatever he offered. His chainmail caught on my dress as he tried to remove his arm.

"Shit!"

"I know. Damn fabric. I'll call for Shae." I said.

"No need," he just bent forward, put down his helmet and drew a three inch knife. It came closer and in a swift movement that was both lethal and pure skill; the thread had been cut and the knife was back in it's scabbard at his hip. I sat back and breathed a sigh of relief. Before King Indris' words reverberated through my head.

"Did you know?" I asked.

"Yes, but I'm still shocked, just as much as you are." Ulhart said.

"I can't do this." I put my head in my hands. Ulhart took off his gauntlets and placed a warm, gloved hand on my shoulder. Still trying to reassure me. I took a deep breath in, but when air wouldn't come; I panicked and choked. I tried again. Still no air.