Kara
I had never been one to prefer dresses over a good pair of trousers, however my mother did not leave me many options in that regard as they were not considered "womanly" by society's standards. Struggling not to let my pain show, I opened up my closet when I was certain Cayden had left the room. Not that I was ever afraid of him being inappropriate around me in my nudity, our relationship to one another was completely platonic in that regard, but I did not want him to see me struggling to get my clothes on due to the pain coursing through my body. I had never seen him handle the suffering of others well, much less me, his beloved sister and I too felt sad whenever I made him worry. I would not want to feel weak and helpless, ever.
The situation at hand, however, proved to be much more difficult than I had anticipated. It was a struggle to get even a comfortable dress over my head, much more so lifting my arms in the air. A couple of frustrated and very unladylike grunts left my mouth, perhaps even a few curses and Natalie looked at me with broad eyes before bursting into laughter.
"Let me help you," she said, making her way over to me.
I hesitated, not wanting her help doing such a simple task but ultimately had to admit defeat. There were important people waiting for me and my brother at the castle and I would not want for them to have to wait.
The castle, I thought, wondering if I should have perhaps been taught better manners before being allowed to enter. In the past, when Cayden and I were much younger, we would behold the sight from afar, never getting too close. Whilst we would eventually be part of the balls and parties held on the grounds, our childlike minds could not fathom the grandness of it all. The intimidating tall towers that reached well into the sky and the walls protecting the entirety of it, like armor on a soldier were almost scary to look at from the eyes of a kid.
As the dress blocked my field of view, I felt myself drifting back into reality. It was a loose fit and luckily did not have a corset to go with it. That would have killed my ribs and left me unable to move properly for days.
"There, all good," Natalie said as if getting it on had been the easiest thing I the world.
At least she is able to move with ease, I thought, envying her. I grabbed a band lying on the stand in front of me and hastily made my way back towards the mirror and used it to tie my hair into a loose bun on the back of my head. My appearance was not ideal for the place I was about to head to, but it was as good as it was going to get. I shrugged and turned around, facing Natalie with a slight smile playing on my lips. She was eyeing me with judging eyes, asserting whether or not my current state would suffice for the royal castle.
"I think I have an idea."
Her hand was placed thoughtfully on her chin as she made her way towards her little satchel that was still lying on the bed. From there she pulled what appeared to be a small makeup container.
"You're so pale, let us fix that. It will only take a second," she said and reached for a small brush as well.
I was thankful for her help. Though I did not care much for my own appearance outside of practicality, I knew that other nobles did, and I would have to look appropriate to get into their good graces. If being a knight meant slathering on some pink color on my cheek and suffocating when wearing a corsage for time to time, I would gladly do so.
"There, now get going. I will have the maids escort me out."
I did not even get to look at my now artificially flushed face before I ran out the door, then the front entrance and then towards the stables, like I had the morning of the training. Halfway there Cayden came riding on his own horse with mine galloping by its side, bound by the mule. His eyes were wide with surprise for a brief moment, but quickly changed back to being warm as the sun.
"I almost confused you for a fine lady."
His laugh rung in my ears and stopped with the horses in front of me. I mounted mine, Leon was his name and he, along with my brother, was my entire life. It was a struggle to get into a riding position, but he did not seem to notice the groan I let out as I pushed myself on top of it. It was its own battle to say the least. As I got myself seated comfortably, I scuffed at Cayden, letting out a sarcastic laugh.
"Very funny brother, you should perhaps apply for a job as comedian. I am certain the local pub would take in someone like you."
"You hurt me, dear sister. You look nice."
We rode towards the castle in silence and I got an opportunity to enjoy the view once again, this time more excited than I was worried. The sun shined brightly upon the landscape, engulfing it in warmth and bright colors. Though it never set in the Empire of the Sun, I did not consider it an issue. Perhaps because I, at the time, had no idea what I was missing out on. The sun was everything I ever needed, and I could only imagine the night to be dark and filled with terrors, as per the stories my mother and father had told me when I was younger. The day provided clarity, joy, and energy, but admittedly made it difficult to fall to sleep at times, not that I complained.
The lion crest sparkled above the port as we entered it with our horses, and I reminisced of the times I had heard of the story about the two brothers of which our society was built upon. A tragic story, but one that led to life in safety and peace between our two nations.
"We're almost there. I will show you the way to the armory and then must make haste to the grand hall. I am told I am needed for an important meeting and now might be as good a time as any to get you introduced to the politics of war."
"Are we at war brother?"
"Not yet, but it is something that must always be considered as to best prepare for the first strike or strongest defense."
"I see."
After having parked the horses in the royal stables, we made our way through the long castle halls and towards the armory. The building was a masterpiece, but sure was difficult to maneuver through. Had it not been for Cayden, I would not have known where to walk or how to. On multiple occasions he ordered me stop looking around so dumbfoundedly. Apparently, it was considered impolite.
Entering the armory had the same effect on me as a clothing store with expensive gowns would have had on any other noble woman. I stared, amazed at the different varieties of weapons. Everything from sharp, nimble daggers, to big, heavy greatswords were hanging on the wall. The assortments of all the types of armor had me baffled as well. My eyes were bright and big as I walked curiously through the room, eventually catching sight of what appeared to be a female armor set, neatly placed on a wooden mannequin.
"I hope you like it," I heard a familiar voice saying behind me.
I did not turn around but approached the piece with caution. I could feel my hands cooling down against the near freezing metal. It was a bit different from the rest of the armor that hung on the walls, but I liked it that way. The wine-red color of the cape contrasted nicely against the silver colored protective plates and I had trouble accepting that I was to wear that. I loved it but the dream that had once been so far away, was hard to grasp when realized.
"I.. I love it," I said, almost getting emotional as I turned back towards Cayden. He was smiling.
It was as if he was about to open his mouth, perhaps to tell me that he was glad, when the door opened and a rushed guard with sweat dripping down his exposed face, came in.
"Sir, we need you in the great hall, now. It's urgent," he said, panting.
"Aye," Cayden nodded.
"Kara you will have to put on the armor immediately and meet me in the great hall. Hans here will assist you in getting it on, should you have trouble and he will of course escort you there. Be quick."
I gave him a silent nod and directed a slight smile towards the guard, Hans. The demeanor of Cayden's face had changed into an authoritarian expression that I had never seen before. It was serious, almost grim and I wondered what dangers or perhaps adventures would wait for me in the castle.
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