The Flight of the Eagle (Editing)

Loyalty

The tension in the air didn't dissipate even after the dance had ended. The High Lady still seemed on edge and there were others in the crowd that watched with worried eyes. I knew things had never been good between the Jaisinn and Storm Clans. Since it was High Lord Storm who had killed High Lord Jaisinn. I just couldn't shake the feeling that I had somehow made it worse.

The Second Daughter of Clan Banderjorn glided towards me. Her pink dress as plain as mine. She dipped her goblet into the wine casket, sipping it slowly, "Sometimes I wonder if they even notice as us people or if we are just playthings to them."

"Playthings." I didn't even need to think it over. I often felt more a pawn than a person.

"I think you're right." She finished her wine. "A word of advice, don't believe what Lord Jaser says. He told me pretty words and after he got me into bed, he was a rough lover and hurt me."

"Thank you." It was rare to see a girl helping another girl. "I'm sorry for what he did to you."

"I hope he pays one day." She placed her hand on my shoulder, giving it a squeeze before losing herself in the crowd again.

I could've been there. Without Herald, I probably would've been. My family would've made sure of it. I sat my goblet down on the table for fear of crushing the glasswork in my hand. It wasn't right how we Second Daughters and Sons were treated. Not to mention those born later.

"You look ready to murder." A smooth voice said beside me. He was blonde. The plain green tunic gave him away. The Second Son of Clan LaClota. "I ask that you spare my family when you decide to attack. Well, you can take my older sister." His head was shaved, but he had a nice short beard that was growing in.

"I'll take your sister first, just for you." I said playfully.

"That's all I ask, my dear." He grinned, "I'm Ragnus."

"Sapphire." I returned, a smile on my face.

"I've not seen you around much. They keep you busy?" He nodded to where my father was talking to Lord Jaser.

I nodded, "I'm sure you know all about it."

"I could write the book, darling." He finished his goblet and put it down next to mine, "Dance with me, Sapphire." He held out his hand, giving me the choice, and I couldn't refuse his infectious attitude.

Ragnus' warm hand landed on my hip as we moved to the beat. It was a hard thumbing drum line that seemed to settle into my very being. It carried my soul away to better days, back when Lyanna and I had spent our days laughing and telling secrets under a fur in her bed. I lost myself in the rhythm.

I lifted my dark hair from my neck, moving in time with Ragnus. All too soon, the song was over. He promised to dance with me again later if he could and I agreed, hoping it was sooner rather than later.

"You look like you're enjoying yourself." The High Lady was at my side again, her black dress billowing around her.

"I am." I smiled up at her. I really was. For once, I was just allowed to be myself, not having to worry about messing up and dealing with the beatings that came with it. I'd gotten to see the Capital. It was a dream come true. Now all the stories I'd heard from Herald growing up had settings. Plus that dance with the High Lord...

The celebration was waning. People were making their way outside, couples holding hands, barely keeping their lips off each other. I knew what would be happening all around the camp tonight. I tensed, remembering the High Lord told me to stay behind. I glared at the High Lady, "I'm not staying. I can't."

Her hand clasped my arm, "Yes you are. It's okay."

I jerked hard, pulling her forward, but she didn't let go. Fine. Let's play it that way. "Don't try this. I see you as a friend."