Kingdom Come

Chapter Twenty One: Nise and Drew

I wake up the next morning far too early and feeling exhausted. I know that many people got drunk last night, including my parents, so any royal/noble duties are on hold. Tomorrow everyone will leave when they're feeling better. I pull on a simple 'day dress' which is more of a skirt and shirt that's connected. It's a loose flowy shirt and skirt, and I quickly brush out my hair, ignoring the mess of my face right now. I leave my feet bare, the mere idea of putting shoes on over my blisters making me want to scream.

I walk down the hallway and down some service stairs to the large kitchen. All the chefs are already awake, knowing how many more people they'll need to feed, AND nurse them back from being half dead due to the alcohol.

It's loud, warm, and bustling with life. I wait, watching curiously as everyone rushes around,

"M-may I help you, Your Highness?" one of the chefs asks me quickly, wringing her hands slightly,

"S-sorry! I was just wondering if I could get something to eat real quick?" I ask softly,

"I'm s-sorry, but we've only finished making the soldier's food... could you please wait?" she asks, still nervous. I nod slightly,

"Of course! Please, take your time, I don't want to rush any of you," I tell her, her eyes light up slightly in surprise. "Would you might if I just made myself a drink while I wait?" I ask her softly, she nods,

"Of course, of course," she smiles slightly,

"Thank you! And, thank you for the hard work you do!" I tell her quickly before she has to rush off again. I find an empty stove top and a simple pot. I put some water into the pot, and start it heating. I search around, finding powdered chocolate, a mug, and some mint.

I put a bit of chocolate into the mug, putting some of the mint into the pot, letting the flavor go through the water.

Once the water starts to get just hot enough, I take it off the stove, pouring the water into the mug. I find though that I've made too much water, so I quickly grab another mug, and pour the rest of the water into that mug, carefully keeping the mint leaves in the pot. I put enough chocolate that it tastes like chocolate and quickly mix the drink. I wash the pot as much as I can and take my two mugs, one in each hand.

I start back toward my room, and immediately run into a guard, I let out a soft yelp, fearing I've just not only spilled hot water on someone but that I've also ruined their uniform, instead, the person easily steadies both mugs,

"Thanks!" I say in relief, looking up. My breath catches when my eyes meet with hazel ones.

"Careful Princess," he says with a tiny smile, I offer him a mug,

"Mint hot chocolate?" I offer,

"Ah, I've got to get to training," he says, almost a bit sadly,

"If you stay and drink the mug with me, I'll vouch for you?" I offer hopefully, he raises an eyebrow,

"Has my lady taken a liking to me?" he teases, I chuckle,

"More like I'm bored, and I think you're entertainment," I snap right back, he chuckles,

"Deal. With perks like this," he says, taking the mug from my hand, "I think I might want to stay 'entertainment'," he leads me out, and into the small 'eating' hall for the soldiers, leading me to sit at a small table with two chairs. I happily sit down. I wait for him to take a sip,

"Good?" I ask hopefully,

"Very good!" he says with a grin, I can't help but grin. I take a sip myself, revealing in the warm minty-chocolate.

We both stay quiet, just enjoying the warm hot chocolate. We finish at the same time. We walk in step back to the kitchen and quickly wash out the two mugs. I follow along with him out to the fields. The dew wets my feet, and the sun is just beginning to chase the night away. I remember waking up in the cover of darkness and doing my own training.

The sound of guards doing various drills rings through the air.

"EH! NISE! Where the hell have you bee-" someone begins shouting, though when we turn, the shouter's eyes land on me, and I swear his mouth hits the ground. He has a dollop of bright (BRIGHT) red hair. Immediately more than a few eyes snap to look at me.

"Hi?" I offer nervously, waving slightly,

"Y-your Highness," the shouter stumbles,

"Please don't bow!" I shout as he bends. He hesitates, but obeys, I blush, "S-sorry, but my parents aren't here, so what's the point of bowing," I stumble nervously. He slowly grins,

"Heh, I figured any lass who got little Nise's heart would have to be a saint!" he says boisterously, "and you've certainly captured his heart!" he adds, Nise moves shockingly quickly, suddenly by his friend(?), and clamping his hand over his mouth.

"Sorry! Drew can be a bit of an idiot," Nise tells me nervously, I smile slightly,

"Sorry for keeping you!" I tell him quickly, waving before rushing back into the building and back to my room.