Thread: The Weight of the Crown (JellyFish & Greeneyed23)

She had won. Obviously. Aretha looked down upon Chilton who was indeed angry. That wasn't even a fair race! You started before me! And you have a better horse than I do! He pouted crossing his arms while Oaks panted, sweat dripping from her flank. Aretha kept her head high, and with a heavily overdone voice of a snotty noble she chuckled her reply. Dear boy, when is life ever fair? When does it even give you a chance? I daresay never. My horse and I simply outmatched you. Chilton's lip trembled and he looked close to crying as water filled his eyes. Aretha shook her head in the most frantic way and tried to think of something to make her brother cease any tears. She hated crying, she never knew how to deal with a person who broke down in a sobbing mess. Chilton, you can still have my desserts! Just...just no crying! Chilton's head fell forward as his body heaved in airless sobs. But then he looked up and ... smiled. Gotcha. Not a single tear had fallen down his face nor was he in any danger of ever being upset. He had tricked her! Chilton pressed Oaks to move around and together they trotted back down to the stables, a smirk drawn across his face. Aretha was stilled in shock. But when she broke from her spell, she chased after Chilton. Calhoun wasn't pleased with the force his mistress used and neighed in disagreement. Not listening, she was now riding next to her baby brother. You little sneak! That was one of the most snide things I've ever seen! Fake tears and such! She huffed, inwardly pouting herself. She haden't expected such a show from the youngest. Why did it seem like everyone was out besting her today? Was she losing her touch? Life isn't fair, is it? She groaned as Chilton basically threw her life lesson of the day in her face. But she had made a deal, so she would keep to it. Spoiled little brat, she spat. It was a long ride back to the stables. The willow tress lay deep on the castle ground, hidden inside the forest. Swerving past thick trees, jumping over fallen logs, stepping through frozen streams, and all that excitement. However, Calhoun and herself had enough time to rest before the smaller pair made their appearance. It had given her time though to think. She was still unnerved about what had happened and she didn't want to go back into another meeting. She had left like a coward and took her anger out through a mad-driven horse ride and still she felt no better than how she had started. She knew she would have to apologise to Hama, regrettably. And that idea drove her to trying to come up with a hairbrained idea. Perhaps she could tell mother she had overly exhausted herself and had taken ill? Well, well, if it isn't the troublemaker. But shouldn't she be dressed as a girl and not a boy? Strange. Aretha jumped at the sound of her brother Siddel. He was leaning against the stables and was waiting, waiting to tease her. But when did they arrive to the stables? Had her mind really taken her from out of reality? I am a woman, Siddel. Not a just another toy for you to torment. She slid off her horse, leading the black stallion to her stall. You are never seen as a toy! A porcelain doll maybe but never a meager toy. Siddel helped Chilton from his pony, who was currently tangled in the straps. And as you can see I have no crack from my fall today, so you might as well take your leave. She stiffly walked Calhoun to his stall and grabbed a bucket. Going over to trough, she filled her bucket with water and gave it to Calhoun. Your pride is cracked though, but you were asking for it. Aretha sighed, running a single hand through her hair. It was needed. I was thinking from a logical point of view. I mean, do you automatically trust a stranger just because he says he is trying to help? Everyone in that court room were all ears but never thought to question his motives. I only saw it fit to do the job myself. Aretha left the stables carrying her dress over her arm while the two males followed closely behind. Siddel closer than needed, to be honest. But you nearly undid a peace treaty between the humans and dragons. Between all the nation even! Civil war could have started when we have bigger problems to deal with! What demon possessed you to speak?! I was following my instincts. Just not because a dragon has given us his word but because we have a kingdom of people that must be protected. To foolishly jump into a war without thinking of the people would be disasterous. People all over the kingdom have families, and most are poor. Even though we try to help, poverty will always be somewhere. And those same people rely on the men in their families to provide. If you take away the men you take away their income and lively hood. Siddel growled and reached to grab his sister's arm and spun her around. You think like an idealist. Of course men will die and families will suffer, it's war Aretha. Not a chess game that can be strategized so you won't lose men. No matter how hard you plan, people will die. And it's a fact that must be accepted. Siddel was cross. He had believed his sister to be smarter than this. Aretha looked away, once more feeling embarrassment enter. You're right. And ... I'm sorry. I made a fool of myself and the family name. Next time, I won't voice my opinions. Siddel smiled, pleased that Aretha saw the light at last. You will have to amends with the dragon. You offended him and that isn't to be taken lightly. Aretha bit her tongue, enraged her brother thought he could tell her what to do. She had just admitted she was wrong that doesn't mean she'll become his slave. Careful Siddel. I won't take orders from you in the least. She brushed him off and made her way from her brother, but flinched when she heard him cry out. You used to listen! In fact you never talked before, might have been better that way! She pushed past the servant door, keeping her head down as she rushed past them. She wore the clothing a guise, but it only worked from a distance. Anyone with eyes would obviously see her in men's apparel and take notice she was a female. But she was blind with her own anger. Siddel was not to bring up her past and her mistakes! He had no right! But if she had faced him she would have broken into tears and she wasn't to cry or even seem close to it. A royal was to be strong under any situation and her brother's bullying was no exception. Spite all of that, she wished she could cry like commoner and weep herself to sleep. What a terrible day.