Young Writers Society

Rana was tense much of the morning. As she wandered around the library, she couldn’t help but wonder if she was secretly taking some sort of test. Father would occasionally set traps for her by telling her she may do something, when all he wanted was an excuse to yell at her for choosing differently than he would.

She began skimming through the classical literature. There were all of the legends, authors who would be forever immortalized for their difficult prose and frustrating characters. After nearly an hour of browsing, she was thoroughly bored. She kept looking around, to be sure she wasn’t being observed.

Eventually, she worked up the courage to go to his section on war books. She pulled out a leather-clad volume and settled down in the reading nook next to a tall window. She was careful to keep a boring, ladylike book next to her so that she’d be able to switch her book out quickly if her father stumbled across her.

Her reading time went undisturbed for many hours. She was drawn into the text quickly, soon losing track of time and her surroundings as she voraciously tore through the information. It was fascinating. Rather than merely describe war strategy or techniques, as most of the books she’d read did, this book discussed the philosophy behind the thinking of military leaders.

She was startled when Nikolas suddenly appeared beside her. She tensed, guiltily looking up at him as he bowed respectfully. “Apologies for frightening you, ma’am.”

“It’s fine,” she answered, waving a hand to dismiss his concern.

“Prince Synakrein asked me to pass along his regret that he will not be able to join the lady and her father at lunch today. A matter came up that required his immediate attention. However, a meal is being served for the honored guests in the dining hall presently.”

“Thank you,” she said. She didn’t want to have a meal alone with Father. “You may tell my father that he can start without me. I will finish this chapter before joining.”

“Ma’am.” Nikolas bowed again and took his leave.

She didn’t join Father at all. At first, she intended to do just as she had said, but the longer she thought about it, the more she didn’t want to face him at a meal. She was certain she had to have committed some grievous sin by now – and she’d rather skip a meal than endure a lecture.

Rana remained in the library the rest of the afternoon and evening. Nikolas returned at one point to apologize for the Prince’s absence at dinner as well, but otherwise she was undisturbed in her reading. By the time the sun set, she’d read the entire book.

She slid it back onto the shelf and rubbed her stomach as it growled its protests at her decision to skip two meals. If she’d been in Algnes, she would’ve made her way to the kitchen to see if she could beg some scraps from the chef. As it was, she headed to her room.

Rana hesitated in the doorway as she was met by the same girl that helped her into her night gowns the evening before. The girl kindly offered her help again, and soon had Rana changed and alone in her room. As the girl took her leave, Rana noticed a plate stacked with food in the corner.

She smiled despite herself. She didn’t appreciate that the Prince had apparently been keeping tabs on her to know she’d skipped meals, but it was still a nice gesture. Her stomach wasn’t pleased at her attempts at avoiding Father, and she was glad to feed it before trying to sleep.

Rana woke in the morning and decided to lounge around for a bit before facing the formality of the court. So far that trip hadn’t been as terrible as she expected. Rana had no idea how visits like these generally went, but she’d anticipated more time under the scrutiny of the prince.

It didn’t take long before the servant girl came to help her into a gown and guide her to the dining hall for breakfast with Father and the prince. He stood as she entered, walking forward to meet her as she approached the table.

“My lady,” the prince said, wrapping an arm around her in an awkward hug. She stood tensely, enduring the hug in silence until he turned loose and pulled her chair out from the table. She breathed a silent sigh of relief.

“Prince,” she acknowledged, offering a false smile.

This breakfast went much like the previous morning’s had. The prince did his best to think of questions to pose to his guests – only to have Father answer each of them before Rana could’ve answered, even if she wanted to. She did her best to keep it that way.

Rana mostly kept her eyes to her plate and ate in silence, somewhat following along with the dull conversation between Father and the prince. She answered any questions he specifically directed towards with the fewest words possible, then went back to focusing on her food.

“Would you like to see my garden?” Prince Synakrein asked as Rana finished her plate.

“That would be lovely, thank you,” Rana answered respectfully.

“Of course,” he answered, standing. “I shall take you there myself.”

“Prince,” she acknowledged, bowing slightly as she stood. She stiffly took his arm as he held it out to her and allowed him lead her from the room. He led her down several long hallways, down a flight of stairs, and into the cool of the morning.

“How was your reading time?” Synakrein asked as they approached a tall row of hedges.

“Very nice, thank you,” Rana answered. She looked at the wondrous greenery that surrounded them. They walked through a walkway carved through the hedge that opened up to a magical scene. Flowers spread out in all directions in front of her.

There were rose bushes in full bloom off to her left in every color imaginable – flowers in the deepest crimson hues, yellows that could put the sun to shame, and a white so pure she imagined the snow itself wouldn’t dare compete.

Straight ahead there was a blanket of flowers stretching out in front of them. Daffodils, tulips, irises – every flower she knew how to name, and many she didn’t know, of every color of the rainbow. To the right the hedges continued to line a stone path.

“You selected one of my favorites,” Synakrein commented as he led her down the path to the right. He walked slowly but deliberately, watching Rana out of the corner of his eye.

“Nikolas told you, then,” Rana said. She figured that was what she should expect, but she still couldn’t help but feel mildly betrayed that he’d tattled on her.

“Of course he did,” Synakrein answered. “My servants tell me everything that happens.”

“I see,” Rana said coldly.

“As long as you’re not trying to cause mischief,” Synakrein said, seeing her reluctance. “I honestly can’t see why that would be a problem for you.”

“It’s not,” she answered, glancing towards his face. “I simply appreciate privacy.”

“Of course,” Synakrein said, nodding slowly. “I’m sure we could make suitable arrangements.”

Rana wet her lips, chest growing tight once more with apprehension. Her eyes flicked up towards his face nervously, then she focused them on the ground and took a deep breath. “About that.”

“You’ve thought more about my proposal?”

“You have been the most gracious host, sire,” Rana said, words coming too quickly. She forced herself to slow down and speak clearly. “But your kingdom is far from my own.”

“Once we are wed, my kingdom will be your kingdom,” Synakrein said. “It won’t take long for you to become comfortable here. Queens are pampered to their hearts’ content.”

“I do not wish to be queen, sire,” Rana said, finally drawing the courage to meet his gaze. His eyes were as harsh and unreadable as they were the night of the ball. “And I do not wish for this kingdom to become mine. I am pleased with Algnes.”

“And you are not pleased with my castle?” Synakrein questioned, an edge creeping into his voice. “What exactly is it that you are dissatisfied with? The library? The gardens? My meals?”

“None, sire,” Rana answered quickly, hoping to turn away his wrath. Her father was a slight man, yet seemed to find no difficulty in harming her. She didn’t want to imagine the bruises Synakrein might leave if he was riled. “Your palace is a charming as you are generous.”

“I do not understand what your complaint is, then,” Synakrein said. He gestured carelessly at the bench they’d walked up on, offering her a seat. She carefully took a seat and arranged her skirts, waiting for him to settle next to her, before continuing.

“I am too young to marry,” Rana protested.

“Nonsense. Girls your age are wed all the time.”

“Not to kings,” she answered. “I do not have the age nor wisdom to become a queen.”

“You will grow into the role,” Synakrein said dismissively.

“I do not wish to,” Rana repeated.

“I—” Before he could finish his reply, a servant hurried up. The boy seemed young – maybe a few years younger than she was herself – and bowed low as he approached. Synakrein turned his attention towards the boy, narrowing his eyes. “This had better be important.”

“It is, sire,” the boy answered respectfully, bowing even lower. “A word with his majesty?”

Synakrein hesitated a moment then looked back towards Rana. “Excuse me a moment.”

“Of course,” Rana said.

Synakrein stood and strode several meters away and listened to the servant hurriedly whispering something to him. He nodded slowly, brow darkening each moment. “I see… very well.”

“Problem?” Rana asked, standing as Synakrein neared her again.

“I’m afraid so,” Synakrein answered. “I hate to cut our conversation short. We clearly have much we need to discuss – but this is a matter that requires my presence.”

“Of course, sire,” Rana answered.

He hesitated a moment, seeming to think. Suddenly he pulled a small purse from his belt and held it out to Rana. She took it with both hands. It was made of a navy-blue velvet with the Gnamreyian crest embroidered into it in gold thread. It was heavy.

“I’d intended to take you into town,” Synakrein said. “It seems as though I will no longer have my afternoon free, so I’m afraid you will have to take yourself. Feel free to spend as much time in my gardens as you wish and do with the money what you will. It is yours.”

“You’re too generous, sire,” Rana answered, holding the bag out to him once she realized it was a coin purse. “I couldn’t—”

“I insist,” Synakrein interrupted, pushing her hands back towards her chest. “My gift.”

“Thank you,” she answered, bowing.

“Of course,” he said. “I do hope you’ll enjoy yourself. Good day, Darrana.”

“Prince.”

She watched as he briskly walked down the pathway with his servant. She turned her gaze towards the bag in her hands the instant he was out of view, gasping softly when she saw the entire bag was filled with gold coins. She held a small fortune. And he wanted her to spend it.

She hesitated a moment, looking around the garden once more. It was beautiful and tempted her to linger – but the garden would still be there in a few hours. She needed to see the town while she had a chance.