Please review. Harsh critics wanted! Thank you!
Chapter One
A foreigner
Averian Marie glanced up from her books to the large bay window facing the palaces celebrated gardens. Not my view, she reminded herself, It is not my home, nor will it ever be. She heard the clock in the courtyard chime noon. It was nearly time to have her midday meal. She closed her books and meandered out the door. There was a man sauntering in the passageway. He looked at her and then strode boldly over. Midstride, he slipped on one of the many rugs lining the long corridor. She could hardly keep from giggling, as this man rode one of the rugs in front of Averian,
The stranger was stunning, even by her standards. He had sandy brown hair, and a face built for smiling. His grin was slightly crooked at the moment, and his eyes were the deepest green Averian had ever seen, like Assyriac forest pools in summer. All in all, he was a very pleasant man to look at, and obviously very kind, the greatest ruler-to-be in all of Teranad.
But Averian Marie had no interest in any foreign men at that time. In just two months time, she would be going back to her home country, were she felt she had control over the well-being of her people. “Well, I say!” the stranger exclaimed genially. “Aren't you that ambassador, from Assyrial?”
Be courteous, Averian reminded herself. It bothered her when people could not get the name of her country right. It wasn't that hard; but Averian only replied, “Why, yes, I am an ambassador here from the country of Assyriac. I have come to plead a peace treaty between our countries, in this time of civil unrest. My name is Averian Marie Genevede, ambassador, and also crown princess over Assyriac.”
“Oh, how rude of me! My name is Geran Michael, and I am crown prince of this marvelous country known as Teranad. I welcome you to our humble city.”
What Geran had described as “humble,” really did not fit the magnificent city at all. The place was a mass of turrets and towers, bridges and belfries, and a whole maze of other buildings, including spacious living mansions for the rich and privileged, and an imposing church.
Averian loved architecture, but she felt she did not have any time to explore. She had only two months time to convince a board of twenty, stubborn men that Assyriac was even important enough to treaty with. Then she would be on her way home, to were everything was familiar; every stone, tree, and face. She had just arrived, and there was so much to do!
His captivating voice started her out of her reverie. “Do you find your accommodations to your liking?” he inquired.
“Why, yes, “she answered,” I have a remarkable view of your gardens, and very accommodating servants. Over all, it is a remarkable place!”
All the while she was silently telling to herself, Of course not! The sheets are scratchy, everyone always wears dull, expressionless faces, and the food is horribly bland. I miss Assyriac. But, of course, she would never tell the prince that. It was her duty to be the gracious guest, and she would play the part correctly, or all her peace efforts would be in vain.
“Well, may I escort you to dinner, Madame Averian?”
“Well,I,” she searched for a plausible reason for a decline, but could find none,” I believe that would be a wonderful idea,” she declared. And together they walked down the passage and to the Great Hall.
Chapter 2
Negotiations
Later that day found all noble personages and important ambassadors in the castle's courtroom debating what to do about the treaty problems between Assyriac and Teranad. Averian and Geran were seated facing each other, and Averian ventured a shy smile. Geran beamed the largest grin she had ever seen in reply. It was all Averian could do to keep from laughing.
During dinner, Geran tried all the things he could think of to learn more of this curious girl. He wanted to learn what made her tick, for she seemed so different from all the other girls in Teranad. All he could find out was she had six little sisters, no brothers, she was eighteen, and her mother was widowed. This was interesting to him, for he himself had no sisters and only one little brother. He wondered so much more about this remarkable ambassador. Was she happy serving her country here in Teranad? Was she betrothed?
In the courtroom, Averian was bored stiff. She felt like she could never walk again. They had been in this room for hours, listening to the same selfish debate. There is no benefit for us, blah, blah, blah. She just wanted to be somewhere else, like the gardens. She loved flowers. But, unfortunately, this was no matter to be taken lightly. The good of a whole country depended on this. But Averian was determined to win over the nobles.
“Miss Averian, may I have a word?” Geran sauntered over to her as the meeting adjourned. “This afternoon, I will be taking riding to the lake. Would you like to accompany me?”
She felt her stiff back. She had to think about it, but she finally decided that it would be worth having a sore back for some fresh air.
“Well, I have a meeting with the prime minister and his wife in one hour, but after that, I have nothing all afternoon!”
“Wonderful! I will meet you out in the North stables, across from the clock tower, at three. I should have your ride saddled and ready to go by then. Now, I'll be counting down the seconds till it is time!” With that, they parted their two separate ways, each dreaming of a completely different afternoon.
The grand clock struck three just as Averian marched into the stables. She let her gaze wander until it finally came to rest on Geran, brushing a mighty charger. “Well, well, well, I see you have faith in my riding to saddle up such an impressive stallion for me.”
He turned to her with a sheepish smile.” Well, actually, I had intended for you to ride this one,” and with that he pointed to a docile mare passively masticating some straw, “but now I realize you would not even think of riding such a tame little fellow. I suppose we will have to suit you up with a different mount.”
He called to a short, plump, stable boy with huge, bulging eyes, a quick smile, and an accent from somewhere North East of Teranad. Geran whispered a few words to him, then the boy sprinted down a few stalls to the right horse. He led a brilliant white mare out of his stall and over to Averian.
“This otta work well for ya' Mam. We calls him Toby Tempest for the storm you get from ridin him. You best be careful, he might throw you clear off. Hold on tight now!”
She shifted her skirts, climbed on and daintily lighted, sidesaddle, of course. “Thank you very much, Sir…..”
“Oh, Angus Macdonald at your service”
“Thank you very much, Angus Macdonald, but, we best be off.” And together, Averian and Geran rode off towards the afternoon of a lifetime.
