The Shadow Prince
6.
6.
The first few days at Duskcliff were, interesting, to say the least. Kian found himself wandering around the grounds aimlessly with nothing to do. The Chancellor knew that doing nothing was going to be torture for him. Every day started the same, Kian would wake up, dress, eat, and then just wander around.
In the evenings Kian joined Lady Anya for a formal dinner. The first few meals were awkward, that was until they both found out that they had much in common in ways of interests. By the end of the first week, Kian began to look forward to his evening dinners with Anya, and Anya too found herself wishing time would go faster so that she could finish her day with a meal with her visitor.
Kian soon took it upon himself to observe the training routines of the soldiers posted at Duskcliff. He soon found that their routines were subpar, and with Lady Anya’s permission, he started to implement new routines, exercises, and protocols to get the men back into fighting shape. For too long they had languished away in the north, far away from the actual war.
“Your visit here has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I know very little about military protocol and you have shown me that the men have fallen into laziness as of late.” Anya said to Kian as they enjoyed yet another dinner together.
“It’s not your fault. For too long the Empire has turned a blind eye to our holdfast here in the north. You have done an impeccable job as it is keeping peace up here with the Voidari.” Kian said after a sip of wine.
The two of them sat at the large table in the dining hall of the keep. The first few nights, they sat at opposite ends of the table, which didn't help cultivate conversation at all. Finally, one night, Kian took his plate and moved to the other end, sitting right beside Anya so they could converse. He began sitting there ever since.
“Well, thank you. You’ve done so much in the few weeks you’ve been here. I am surprised someone with your skillset hasn’t been called back to serve The Chancellor.” Anya said, her eyes looking down at her plate as she cut her food. It had been three weeks now since his arrival, and Anya had started to grow quite fond of his presence. There was still so much mystery surrounding him, yet she started to feel that they had become friends. She worried that soon he would be called back to The Chancellor.
“The Chancellor and I… have a complicated relationship… it is an honor to serve him… but…” He found himself rambling, for a few days now, Kian had wanted to tell her more about himself; but it was treason. Their conversations at night always consisted of Anya freely telling him about herself, but he could not breathe a word about himself to her.
“Oh?” Anya said looking up.
“I’ve already said too much. Are you keen to see me go?” He said after clearing his throat.
“Oh… no! Not at all! In fact… I think I will be sad when you have to leave. Your presence has been such a breath of fresh air.” She confessed.
“When I do return to The Chancellor,” He began, his tone getting more serious, “I will ensure that Duskcliff is no longer forgotten about. Supplies, funds, and provisions will be sent north. I will make sure of it.”
“You don't have to do that, surely funds could better be used elsewhere in the empire.” She softly said. She was humble, he had to admit. He had long been surrounded by peers who faked humility. Not Lady Anya, she was genuinely humble. Before Kian could further insist on the offer, Anya pointed to a piece of artwork hanging on the wall. Her way of changing the topic. She explained it depicted the view of The Void on the other side of the Sharpstone mountains. A view few rarely get to see.
“People in The Capitol believe that The Void is a barren landscape, but it isn’t. It’s rich and fertile, and there are many Voidari tribes that live beyond the mountains. There are even some from the south who have traveled to seek refuge beyond the mountains and to live amongst The Voidari.” Anya explained.
“Have you been beyond the mountains?” Kian asked, to which Anya nodded yes as she sipped her wine.
“Yes. To non-Voidari, it can be treacherous to climb the mountains, but to those that know the way, it is an easy journey.” She coyly said with the cock of one eyebrow.
“And people from the south, they travel here to try and cross the mountains?”
“Some try on their own, but others will hire a Voidari guide to lead the way.”
“So… rebels could be hiding in The Void? Do you talk with these people that come from the South? Do you know who they are and where they are from?” Kian began to question. This revelation that The Void could be housing rebels was groundbreaking to him. For far too long, his mother, Princess Elvi’s whereabouts had been unknown. Many reports said that she was hiding in The Mainlands, but for years spies were never able to find concrete evidence. It was also unknown as to exactly where the main Rebellion holdfast was located. Could it all be coming from The Void?
“I do not question the people that come. I offer them refuge, aid, and comfort before they go on their way. Many are poor families trying to flee the war. If they were rebels or not I couldn't tell you.” She nervously replied.
The two of them fell into an awkward silence. Kian was lost in his thoughts about the rebels and his mother. As he was lost in his thoughts, Anya couldn't help but observe him. In recent days he had taken to wearing a simple black linen tunic over simple black leather pants. She noted his strong broad shoulders, his thick biceps, and the veins that popped out of the backs of his hands and forearms. In addition to feeling like he was her friend, she had to admit to herself that she did find him attractive.
After a few moments of contemplation, Kian looked up at caught Anya staring at him. Owning up to being caught, Anya just smiled as a flood of color rushed to her cheeks. If banishment to Duskcliff was going to be a permanent one, then having Anya as a prison mate wasn't a bad price to pay. Kian relaxed his shoulders and sat back in his seat, flashing her a devious smile.
“You have no brothers off fighting in the war?” Kian asked
“No… I am an only child… well… not always.” Anya solemnly said
“Oh?” Kieran said, beginning to regret the direction of the conversation this way.
“My mother and brother both died when I was twelve. I was in the Capitol then.” She solemnly said.
“I’m sorry.” He said, now feeling incredibly stupid.
“No, it’s all right, it’s been many years. I’ve quite recovered. Now… I have an odd question for you,” she began, her turn now to change the subject, “Do Black Knights ever get recreational leave of service?”
“For like… leisure? No.” Kian said with a chuckle.
“That’s a shame. You all work so hard for The Chancellor.” She said now, looking down at her plate and pushing food back and forth on it with her fork.
“I’ve been in The Chancellor’s service since I was ten.” Anya had been mid-sip of her wine when he made this revelation. She almost choked on it. All this time they had spent together and still, she did not know who he was for certain. There was only one Black Knight in service to The Chancellor who had been in The Chancellor’s possession since childhood, and that was Prince Kian.
“Oh… so young.” Anya nervously said. Kian noted the change in her facial expression as she started to connect the dots in her mind. She had to have already suspected who he was. She had to.
“This dinner was lovely, your kitchen staff is the best in The Empire, in my opinion,” Kian said, now he changing the topic.
“I will let the girls know,” Anya said with a smile. A few moments of silence passed before Kian’s expression grew dark and intense.
“You said that people from The South travel north to join the Voidari?”
“Yes… fleeing the war.”
“I apologize for bringing it up again,” He said, leaning forward in his seat and resting his forearms on the table, “but we have been searching for fugitives. The Princess Elvi.” Kian softly said.
“I see…” Anya solemnly said
“It is important that we find her and bring an end to this war. She is the one commanding the rebels. We previously thought she was residing in The Mainlands, but we’ve never had concrete proof. If she is somehow beyond the Sharpstone Mountains, we could finally bring an end to this war.”
“If it is your desire to make inquiries, I can have the Mountain Trekkers brought in for questioning,” Anya said.
“Mountain Trekkers?”
“The skilled Voidari climbers who lead people over the mountains. They would have a good memory of anyone who meets her description.
“I think that would be a wise thing to do,” Kian said.
***
Kian spent any time he could questioning the known Mountain Trekkers that came through Duskcliff. Winter was approaching and with it, small groups of travelers sought passage over the Mountains before the weather turned. Kian couldn’t help but look at the travelers with suspicion. Were they rebels?
None of the Mountain Trekkers could say for certain whether or not they recalled a woman matching the description of Princess Elvi. It would have been shortly after The Chancellor kidnapped him that his mother took the dangerous journey if she took the journey at all. So in the nearly fifteen years since then and now, it was understandable that many of the Mountain Trekkers could not recall.
Setting aside the thought that his mother could be on the other side of the mountain range, Kian began to focus more on his time spent at Duskcliff. He found himself growing more fond of Lady Anya’s company with each passing day. She was smart, and levelheaded, and made him feel respected and comfortable, and she didn't fear him.
As a Black Knight, he had grown used to people having a measure of fear of him, but not Anya, for some reason she didn’t fear him at all. As time went on, he found himself able to talk more freely with her, and she never overstepped the line when it came to asking him questions about his personal life. Somehow she was keenly in tune with what he was comfortable with and what he wasn’t.
Their relationship slowly began to morph from one that was purely professional and dignified, to one that was more friendly and at times flirtatious. Stolen glances were exchanged in the halls, inside jokes spoken when no one else could hear, and shy smiles and soft giggles were hidden from each other. Neither of them dared to admit to themselves let alone each other that feelings were beginning to form, yet the tension between the two could be felt by all.
Early one morning, Kian stopped one of the Mountain Trekkers who was passing through the village to question him. The Mountain Trekker had no knowledge of the lost princess or any rebels, so Kian sent him on his way. As Kian made his way back up inside the walls of Duskcliff, he noticed soldiers running from their posts towards the main courtyard.
“You there! What is going on?” Kian demanded from a soldier.
“There is a hostile traveler in the courtyard. Lady Anya is with him.” The soldier said before rushing off. Kian immediately rushed after the soldier in the direction of the courtyard. For the first time since arriving at Duskcliff, Kian showed his true colors as he aggressively pushed and barreled his way through the line of soldiers; shoving them to the side and knocking them to the ground. All of the soldiers had weapons in hand, ready to defend the fortress if need be.
A large wrecked wagon and emancipated-looking horse stood at the center of the courtyard. The wagon had a wheel that was off its axle, and huffing and puffing around the wagon was a massive brute of a man. The man was red with anger, and if it were possible, steam would be shooting from his nose as he heaved breath in and out of his chest.
“YOU WILL FIX MY WAGON NOW!” He yelled at her.
“I can have it fixed… for a price,” Anya said, her voice calm and collected. Her whole demeanor was that of serenity as if she was entirely unbothered by the raging man in front of her.
I will not pay you murderous scum! You Imperial Rats!” The man shouted. Anya and the man went back and forth a few times, and it only just became clearer and clearer that there was no reason for this man.
“Why are you not helping her? Restrain him!” Kian barked at one of the soldiers.
“Sir… Lady Anya will give the signal if she needs assistance. She is usually very good at de-escalating these issues.” The soldier said. Just then the man lifted up the broken wheel of his wagon and threw it into a nearby blacksmithing supply table.
“I am going to have to ask you to leave,” Anya said, raising her voice. Her face grew red with anger as the man turned and began throwing anything and everything that was within reach.
“ENOUGH!!!!” She screamed at him, stepping forward, the pointed satin tip of her shoes peeking out from underneath the hem of her sunny yellow dress. The whole courtyard grew silent, the shrill other voice, the anger it held, sent a shiver down Kian’s spine.
“YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE! I CAN DO BUSINESS WITH YOU OR I CAN HAVE YOU FORCIBLY REMOVED FROM THE FORTRESS! YOUR CHOICE!” She yelled, stepping even closer to the man.
In one swift fluid movement, the man rushed at Anya, his hands reaching out at her, grabbing her by the throat. Kian stepped forward, his hand firmly clasped onto the hilt of his sword. The man noticed Kian’s movement and harshly pulled Anya toward him.
“I’LL SNAP HER NECK! FIX MY WAGON!” He bellowed, threatening to snap Anya’s graceful neck as if it were just a thin twig. Kian already had a plan in his mind. He was a swift, agile, and lethal fighter, it would be nothing to swiftly subdue the brute of a man with a few swift manures of his sword. All without harming a single hair on Anya’s head.
Kian’s eyes went back and forth between Anya and the man He then noticed a particular look on Anya’s face, she was shaking her head at him, urging him to refrain from getting involved.
“Hey… listen…” Anya began, her voice choked a bit by the grip the man had on her, “We want to fix your wagon. I am sorry you are hurt. I am sorry you have traveled so far. We want to help you here.” She said, sincerity and softness in her voice. “Just let me go, we will fix your wagon. Just let me go. Go wait in the town tavern. It will be fixed.” She then began to speak softly in Voidari, what she said, Kian would never know.
Kian didn't know if it was because of the sincerity and softness of Anya’s voice, or something else, but the man let go of her. The man cursed loudly before grabbing a few belongings from his wagon and leaving the courtyard in peace.
“Fix the wheel, it should take less than an hour, get it done, and get him gone,” Anya said, to the nearby blacksmith who had already begun cleaning up all of his equipment that had been thrown about.
Turning hastily on her heels, Anya began to make her way out of the courtyard, her hand pressed to her chest as she tried to slow her breathing and racing heart. Kian went to follow Anya, but Anya wanted to compose herself in private. She didn’t know if she actually had the situation under control. For a few brief moments, she felt her life in genuine danger at the hands of that brute.
“My Lady!” Kian called out to her, but she made no response as she walked.
“Anya!” He said the sound of her name stopped her in her tracks.
“I just need a moment.” She said, her back still turned to him. As he got closer to her, he should see her whole frame quaking with anxiety and he could sense her fear. He stepped in front of her so he could see her face. Her cheeks were red and her eyes were fighting back tears.
“Are you all right?” He softly asked
“I am, thank you.” She said bluntly and without feeling. Anya did not like to show weakness. She valued and took pride in the reputation of being calm, cool, poised, and collected. She never wanted anyone to see her moments of weakness, and she especially did not want a Black Knight to see that she was near tears.
Kian realized that he needed to let her go. She went to walk past him, but in a quick moment, he took her hand. They stood there for a moment, neither of them saying anything or looking at the other, but the feeling was undeniable. It was right there. A feeling that had been there since the moment they met. A powerful connection to each other, and with each passing day, it was getting harder and harder to ignore.
Anya pulled her hand from his, and with quick steps, she fled into the keep.
The first few days at Duskcliff were, interesting, to say the least. Kian found himself wandering around the grounds aimlessly with nothing to do. The Chancellor knew that doing nothing was going to be torture for him. Every day started the same, Kian would wake up, dress, eat, and then just wander around.
In the evenings Kian joined Lady Anya for a formal dinner. The first few meals were awkward, that was until they both found out that they had much in common in ways of interests. By the end of the first week, Kian began to look forward to his evening dinners with Anya, and Anya too found herself wishing time would go faster so that she could finish her day with a meal with her visitor.
Kian soon took it upon himself to observe the training routines of the soldiers posted at Duskcliff. He soon found that their routines were subpar, and with Lady Anya’s permission, he started to implement new routines, exercises, and protocols to get the men back into fighting shape. For too long they had languished away in the north, far away from the actual war.
“Your visit here has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I know very little about military protocol and you have shown me that the men have fallen into laziness as of late.” Anya said to Kian as they enjoyed yet another dinner together.
“It’s not your fault. For too long the Empire has turned a blind eye to our holdfast here in the north. You have done an impeccable job as it is keeping peace up here with the Voidari.” Kian said after a sip of wine.
The two of them sat at the large table in the dining hall of the keep. The first few nights, they sat at opposite ends of the table, which didn't help cultivate conversation at all. Finally, one night, Kian took his plate and moved to the other end, sitting right beside Anya so they could converse. He began sitting there ever since.
“Well, thank you. You’ve done so much in the few weeks you’ve been here. I am surprised someone with your skillset hasn’t been called back to serve The Chancellor.” Anya said, her eyes looking down at her plate as she cut her food. It had been three weeks now since his arrival, and Anya had started to grow quite fond of his presence. There was still so much mystery surrounding him, yet she started to feel that they had become friends. She worried that soon he would be called back to The Chancellor.
“The Chancellor and I… have a complicated relationship… it is an honor to serve him… but…” He found himself rambling, for a few days now, Kian had wanted to tell her more about himself; but it was treason. Their conversations at night always consisted of Anya freely telling him about herself, but he could not breathe a word about himself to her.
“Oh?” Anya said looking up.
“I’ve already said too much. Are you keen to see me go?” He said after clearing his throat.
“Oh… no! Not at all! In fact… I think I will be sad when you have to leave. Your presence has been such a breath of fresh air.” She confessed.
“When I do return to The Chancellor,” He began, his tone getting more serious, “I will ensure that Duskcliff is no longer forgotten about. Supplies, funds, and provisions will be sent north. I will make sure of it.”
“You don't have to do that, surely funds could better be used elsewhere in the empire.” She softly said. She was humble, he had to admit. He had long been surrounded by peers who faked humility. Not Lady Anya, she was genuinely humble. Before Kian could further insist on the offer, Anya pointed to a piece of artwork hanging on the wall. Her way of changing the topic. She explained it depicted the view of The Void on the other side of the Sharpstone mountains. A view few rarely get to see.
“People in The Capitol believe that The Void is a barren landscape, but it isn’t. It’s rich and fertile, and there are many Voidari tribes that live beyond the mountains. There are even some from the south who have traveled to seek refuge beyond the mountains and to live amongst The Voidari.” Anya explained.
“Have you been beyond the mountains?” Kian asked, to which Anya nodded yes as she sipped her wine.
“Yes. To non-Voidari, it can be treacherous to climb the mountains, but to those that know the way, it is an easy journey.” She coyly said with the cock of one eyebrow.
“And people from the south, they travel here to try and cross the mountains?”
“Some try on their own, but others will hire a Voidari guide to lead the way.”
“So… rebels could be hiding in The Void? Do you talk with these people that come from the South? Do you know who they are and where they are from?” Kian began to question. This revelation that The Void could be housing rebels was groundbreaking to him. For far too long, his mother, Princess Elvi’s whereabouts had been unknown. Many reports said that she was hiding in The Mainlands, but for years spies were never able to find concrete evidence. It was also unknown as to exactly where the main Rebellion holdfast was located. Could it all be coming from The Void?
“I do not question the people that come. I offer them refuge, aid, and comfort before they go on their way. Many are poor families trying to flee the war. If they were rebels or not I couldn't tell you.” She nervously replied.
The two of them fell into an awkward silence. Kian was lost in his thoughts about the rebels and his mother. As he was lost in his thoughts, Anya couldn't help but observe him. In recent days he had taken to wearing a simple black linen tunic over simple black leather pants. She noted his strong broad shoulders, his thick biceps, and the veins that popped out of the backs of his hands and forearms. In addition to feeling like he was her friend, she had to admit to herself that she did find him attractive.
After a few moments of contemplation, Kian looked up at caught Anya staring at him. Owning up to being caught, Anya just smiled as a flood of color rushed to her cheeks. If banishment to Duskcliff was going to be a permanent one, then having Anya as a prison mate wasn't a bad price to pay. Kian relaxed his shoulders and sat back in his seat, flashing her a devious smile.
“You have no brothers off fighting in the war?” Kian asked
“No… I am an only child… well… not always.” Anya solemnly said
“Oh?” Kieran said, beginning to regret the direction of the conversation this way.
“My mother and brother both died when I was twelve. I was in the Capitol then.” She solemnly said.
“I’m sorry.” He said, now feeling incredibly stupid.
“No, it’s all right, it’s been many years. I’ve quite recovered. Now… I have an odd question for you,” she began, her turn now to change the subject, “Do Black Knights ever get recreational leave of service?”
“For like… leisure? No.” Kian said with a chuckle.
“That’s a shame. You all work so hard for The Chancellor.” She said now, looking down at her plate and pushing food back and forth on it with her fork.
“I’ve been in The Chancellor’s service since I was ten.” Anya had been mid-sip of her wine when he made this revelation. She almost choked on it. All this time they had spent together and still, she did not know who he was for certain. There was only one Black Knight in service to The Chancellor who had been in The Chancellor’s possession since childhood, and that was Prince Kian.
“Oh… so young.” Anya nervously said. Kian noted the change in her facial expression as she started to connect the dots in her mind. She had to have already suspected who he was. She had to.
“This dinner was lovely, your kitchen staff is the best in The Empire, in my opinion,” Kian said, now he changing the topic.
“I will let the girls know,” Anya said with a smile. A few moments of silence passed before Kian’s expression grew dark and intense.
“You said that people from The South travel north to join the Voidari?”
“Yes… fleeing the war.”
“I apologize for bringing it up again,” He said, leaning forward in his seat and resting his forearms on the table, “but we have been searching for fugitives. The Princess Elvi.” Kian softly said.
“I see…” Anya solemnly said
“It is important that we find her and bring an end to this war. She is the one commanding the rebels. We previously thought she was residing in The Mainlands, but we’ve never had concrete proof. If she is somehow beyond the Sharpstone Mountains, we could finally bring an end to this war.”
“If it is your desire to make inquiries, I can have the Mountain Trekkers brought in for questioning,” Anya said.
“Mountain Trekkers?”
“The skilled Voidari climbers who lead people over the mountains. They would have a good memory of anyone who meets her description.
“I think that would be a wise thing to do,” Kian said.
***
Kian spent any time he could questioning the known Mountain Trekkers that came through Duskcliff. Winter was approaching and with it, small groups of travelers sought passage over the Mountains before the weather turned. Kian couldn’t help but look at the travelers with suspicion. Were they rebels?
None of the Mountain Trekkers could say for certain whether or not they recalled a woman matching the description of Princess Elvi. It would have been shortly after The Chancellor kidnapped him that his mother took the dangerous journey if she took the journey at all. So in the nearly fifteen years since then and now, it was understandable that many of the Mountain Trekkers could not recall.
Setting aside the thought that his mother could be on the other side of the mountain range, Kian began to focus more on his time spent at Duskcliff. He found himself growing more fond of Lady Anya’s company with each passing day. She was smart, and levelheaded, and made him feel respected and comfortable, and she didn't fear him.
As a Black Knight, he had grown used to people having a measure of fear of him, but not Anya, for some reason she didn’t fear him at all. As time went on, he found himself able to talk more freely with her, and she never overstepped the line when it came to asking him questions about his personal life. Somehow she was keenly in tune with what he was comfortable with and what he wasn’t.
Their relationship slowly began to morph from one that was purely professional and dignified, to one that was more friendly and at times flirtatious. Stolen glances were exchanged in the halls, inside jokes spoken when no one else could hear, and shy smiles and soft giggles were hidden from each other. Neither of them dared to admit to themselves let alone each other that feelings were beginning to form, yet the tension between the two could be felt by all.
Early one morning, Kian stopped one of the Mountain Trekkers who was passing through the village to question him. The Mountain Trekker had no knowledge of the lost princess or any rebels, so Kian sent him on his way. As Kian made his way back up inside the walls of Duskcliff, he noticed soldiers running from their posts towards the main courtyard.
“You there! What is going on?” Kian demanded from a soldier.
“There is a hostile traveler in the courtyard. Lady Anya is with him.” The soldier said before rushing off. Kian immediately rushed after the soldier in the direction of the courtyard. For the first time since arriving at Duskcliff, Kian showed his true colors as he aggressively pushed and barreled his way through the line of soldiers; shoving them to the side and knocking them to the ground. All of the soldiers had weapons in hand, ready to defend the fortress if need be.
A large wrecked wagon and emancipated-looking horse stood at the center of the courtyard. The wagon had a wheel that was off its axle, and huffing and puffing around the wagon was a massive brute of a man. The man was red with anger, and if it were possible, steam would be shooting from his nose as he heaved breath in and out of his chest.
“YOU WILL FIX MY WAGON NOW!” He yelled at her.
“I can have it fixed… for a price,” Anya said, her voice calm and collected. Her whole demeanor was that of serenity as if she was entirely unbothered by the raging man in front of her.
I will not pay you murderous scum! You Imperial Rats!” The man shouted. Anya and the man went back and forth a few times, and it only just became clearer and clearer that there was no reason for this man.
“Why are you not helping her? Restrain him!” Kian barked at one of the soldiers.
“Sir… Lady Anya will give the signal if she needs assistance. She is usually very good at de-escalating these issues.” The soldier said. Just then the man lifted up the broken wheel of his wagon and threw it into a nearby blacksmithing supply table.
“I am going to have to ask you to leave,” Anya said, raising her voice. Her face grew red with anger as the man turned and began throwing anything and everything that was within reach.
“ENOUGH!!!!” She screamed at him, stepping forward, the pointed satin tip of her shoes peeking out from underneath the hem of her sunny yellow dress. The whole courtyard grew silent, the shrill other voice, the anger it held, sent a shiver down Kian’s spine.
“YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE! I CAN DO BUSINESS WITH YOU OR I CAN HAVE YOU FORCIBLY REMOVED FROM THE FORTRESS! YOUR CHOICE!” She yelled, stepping even closer to the man.
In one swift fluid movement, the man rushed at Anya, his hands reaching out at her, grabbing her by the throat. Kian stepped forward, his hand firmly clasped onto the hilt of his sword. The man noticed Kian’s movement and harshly pulled Anya toward him.
“I’LL SNAP HER NECK! FIX MY WAGON!” He bellowed, threatening to snap Anya’s graceful neck as if it were just a thin twig. Kian already had a plan in his mind. He was a swift, agile, and lethal fighter, it would be nothing to swiftly subdue the brute of a man with a few swift manures of his sword. All without harming a single hair on Anya’s head.
Kian’s eyes went back and forth between Anya and the man He then noticed a particular look on Anya’s face, she was shaking her head at him, urging him to refrain from getting involved.
“Hey… listen…” Anya began, her voice choked a bit by the grip the man had on her, “We want to fix your wagon. I am sorry you are hurt. I am sorry you have traveled so far. We want to help you here.” She said, sincerity and softness in her voice. “Just let me go, we will fix your wagon. Just let me go. Go wait in the town tavern. It will be fixed.” She then began to speak softly in Voidari, what she said, Kian would never know.
Kian didn't know if it was because of the sincerity and softness of Anya’s voice, or something else, but the man let go of her. The man cursed loudly before grabbing a few belongings from his wagon and leaving the courtyard in peace.
“Fix the wheel, it should take less than an hour, get it done, and get him gone,” Anya said, to the nearby blacksmith who had already begun cleaning up all of his equipment that had been thrown about.
Turning hastily on her heels, Anya began to make her way out of the courtyard, her hand pressed to her chest as she tried to slow her breathing and racing heart. Kian went to follow Anya, but Anya wanted to compose herself in private. She didn’t know if she actually had the situation under control. For a few brief moments, she felt her life in genuine danger at the hands of that brute.
“My Lady!” Kian called out to her, but she made no response as she walked.
“Anya!” He said the sound of her name stopped her in her tracks.
“I just need a moment.” She said, her back still turned to him. As he got closer to her, he should see her whole frame quaking with anxiety and he could sense her fear. He stepped in front of her so he could see her face. Her cheeks were red and her eyes were fighting back tears.
“Are you all right?” He softly asked
“I am, thank you.” She said bluntly and without feeling. Anya did not like to show weakness. She valued and took pride in the reputation of being calm, cool, poised, and collected. She never wanted anyone to see her moments of weakness, and she especially did not want a Black Knight to see that she was near tears.
Kian realized that he needed to let her go. She went to walk past him, but in a quick moment, he took her hand. They stood there for a moment, neither of them saying anything or looking at the other, but the feeling was undeniable. It was right there. A feeling that had been there since the moment they met. A powerful connection to each other, and with each passing day, it was getting harder and harder to ignore.
Anya pulled her hand from his, and with quick steps, she fled into the keep.