A gentle knock on her door made her start awake, sword in hand she walked to the door and opened it. Prince Larimar’s words stilled on his stunned lips he couldn’t help but stare at Willow’s half clad body he blushed his eyes fell to her sword it reminded him that she was a knight.

“Prince Larimar? Is something wrong?” Willow yawned and opened the door wider in invitation against his better judgement he found himself entering her room.

He noticed Rosa slept peacefully on the bed and that Willow had slept on the floor. He frowned wondering what sought of upbringing she had had. He had known Lord Richard all his life and could never imagine him being cruel to his children in fact it was well known in the capital that he was a doting father. he frowned as he searched his memories and realised he had only really heard about the twins.

Willow walked passed him and knelt before the fire she soon brought it back to life whilst the prince restrained himself from telling her that was the servants’ job.

“Lady Willow where you treated poorly at home?” he asked sitting down.

She turned to him startled. “Why would you think that? I was punished if I did wrong. The soldiers made me run drills if I broke the rules it was easier then mother’s…” she trailed off and he watched as she tied her hair back with an old green ribbon she sighed.

His curiosity overcame him. “What did you do?”

“I used to help the servants they never liked it well, not at first. They kept telling me that it may not be my place but they soon allowed me to enter their world when they saw I would not stop trying to help. Finally my father’s knights took me in hand and plunged me into the world of man.” She smiled and his breath caught it was a world she loved and it was clearly written over her face.

“Were you not good at female accomplishments?” he asked gently, still trying to figure out the child before him.

She shook her head. “Not like Marion, I grew easily bored with needle work and learning about running a household I decided I would fight to protect it instead,” she paused, her eyes darkened in remembrance. “The only thing that I enjoyed more then my sister except fighting that is, was reading, my father has an extensive library I used to spend hours absorbing volume after volume.” her face gentled.

Prince Larimar stood a sudden thought coming to him. “I will return in an hour when you have dressed I wish to take you somewhere.” Willow stood and bowed, she wondered where he was going to take her.

An hour passed and Willow stood outside her room waiting for Prince Larimar. Rosa had awakened and left, Willow had given her some money and they had agreed to meet up in two days at Rosa’s place.

Prince Larimar stared at Willow she was dressed in well tailored breeches that hugged her legs and a pale green sleeved shirt she wore a dark green tabard with a her simple sword belt sitting on her hips. His eye narrowed apart from her signet ring she wore nothing that gave away her family, no crest was present on her clothes or her sword, he frowned what was with this child he wondered.

“You should have put on a dress.” He grumbled not used to woman being dressed like a man it threw him off.

Willow burst out laughing. “I haven’t worn a dress since I was a child no one really cares. Also I do not own any I would not like all those yards of material and plus a sword would hardly go with a silk gown.” She shook her head chuckling as if he had made a preposterous suggestion.

He remained silent until they reached large mahogany doors. Willow gasped and stared at the carving in its face. Her hand ran over the smooth wood reverently she knew what was behind the door. She turned smiling causing the prince to gasp her features were beautiful and her eyes gleamed with pleasure, “One of the five royal libraries!” she twirled around laughing.

Prince Larimar pulled himself together. “Whilst you’re here I hope you will enjoy the library.” He pushed open the doors and beckoned her inside. Willow reverently walked in behind him. Her eyes grew wide as she stared at all the books and scrolls in front of her. Scholars and librarians walked around in silence each with their own time consuming tasks. Satisfied that she would be safe he smiled and turned to leave. “Well I’ll leave you here to enjoy. I have business to attend to.”

“How unfortunate for you, whilst you work hard I will be enjoying myself amongst these great treasures.” She mocked. Chuckling he shook his head ruefully and left her in the great library. Willow soon lost herself absorbing book after book.

Willow flinched startled as someone swore close to her she looked over. A scribe stood holding his bleeding arm as he removed his hand Willow gasped she rushed to his side. “You cut your arm on the shelf, here allow me to help.” She took her handkerchief from her pocket and made a bandage he smiled shyly.

“You’re from the minx tribes aren’t you?” He inhaled sharply and looked into her gentle eyes. She had not spoken to him in the king’s tongue.

“How is it you know the ancient language?” He asked lowering his voice looking around fretfully.

“There are many things I know like what this tattoo on your arm means, your highness.” her smile wavered as she noted his pale face. “Are you okay?” she whispered releasing his arm which she had finished binding.

He shook his head and turned away. “I must get back to work and I think you have mistaken the tattoo for something else.” He denied in the king’s tongue.

She chuckled. “I think not it’s the mark of the veil protector given only to the members of the royal family within each clan. Even within the wolf tribe there is a veil protector one that remains untainted by his people blood lust, though he has been thrown in the deepest hole, and no-one is really sure if he still lives.” She replied still talking in his language.

The scribe stared at her horrified. “I’m sorry I have to go thank you for your kindness.” He added his hand briefly covering his arm she bowed to him allowing him to go knowing that he would watch her closely whenever she returned to the library.