The Warrior and the Petulant Princess Read Online Free Page A

the saddle.
    “He shall have it all,” Tholl promised with a slight bow of his head.
    “Larian,” Lizbett interjected again. “By achievements does he mean contests? Did you win some contests?”
    “No, Lizbett, not exactly,” Larian patiently replied, and slinging the bag over his shoulder he placed his hand at the small of her back and guided her to the door that would take them inside the castle. “I might tell you what Tholl was referring to later.”
    “Might? What do you mean, might? I insist.”
    “I thought you said you were going to be a good girl,” he remarked raising his one eyebrow.
    “I will, I am, I’m just-”
    “Being pushy and rude,” he finished. “My audience with your father is in a short while and I’d like to freshen up. He’s expecting me to stay at least a couple of days. Who should I speak with about my accommodation?”
    “Oh, that would be Delina. She’s in charge of our guests, but I’m surprised. Only important people stay here in the castle. My father invited you? For two days? I don’t understand.”
    “I’ll explain, but not right now,” he said firmly. “Where can I find her?”
    “She’ll probably be in the receiving room.”
    As they walked through the wide, opulent passageway, everyone they passed lowered their eyes, and if they were in conversation they stopped speaking as Lizbett passed by. It seemed to Larian they were afraid of her, and he wasn’t very pleased with the look in their eyes when their gaze dropped as she approached.
    At the end of the hallway was a large, arched double door, and pushing it open Lizbett gestured for him to enter. An older but handsome woman was seated behind a large desk, and stood up and smiled as he moved towards her.
    “You must be Larian,” she smiled. “First, may I say what an honor this is. The King has spoken of little else since he received your letter, and The Queen was deeply disappointed that she is missing your visit. She was so looking forward to seeing you.”
    “Thank you, Delina. Yes, I would very much have enjoyed meeting with the Queen. She is a remarkable woman.”
    Lizbett listened to the exchange in complete bewilderment. Larian may have improved his station in life, but Delina was carrying on as if he was a noble, and to say her mother was sorry to have missed him was very strange. Her mother met with the royalty of other Kingdoms all the time, and did nothing but complain about the chore. Larian had been a mere stable boy when he’d been there in his youth; none of what she was hearing made any sense.
    “Which is his chamber?” Lizbett asked sharply. “He’s tired, he’s been riding for…well…a long time. He needs to-”
    “Lizbett,” Larian said quietly, dropping his head and catching her eye, “I’m perfectly capable of speaking for myself.”
    Though unsure whether Delina had heard the discreet reprimand Lizbett felt a flush of embarrassment, and nervously ran her hand through her long, red hair.
    “I will ring for the boy to show you the way,” Delina smiled, and moving to a rope hanging from the wall she gave it a sharp tug. “There are refreshments waiting for you, Larian. Some billberry wine, some of our wonderful breads, and a few other foods you might find appetizing. Ah, here he is. Boy! Show our guest to Chamber Five.”
    Lizbett stared in wonder. Chamber Five was their finest guest apartment, and held in reserve for the most important of visiting dignitaries. Before she could comment the boy hurried forward, and with a strength that belied his size, threw the bag over his shoulder just as Larian had done, then stood waiting, staring at Larian for his cue to move.
    “Thank you, Delina. Will I be seeing you later?”
    “Yes, Larian, at the dinner the King has arranged to welcome you,” she replied.
    “That’s very kind of him,” Larian remarked. “Then I shall see you there. Boy, if you would, please show me to my chamber.”
    “Yes, Sir,” the boy nodded.
    Lizbett