Tristis Nox

I slipped out of the woods just as Roland called everyone to saddle up. I swung my bag onto my back and walked quietly over to Aries. “Hello, my darling boy.” He nuzzled his head into my hand and I knew he was aware of my nightmare. “I am fine, I’ve been worse.” I kissed his soft fuzzy nose and returned to his back. King Able looked at me, but said nothing as he led the group home. Everyone animatedly talked as excitement built up the closer we got to the capitol. I was happy for everyone and listened with interest as they told me stories. From how they described the place, it sounded almost as beautiful and serene as Lexicon. The more the soldiers and Anita described the capital, the more eager I became to see it.
As the sun bruised the sky with twilight, the group halted their steeds on a hill that was about 2 leagues from the palace.”Should we continue or sleep here for the night?” Roland asked.
“Let us ride to the palace, we are not far. Ride at a gallop.” King Able decided. The soldiers nodded and the dash across the final homestretch started. It took us about an hour to reach the gates to the palace and almost immediately they were opened to let the small party in. Most of the palace staff rushed down to greet us and to make sure the beloved princess and king were okay.
After some time King Able decided it was time for the crowd to disperse and let the weary party get some dinner. He raised a hand and everyone became silent. “Thank you for welcoming us at this late hour, I do not know about the others but I would like to eat something and then get some much needed rest. Please go back to your chores and also get some rest.” The crowd said their final greetings and bye’s before dispersing. The small group wearily walked to the large dining hall where a small feast was waiting for us. The chef was waiting eagerly to greet his king. “Chef Thorton, you did not have to cook all this for us.” King Able smiled.
“Ye have been traveling for days, My Lord, ye are in need of some delicious food.” Thorton smiled back.
“I cannot deny that. Chef Thorton, this is the royal family’s guest Lady Tristis Nox. She will be staying with us for some time, Lady Tristis this is the royal chef Thorton. If you need anything to eat please speak with him.” King Able introduced me.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Master Thorton.” I smiled and stuck out my hand.
“Please, Lady Tristis, call me Chef Thorton or Thorton. It is a pleasure to meet ye. I would shake yer hand, but they are anything but clean.” He seemed like a very nice fellow.
“Another time then.”
“Do not hesitate to enter the kitchen we will take care of anything ye need food wise. I must get back to the kitchen, call if ye need anything.” He bowed. “It is so good to see ye again Princess Anita.” With another slight bow he disappeared through a back door.
“Let us eat.” King gestured to the table and everyone sat. I picked up my utensils, but stopped. My mind traveled back to the last time I was at a table with royalty. I couldn’t help but feel lethargic over the memory of King Lucas. “Is everything alright, Lady Tristis.”
My eyes moved slowly to King Able’s gold ones. “Yes, I’m fine.”
“You sure, you look sad all of a sudden.” Anita looked concern.
“It’s nothing,” I said soothingly. “Just memories from the last time I sat at a table this large.” Everyone nodded, respecting my disinterest in speaking more. We ate until we were full and headed off to bed.
“I will show Tristis to her sleeping quarters. Goodnight brother.” She turned to the soldiers. “Goodnight and thank you for everything.”
“Goodnight, Princess Anita.” The soldiers said in unison.
“Goodnight sister, have pleasant dreams. Goodnight, Lady Tristis, may you also have pleasant dreams.” King able replied.
“Goodnight King Able. Thank you and may your sleep be restful.” King Able bowed his head and took his leave from us. I followed Anita up three flights of stairs and down two hallways where we stopped in front of a dark wood door.
“This shall be your suite during your time at the palace. If you need anything, a maid or staff member is always on duty, but if should need me I am up one more level and all the way to the left. Have sweet dreams, Tristis.” Anita smiled tiredly.
“Thank you for everything Anita. Have serene dreams.” She hugged me and then left to her room. I turned towards the door and slowly turned the gold plated handle. The door swung easily open to reveal a large ornate room. I stopped with dilated eyes at the spectacle before me. The floor had a dark maroon carpet, the drapes were the same red with black damask patterns, and the bed was a dark wood canopy with black and red damask patterned sheets and comforter. I stripped off my boots, placed them close to the door and walked over to the bed. I gingerly ran my hand over the material and woodwork. *I’m not use to this, this fancy way of living. Even while I lived with King Lucas, I was never surrounded by this much fanciness and beauty.* I was uncomfortable to say the least. *Vay would tell me I’m being silly and also not to get too comfortable with these luxuries.* I chuckled to myself and walked over to one of the two doors. The first door I opened was a bathroom that held an ivory bath tub, dark wood floor, and a single window on the right wall. After inspecting the room, I closed the door and opened the second door only to stumble back. *Holy... wow. Tris don’t get used to this!* I yelled in my head as I stepped into the large walk in closet. Dozens of dresses, hats, gloves, and other clothing apparel hung all around the room. A velvet red lounge chair was placed in the middle as the floor was covered in the same carpeting as the main room and a window was placed on the far wall. *This is so overwhelming.* I shook my head and tried to find the closest thing to a nightgown.