Warprize

documents that needed my attention. I am sure that some of them were important.
    Remn came in, to talk books and the replacement of the stillroom. I am fairly certain that he talked for some time before he left.
    Othur came in, and discussed duties and obligations. He talked for quite awhile, till finally I turned and stared at him. He looked into my eyes, sighed, and left.
    Heath came in, and stood there for a bit. He walked up behind me, and laid a hand on my shoulder. When I looked up, he smiled. “Follow your heart, my sister.” He turned and left the room. And so I sat, mired in sadness and grief, ‘til just after dawn.
    Eln entered. With gentle, understanding hands, he pulled me away from the window, and seated me on the bed. He checked me over quietly, with no comment. I closed my puffy eyes and sat silently, my head aching something fierce. Finally, Eln put one finger under my chin and lifted my head. I opened my eyes to see his concerned face, before a strange look flashed over his features. Eln slapped me.
    The blow rocked my head back, and I saw stars. I jumped up, my hand pressed to my face in astonishment, and felt the heat in my cheek. Eln stood there glaring, his face disdainful. “Is this the girl that demanded to become my apprentice? Who healed the enemy in the face of her brother’s wrath? Who sacrificed her life for her people?” His mouth pursed, like he had tasted bad wine.
    “Eln, I—”
    “No excuses. You want something, you work for it, not sulk in your room weeping like a spoiled child. In all honor, either balance the needs of your people and your desires, or accept your responsibilities.” He drew himself up. “I am ashamed to claim you as student when you act like mis.”
    The heat that flooded my face had nothing to do with his blow. I bowed my head. “I’m sorry, Master.”
    “Then do something.” Eln swept toward the door. “Bathing would be a good start.”
    He left me standing there, looking down at my tear-stained tunic and feeling an utter fool. My old master was right. There was more at risk here than my heart, and I was acting like a spoiled child. Embarrassed, I wiped my face, gathered up clean clothes and opened the door to the hall. Two guards stood outside the door, and a chambermaid was sitting against the far wall. She jumped when I opened the door.
    “Your Majesty.” She curtsied, wobbling a bit as she rose.
    I grimaced. “Not very majestic at the moment.”
    She fixed her eyes on me like a frightened doe.
    “I’m going down to the baths. Would you ask Anna to have some food ready for when I’m done? I’ll come down to the kitchen.”
    “I’d bring up a bath for you, Majesty, if you want.”
    “No, thank you. Just please take my message to Anna.”
    “Oh, yes, Your Majesty. She’ll be so happy.” The girl hiked up her skirts and took off.
    “Wait!” I called after her. She turned, still moving backwards. “Please ask Othur to join me there?”
    “Oh, aye, I’ll tell him you want him.” She called over her shoulder. “Aye!”
    “Make sure you say please!”
    I heard her faint ‘Aye’ as I turned to my guards and looked them over. The younger one shifted uncomfortably. The older one gave me a patient look. “Your Majesty, Lord Marshall Warren’s orders are that you are to be protected at all times. Him and the Warlord’s orders.” sighed, but knew this was a lost cause. I nodded to the guards, and started down the corridor. Scrubbed clean, and with fresh clothes, I sat at the huge table near the hearth in the kitchen, with hot soup and bread before me. The soup was thick with chunks of meat and potatoes. The bread was warm, and Anna was spreading the butter thick with a knife. “Here, child, eat.”
    My two guards were at the kitchen door, far enough for privacy’s sake. Othur sat opposite me, nursing an ale. “Might as well, Lara. She won’t rest until you do.”
    I pulled the bowl close, hoping that the warm food would ease the pounding in my head. I craved a mug of kavage, but knew better than to ask for it. Besides, it wouldn’t taste the same without—
    I cut that thought off, and dug into the food.
    “I can drizzle the bread with some honey.” Anna moved toward the shelves.
    “No, Anna, please sit.” I tucked a strand of damp hair behind my ear, and kept eating. Anna finally settled her bulk on the stool next to me, her smile so large it increased the number of her chins. “There’s so much to plan, now that