0 - Dawn Of Silver

2 - Blood Kin

3rd day of the hammer season 2439

It was finally the season of the noble knights, magnificent duels and warriors with a fiery character! It was Azena's favorite time of the year, secretly dreaming of being part of it. She was observing herself in the mirror in the mornings and sighing, dissatisfied with her frail and small physique. Then came the time to dress up and it was a world war every time. Serfie, a fifteen-year-old maidservant, was holding a mauve robe in her arms and threatening her with weary expression.

"Come on... Your mother told me you had to wear it today... I do not want to quarrel with you."

"No! I want to play outside with Gendrel!" the six-year-old girl bellowed.

Gendrel was born a season after Azena's appearance and since then they had been inseparable as if they had been twins. Moreover, the misinformed people still thought that it was the case, but that Azena had been afflicted with some illness or curse in regards to her silver hair. She was often treated as the runt of the family by people who were not relatives as well as her grandfather who had never liked her. The latter had departed permanently a few days ago. Good riddance, but that, Azena could not express it otherwise she was going to be scolded as the first time she had done it.

"It's for your dad's feast," Serfie explained with a smile." He was elected ruler of the kingdom, do you understand? It's important to look good. You have to stay inside today."

Azena blinked, uncertain of what a ruler was, but she knew it was an important role that possessed a lot of power. Power had always been synonymous with wickedness for her. Being young and small, there were only a few people who were less strong than her and when there was not a bigger predator in the area to protect her, they were happy to take out their problems on her. She feared for her father; she hoped he was not going to change.

"Who would want that?" She dared to ask.

"I advise you to not ask such questions during the celebrations," replied the servant in a stern voice. "Now put on your dress."

This garment brought nothing but disgust to the girl who made a grimace. Serfie had to run after her round her room to finally force her to obey. She was kicked in the stomach. Fortunately, Azena was still small; it did not hurt her too much.

"Be good! For your father in this happy event and for your mother who has just lost her baby!"

She slapped her hand onto her own mouth, horrified by her own words. For her part, Azena tried to understand the meaning of this revelation. She thought about it for a moment. Her mother had always refused to explain where babies came from, claiming she was too young to understand.

"How do you lose a baby, Miss Serfie?"

The brunette with the curly mane blushed considerably and put her hands on her hips.

"It is now Mrs, Azena. I'm married," corrected the maid by showing the ring she was wearing on her ring finger." And... I think you should ask your mother again. It's not my place to explain that to you."

"Rooohh.... Fine, Mrs. Serfie," grumbled the girl, disappointed with the answer.

She finally let herself be dressed, growling and grumbling at each passing moment until she was finally released from the grip of the newly wed. The latter examined her from the bottom up mumbling comments for herself.

"I think it's acceptable!" she exclaimed finally. "Don't you think? Look at yourself in the mirror."

Azena complied and what she saw nearly traumatized like every time there was a great occasion at the castle. Tonight was not going to be any different: a competition with Gendrel of who will annoy the maids the fastest and will end up in his room first. She pulled her tongue out and immediately she felt a pair of eyes glare at her.