Blood King

Chapter Twenty Three

Chapter Twenty Three

            The Fall Hunt would begin in a matter of days, much sooner than Celina expected, it just seemed like it was only yesterday that her brother Xavier was finally crowned King. And now before she had even realized it the leaves were already changing color to yellows, reds oranges and browns the air began to feel crisp and cool as she looked at the forest from her chambers with the windows open.

This was her favorite time of year; she loved watching the leaves change color making the forest look spectacular. Her blue eyes peered to the edge of the forest, seeing a number of forest folk waiting for their King. Today Tharen would be returning to his lands of the woods, he said previously that he had overstayed his welcome and had important matters to attend back with his people.

            A tiny part of her wished he could stay longer, but the royal in her knew that would not be possible, he had his duties and she had her’s. As nice as it was for him and the few others to be here they needed to go back to what they were doing before.

            “Princess Celina?” Celina turned to see Ann watching her from a distance.  Her amber eyes shined as she smiled softly at the Princess. “Are you alright?” she asked. “You seem down.”

            “Tharen and his people are returning today.” She sighed before looking at Ann once again. “Would it be strange to say that I see him as family?”

            Ann shook her head as she entered the room further. “No, I do not think so. From what you’ve told me and from what Maria and I have seen you have known the Forest King for a long time now, so it’s only natural you see him as such.”

            That was true.

            Ann watched Celina for a silent moment before speaking again. “Princess, if you’d like, Maria and I can guide you and the King in the forest so you can say proper goodbyes to the Forest King.”

            She looked at Ann with slight surprise. “You would do that?”

            Ann smiled. “Yes we would,” she then glanced to the corner of the room and gave a half knowing smile. “Right Maria?”

            Celina looked to where Ann’s gaze went and nearly jumped from her seat when she saw Maria standing in the shadows by the bedroom door. “Maria, how long were you there?” she asked gripping her chest from the sudden jolt that her heart continued to make. She didn’t even see the woman come in, much less make a sound.

            “I’ve been here for at least fifteen minutes.”

            “Then why did you not say anything when you came into my chambers, I would not have minded. If anything I feel rather rude for not even noticing you.”

            Maria simply shrugged. “No harm done Princess, I did not wish to bother you while you were in your thoughts, besides I am your guard if you were to notice me so easily I would not be able to do my job.”

            “Yes but…”

            Ann laughed. “It’s alright Princess, to tell you the truth it’s a habit for Maria to stay quiet and hidden, even while we were traveling to the kingdom she would stay hidden in the trees like a bird. She scared off a lot of bandits doing that I can tell you.”