Thread: In a Kingdom of Unrest [Seraphina X Just Another King]

A stubborn look crossed her expression when he commented on not believing her, but she remained silent. Her gaze followed him as he dropped to clean off his blade, a memory of the previous moments seizing her attention. Clara tensed, biting her tongue to stop any sound from escaping her lips. She was still holding herself tightly when his voice, softer now, infiltrated her mind. She focused on him and offered a small nod as she lifted her cloak above her head. Her hair was tucked away beneath the hood and she quickly stepped to join him at his side. He hadn't directed his anger to her, for which she was thankful, but she still couldn't settle her frazzled nerves. Clara had run from bandits before, in the days she'd wandered the city without Kaden watching over her. But she had never directly interacted with them. She'd certainly never witnessed such bloodshed right in front of her face either. Her mind wandered as she followed Kaden through the city, too distracted to pay much attention to where he was leading them. She did however remain closely attached to his side. It was the first time shed followed him so quietly and obediently. When they stopped, she gently bumped into his shoulder, startling herself. She kept herself hidden within the folds of her cloak while he conversed with the weapons merchant. Her curiosity was pulled and she leaned closer to watch from around his shoulder, her eyes following the merchants hands as they showed Kaden different blades. The blade the merchant suggested was eye catching and Clara found herself eying it up closely. But Kaden pointed out a different blade, still well made but lacking the luster of the other. Her mind drifted again while he haggled for price, but one thing she did take note of was the charm he seemed so easily able to express for the merchant. When he finished up, they walked away, his mood visibly dropping again. They were silent the rest of the way to the castle and Clara quickly slipped through the broken Castle wall before Kaden stopped her. They were crossing the lush grass when she turned to regard him curiously. Mine? She questioned softly, her eyes dropping from his face to the short sword he held out. Her expression brightened at what he explained, her hands reaching out to cradle the blade carefully. You'll really teach me? She couldn't believe it. Clara held the blade in her hand, testing the weight and imagining the powerful feeling of protecting herself for once. Thank you, Kaden Her excitement was obvious, but she tried to reign it in for Kadens sake. The mention of the following day tore away some of her joy. I'm sorry-what? Clara knew nothing of visiting royalty or prospective suitors. Why hadn't her father said anything? Kaden seemed amused but she was horrified. Slipping the blade behind her cloak she turned her attention back to getting inside the castle. She had no desire to entertain any royals and she hoped Kaden was joking, though she doubted it. Her father likely didn't tell her because he knew she would do everything in her power to avoid showing up. Slipping through the kitchens and servants stairwell, they found her floor and she saw her chamber door in the distance. Turning to look at Kaden she offered him a smile, I want to learn...Thank you She expressed again. Tomorrow I will give you a break...but can we start the following evening? There was a hope and determination in her eyes that couldn't be missed. She wouldn't go out the following evening as she had promised. But that didn't mean she wasn't going to hide herself somewhere among the castle grounds to avoid whatever royal suitor was visiting. Good night She told him before turning on her heel and crossing the hall to her room. Once inside she hid the short sword beneath her bed and dressed for the night. She was still filthy but she didn't have the energy to care. Clara slept soundly for the most part, but in the early hours she awoke with a startled yelp. Something in her dreams had scared her, but upon waking she promptly forgot what it was. With a slight headache she pulled herself out of bed. She was actually glad she woke before any of her ladies arrived to get her ready, it meant she had a better chance of hiding. Clara still hadn't bothered to wipe the dirt from her cuts or scrapes and simply changed into a dark green dress, light and easy to sneak around in. The sleeves were long and the neckline cut across her chest. After braiding her hair down her back she slipped from her room and down the servants stairway. As always she snuck through the kitchen and into the fresh air outside. But unlike her usual adventures, she didn't leave the castle grounds. Clara headed for the stables, where she found herself a little corner to hide. The Princess spent some time petting and cooing at the horses before she wandered into an empty stall filled with hay. Her exhaustion returned and soon enough she fell asleep, nestled deeply in the hay as the sun rose outside.