What Lies Beyond the Ocean

Chapter 23

I jumped back into the present as soon as my body flung forward as the carriage halted. 

"We have reached our final destination," Helivi proclaimed as he opened up the carriage doors, letting in heavenly fresh air into the humid, stuffy coach. Alyard stood next to me, seeming to be calm, but I could sense that he was tense after the ordeal that occurred the day before.

A mob of excited knights darted up to Father; as if he were a legendary bard from another dimension. I see men perhaps around Father's age smiling, laughing, and embracing him- Father reciprocating affectionate actions to them as well. 

Before I could get lost in yet another thought, I brushed my hand to Alyard's arm, feeling fine arm tickle against the back of my hand. Alyard shifted a bit, but did not scurry away from me. Without noticing, I grasped both of his hands and faced towards him, his eyes growing wide with confusion.

"Alyard..." I stroked his thumb. "I am sorry about yesterday... my reaction... that was so wrong and out of my place to do. You have helped so much and done so much to help us get where we are... I'm sorry... for being so self-centered."

He reluctantly grasped my waist and drugged me towards me, pulling me into a warm, sweet embrace. Tension in his muscles dissipated as his eyes glued into mine, a hint of romance gleaming in them. He smiled and kissed me, not needing to provide me any words. It was pure bliss. 

~

We strolled down the corridor, the portraits of former kings following us once again.  Knights that were roaming in the corridors perked up once they realised that Father has returned. Father smiled and waved to them, but kept conversations brief as we neared the throne room, passing the scrumptious-smelling dining hall. 

The servant was escorted us gave us a quick bow, and shook hands with Father, waddling off back into the halls to carry out his bucket of chores. I saw Dasniz's stout, wide silhouette emerge as he rushed out to greet us; his short, wide legs scuttling against the gleaming wooden floor. 

His jaw gaped and his cheeks painted themselves to a light red- eyes not blinking. He seemed to be in a state of hysteria- not sure to believe if he truly was seeing Gael or if he was stuck in a mirage. 

Father excitingly walked up to Dasniz, embracing him tightly. 

"You are looking great after so long!" Father boasted whilst patting Dasniz's shoulder. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a large, muscular woman beam at father with mistrust. I could not recall seeing or meeting her before, so I hypothesized she was either a housecarl for the king or mistress... perhaps both.

"Please be cautious of physical contact with the King, sir." she spoke at last- her voice low and raspy. Her eyes did not seem to blink- her eyebrows furrowed down.

Dasniz shot her a look and cackled like a pigeon. "Samena, do not fret. This is Gael Wallensport- a good old friend of mine."

Samena rose one of her bushy brows and solemnly nodded, walking away, but keeping her eyes glued in our direction.

"Who was she?" Alyard piped. "I do not remember her..."

"Ah! Yes, she is my housecarl... but she was out visiting her own family whilst you guys were initially here. No need to worry about her. She's like that with everyone."

Father nodded. "I can tell. She was tough on everyone, even back when she was not yet housecarl! She was a cook originally, but was ambitious to gain the position of housecarl after her father, the previous housecarl, died. I remember that vividly- attending  her ceremony and all."