The Lone House of Fire

Chapter 4

        Azria slowed down when she reached the castle. Her heart remained racing but her mind kept wondering about the other message. 

        She waited for Arman to catch up and when he did, he looked completely disheveled. No doubt that she looked exactly the same. Azria then pulled out a hankerchief and handed it to the tired boy. He was quick to take it and clean the sweat of his brow. He muttered a simple thank you and then they began walking towards their father's quarters. 

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        King Akbar Ali stood patiently waiting for his daughter and friend to arrive. He had sent a maid to tell them and knew that Azria would come running back to the palace as soon as she heard the news.

        King Akbar was a patient man with a steady iron fist. He was known to give wise advice and remain just, no matter the rank. It was why he was called King Akbar The Just and why the kingdom was called that as well. He wore a blue tunic, brown breeches, and a red coat tat contained gold engraving and precious little gems. He had shoulder length brown and gray hair and a beard in which he always took time to trim and pamper, but what usually took . e dearly loved his daughter and knew that one day she would make a great queen, even if she herself had doubts. He knew that when the time came, she would be a fine ruler, with a little help from her family and friends of course.

        Just as Akbar sat, Azria and Arman shuffled into the room. He noted that they both looked tired and worn out. Yet, despite their appearance, Azria remained with a bright smile on her face. Thia made Akbar grin and motion them forward.

        He spoke, "Oh, I see the maid indeed did find you," he then paused and added teasingly, "But I must admit, it appears that time is wearing you down. You are later than usual."

        Azria looked at her father with a playful glare, "Escuse us father, but it is not us who seem wearied down."

        Arman stiffled a laugh but let a smile tug his lips upwards. A normal person would have tried to defend the kings honor or deem his daughters behavior as disrespectful, but Arman was no normal person and knew better. He knew of the loving relationship between them both, and he knew that neither one of them would do anything that would hurt the other. This lively banter was normal among them and anything less would feel strange between the two. So he just stood there, taking in the comical talk. It wasnt until he heard the next few words that he straightened up a bit.

        King Akbar spoke, "A letter from an outside kingdom has arrived........ And they seem to want to visit."