Desert Winds (a Percy Jackson AU)

A Beautiful Drawing

     Hazel's cheeks were hot from King Frank's compliment. She had loved to draw from a young age, but her mother had called it an idle habit. For her thirteenth birthday, her father had given her some drawing supplies and since then, Hazel started drawing on papyrus instead of in the dust.

        "Is your father a goatherd?" King Frank asked.

    Hazel shook his head. "He's a merchant, but I've seen plenty of goats in the marketplace and being led to the temples for sacrifice."

     King Frank nodded. "What's life like outside the palace?"

     Hazel looked down at her drawing. How could she possibly explain it to the king? She stood up, an idea making her bold. "I could show you!"

     "Really?" King Frank asked. "How?"

     "You could dress as a farmer and I could show you the city from a commoner's point of view," Hazel said.

    King Frank's lips curved upwards. "Let's do that!"

*****

     Hazel couldn't believe that the king of Assyria was actually listening to her idea. It was the sort of fantastical thing that only happened to heroes — not the daughter of a merchant. He was wearing a much simpler outfit than his royal garments and with his ox-like physique, he looked like a farmer. Hazel had changed from the garments she had worn for the feast into a simpler outfit.

      The feast continued while Hazel showed the king his capital city. Though it was night, the streets were terming with people. Unveiled women whistled at men, eking our a living with their bodies. Old men chatted outside their homes, sitting in the cool shade of the night. Mothers chased rambunctious children, while young women gossiped.

      "The city is alive even at night," King Frank marveled.

     Hazel smiled. "Are you surprised?"

     King Frank looked around, taking in the scenes. "It's more crowded then I thought," he said.

     He wrinkled his nose. "And more stinky."

     It was true. The scents of sewage, sweat, animals, and fish permeated the air. The city was as noisome with scents as it was with sights and sounds. As they returned to the palace, King Frank held out his hand. Hazel took it cautiously. His hands were calloused as if he were a farmer. Hazel imagined what he would've been like if he had been born a commoner.

      They made their way back to the gardens. The air was fragrant with the scents of heady flowers, fresh herbs, and sweet fruits. King Frank met Hazel's gaze. "Thank you for showing me the city."

     Hazel laughed. "I'm sure you've seen it before with your parents."

    "Yes," King Frank said, "bur never like this."

     He grew quiet and his shoulders slumped. Hazel stepped on her tippy toes to pat his back. "What's wrong?"
 
      King Frank sighed. "I miss my parents. My parents both died in battle. I only have my grandmother now."

      Hazel didn't know what else to do, so she hugged him. He looked at her in surprise and hugged back. Neither of them cared if they were being too affectionate because this wasn't about romance — this was about grief.