Kingdoms In Ruling <Jamilton>

Chapter TwentyTwo...Rise Up/

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\Eliza POV/

"Rise!" My sister screamed at the bread. Not in like, anger or anything, she just liked to scream at rising dough.

I shook my head at the mess of curls currently being attacked by a brush, Angelica attempting in vain to fix Peggy's hair. Peggy only continued to scream at the grain, resulting in various disappointed glances and worried looks sent my way from the elder.

Movement caught my eye and I looked to see a young lady, perhaps my age, peering into the window. She didn't seem to notice me as she pressed her lips into a thin line, presumably trying to hold back laughter. I couldn't blame her - it was quite the view.

Her eyes suddenly snapped towards mind and she gave a sheepish smile, surprising me with her beauty. Could a girl be that pretty? Her sharp cheekbones glinted in the sun, gorgeous brown curls framing her face, softening her features. Despite the unholy red rags that might've once been a beautiful dress, she was...spectacular.

She left all too soon, though. I was disappointed, to say the least; why haven't I seen her around before? The only explanation I could think of was that she must've been from Ser Jefferson's parts.

That really complicates things.

I suddenly remembered Alex. Oh, here I was, admiring the beauty of a stranger while he still aches from a still recent attack on his life. How could I be so selfish? I felt like I was betraying him, in a way, despite the closest thing we've ever done that was even related to romance was hug. Even that had beem a friendly gesture - he had made such a fool of himself in front of a noble, and I had came to the rescue, you could say. The noble didn't even remember what Alex had done by the time I had distracted him with treats and songs.

Another screech tore me from my thoughts and I looked towards Peggy with startled eyes before remembering. The loaf was apparently done, and she was quick to slice and decorate the bread. Angelica stood nearby, idly picked out hair from the brush and letting it drift away. I made a mental note to sweep it up later.

Perhaps I could find the girl before then, though. I couldn't forget a smile like hers anytime soon. I must be friends with her, at the very least.

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\Hercules POV/

"Hey, Burrito, want to play cards?" I called back into the workshop, already shuffling the deck. Burr peeked his head from his room with a huff.

"I told you, Mulligan. I'm busy." His face instantly disappeared as he slammed the door shut.

"You're no fun!" I whined out loudly, snickering at the loud groan Burr gave in response. It was quite fun to annoy him.

"Hercules!" I looked up and not standing far was one of the Schuyler sisters, waving excitedly. A wide grin immediately covered my face as I stood up, gesturing her closer.

Eliza quickly made her way over, enveloping me in one of her great hugs. "I haven't seen you in ages!" The chef exclaimed.

"It's been awhile, my friend." I smiled softly at her, leaning against the wooden railing on the porch. "Alexander hasn't been keeping you to himself, has he?"

A blush quickly flushed through her face and she used her hands to make her point, waving them in apparent panic. "Not at all, no! I-I was just-" Eliza seemed at a loss for words, nervously combing down her hair.

I laughed loud, startling her. "I'm kidding, Liz. So," I continued to shuffle the deck absentmindedly. "What'd you come by for?"

"I need a favour," She took a moment to answer, blush seeming to deepen. "There's this girl-"