Five years later

“To the Imanese Mountain. Light of dusk shows the door, embrace your power forevermore.”

Caitlin stifled a heavy yawn and stretched as she made her way down the hall. She spent the majority of last night tossing and turning, her mind racing through all the possibilities of what was to come the following day. It was strange, knowing one’s world would soon never be the same, but excitement made sleep difficult.

Achieving a lifelong dream was enticing enough, but this was her first true test; father’s tutors wouldn’t be around to monitor her progress. Walking the proverbial tightrope without the safety net terrified lesser warriors, but that only made things more exciting for the Princess of Amorado.

By tomorrow night, her world would never be the same.

First, however, she needed a large breakfast.

The hallway was lined with a dark crimson carpet and pairs of stone pillars. Between each was a portrait of one of her ancestors, neatly spaced so those passing by could show each the appropriate amount of reverence. Most of them were distant relatives legendary for their knowledge of politics or plants, and they never generated much reverence from Caitlin.

Two exceptions were her maternal grandmother, Abigail Harrison-Ward, and uncle, Nicholas Harrison.

Mother always claimed to see a resemblance between her and Queen Abigail. Caitlin didn’t see it, but the compliment was nice. Her portrait didn’t exude beauty or intelligence, but she had the blue eyes and gaze of a kind, gentle soul. According to Mother, she possessed a devilish sense of humor and found great joy in playing practical jokes on her husband and two children. Nicholas, in addition to being a brave knight and a fiercely cunning warrior, inherited his mother’s love of jokes and merriment. It was unfortunate she never got the chance to meet them, as they each passed away three years prior to her birth, but Caitlin always believed that they were watching over her and the rest of the family. Now, she knew for certain.

“I’m going to make you proud,” she whispered to the portraits.

Caitlin took a last second to absorb the moment and continued walking, only to collide with one of the family’s many workers. Aldrea had been carrying four finely crafted plates with the Faraday insignia embroidered in the center, three of which fell harmlessly to the carpet. Caitlin leapt over Alreada’s body and caught the plate, shifting mid flight so she’d land on her side and prevent it from being crushed.

“That-that was incredible, Caitlin!” Aldreda said, standing up, then quickly kneeling in recognition of her earlier folly. “I-I mean, I apologize, my Lady! I didn't mean to crash into you that way! It was very dishonorable of me to endanger your father’s finest dinery because of my negligence.”

The Princess gave her a calming smile. “It’s alright, Aldreda, and please don’t kneel or apologize in my presence. I’m not my mother.”

Aldreada, with the terrified expression of a youthful, newly appointed employee, looked up to make sure it wasn’t a prank. “I apologize for-uh, apologizing, Caitlin. His Grace requested to eat on these even though it wasn’t a special occasion, but Her Grace commanded me to place them somewhere he couldn’t access without her knowledge.”

“Naturally, she did,” Caitlin handed her the plate. “Don’t be afraid of her. The Queen likes to bark orders when she’s in a foul mood, but she’s harmless.”

That got a tiny grin out of her. “I’ll keep that in mind, my Lady.”

“I’d also prefer if you called me Caitlin,” Caitlin hated it when other people went on hand and foot to serve her, especially those her age. Even if they were considered royal servants, she hated being patronized.

“I will keep that in mind as well, Caitlin.”

Down the stairs and through the halls she went, until she caught a glimpse of the bulky frame of Garto Jaro. Caitlin didn’t like burdening him with more responsibility than the Queen gave him on a daily basis. With how the Queen concerned herself with the King’s wardrobe, it was more than enough to drive someone to the brink, but she needed him. The dutiful Mr. Jaro was going to play a significant role today. Even if he didn’t know it.

“Garto!” Caitlin called before he could slip away. “A moment, please.”

“Of course, Lady Caitlin,” he said. “I imagine you’re concerned about your custom order. It’s been fully prepared, shall I deliver it to the Lady’s room?”

“Discreetly, as we originally discussed,” she made sure to clarify.

“Naturally. I’d prefer to be there for the fitting, but I work at the Lady’s discretion.”

______________________________________________________________________________

“Good morning, Caitlin,” The Queen said. “Did you sleep well last night?”

Caitlin took her seat at the table across from her parents. “Fine,” she said, displeased that the plates and utensils weren’t set. The Queen insisted no one eat until all family members were present, but now she was taking the idea even further. “I am quite hungry. Can we get started?”

“Not until Lilith gets here, Caitlin.”

As annoying as the daily ritual could be, the dining hall was one of her favorite parts of the castle. Part of the affection likely came from the delicious food, but there was something comforting about eating there every morning with her family. A portrait of her grandmother kept watch over occupants with an ever present eye, and the air was always warm thanks to the fireplace; Caitlin didn’t like making special requests to the staff, but she insisted they get the fire running at least twenty minutes before her arrival during the colder months. Some didn’t consider October a cold month, but Caitlin cared little for their opinions.

“Caitlin, I meant to tell you,” the Queen continued. “Your father and I are going to be meeting Madeline Godfrey and her husband today, would you like to join us?”

That affection could be quieted just as quickly. “I’d rather not but thank you.”

“A wise choice, Caitlin,” her father said. “That whole family is insufferable.”

“Benjamin!”

“What? Don’t pretend you enjoy their company, Mary; you told me yesterday you thought the entire family was a coven of arrogant morons.”

“That’s not the point,” her mother growled.

Caitlin and her father shared a knowing look as the doors behind them creaked open, signaling Lilith’s arrival. “Our savior deigns to show her face,” Caitlin said. “May we now eat?”

“Nice to see you, too, Caitlin,” Lilith said as she took her seat. “And, yes, I give my subjects permission to eat.”

“Finally,” their father said. “Have you seen my stomach? I’m famished!”

“Before we do,” Mother said, eliciting a loud groan from Father. “Lilith, you’re planning to meet Miss Godfrey’s daughter Jacqueline for lunch, maybe Caitlin would like to come along?”

“Actually,” Caitlin said as the staff swarmed inside with an array of delicious plates. Herring for her and Father, toast and eggs for Lilith and Mother. “I’m going to visit Odonia for a few days”

The Queen lit up at the prospect. “That’s fantastic, Caitlin! Is there anything you have planned?”

“We’re going to braid each other's hair and talk about cute boys we like!” Even by Caitlin’s standards for sarcastic quips, that was harsh, and she didn’t want her mother soured on the lie. “Her cousin is visiting and is supposed to be skilled with a harp. She’s performing an original composition that’s over an hour in length.”

“That sounds wonderful. Odonia’s such a lovely girl. A touch curt, but you two have always been good friends. Remind me, does she have three or four brothers?”

“Three brothers, three sisters.” Caitlin said with just a hint of self-satisfaction. Keeping the ego in check was important, and she certainly didn’t enjoy lying, but she believed her ability to craft and execute deceptions was among the best in the world. Visiting a neighboring kingdom’s royal family implied the possibility of meeting an oafish but well-off man. The Queen couldn't say no to that.

For now, Caitlin enjoyed the meal with her family.

“So, Lilith,” she said. “Lunch with Jacqueline Godfrey. That sounds delightful.”

“I don’t understand all the scorn. Jacqueline is a great conversationalist who always has something nice to say. You’d do well to learn from that.”

“That’s a nice way of saying she’s untroubled by the complexities of life.”

“Please stop, both of you,” the Queen said.

“She’s right, Caitlin. Cease your mockery or Arahkum will curse you and you’ll end up stuck riding along with someone you hate for several days,” the King said in a deep, faux-clerical voice.

“First, I’d have to think of someone more noxious than the Godfreys.”

That seemed to push the Queen over the edge. She glared like Caitlin just swore. “I acknowledge everyone here dislikes the Godfrey family, but your father and I asked Lilith if she would tolerate them for a day. Placating them keeps the peace.”

“I truly don’t think she’s that bad, Mother.”

“I know, Lilith, but what’s important is acknowledging that we all have to make sacrifices for the ones we love. We put those closest to us before ourselves because that is what-what are you doing?” Mother swatted at Father’s fork as he poked at her plate. “What do you think you’re doing?”

The King continued to strike at her breakfast. “I spotted that slice of toast with butter and decided to forgo your dietary treaty.”

“Eat your herring, Benjamin, please. It’s for your health.”

“I don’t even get to put salt on it, Mary, that’s the type of evil we stood against when we were younger. Tell you what, Caitlin, Lilith; the three of us will forgo food until such time as this constraint is lifted!”

“I’m with you, my king,” Lilith said without looking up from her plate.

Mother hated it whenever they encouraged Father’s antics, but Caitlin thought her mother lacked a sense of humor. “I’ll join your rebellion, Father,” she put down her fork. “Let us cast off the yoke of tyranny together.”

______________________________________________________________________________

In a tiny cottage flanked on all sides by trees, Jamie was finishing a meal before work. The birds were chirping their morning song and sunlight covered the walls in a peaceful, orange glow. While making sure his grey surcoat and light chain mail armor were free of crumbs, he heard the front door open and the sound of his grandfather slowly making his way inside.

“Mornin’, Jamie,” he said. “Up nice and early, are we?”

“Good morning, Grandfather,” Jamie replied. “I wanted to check on Malcot before I left for work, maybe give him one last meal.”

“That won’t be necessary, cuz we just had breakfast. Well, mostly I ate a little somethin’ while I fed him some carrots. I tell ya’ what, he’s a true member of this family, never passes up a meal,” he smiled and took a seat across from Jamie. “And don’t worry none about takin’ him tonight, I’m gonna do it.”

“I already told you, I’m more than happy to take Malco.”

“Love ya’ to pieces, Jamie, but I’ve done things my way me’ whole life, and I’m not stopping now, even for you.”

“I’m not saying you shouldn’t, I just think I’d be better suited to the task. I’m a knight, I was trained to ride horses, don’t forget.”

He scoffed. “You say that like it’s somethin’ to be proud of.”

Despite the sarcasm, Jamie knew Grandfather felt wounded, which would only make him dig in harder. Jamie planned on continuing the argument, but Grandmother walked in from the adjacent bedroom.

“Morning, my favorite gents,” Jamie’s grandfather leaned back to face his wife, who leaned in to plant a light kiss on it: “How are ya’, darling?”

“Not so great, cuz’ my grandson thinks I’ma’ invalid who can’t ride a horse.”

She rolled her eyes. “He does not think that,” she said. “I don’t know why you gotta’ give him such a hard time about Malcot.”

“I have to bring Malcot to the O’Doererys,” Jamie said. “But he insists on going himself.”

“Have ya’ forgotten your grandson isn’t a wee boy anymore? He’s a knight trained to ride horses, Domnall, and he’s doin’ it for free. Since when have ya’ past up on somethin’ that’s free?”

“It sounds like you’re sayin’ I’m a cheap-ass who can’t ride a horse no more. Did either of ya’ know me and Finny Sullivan used to ride horses through snow and wind and sorts’ a crappy weather when we was Jamie’s age?” he said. “Alright, fine, just for you, Bridget, but I’m the one who bought the horse, don’t neither of you go misremembering that.”

“Promise we won’t,” she took a seat beside him. “Now, what you got goin’ on today, Jamie?”

“Claire and I will be working, then it’s straight here to take a ride with Malcot.”

“We gotta’ have Claire over for dinner again sometime, she’s such a sweet girl.”

“Ya’ know, if you got somethin’ else goin’ on, I can always cover for you with taking Malcot, Jamie,” Grandfather suggested. “Maybe you and Claire wanna go to Luan’s again?”

“Thank you, Grandfather, but I promise I’m fine taking her,” Jamie said, scraping down the last of his food. Before the argument reignited, he went to his room to retrieve his equipment. Best to leave now, keep him from arguing any more points. “I’ll be here after my shift ends. Grandmother, please don’t let him take Malcot.”

“Just as long as you don’t go breakin’ too many maidens’ hearts today, you understand son?”

After he departed, Bridget put a hand on Domnall’s shoulder. “Jamie ain’t tryin’ to hurt your pride. If anythin’ happened to you while you were deliverin’ Malcot, he’d never forgive himself.”

Domnall gave a hefty sigh. “I know, it was wrong of me to argue. Just breaks my heart to still see him that way, even now.”

______________________________________________________________________________

With a few minutes to spare, Jamie had arrived at the training grounds outside Skystead for his daily briefing. Looking around at all the knights gathered together, he wondered what it was like to be a commanding officer. Being a knight came with so many responsibilities, but being responsible for so many was beyond daunting. The pay was greater, but Jamie was content with his station. Plus, he liked to make a tangible, direct difference on people’s lives every day.

“I’m saying he’s got something against me and I don’t know what,” Christopher said, bringing Jamie’s attention back to their conversation.

“Could it have something to do with your poor tips?” he asked.

“I believe exceptional service deserves exceptional compensation. I don’t get the former, they don’t get the latter. And you’re one to talk, Jamie, he could serve up horse hooves sprinkled with grass, you’d say please and thank you to avoid making a fuss.”

“That’s unfair to Jamie. He’s not that spineless; he’d at least demand a strong cider to go with it,” Claire added.

The two laughed, he merely rolled his eyes as Tegal finally arrived, winded after what must’ve been a brutal sprint.

“And where were you?” Christopher asked his partner.

“Woke up late,” Tegal explained between frantic breaths. “Damn animals were keepin’ me up, didn’t get a bit ah’ sleep till’ the sun was comin’ up.”

“Better look sharp,” Claire said. Jamie and his comrade stood at attention as their commanding officer approached. Tall and stoic as an oak tree, Captain Harlowe had a surprisingly youthful face, though there was that encroaching patch of grey hair that grew larger every year.

“Vene and Dubear, cover Pat’s Inn to Martin Square,” if he was bothered by Tegal’s lack of composure, he didn’t show it. “Christiansen and Donovan, Harrison’s Cathedral to the Last Tradesman.”

The four saluted, but before Jamie could head out, Captain Harlowe spoke his name.

“Yes, captain?”

After a slight pause, he settled with: “Good luck today.”

Jamie nodded before following his comrades.

Skystead bustled with life. Among the rows and rows of grey buildings with cobblestone roofs, horse drawn carts perpetually brought people and supplies in one direction or the other and the streets were littered with merchants eager to draw in customers. Lucky for the citizenry, crime was a relatively tame problem, as Knights were enough to deter the majority of nefarious characters. Most of Jamie’s days consisted of him walking around trying his best to be intimidating.

It also helped that he had Claire Donovan watching his back. The two spent the past hour walking the streets of Skystead, careful to keep an eye out for potentially dangerous characters. Presently, they were walking through cobbled streets past Harrison’s Cathedral, an intricately designed behemoth dusted with a light brown coat of paint.

“Unfortunately, I’m not a wizard who can peer into people’s minds,” Jamie said.

“I’m not saying you have to be, all you need is the ability to see the world around you,” Claire said. She was dressed in the same grey surcoat and chainmail armor as Jamie, with her long, blonde hair kept neatly in a bun. “If you actually talk to a beautiful lady who’s interested in getting to know you, you’ll find there are plenty of hard to miss signs that she likes you. But you won’t know for sure unless you ask.”

“You’re saying I should just scoop a woman into my arms? What if she thinks I'm a disgusting monster before that?"

“They probably won’t like it if you pounce on them like a wild animal, no, but if you need them to tell you they find you attractive, I think the problem may lie with you, Jamie.”

“Oh, well thank you, Captain Harlowe.”

He was going to continue the rebuttal, but a scuffle down the street caught his eye. A woman around his age stood with her arms crossed in front of a gesticulating merchant. She attempted to walk away down one end of the street, only for the street merchant to almost jump in front of her. When she tried to walk in the other direction, he intercepted her again. The woman was getting ready to punch him in the face. His ‘persistence’ wasn’t necessarily illegal, but Jamie looked to Claire, who was already moving to investigate.

As they got closer, Jamie noted the merchant, clean cut and around his height, was selling a variety of small gems out of cases placed at his feet; despite their size, the sapphires, rubies and emeralds gleamed brilliantly beneath the morning sun. “Are you sure you won’t reconsider, ma’am? You won’t find these gems at a cheaper price anywhere else, and that’s a promise.”

“Again, I’m not interested, now cease bothering me unless you want to lose some of your teeth, creep,” the young lady spat.

“But a young, fair lady like you deserves only the finest crafted jewels!” he said, greeting Jamie and Claire with an exaggerated bow. “Brave knights! The protectors of peace and justice! Care to purchase the treasures I’ve cultivated?”

“Is there a problem here, Miss?” Claire asked.

“No, I was merely reiterating my distaste for this loser’s offer,” she said.

The merchant put up his hands defensively. “I’ve grown familiar with lost causes, but from the ashes of one, we may build a better world. How about a jewel for our other beautiful, young lady? A reward for keeping this country safe. Or how about something for you, big guy, maybe an amethyst for the wife or girlfriend?”

Claire, thoroughly unamused, asked: “May I have a look?”

He made a flourish with his arm, presenting his treasures. “I’ve gathered these from all different lands, Galozar to the plains of Efline. Please, sample the wonders of my travels. Take as long as you wish.”

Claire knelt and picked up a small topaz gem with her thumb and forefinger. Jamie leaned in to examine it closer, uncertain of what his partner was thinking. There probably was a method to determine if jewelry was legitimate or not, but that knowledge was far beyond Jamie.

“Do these seem stolen to you, Jamie?”

He considered the idea for a moment, then nodded. “Definitely. Definitely stolen.”

The merchant’s confidence didn’t falter. “Stolen? I’m offended, my good knights! I’ve spent years honing my craft, accumulating my inventory, and you slight my honor! We can do business, but I retract my knightly discount.”

“I say that because we’ve received word from Efline, Galozar, and Bahsilv about a gentleman with your height and hair stealing precious gems from all sorts of people,” Claire continued. “In particular, he’s been said to have a fondness for harassing young women until they buy his stolen goods to make him go away. Am I right or am I wrong, Mister Frederich Gilon?”

The merchant’s mask of sly confidence was washed away, replaced with abject rage. “I’ll kill both of you dead before I ever go back!” He brandished a dagger from his sleeve and lunged at Claire, but Jamie caught his arm and ripped the blade from his hand. She retaliated with a punch to his stomach, after which Jamie cocked his fist and uppercutted him square in the jaw, causing the merchant to topple onto his boxes. As the gemstones bounced and spilled into the street, Jamie thought about adding a boot to the face for posterity, but the thief deserved just treatment now that he was incapacitated.

With the situation diffused, Jamie looked at his partner to make sure she was okay. “I’ll take these, you take him,” was all she said.

“Obviously,” Jamie hoisted the unconscious body over his shoulder. “It’s times like these I wish I could afford to keep a horse,” he found Claire smiling at him with a cocked eyebrow. He was going to ask what was wrong, but felt a finger tap his shoulder. It was the woman from earlier, carrying one of the dropped jewels.

“I don’t suppose I might be able to keep this,” she asked with a grin. “As recompense for my troubles.”

“Uh, I’m afraid not, my Lady,” Jamie said. Even if the presence of an attractive woman significantly diminished his already pathetic confidence and intelligence, he wasn’t going to let anything illegal or dangerous happen on his watch. “We may need to give them back to whoever they were stolen from.”

“Oh, well, it was worth asking,” she shrugged and handed it to Claire, quickly returning her attention to her savior. “If I must depart with that, then may I at least have your full name, Sir Jamie?”

Trying to think of a response was more stressful and taxing than the clash with the merchant. “Christopher,” he would’ve smacked himself in the face if he had a hand free. “I meant to say Christiansen. My last name is Christiansen,” Jamie quickly added. “Jamie Christiansen.”

“Well, Jamie Christiansen, the people of Amorado are grateful for your service,” she said. “Are you stationed here often, Jamie Christiansen?”

“It depends on where my commanding officer sends me, but most da-yes. I’m here almost every day I’m working.”

That made her smile grow wider. “So the next time a miscreant besieges me, you’ll be there to rescue me? I was ready to punch that man right in his face, but I didn’t mind you coming in to save me.”

Her vocabulary was a bit too advanced for his liking, but her tone sounded pleased. “I, uh, I hope that no one else gives you trouble, but if they do, I’ll do whatever I can to assist.”

“Then you have my gratitude, Sir Jamie Christiansen. Someone as brave, selfless and handsome as you deserves that and much more. Farewell for now, and you as well, my Lady.”

Jamie sucked in his lips as he watched her leave “Do you think that she, uh, do you think she is, I mean, do you think she finds me attractive?”

“I think your feisty charge would've accepted a nice dinner under the stars with her hero, but don’t worry, you’ll be seeing her again,” Claire said. That should’ve made Jamie want to kick himself, but he knew courage to ask her out, regardless. Being able to hold a mostly coherent conversation with her was an incredible feat. “Am I mistaken, or is her hair the same radiant shade as Princess Faraday?"

Jamie started walking, primarily to get rid of the merchant weighing him down, but also to make sure Claire couldn’t see his face turn red. “Are you suggesting I drop to one knee and ask her to marry me?”

“I’m suggesting gaining some experience with womankind might be useful for when you’re getting married to your one true love,” she responded. “There's something I’ve been wondering: you don’t seem to have a problem talking to me, and I’m a woman. Is it because I’m not as beautiful as Caitlin Faraday? Are my charms not enough to enthrall you?”

“You’re my partner, Claire. It’s either talk to you or lose my job, and failing to communicate puts our lives at risk. There isn’t much of a choice.” That was the truth, in a certain way. Claire was very pretty, and he wasn’t alone in that opinion, but the threat of mutual unemployment or demise was enough to get past the usual anxieties when they first met.

“Oh, sir Knight, you wound me!” she delivered the line with the voice of a bombastic thespian, placing the back of her hand to her forehead in despair. “All this time, I’ve harbored feelings for you, and you’re in love with another! You wouldn’t even speak to me were you not obliged! How could I ever hope to compete with a beautiful princess? Yet I am forever scarred by fate’s cruelty!”

Claire’s teasing was mostly tolerable, but she loved discussing his flame for the Princess. She always claimed she was simply trying to help, in her own unique way. “I don’t love Caitlin, and I’m not in love with her, I just think she’s...nice,” Pathetic as it may have been, Jamie was a seventeen year old who knew next to nothing about love. Having a conversation with Caitlin was daunting enough, they were a long way from love.

“And beautiful, too, don't forget. And charming, and sweet, and graceful, and so very, very lovely."

"You've made your point."

"She stole your heart the way she stole that King's Medallion. I can only imagine your reaction when you meet again,” Claire snickered. “You’ll probably be left looking like you got punched in the face by Arahkum Himself. But if I’m not invited to the wedding, you will feel my wrath, Jameson.”