In The Village of Crows

T H R E E

 From the moment I wake up, I feel the jittery nerves. I listen to Jaimie as he prepares his things.

"So, we'll be off discussing the matters of your marriage, as you know." He gives a slight smile, and I can tell his thought process is several steps ahead of what I'm aware of. He smirks slightly as he folds a pair of pants. I watch carefully, folding his shirt and tucking it away in his trunk. "Are there any specifics you'd prefer me to keep an eye out for?"

I try not to laugh, thinking this is the kindest Jaimie's ever been to me. "Oh, I don't know Jaimie. You know the idea of an arranged marriage was never appealing to me. Did you not find it strange when you and Lyssa got married?"

He shakes his head. "No, I had expected it all my life, Alenis."

I try not to let any outward indication of my distaste show. Jaimie barley spends any time with his wife, and though the move was purely political, I have never seen two people less in love.

"I suppose that's true. I should have known better." I give a small laugh to soften my words, not wanting Jaimie to think I'm against it.

"If you're that worried about it, I'll tell you this. One of the princes the king is considering for you is Bran Gardner. Do you remember him? I can try and convince him to go with Bran."

Of course I remember Brandon. We practically grew up together. As a child he was the closest thing I had to a friend. "Sure, something like that would be nice."

I'm surprised by Jaimie's small act of kindness so I don't push it too far. He and I finish packing the last of his things and I walk with him as he carries his trunk outside.

"This will be a good thing for you, Alenis. You'll really help the king and kingdom out. That's the most honorable thing you could ever do. And you'll get to be a queen. Have little princes and princesses."

"Sure, Jaimie. I just kind of thought life might amount to more."

"Nonsense! That's exactly what you were made for. It's your destiny, Alenis."

I just nod my head, not wanting any conflict. Should this go off without a hitch, and I'll find myself in the position to go into town every day.

We approach the horses waiting for my father and Jaimie.

Today, my father looks very regal. You can tell he's on a very important mission just by looking at him. His light hair glistens in the light, and a thin sheet sweat is noticeable on his reddening skin. The long cape and sleeves don't do him well in this heat, but he manages to make it work anyway.

As Jaimie loads up his belongings, I note the similarities. Jaimie's hair shines in the same way, his skin reddens the same. I smile, shaking my head, also noting how the pair are so alike and I could not be any different.

I stand, out of the way, hands overlapped in front of my skirt as the men mount the horses. My father turns his horse so that he is perpendicular to me.

"Do good for me, huh, Alenis?"

I smile, allowing a small curtsy. "Of course, Sir."

He leans down to keep his next words between us. "Don't let them give you too hard of a time. Remember who you are,"

We share a laugh and he smiles and kisses my forehead. "I'm proud of you, Alenis. We'll be back with a marriage proposal before too long."

"Thank you, father."

"Be sure to speak to Fuller. He has something for you."

"Yes sir."

He smiles and on Jaimie's reminder, we say our final goodbyes.

The dust funnels upward from the path and once out of view, I turn back up the steps, flanked by those who helped my brother and father. I hike my skirt up a bit as to not trip, and am off looking for Fuller.

I find him in the library. His kind smile eases my anxieties a little.

"Lady Alenis. How can I help you?"

"My father said you had something for me?"

He gives a wistful smile. "Ah, yes, follow me, if you would."

He takes me into the throne room, and back behind the throne, in a little jutting out in the wall is a door. He opens in up, and in a case is a small tiara, silver with scrolling stones set throughout it.

"Mom's," I say stupidly.

Fuller laughs, unlocking the case. "It's been a privilege to watch you grow up, Princess." He sets it atop my head. "Nothing suits you more," he says as he takes a step back. He looks like a proud parent.

I smile bittersweetly at him. Fuller was a the closest I had to a real parent, with my mom when I was young and my father always busy. "Thank you, Fuller. For everything."

He holds up a mirror for me to look into, and I see the emotion behind his eyes. I stare into it, barely recognizing myself. I look just like my mother did.

"What will you do first, Princess?" He gives me a knowing look.

"I think I have some business to attend to in town,"

He smiles, and I can breathe a little easier.