nylaaaaa

[nylaaaaa]

Little secret

Chapter 6. Creature Problems

I had been walking for what felt like a long while but realistically I had just passed the stump that told me I'd been walking 5 minutes. There isn't much in the forest that I had to pass to get back home, but the scenery alone makes the trip worth while. It had a breathtaking emerald green that swirled into mossy brown. The wood trunks that held the leaves lined a million year story in the vibrant wet mud brown that glossed over all the trees. The floor was an autumn brown thanks to all the leaves falling down. The satisfying crunch of the leaves told you autumn was in it's prime and we get to hear these sounds for a good couple of months longer. I had walked at most 2 minutes more before I felt a horrid pain in my right leg. It shot up abruptly and made me fall on myself. The pain was so unexpected I landed on the floor in shock and couldn't make a sound. I wanted to scream but even opening my mouth created no sound. The pain was extreme but so odd. It felt like it wasn't in my leg but I could feel it. I grabbed onto the nearest tree stump I could find and used every fiber of strength I had to lift myself on to it. I have no idea why I'm in pain but I do know I can't keep walking like this. When I finally managed to sit on the stump my hand immediately went to my leg to try soothe the pain. In the midst of it all a faint sound flew around the air. I've heard it before but it's so faint I couldn't make it out. 

Ne.....g....h

There it was again. It sounded broken and hurt. The sound was more clear this time but it still felt foreign.

NEIG........H

Is that....? Did I just hear a horse? Are you kidding me? Is this the sound of death? I've heard that same horse all damn day. 

The pain evaporated as suddenly as it came and I shot up unexpectedly. Am I really going to chase this sound again? yes.

I steadied myself as I attempted to guess where the sound came from. I could've sworn it was more dominant in my right ear, so right it is. 

There it is. The horse. The light grey beauty was lying on the floor with it's hooves sprawled out. The majestic creature was in a horrid pain and I could pinpoint it was in their back right leg. I could only tell this because that's the leg that was twisted in a bad way. This horse must've tripped. I felt horrible seeing this sight. If a horse couldn't walk it served no purpose. I didn't know how to help it but if I don't the poor thing will suffer untill someone else stumbles upon it and kills it. So without thinking I timidly stalked closer to it and attempted to stroke its mane. 

"Easy there, I won't hurt you. I'm here to help." I forced ny words to come out slow and smoothe, like that of a mother calming their child. In an odd way I felt like this horse was my child. The horse kicked a bit trying to back away only to fail and hurt itself more. I paused allowing the horse to see I would take it at their pace and it calmed down a bit. It's grey body had white spots dotted around it and the mane complimented the colours with its silver hue. The sun wasn't poking through the crevices so the horse looked darker than it really was. I settled my hand down and gently stroked its back. It didn't try to move so I slowly brought my hand closer to it's leg.

This was going to hurt both of us.

Without much warning I snapped the leg back into place and the horse's cry brought tears to my eyes. It kicked and fought against the air and I couldn't help but feel terrible. What else could I have done? 

The horse's cry came to a sudden end when I noticed my hand had found it's way to it's leg again. Maybe the pressure and warmth of my hand was helping ease the pain? The horse's eyes stared at me, I saw a lot of emotion from this one creature. 

"You'll be okay." I tried to convince myself more than the horse. This poor thing. I gently removed my hand and watched as the horse slowly attempted to stand. It took a while and eventually I had to step in to help but the horse was finally on it's feet. It was limping but moving. Hopefully the leg heals before someone finds it. 

I didn't want to dwell on the horse so I continued to go on my way home. This was an interesting event that Isaieth would more than likely not believe.

...

"I'm not here to kill her Isaieth I'm just here to wish her a happy name day!" That voice... I recognized it. I had only just reached the farm again and saw there was a woman seemingly having a fight with Isaieth. My fighting instincts kicked in but I decided not to show I was here just yet. Isaieth taught me to stay back if I ever saw trouble and only to intervene if it seemed necessary. Although I slightly feared his life was in danger every second I stayed back I still listend to his words. If this woman was dangerous I would need to stay alive to warn others. 

"You don't have permission to see her anymore, Tiana." Wait... Tiana. As in.... the woman who abandoned me, Tiana?

"Oh for heaven's sake Isaieth, will you just let that go. So I had other things to do when she was young, it's not my fault. I'm here now, surely that's all that matters." I looked deadpan at the scene that was escalating infront of me. This women had left me so she could get drunk all her life and she's acting like it was "important business". I can't believe it.

"You lost the rights to her the second you left her alone." Isaieth's voice was raised and honestly it scared me a little. Even when he was a knight he never raised his voice at anyone. I knew Isaieth knew who Tiana was, that's why he adopted me, but I didn't know he absolutely despised her. 

At this point in time Tiana had to be 51. She had me when she was 33 so it had to be 50 or 51. I don't really know and I don't really care. I stopped caring before I even learnt about her existence. She chose to go, I only wish she chose to stay gone.

"She's my kid Isaieth, no matter how much you're against me seeing her I will always have more of a right than you." She's actually wrong with that. If a parent, for whatever reason, abandons their kid, they lose all rights to the child and are not allowed anything the kid has. The law was made years ago when a woman who abandoned her child tried to come back after her kid became rich. It was a horrible thing and I'm glad the law got set in place.

"Would you like to ask the king that." I, and probably Tiana, knew his threat was an empty one. No matter how angry he might be he wasn't strong or capable enough to go along with his threats.

"Oh shush Isaieth. Why don't you let the kid decide, I'm sure she misses her mother." ha. No I don't.

"No." Tiana turned around with a bit of shock on her face. It was true what the king said. Looking at her felt like I was looking at an older version of me. The only difference we had was that her hair was greying and her stomach stuck out from all the alcohol she had chugged throughout the years. The rare platinum blonde poked through the greys and made it look like an ombre. I don't know how but Tiana and I were one of the only beings on earth to have this hair colour. The king labelled it platinum blonde after discovering that it looks like someone had poured melted platinum over blonde hair. Her summer-y blue eyes looked like electric and made her tanned skin more pale. It was odd how an eye colour can change your skin tone. Because I lived outside the majority of my life my skin was more tanned than hers but we had the same olive undertone. And just like all the men said, her body was overly curvy, like mine. No one could try claim she wasn't my mother. We were basically twins. But it doesn't mean I accept her as though she is my mother. She is merely another human who breathes the same air as me. That is all.

It took Isaieth a bit longer to realise I was here because, obviously, he couldn't hear me. When he did however his face changed so much you would almost believe he mutated. He went from angry to calm in a split second.

"I do not want to see you." I continued. Isaieth had to squint to read my lips but really he didn't have to read my lips to know what I was saying. We've spoke, well I've spoke, about my mother before and I made it overly clear I wanted nothing to do with her like she does me. I have no idea why she's here now but I do not care enough to find out.

"Natalie.... Is that what they named you? Natalie I'm sorry I had to go but I'm here now. We can work out our issues. Just let me wish you a happy name day first. I can't believe you're an adult now. It seems like just yesterday..."

"You abandoned me." I finished her sentence for her before she could blink. It stunned and annoyed her, she didn't try to hide the emotions that stuck to her face. Tiana let out a loud sigh. I was bored of her presence already. I just want her to leave now.

"Listen, Nat... I'm in town for a month, you might aswell try to be civil." Uh, no. I don't have to do a thing for her.

"Don't call me Nat. You didn't give me the name you have no right to shorten it. And I do not care where you are I will not be civil to a person who is not worthy of kindness." Isaieth was struggling to keep up with our conversation, I could tell. He had to keep looking between us to know just a few words we had said. I felt bad that he was in the dark right now. He doesn't deserve to be left out, she does.

"You're being a bit harsh child." I stopped looking at her immediately and gave a warm smile to Isaieth.

"Is dinner ready?" I signed the words as well as said them so he doesn't have to read my lips to know what I said. He let out a breath and smiled to me. He nodded and it made my smile grow. It was about midday right now but I was starving. We both missed breakfast because of how excited and scared I was to go to the castle by myself. The tour lasted a while, longer than I wanted, but it made a good couple of hours pass by and made my body get hungrier and hungrier. I sidestepped to avoid being any closer to Tiana and left her outside. Isaieth followed and did the same. I do not care where she goes so long as she isn't in my sight.

(A/N The mother's backstory is really interesting and I want to add it in here but I also don't want a redemption ark for the mother. She's bad through and through.)

[nylaaaaa]

Little Secret

Chapter 5. Clay Disaster

(A/N Don't think I'm sexist against men or women. Lol. It's for story purposes only, I'm for all genders and beings :).)

The main shed screamed the words barracks. It held shelf after shelf of endless weapons and random armour.

Cynthell's animal is a horse. Each land has their own animal that represents their land. Ours is a horse because we have the greenest land of them all. We're the second largest and main land in the kingdom. Horses are bred here and many roam around free from anyone. We call this land the "running land". The main land in all the kingdom that houses the main king is Ghospel. Their animal is a lion. The fiercest of all animals. Their saying is "fight like a lion, bed like a horse". The reason for their saying is because of the whole 'rule' in fighting. After a battle won you would return home and bed all the women you can get. It's like an extra battle for dominance. You were only allowed to bed an unbedded woman, if someone else had claimed her you were not allowed, if you tried then you would have to fight the one who bed her previously. I think it's incredibly stupid but that's men for you. Our crest would be hand painted onto shields to show people of our land. The armour would be tailored to have a sign of the crest also. It would be an insult to the king if you didn't proudly wear the crest.

The king had settled near a few smiths working on new weapons. Among the people he settled by was the infamous princess. It was known that she had a hobby of sparring the untrained soldier's and knight's. I wasn't sure if sparring was a thing she enjoyed like a soldier would or she just does it because there's nothing else to do, but apparently she's really good.

"Felicity, this is Natalie. Isaieth's girl." The king turned gesturing to me. Felicity, more commonly known as 'Juliette', stood at a good few inches above me. She was known to be the smallest of the royals but even she was rather tall. The average height of man was 5"8 and she looked to stand at exactly that. Everyone knew that the princess turned 19 the day after Mathias. They would've shared the same birthday if the queen had pushed a little harder that night.

"Pleasure to meet you, Natalie." Her warm feminine voice perfectly matched her look. She was almost a spitting image of her father. The only difference is she shared the same glowing green eyes as Mathias. Her hair was long and tied up in random places. It kept the front part of her hair out of her face, but everything else fell loosely. The sunlight that tore through the cracks hit her hair and coloured her blonde hair in gold. 

"Pleasure to meet you too, princess." I extended my hand and bowed to kiss her hand. She had soft skin that felt fragile. Everything about her screamed royalty and not just because she looked like her father. 

"Please, don't be so formal. Makes me feel old." She laughed away my formality and I stood up awkwardly. 

"Boss, we finished the armour." One of the smiths cut in. Juliette (the princess's full name is Felicity Julitette Bernard, she goes by her middle name 'Juliette' to strangers, but close friends and family call her Felicity) turned to the smith and looked in awe at the new piece of armour. I couldn't see too well because I was so short, and quite a bit far from the armour, but I could see it was altered to fit a feminine body. My guess is she got it made for her for sparring.

"Thank you Augustus." She reached through the sack that lay tangled in the rope around her waist and threw Augustus a few coins.

"I trust that's enough." Her voice turned stern and caused Augustus to not even check it was the right amount of pay. He scurried away with a tinge of fear caressing his features.

"Please stop bullying the poor boy." The king laughed to Juliette. She gave him a smile and they went on to chat about the piece of armour. I guess the tour has been forgotten for now. The cry of a boy forced me to turn and move on the direction. It was law that boy's learned to fight but those who were young were not allowed to get into fights yet. This boy sounded like a child, so his cry made me feel like hebwas in trouble. I exited the barracks without looking back and saw what I was unfortunately expecting. There was an older man, looked roughly 30 odd or atleast late 20's, towering over a boy. Broken clay pots surrounded them and told a story. It appears the boy had probably stumbled into the man and dropped the pots. It was no reason for the man to get angry but, again, that's men for you. 

"Is there a problem here?" I said with authority in my voice. The second he turned around he looked even angrier. I knew why, it's because a woman spoke down to him.

"Go away, this doesn't concern whores." Oh enough of that. I can't help having a woman's body for heaven's sake. I roll my eyes not caring if he gets angrier.

"Luckily for us then, there aren't any here." I heard a distant laugh telling me people are watching. It made me instantly embarrassed. I was going to protect this kid whatever it takes but knowing I've created a scene scared me. 

"Are you so sure. All women are used for is to bed, they serve no other use." I scoffed at him. What an asshole, and I thought Mathias was bad.

"You should be nicer to women, they birth idiots like you." He immediately dropped the kids collar at this and began to march at me. Almost like no time had passed at all, he appeared infront of me. Hand raised and SMACK! ouch. I stumbled back slightly and instinctively raised my hand to my cheek. I was more stunned than hurt. That prick. Before I could retaliate or say another thing a sword glistened in the sunlight threatening to burn the clothes it latched onto. The man standing before me had a scared look on his face and turning my head to the side told me why. Mathias. Mathias had his sword infront of the man stopping anymore movement he threatened to make. The look on Mathias's face was calm and actually humoured. He was having fun, wasn't he? 

"My my, what do we have here?" Mathias moved his sword to point between the two of us. His playful look dominated the calm exterior. That prick, he was having fun!

"It seems to me someone has broken a law, does it not?" Oh right. The law. The king put out a law against violence towards women when he had his daughter. I always assumed it was because he was afraid someone might try harm her. I also assumed that she started sparring because of his fear. 

"I...I....I didn't do anything! I swear!" The man stumbled on his words and threw his hands around. Clearly he was terrified. ha.

"It seems to me we have a liar aswell as a law breaker. Would you like to add more to the list?" Mathias poked the mans stomach with his sword making the man move backwards. His face screamed 'help me' but I was not listening. Not yet. 

"Enough Mathias. Just hit him back and be done with it. Stop playing with the man." Kennedy held out his hand to grab Mathias's shoulder. Mathias's face went from playful to angry and then calm. 

"If you say so." Mathias raised his sword and slashed the man's face. Punishment for this crime was actually to be jailed for a week without food and then hit. Whatever they did to the woman the men did to them. This man however did not slice my face. This only proves that men love to fight. 

"That was a bit excessive." I half whispered to myself. It was clear Mathias heard it however with the glare he sent my way. I gave him an embarrassed smile and he left the training grounds. I don't know his reasons for leaving considering he has men to train, but who am I to question what the author makes him do.

( >:( )

"Are you okay?" Kennedy reached his hand to touch my face but out of instinct I backed away. I'm not really afraid of men per say, I just don't like contact. He hesitated to try again and instead put his hand back down to his side.

"I'm okay. Does Mathias enjoy fighting or something..." my 'question' was rhetorical but he answered nonetheless.

"Sometimes yes." He laughed. His laugh was a mixture of warm and harsh. It was enough to make you laugh along, but yet I still didn't. Right now all I felt was a bit of fear, not towards Kennedy or the man, but towards Mathias. There is something wrong with him. I know men like to fight but none of them smile while doing it. 

"Are you okay?" I turned around stunned to see the king behind me.

"We saw what happened, I'm sorry we didn't step in sooner, I didn't think the man would hit you, especially here." His face had worry and sadness written clearing over him. He's probably thinking of what Isaieth would say to him right now.

"It's okay. I guess in a way Mathias saved me." Kennedy scoffed and turned away. Odd. The King's eyes turned softer as he started leading me out of the training grounds.

"Go back to the castle to collect your pay for the produce and head back home, we can continue the rest of the tour tomorrow." He rushed me away and wouldn't listen to any protests. I forgot he wanted me to come here tomorrow anyway for the spar. Surely after what happened he wouldn't want me to go back there. 

"When you get your coins just put the rent pay in the room I met you in today." I gave him a quiet 'okay' and walked back to the castle by myself. Was it just me or was he in a rush to get rid of me just then?

[nylaaaaa]

Little Secret

Chapter 4. History Lesson

The outside hasn't changed at all, the soldier's and knight's went back to sparring. The merchants were still shouting the song of selling. And the air was still icy. I wasn't expecting much of a change but considering I was in the castle for possibly an hour I assumed some things would be different. Maybe the air warmer, or the voices quieter. The sound of a horse broke my trance again. That damn horse. I looked around to see the king and Mathias had already been walking for a good minute. Crap, better catch up.

"Here's a history lesson for you. These training grounds were built 2 years after my father's father was named king. The old king thought a training ground would be perfect for his son to keep the peace. We were actually one of the original lands to have a training ground. After news got around that the king was training his son to be strong other lands did the same. I believe they felt threatened that my father was the only one in the lands who knew how to fight properly. Eventually when my father got older and trained his own men he sent people to other lands to help train other boys and men. He wanted to keep the peace by making everyone be equals." I watched intently as the king described the history of the training ground. I knew a piece of the history, Isaieth's father was one of the first men to train and become a knight. Knight's and soldier's existed long before this but they weren't trained in combat. They just knew what a sword was and that it was used to protect their own people. The old king was the first of the land to think people should know what to do and only those who are trained should be knight's and soldier's. I agree with it. Personally I wouldn't want just any guy following me as protection if they could barely hold a sword. Mathias's eyes squinted in the sunlight that hugged his skin. You could tell he wasn't listening, but he probably knew all of this already.

"Cynthell was the first land to have trained knight's and soldier's but we weren't the first land to actually have knight's and soldier's. That was Ghospel. Ghospel was the first of all the lands to hire a person to be a knight. They were the first of the lands to also break peace among all lands. The king, known today as the 'broken king', hired the strongest man in his land to slaughter the men of the next town to his and capture the women. He started a war among many, some craved power and money just like the broken king so they took his side in the war. Even with his allies he didn't have enough to win and he knew it. So he did it quietly and slowly. Every fortnight he would go to a new town or city, only a small one, and he would kill the men in their sleep. The other kings of the lands got word when one man escaped the town and that's when the first war started. At first no one knew who was doing it because the broken king wasn't the only power hungry king out there. But when allies started getting caught and tortured they discovered a pattern and linked it back to the broken king. The broken king noticed his missing men and went into hiding quickly. Unfortunately just because he had a few knight's to protect him it didn't mean they would do just that. These 'knight's' are what we call mercenaries today, they fight for money, not honour. So when the high king of the lands offered a higher sum to capture the broken king, they did just that. He got his name as the broken king because when they captured him, they broke a different bone for every high person he killed. They ended up breaking every bone, some more than once, as punishment for his crimes, giving him the name of the 'broken king'." I had a look of pure shock and disgust plastered on my face. I knew bits of this history, Cynthell is my town after all, but to hear the full thing made my stomach churn.

"Do you think it was necessary to share such a gruesome story with a lady, father?" Mathias didn't show emotion with his words. I couldn't tell if he pitied me knowing the story or just wanted to claim I was a scared little girl. I felt insulted either way.

"I enjoyed hearing the history actually." He rolled his eyes to look at me for a split second.

"These stories are not for a lady." He turned back to his father ignoring me completely. I really hope he doesn't tag along for the whole tour.

"Nonsense boy, it is the women who share the stories. They are made by, and for, the ladies." As sexist as that sentence was I did have to agree. Unfortunately men and women are very different. The men go to war and the women care for their offspring. Some women try to break out from the norm but it's very rare that a woman is allowed to learn to fight or do anything apart from cook, clean and care. But stories were made from women. We create and share them. This story was actually shared by the high king's wife, she wanted everyone to know of the trouble that day caused and if anyone were to break the peace again that they would receive the same fate. They even wrote it into a book that they later copied into other books and sent to the separate lands. 

The sounds of the sparring grew so loud that it became deafening. I could only assume we were here now.

"Ah, it appears we have arrived. Sad, I still had more to say. But oh well, we shall save it for another day." Oh great, more stories with the king. I wasn't entirely opposed to it, I like speaking of the history but I'm not sure Mathias knows how to walk if he isn't with the king. And that is what I'm opposed to.

The king stopped infront of a few trainees who sat on the floor. They both wore minimum armour but were drenched in sweat. You could smell the sweet scent even from a few feet away. The smell of sweat was disgusting but they disguised the smell with the flowers that bloomed all around the training ground. So the scent was like a sweet B.O. they were talking amongst themselves seemingly trying to catch their breath. You could tell by the dents in the swords and armour that they had been training hard just now. The king ignored the 2 men and looked around for, who I believe to be, Kennedy. The king's eyes lit up at the sight of a caramel mixture haired boy and instantly I knew him to be Kennedy. You couldn't forget that marble blend of ashy brown and blonde. The golden honey aroma flew and dsnced in his eyes as they moved ever so slightly to oversee his men. Because the king had 2 sons he gave half the army to Kennedy to train and the other half to Mathias. Or so that's what I was told. It could be false, rumours tend to get out of hand in this land. 

"Kennedy my dear son, I would like you to meet Natalie. She's Isaieth's girl." Kennedy jumped a tad at the loud voice of his father. When his eyes locked with mine his smile instantly returned. He jogged over making the armour crash together in loud clangs. Once he reached us he outstretched his hand and I returned the gesture for a handshake. Contact of any kind was not my favourite, but it would be rude to refuse a royal. 

"Nice to properly meet you,  Natalie. I trust you're okay after the fall an hour ago?" Ugh. Why did he have to bring it up. I smiled and nodded nonetheless but I didn't feel like reliving the situation.

"Fall?" All 3 of us looked to the king almost forgetting he wasn't around for the fall.

"One of the soldier's tried to bed her too early during a spar." Mathias said to his father with humour lacing his voice. Kennedy slapped him on the back of the head and gave him an annoyed expression. Mathias's hair bounced wildly and fell upon his anger filled face.

"That is not what happened. Two of the soldier's were sparring and one got knocked off his feet. He ended up crashing into Natalie and they both fell to the floor." While saying the last part Kennedy glared to his brother who gave him a smirk. The king went out of character for a moment to roll his eyes before coming back and filling his face with annoyance. 

"Will you two just get along, you're brothers for heaven's sake." At this the 2 boys did a mini spar with  each other and disappeared from our sight.

"Boys. I'd rather have 20 girls than those 2." I laughed at his comment knowing he would be saying the exact opposite had he have had 20 girls instead of those 2 boys. 

"Brother's are always like that, I've learnt. My past friend had 3 brother's who fought all day but come night they were best of friends and protected the other with their life." The king smiled at my comment. It wasn't said to console him it was just a fact I learnt about brother's from my own friends. But I knew his smile from was the fact that he knew the brother's would do the same thing. Out here they seem to not get along too well but even with the messing around you can tell they care for each other. They are family after all. 

"How is Isaieth doing these days, I haven't seen him for a good month." We both chuckled to each other. Isaieth hasn't really changed, he's still deaf and has a bit of trouble seeing. He still helps with the farm occasionally. And we still cook every so often. So I don't really know what to say.

"The same I guess. He doesn't change much." The king's chuckle turned into a full blown laugh at that. 

"Oh that boy hasn't changed since he was born." I laughed with him thinking of what Isaieth might've been like as a kid. Obviously I wasn't around when Isaieth was a child so I only have my imagination to tell me how he might've been. I liked to think he was the same tough guy even at 5, walking around protecting the innocent.

"Have you ever sparred with anyone, Natalie?" I looked to the king to see his face was serious. I was caught off guard a tad. I didn't expect him to ask anything like that.

"Isaieth trained me a bit when I was younger. The farm was always the most important business but to keep us fit, and also incase anything happened, Isaieth would often surprise spar with me to make sure I can protect myself if need be." The king had a half smile on his face. One that showed he was happy I knew how to care for myself but also one thay shoeed he was sad I had to learn to care for myself. Fighting wasn't a women's job, so when they learn to fight there's usually reason. Like with me for instance, Isaieth taught me because he can't protect me like he did with the king. So when I was 16 he started surprise sparring with me to make sure I was always ready to protect myself. 

"Would you like to learn some proper moves? Not with swords because that's too dangerous for a lady, but we teach self defense for the women who really want to learn or the boys who are too young to learn with swords. I believe Mathias and Kennedy will be teaching that tomorrow." Oh no. No no no. I do not want to spar with those boys tomorrow. He can't be serious. I know he's doing it for Isaieth's sake, because when I was young I would overhear their conversations. Isaieth had a fear that my mother may end up being stupid one day and I would have to protect myself because of it. Him and the king worried I wouldn't be able to. But I'd rather know the bare minimum than learn from Mathias. 

"I don't know... there's a lot of work on the farm that I have to do tomorrow. I have to replant all the crops and that will take me the whole day." It felt too rude to outright refuse so avoiding was my best bet.

"Nonsense child, Isaieth and my maid can do it this once. She isn't skilled in farming but Isaieth will atleast be able to talk to someone else for the first time in his life." He let out a breathy laugh. It was true. Isaieth stayed away from people except for me and the king. He knew my mother and that's why he adopted me but he's grown to hate her now. Isaieth's social life wasn't what was most important to me right now though. The king was insisting I come here tomorrow. I'm not sure even a no would let me stay home.

"Okay, I will come tomorrow then. But it will feel a bit odd sparring with the boys. I've only ever done it with Isaieth." The king looked in thought for a split second.

"That's what these are for, young lady. They are to teach you, you don't need to be good to learn." I gave him a slow nod and he seemed pleased enough by the answer. A loud clap of his hand stunned my and made me flinch.

"Right! Well I think we've distracted these men enough. Let's go meet Felicity shall we." His question was more of a command. He turned ever so slightly and walked through the sparring men into the back of the field where the sheds scattered around. I followed slowly  behind trying not to accidentally get involved in a spar. 

[nylaaaaa]

Little Secret

Chapter 3. Introducing Mathias

Cabbage for sale! Get your cabbage for sale here! Wouldn't want to spend the harvest eating a bland dinner now would we?" 

"Tomatoes for sale! Ripe and fresh! Perfect for all occasions!"

I ducked and weaved past all the stalls that scatter the outskirts of the castle. An abundance of people live just outside the castle walls but only a few of the "outside people" live inside the walls. Considering the majority of people live outside you would think the stalls would be set up there. I gave a forced smile to every merchant I ignored while moving around everyone as though I'd done it a thousand times. Truthfully this was my first time alone. But even with Isaieth I never had to deal with the stalls that blocked even the tiniest bit of gravel that blended into the path. He was a known friend of the king so he was allowed to go through the shortcuts, even though I'm known to be his adoptive daughter I don't get the same treatment as him. My mother and father ruined my reputation with their childish ways and so now people tend to ignore me or simply forget who I am.

Every rough step I took matched the beat of swords clanging against each other. This can only mean the knight's and soldier's were sparring again. They do this almost everyday. You can hear the swords hit against each other even from Isaieth's plot of land. The faint but strong cry of a horse froze me in place. I've always been more empathetic to animals than humans. Isaieth always told me it was weird and I should stop trying to befriend animals but for some reason I just understand them more. The cry continued, louder this time. I don't know where but somewhere a horse was scared. I hugged my basket of produce closer to me and without thinking headed to where the noise was located. 

The grunts and cries of maybe 50 men overpowered the sounds of icy wind. The horse was scared of the sparring and I'm not surprised. I would be too. I didn't notice I had just stood in the same place looking dumbfounded untill a huge man crashed into me forcing us both to land on the chalky and tough ground. I heard the sound of laughter before the rough and powerful voice of a man broke through the air.

"Alright that's enough!" Both the grounded soldier and I looked stunned towards to direction of the noise. A tall man with a prideful and powerful aura danced through to gaps of the men who stood in the way. He had to be royalty. The only men that tall in this land was either Isaieth or someone from the royal bloodline. He looked far too young to be the king so that left one of the two prince's.

"Rowan... You're meant to sleep with the whores after a fight, not before." Whore!  Excuse me! I am far from a whore. The sounds of 50 men laughing ticked me off even more. Who the hell does he think he is?

"I am not a whore." I said with venom in my voice. I'm not a scary person, far from it actually, and being female makes me even less scary. So I was expecting more laughter. Which I got. The burning sun hit his eyes giving them an intense green, one that would blind you from the glow it gave off. The eye colour fitted his skin perfectly and gave off an auburn blend. The sweat that dripped from skin to armour showed he'd either been out here longer or worked harder than all his men put together. It probably didn't help that his armour weighed 5 of me, probably more. His soaked deep brown curls stroked his smokey skin with even the tiniest bit of movement. If I wasn't so angry at his comment I probably would've spent this time admiring him. He could, for all I know, be a massive ass, but it doesn't change the fact that he looks like a God. He mockingly laughed away my response and rolled his eyes so they hit the sun even more making them pierce more than before. 

"A body like yours is only useful in a whore house. If it's not there it's no use and you are worthless." Ugh! UGHUGHUGH! God, what an ASS! Why does he have to insult me so much. Or compliment me in a twisted way? I don't even know. 

"That was a bit uncalled for don't you think, dear brother." Another tall, but only just smaller than green eyed asshole, man appeared out of the crowd. He wore a similar armour but his had more style than protection. This had to be the other prince. From looks alone I could tell green eyed asshole had to be the younger one, meaning he was the infamous Mathias. If that was true the stylish saviour had to be Kennedy. The man I presume to be Kennedy stepped forward a bit more blocking the sun and showing me the burnt skin that caressed his features. Kennedy is the oldest son of the prince, he turned 27 about 5 months ago. Mathias however has been 24 for merely a few weeks. Kennedy gave me a teethy grin that made me want to smile with him. His honey brown eyes melted into his tanned olive skin, the mixture gave you a warm autumn vibe that immediately calmed you. His hair stood tall, like him, and gave you a marble effect of blonde and brown. His hair colour looked like both colours were fighting for the spotlight. 

"Are you trying to deny the lady of her title, dear brother." He said 'dear' with a hint of venom and a lot of disgust. They obviously didn't get along very well and probably quarrel often.

"The lady's title is not a whore. Even if she graced us with her body in the brothel it doesn't make her a whore. It makes her a worker, just like everyone else." His attempt at saving me was sweet but still insulting. I'd rather not have 2 royals speak about my body as though I were a prostitute.

"Don't over play what a whore is brother. You'll make them think they are worth something more than the price you pay." Uuuuggghh! I hate him, I seriously hate him. I looked down realising my produce is all over the floor and my dress was torn showing the blood that trickled out of my grazed thigh. The man who had kept me on the ground had gotten up and, presumably, ran away. While the brothers argued about the importance of whores I gathered my belongings back into my basket and walked by them slowly so I didn't give away that I had moved. I hate royalty. 

Stopping outside a, what looked like, 10 story castle I released a hot breathe to calm my nerves. I was finally going to meet the king. The king joins the hall every month to oversee the rent. Today he was going to meet me properly for the first time. One step two step three step four... okay, I haven't actually moved yet. But I want to. With every inch I move I end up moving 2 inches back. Okay Natalie just go.

"State your name and business." I came face to face with a brunette woman holding a scroll of paper. Her emerald eyes shone a low and hollow silver. Her bright glow didn't give life to her eyes. She didn't have a dress on like every other female you would come across. Her clothes would be that of a whores but her attitude told you she wasn't. She had a soft looking fabric that covered her chest just enough to hide the shape. It clipped onto itself on the side under her left armpit and the rest of the material was wrapped around her left arm, it wrapped itself all the way down. On the bottom part she had underwear on that went up to her belly button and a sheer fabric that was wrapped randomly around her waist and thighs. It covered just enough to hide the colour of her underwear but not enough to hide the shape. Her lips were a deep pink colour that showed she had been eating a staining food. Her stance was professional but her clothes weren't, it made you wonder what her business was.

"Natalie Estelle, adopted daughter of Isaieth Scofield. Im here to sell the produce of our farm." She gave me a blank and slow nod. I felt nervous like she was asking something else.

"It's the usual right?" Uh. Maybe.

"Yes?" I didn't entirely give her a questioning yes, but it sounded unsure. I don't know if she ignored my slight confusion or just didn't catch it but she continued on anyway.

"Okay, leave the basket of produce in the 3rd door on the left and the king will be with you shortly." Before I could even blink she started leaving. 

When I opened the door she mentioned I was immediately blown away. This room was not only massive, it was so elegant and beautiful. Candles were hanging on the ceiling giving it a warm glow. Red blankets and animal pelts scattered every chair and table that stood proudly in the room. In the very middle stood a massive, strong looking table that was filled to the brim with paper work and books. On the very corner of the table a quil and ink balanced on top of each other fighting to stay on the table. A simple breath would knock it with how close to the edge it is. A loud creak of floor boards told me someone was entering the room. I quickly threw the basket onto the table that sat next to the door and backed away ready for whoever was going to enter. 

"Father, I didn't know you bought me a whore." Mathias. Of all people he just HAD to be here.

"Mathias, watch your language infront of me boy." This had to be the king. He stood a good few inches lower than Mathias but he was still tall and proud. His aura was so strong it made you want to bow just from him being in the same house. The king's white beard complimented his greying blonde locks. His hair bounced with volume and health but the tips liked to cling to his pale skin. The king apparently doesn't stay out in the sun as often as his sons so his skin was a lot lighter. His blonde hair made his yellow tinted pale skin even paler. Everything about him screamed light. Even his ocean blue eyes. The blues crashed waves together and made a watery dance that complimented the whole light vibe. His greying hair gave you a false impression of his age, you'd think he was in his 60's, but really he's younger than Isaieth. Isaieth is a wise age of 50 whereas the king was 48.

"It's not my fault. You told me you wanted me to meet someone, how was I to know it'd be a whore." He gave me a glare. What does he have to glare at me for? I didn't do anything.

"She isn't a.... whore. She's Isaieth's daughter. It's her 18th naming day. Now that she's an adult I thought she should meet the family." The king gave Mathias a stern look, a warning of sorts. 

"I do not care for the backstory of whores father. Kennedy is the one you should go to for that." He makes me want to scream. Like physically, all in your face, scream.

"MATHIAS! That is enough!" Mathias gave the king a bored glance. How disrespectful. I know when someone is your family you treat them differently, but no one should treat a king like this. I watched as Mathias rolled his shiny green eyes, the reflection of candle light hitting every spot trying to dance with the movement. Even with hatred towards this asshole, his features seem to always hypnotized me.

"Kennedy has important business right now, he will meet her later. As for you, Mathias. You will be nice to her or all you eat today will be the air that surrounds the barn outside." I breathed an accidental laugh and it caused Mathias to give me an unimpressed side glare. The king turned towards me once more and gave me a teethy smile. He smiled so big and bright it cause his eyes to slam shut and wrinkles formed all over his face. It was so genuine and a little beautiful that it made me return a smile to him. When he opened his eyes to see I was smiling back, his teethy smile turned into that of a proud father.

"Your smile is very cute dear, Isaieth is lucky to have you as his daughter." My smile grew bigger before falling completely. I've always thought of Isaieth as a father but whenever the conversation comes up it saddens me to the core. I have no idea who my actual dad is so when someone speaks about dads I always remember something that doesn't exist. It gives me an empty feeling of confusion. I could tell they both noticed the emotion change because theirs did too. The king let out cough as if to distract from the awkward tension that started to build.

"Well, Natalie. You've grown into your mother's looks. You look just like her." I know he was trying to be nice with that comment but it only made me more sad. My mother left me to get drunk everyday. Looking like her was not an accomplishment to me.

"Thank you." I forced a genuine looking smile to him. If I want to avoid more awkward tension I should play happy untill the conversation ends.

"My assistant, who I believe you met, has your pay for the produce. Rent pay isn't for another few hours so I was hoping you would come with me for a tour of our castle." A tour. Do I want to go on a tour? No, not really. But how bad can a tour be? I'll just be waiting around for a couple hours anyway.

"A tour would be wonderful, your highnesses." The look on Mathias's face said, 'what are you doing?' I don't know if he was questioning my wording to the king or the fact that I bowed after speaking. Maybe both. The king beamed with happiness and even let out a low and raw chuckle. It sounded like Christmas. 

"To start I would like you to meet Kennedy, he's busy, as I said before, outside with the new trainees. So that will be where we start." The king gave Mathias a hard pat on the shoulder before turning away from us. I guess I get to see the training grounds again.

[nylaaaaa]

Little Secret

Chapter 2. One Dress, Two Dress

Green..... or red..... hmmmm.

Ever since we had enough spare wool and I was able to make another dress I've had to choose what to wear. It's a phenomenon for me. But I actually hate it. I like not having to wear the same thing everyday and actually be able to wash it but if they're both washed I don't know what to wear. My favourite colour has always been green so for such a special time I want to wear that dress but it's also my oldest. I've had it since I was 13. I haven't grown much since then. The red one is fairly new, made it earlier this year. It's shorter than the green one but has more to it. It's more of a winter dress, which is perfect for right now. It's currently autumn and the air has a sharp ice to it. I decided to go with blind pick and tossed them around with my eyes closed. When I peered an eye open I saw my frail, sun-kissed hand was resting loosely on green fabric. Green dress it is. The green dress actually reached the floor but it was thin and boring. The colour was deep and dark, sort of like a muddy green without the mud. I always paired the makeshift belt, which realistically was rope, with the dress. It gave it more style. The dress is a bit of a tight fit, it fits perfectly but grabs to the shape of my body. My mum was a beautiful woman in her time, she had a curve to her that not many women had. I got the majority of my looks from her, including the body. I have a curve to me that some are jealous of. Or that's what Isaieth tells me when they belittle my body. Thanks to being a bit poor Isaieth and I are fairly slim too. I make Isaieth eat the majority of the food we have which leaves me with what I call the scraps. 

"Do you want breakfast before you go?" The harsh and hollow sound of Isaieth got my instant attention. Isaieth isn't a knight anymore but he still speaks with the authority of one. I turn slowly to face the body of a tall ex knight. He was one of the tallest in the land, standing at a large 6ft. The average height in today's age was 5ft 9. But Isaieth and the royals beat it out the park. The king and the princes all stood taller than Isaieth but the queen and her princess stood at an average height. I on the other hand stood at a small 5ft 1, just like my mother. It is said that the princess is the smallest but I haven't actually seen any of them so I wouldn't know. Isaieth's tall frame loomed over me awaiting an answer that stuck to the tip of my tongue. Sometimes I found it difficult to respond to him without getting all tongue tied. His build showed off that of a knight's. His God-like muscles tormented you for simply breathing. He's been out of training for so many years now that his body is starting to lose it's tough glow, instead being replaced by definition that was slowly disappearing. You still can't help but feel intimidated by him. He may not be as toned as he was but the muscles and scars of a knight still shone with more pride than he did. Looking at him you wouldn't know whether he was a full time dad or a full time soldier. A soldier is a bit different from a knight. A knight gets assigned a specific royal who they protect with their life. But a soldier works for everyone. Knight's and soldier's have a distinct body difference. Knight's only have to protect one so they usually aren't as muscular and they're often more laidback, whereas a soldier is more tough and toned. Looking at him I always wonder whether he had women begging for him each night. He never tells me of his past, other than the fact that he and the king were friends. If you overlook the torturous stance you open a light inside him and see his more calm assets. Like the way his baby blue eyes stare at you. The colour contrasts with his attitude, it's so lifelike and bold you'd assume he was a soft beauty. His black hair that was littered with white showed you a wise age. He was a grand age of 50 but his demanding glare would force you to think 30. We shared the same skin tone. A sun-kissed olive. As if we'd worked outside our whole life.... maybe because we have. 

"I ate a couple of the apples that fell on our lot from the apple tree. It's not much but it will suffice untill I am done with the rent. I have to go sell our produce so I will be gone a large portion of the day. Try not to burn the house down." He let out a chuckle that would seem abnormal if you didn't know him. One glance and you'd have a whole life picked out for him in your head, you'd assume married with kids and his job was a soldier. But it's all wrong. He isn't married, in technicality he has no kids, I was just an adoption, and he's a farmer. He was so different from how he looked. 

"So long as you come back in one piece the house will too." His threat wasn't to me. It was meant to stick on me and bounce to everyone who looked at me. He didn't care if I had a lover and a child, but he did care if I was alive or not. 

"Stop threatening the air like everyone will somehow hear it." These are the moments that I appreciate the most, when he can lip read instead of making me have to sign to him. It was often very difficult to communicate to him because he was deaf and partially blind. Looking at him you wouldn't know it, his eyes stayed the same and he seems very responsive. But if you tried to speak you'd realise something was up because often he wouldn't respond at all. I know he's going to lip read when he speaks instead of signs. It's one of his tellings. If he is having a bit of an issue with his vision he would make you use sign language because your hands are bigger than your lips making them easier to see. 

"If you make too much breakfast cover it and I'll eat it when I return." I wasn't sure if Isaieth saw what I said because he turned and left. It's easy to ignore someone when you're deaf.

I tightened the already partially tight rope around my waist. Isaieth didn't understand the need for the rope and honestly neither did I. I guess there wasn't a need for it but I was a bit sick of the boring and plain dress. The sound of the sheep waking up told me that it was time to sell the produce and pay the rent. Bracing myself for the untold future was a habit I couldn't shake. I did it pretty much everyday. I've never dwelled on the past but I'm always stuck on the future. Perhaps it'd be better to dwell on the past, atleast I'd know what happened.

[nylaaaaa]

Little Secret

Chapter 1. Your Secret Is Safe With Me

Name and Surname: Natalie Fleur Estelle

Sex: Female

Date of Birth: 19th August 1692

Place ( Registration 

of      < District                     Cynthell

Birth  ( Sub-District

_________________________________________

"Here's the birth certificate. It has nothing about her parents on it as you suggested." I gave the man standing beside me, who had grown to be a brother to me, a quick, but satisfied, grunt of approval. 

"Thank you. Keep this between us and I'll keep up my end of the deal." Quintin gave me a questioning side glance. I knew he didn't appreciate me bringing up the past but I needed him to keep this between us.

"I don't see why you won't be honest to her. For all we know she might be like you..." I knew what he was suggesting, but I refused to listen. She won't be like me. She can't be like me. I waved him away, annoyance clear as day across my face. He will be annoyed too. We both have secrets. I just don't know whose is worth more.

_________________________________________

Today....

Today is possibly the worst day I'll have in my life. I'm honestly not sure. 

Today I officially turn 18 which, unluckily for me, means I have to add another thing to my job description.

Isaieth adopted me when I was born because my father died and it caused my mum to become a drunk. I don't exactly blame her for leaving and forgetting her troubles with a drink. But I also can't say I'm fond of it. I love Isaieth with all my heart, he feels like an actual father to me. But I sometimes wish I had an actual mother to help me grow as well.

When I was born my father died. No one told me how, I just know it was traumatic enough to make my mother a drunk. Isaieth adopted me when I was 2 after he had an accident that caused him to be deaf and partially blind. He wasn't fit for work anymore so the second I turned an age where I can go to the toilet by myself he taught me how to tend his farm. He makes a business by selling wheat that he grows and whatever we can get from the few animals we own. When I was 16 I found an abandoned lamb who we later discovered was a merino sheep. Merino sheep are, in my opinion, the best sheep you can get. Their carcasses are smaller than the average sheep so they aren't used for meat but rather for the wool that they grow. The average amount of wool the sheep grows is 11kg which is enough for about 11 sweaters. Aswell as the sheep we have 2 chickens, both of which are female. They were actually, in some ways, a gift from the king. The king and Isaieth are best friends almost from birth. They both grew up in royalty but only the king kept it that way. Isaieth was the son of a knight, and so in turn, Isaieth was also a knight. The king was born a prince and then was assigned a knight who happened to be Isaieth. One of the times when Isaieth was protecting the king he ended up getting seriously injured and the king fired him for his own safety. The king doesn't exactly care for the knight's wellbeing but because they were friends he decided a knight was too dangerous for Isaieth. After the event the king offered him a plot of land on the outskirts of the city that was run down and abandoned but had potential for a farm. Isaieth's dream as a boy was to grow old and have his own farm, so like any friend the king got him his own farm. Because of the friendship and countless times Isaieth saved his life our rent was greatly reduced and we were offered a permanent job to make sure we always had the money to pay rent. The job included selling off our produce from the animals. The eggs given to Isaieth was originally just starter food but Isaieth decided to keep them and let them hatch instead. When they grew to be quite old he kept a few of the last eggs they would hatch and did the same thing. The hens we have now are 1 years old, or will be in a few days. We don't get much from our farm but because of the discount on rent sometimes we have enough money to spare to get nice things. The average price of rent can go up to 100 gold.

(100 gold is like 1k, the money in this story is, bronze= pence or cents or whatever is the lowest in your country, silver= pounds or dollars etc and gold= the hundreds +. In simpler terms, but in GBP ((Great British Pounds)) terms, 1 bronze= 1 pence, 1 silver= 1 pound and 1 gold= 100 pound.)

Ours however got put down to 45 gold. It's still a lot that we just about make each month but we're still thankful that he even gave us this place to begin with. He didn't actually have to.

It's also lucky that our farm works well with rent times. Each month you have to go to the castle and pay your rent. If you dont have enough or you skip it they go to your house and either take a child, that becomes their servent who has to work for the money you didn't pay, or they take some belongings that you don't get back unless you pay extra. Luckily we've never seen it first hand but one of my childhood friends ended up becoming a servent from it. I haven't seen her since. Our wheat takes a month to grow so we've always got that to keep our money up. Unfortunately wheat sells cheap, one wheat grain sells for 30 bronze. Every month we grow, on average, 700 wheat grains but have to keep back 350 to replant so we can get 350 the next month too. So on average every month with wheat alone we make 10 gold and 5 silver. Which by itself is almost a quarter of our rent. Replanting and harvesting wheat is one of the most tedious jobs of farming, but maintaining is by far the easiest. You only have to water the plant at most once in summer but otherwise never. All you really have to do is make sure the plant isn't dying and be on your way. The worst job I have is turning the sheeps pelt into wool. She doesn't like to be milked so doing that is an annoyance but I dread making wool the most out of all the farm jobs I have. Next to maintaining the crop the hens are the easiest too. They lay at least one egg everyday, the only thing I have to do is collect the eggs without breaking them and make sure the hens are well fed and have fresh air. With making wool you have to flatten the pelt completely and then tie the strands together to make a really long piece of wool that I have to cut and ball up. It's the worst job on the entire farm but I can't say I hate doing it. My favourite thing is balling it all up after dying it. I'm just thankful all these things take a month to do or we'd be screwed on rent every month.

(Realistically these don't actually take a month, I researched so much to make the story as legit as possible but for story sake I tweaked the timing. Hens do lay one egg a day at least, if properly cared for and also depending on breed. But wheat takes a LOT longer to grow and you can only shave a sheep once a year. I changed the timing of it all tho or I'd have to be even more creative with money and stuff and tbh I'd rather not. Coming up with these ideas for the farm was hard enough.)

On average you get 2 balls of yarn out of 1kg of wool. Luckily for us our merino sheep produces 11kg of wool giving us 22 balls of yarn. 1 ball of yarn sells for 1 gold, so for 22 balls of yarn we make 22 gold. Personally I think it's extremely expensive but it does make sense considering there aren't many sheep around, which also means clothes, blankets and shoes are harder to get. On average with the hens we get 2 eggs a day. 1 egg sells for 25 silver, meaning the 2 we make in a day gives us 50 silver. There's 28 days in a month meaning with eggs alone we make 14 gold. Altogether in one month we usually make roughly 46 gold. As good of an amount as that is, 45 of it has to go to the king, leaving us with roughly 1 gold left. Because we're human and need to eat, bathe and clothe ourselves just like everyone else, whatever's left gets spent on stuff like that. On average every month we spend about 50 silver on food. I have my own plant pots in my room that we use for our own food. There's only 2 of them but in one plant pot I grow strawberries and in the other I grow raspberries. Truth be told if I sold the strawberries and raspberries we'd probably be richer but honestly, we're both kinda used to this life and although we don't have everything we want, we have everything we need. Besides the fruits take 2 months to grow and because of my reputation people would refuse to buy them for their actual price. They just about accept the other things, if fruits were in the mix I'd probably get death glares and 1 bronze for a batch. It doesn't bother me too much though because with whatever odd bit of wheat we had spare from the 700 odd we plant and sell we use that to make bread or pastry, so every 2 months we make the fruits into a jam or crush them and make a pie. My all time favourite activity is making them into pies or bread and jam with Isaieth. It's the only thing we can properly do together. He helps me replant and harvest the wheat sometimes because there's so much of it but usually he just watches from afar. His eye sight is getting worse the older he gets so he helps less and less. It saddens me because I know he doesn't want to go fully blind, we wouldn't be able to communicate at all and what kind of life are you living if you can't see or hear anything. You might as well be dead at that point or you'd be so throughly confused. 

Getting back on track. Today is a bad day because it's the first day where I have to pay for the rent. I've been a few times with Isaieth as a child but I've never gone alone. It's an adults job and should only be done by an adult. But today, aswell as being my birthday, it's also rent day. Isaieth didn't actually want me to do it but I insisted knowing that he would have severe trouble doing it himself. And what's more is that I have to go alone to sell our produce now aswell. I don't put any blame on him and I especially will never complain. But in my head I can feel bitter about the situation. 

I look forward to the day.....

...

No I don't.