The Royal Engagement

Chapter 19

Calming and refreshing breezes to repel the humidity of the mid-summer's heat were ideal in the high-off bridges that connected the upper section of the castle together. Only here would the sheer scale of not only the castle, but the extension of the Sirium Empire's capital could be seen. Vast plains and forests of greens that would take years to explore; quaint yet troubled towns scattered into one conglomerate of a city. And, the serene blue of the clear sky...breath-taking.

Amy hunched over the edge of the roofed bridge and scanned the ground – slightly unnerved by the height at which she was from it. Nevertheless, it had already earned her favour for the best location in the Sirium castle already.

Out-stretching her arms, she let the wind she breathed in to flutter around her dress. "Isn't this wonderful?" she chimed, addressing the guard that had been following her during her stroll. The guard, clad in his uniform armour gave a short nod in response - too alert to begin a casual conversation.

She sighed and frowned, finally deciding to comment on his stoic paranoia. "Why don't you be at ease, soldier? I'm sure that no one would have the chance of attacking whilst I'm up here."

Yet, he still kept his stiff guard and clarified, "I was assigned to keep you safe at all time, Your Royal Highness. Even in a place such as this, anything may be possible."

Aware that she wouldn't be able to drop his guard, she sighed and reached up for a stretch; yelping soon after. She was quick to grab her throbbing shoulder, panicking the guard. "No, no. Do not fret, it was only the injury," she sheepishly strained out in pain.

"Please be sure to take care of your arm until it properly recovers, Your Royal Highness," he nagged whilst bowing. Amy smiled, ready to dismiss his concerns when a voice from behind her added to the conversation,

"Yes, I agree with the soldier's suggestion. Don't you, Charlotte?"

Amy spun to catch a glimpse of a friendly face she was coming to miss.

"He took the words from my mouth, Wendlyna," Charlotte responded. Amy beamed at them, having them smile warmly in return. They approached her; Charlotte's tight-knit bun complimenting her formal militant dress; and Wendlyna's previously curled bob of hair now naturally flowing straight with the wind.

"It's been quite some time since we last met," Amy sighed, clasping Wendlyna's hands in greeting. "I thought you had no business left in the Sirium Empire after the ball."

"I heard you made acquaintances with her at the ball and thought it be best if she was informed of your recent incident. She told me how she visited your infirmary room every day for her remaining days after you were left in a comatose; so, I called her over. Of course, she could also help me with some of the assistant duties whilst I remain here for the peace treaty," Charlotte explained, looking upon her friend affectionately.

Amy was taken aback by the statement. She wasn't aware Wendlyna cared that greatly for her health. Even after the short time they had conversed.

Gripping her hands tightly, Amy bowed with a grateful smile. "Thank you very much for your concern. It means everything to me."

Wendlyna rested a gentle touch on Amy's cheek and smiled sweetly at her gesture. "You don't have to thank me. It was the least I could do as a friend."

'Friend'. Amy flushed at the word and nodded. "Uh-um, h-how did you find me here?" she stuttered, trying to cover her fluster with a subject change. Wendlyna was ready to respond before Charlotte quickly cut in,

"Well I was just heading to the peace treaty meeting to discuss conditionswhen Wendlyna spotted you by the balcony. We assumed you were coming here and decide to see if you were well," she spoke with a soft-spoken voice, as if trying to appeal to Amy.