Two Guards and A Broken Girl

In A Kingdom By The Sea

   Ameren Groaned and slowly opened her heavy-lidded eye lids. She stared up at the domed roof of her bedroom on the 3rd story floor of her house.

   She sat bolt upright when she realized what was wrong. She had been in the meadow the night before and now she lay in her huge bed with a pounding headache.

   Ameren's eyes widened as she recalled the past events. Being struck by her father, running back to her meadow and the stupid deal she had struck with a wood nymph.

   Her fingers rose to where her father had struck her and winced at the sudden sharp pain of her finger pressing against the bruise.

   The sheets rustled as she slid out of the bed and slid her feet into a pair of soft, pink slippers. The door creaked as she slipped out of the room. Her stomach lurched as she thought of facing her father.

   Ameren knew that she'd been a tad bit dramatic and that she'd over reacted. There was only one thing to do if your upset with yourself and need to feel better. Eat.

   She headed towards the kitchen, her reflection watching her in the pale marble tiles. Ameren tensed as she heard footsteps click behind her but sighed in relief when she saw the hulking form of Barren, her only friend other than Bryce. Of course, she'd had other friends, but things hadn't ended well for them.

   Her foot falls lightened around him and her breathes came easier.

   Barren looked at her worriedly, "would you like to talk about it?"

   Ameren shook her head and Barren nodded his. She loved that about him; that he would let difficult topics drop. He wouldn't push her.

   "Headed to the kitchens?" Questioned Barren.

   Ameren smiled. "You've exposed me." She glanced at him sideways. His dark hair hung just above his brows and he had blue eyes that was the color of the ocean, with hints of gold like the sunshine glinting off it. "How'd you know?"

   Barren snorted and grinned revealing perfectly elongated fangs. "Are you kidding me? I've known you since you were a child."

   It was true. He'd watched over her for years. They continued in silence. Not an awkward silence but a comfortable one. The kind that only seasoned friends could achieve.

   They arrived at the kitchen and Barren swept open the door, bowing.

   "My lady." Said Barren.

   Ameren giggled, sleeping gown swirling around her as she swept past. Agatha -the cook- Smiled at her and asked what she would like.

   "I'll get it! Thanks Agatha!" Said Ameren cheerily.

   Ameren headed straight for the bakery and snatched up an entire chocolate cake. It shone under the dim lights cast by the high hanging torches. Barren took the cake into his own hands; Ameren followed him as he led the way back towards her sleeping quarters.

   After eating the cake -Barren hardly got any- Ameren decided to wander the halls and ponder why the Nymph had sent her back when what she needed was to be away from her Father.

   Just as she thought this, she caught sight of her father thundering towards. Was there ever a time he wasn't thundering? His face was beet red and Ameren thought that there might as well be steam flowing out of his ears.

   "Oh golly, what'd I do this time?" Muttered Ameren.

   She braced herself both mentally and physically. His footsteps echoed throughout the corridor and his breathe came and went sharply. Fire seemed to swirl through his eyes; Ameren knew that meant he was pissed.

   "Ameren! You idiot child." Hissed her father.

   "I don't even know what your going on about!" Said Ameren. But she felt a sinking feeling deep within her gut. The deal.

   "Something about a deal? With a freaking wood nymph!" At the look on her face he continued. "Sound familiar?"

   Ameren opened and closed her mouth. Her fathers face was twisted with anger, but some where within them she saw a deep satisfaction.

   "To make up for your... Actions you will be attending a school. Not just any school but a school made for misfits. You will train as an assassin."

   "What!" Ameren shouted. She couldn't even imagine being away from Bryce. It would be like having one of her limbs being ripped out at the joint.

   Ameren's father turned on his heel and started to stalk away. Before leaving he turned around to face her. There was a large grin on his face, teeth flashing in the dim light.

   "Just one more thing, Ameren." He purred, shadows casting his features into sharp relief.

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