Adelaide II

Adelaide could feel the sunset warming the outside of her cheeks, but also something wet. Her eyes flutter open as she raises her right hand to mouth. A pool of drool had traveled down Adelaide’s freckled cheek. Adelaide gags as she wipes it off onto her arm. A brief chuckle gently hits her ears. She looks to her left and recognizes a familiar face reading a small red book. Her best friend, Robin Zwil.

“Good morning, Princess.” His sandy colored hair has a lustrous sheen in the setting sun. It is a perfect amount of messy, yet charming. Robin looks at Adelaide up and down and then returns to his book, smiling. 

“Five more minutes, please.” Adelaide lets out a wide yawn and turns towards him, closing her eyes. Her eyes pop open fast as she pushes herself onto the palms of her hands. “What in the Sisters’ names happened to your nose!?” 

His nose looks like it was bashed several times by a blunt object. Adelaide stands on her knees crawling towards Robin. His left shoulder is bandaged thoroughly with small dots of red sinking through. She puts her hands out to his face, gently grasping the sides of his face to inspect the damage. The damage is definitely repairable, especially from any of the Palace’s healers, but Robin had a rough, sort of handsome look about him now. Robin winces as Adelaide pokes around the bruised skin on his nose.

“Do you intend to continue holding my face? Shall I get more comfortable?” Robin flashes his one-of-a-kind snarky half smile. Adelaide can feel her face slowly growing red and she quickly lets go of his face. She turns away from Robin, huffing at him sarcastically. “You were muttering while you were napping. Were you dreaming of me?”

“You are incorrigible, Sir Robin!” Adelaide laughs, running her palm over the blades of grass. A gentle gust of wind tossels the pair’s hair. Adelaide tucks her hair behind her ears and she pulls her legs out from underneath her. “So, how did it happen?”

Robin hesitates, “Well, uh, I got in a fight? With a city guard? Well, more like two guards?”

“Wait, you fought two guards!? Why!?” Adelaide looks at him with surprise in her eyes, nudging his arm. Robin looks as if he is having trouble getting out a response. 

“Knightly duties, Princess.” The words pours out of his mouth with an uncharacteristic confidence. He only had ever shown this confidence when they were alone, but this was completely different. Adelaide feels a strange tinge forming in her heart. She couldn’t pinpoint exactly what she was feeling. Robin continues to speak with a gentle smile, “I helped someone who was in need. At the end of the day, that’s the only thing that matters, Addison.”

“Addison?” The name bounces around the sides of Adelaide’s mind. That was the name she had given to Missy. Sudden panic envelopes her, “Wait, Missy was being attacked!?”

Robin hesitates and he rubs the back of his neck, “She’s fine, Addy. She was kicked a couple of times before I could intervene, but she actually helped me take them into custody. She’s a fighter, you know?”

“Is she truly okay?” Adelaide’s voice softens.

“Yes, don’t you worry, Addy.”

A wave of relief washes over her. At least, Missy was okay. If something would have happened to her after Adelaide had told her about the job, Adelaide shudders and shakes away those thoughts.

“So, are you going to tell me what your dream was about? Or will you leave me in the dark?” Robin pushes into the dropped topic. She could feel Robin’s gaze pelting into her form, waiting for a response. She did dream while she was asleep and it was vivid, almost realistic. The mountains she saw. The wind she felt. Too real. 

Adelaide proudly says, “Well, it felt unnaturally real.” 

“My interest has peaked! Please continue, Princess.” Adelaide knew that dangerous smile slithers its way onto his face. The loch’s water gently drifts onto the shore. The sunset reflects off of the water giving it an orange glow. 

“I think I woke up in a canvas tent. There was a small fire pit that had a boiling pot of soup over it and was surrounded by small cushions. A rush of wind shook the entire tent and it sounded like it was calling my name.” Adelaide picks at the blades of grass on the hill. “I tried moving towards the exit, but it was as if I was walking in thick mud. I got to the exit nevertheless. From what I could see, I was on a plateau surrounded by a foggy mountainside. A small path, full of shrubbery, led somewhere into the fog. It was strange because I heard the sound of wind chimes blowing in the wind.”

“Why was it strange?” Robin interjects.

“Well, the wind was not blowing anymore. Out of the fog, small little glass orbs walked towards me. They were cute in an odd sort of way, but that is when I woke up.” Adelaide finishes her story. She looks back at Robin and he looks at her. A slight smile inches along Adelaide’s face as he looks at her.

“That sounded like a pleasant dream to be sure!” Robin laughs for a moment. Robin’s hands find purchase on his knees, bruised and raw. “Addy, why didn’t you tell me that you planned to sneak out of the Palace? I would have helped you.”

Adelaide had known this question was coming as soon as she realized that Robin was here. She had purposely left him in the dark for two reasons: to give him deniability and she knew he would try to dissuade her from this special outing. “Firstly, I apologize, Robin. I should have told you, but I thought you would not understand my reasoning. I did not wish for you to get in trouble on my behalf.”

Robin’s expression is one of understanding, but Adelaide could still see the hurt in his eyes. His brow furrows as he speaks, “I’ll accept your apology, but please enlighten me with your reasoning.”

“Mother has never, ever let me out of the Palace walls. I wanted to see the city that I’ll be ruling one day. This is my last chance before I leave! I believe it to be a disservice to myself and the Empire.” Adelaide says unapologetically while she starts picking the grass again. Her foot starts to bounce up and down anxiously.

“I can’t say I disagree with your reasons, Addy.” Robin looks out towards the waves, fidgeting with the ends of his sleeves. “Mistress Anjula said something similar to what you just said.”

Auntie. Of course, Robin had gone to her. She was the reason Adelaide was able to leave the Palace. Adelaide knew that Robin had always been wary of the Archmage because she is an important figure in the Empire. However, in truth, she is not a harmful person, but rather a kind-hearted individual who has a lot of love in her heart. Adelaide looks out at the waves, as well. “You went to Auntie by yourself? Were you not scared, Sir Robin?”

“Of course, I was scared, Addy! That woman can alter the fabric of reality, squeeze it, contort it, and then transform it back into its original form. You would have to be out of your mind not to be scared by her!” Robin throws his hands into the air, making Adelaide laugh in response.

As her mind wanders, her conversation with Missy bubbles into her mind. Anger and grief coalesce into a new sadness. Adelaide grows sullen and lets out barely more than a whisper. “Robin, will you be honest with me?”

“Why’d you get all sad? Are you okay, Addy?” Robin’s voice softens with Adelaide. Genuine concern is in his voice. Adelaide looks Robin dead in the eye, it hurts to look at him. She notices his soft blue eyes trying to decipher what she is feeling. He always did this when something was on her mind. He scooches closer to her til both of their shoulders are touching.

“I believe my mother and Auntie are lying to me.” That sentence alone felt as if Adelaide had willed a guilt-ridden thought into the world. She couldn’t tell if she truly believed what she just said out loud. “I had asked Missy about myself when we were together. She had said that the Viscount was killed by a barbaric tribe, but she didn’t know more than that.”

Adelaide holds Robin’s gaze, trying to keep herself from tearing up. A moment of silence passes between the two before Robin dares to speak. “I thought it was an illness that took him. I don’t recall much from that night, besides we were put into the same room before Mistress Anjula broke the news. Do you believe her, Addy?”

The question hangs in the air like a fly caught in a spider’s web. Adelaide did not know how to respond. She lays her head onto his shoulder gently as a small tear runs down her cheek. “I do not know how to respond. I would like to believe that both my mother and Auntie would not lie to me. But, I just do not know.”

Robin tenderly nuzzles his head against hers as he wraps an arm around her. Adelaide could feel the warmth and security spread throughout her being. Robin caresses Adelaide’s arm and says, “Addy, I’m always going to be here for you. If you need anything, please ask. But, I think it’s time to go back home now.”

Adelaide nods with tears still in her eyes as she takes one last look at the Loch.

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The fire-colored skies have now been doused in the inky black as Adelaide and Robin trekked back to the Imperial Palace. The stars look like small pinholes needled in the dark fabric set against a flickering lantern. The once busy roads of the capital city slowly cleared, leaving behind a quiet and somber road. Robin tries to converse with Adelaide for a majority of the walk back, however she could feel her heart wasn’t there. Adelaide slowly grew more and more quiet until they arrived at the gates of the Imperial Palace. She glances up towards the rising spires of carved red stone and only one word passes through her mind: Captivity.

Adelaide lets out a deep sigh as she realizes just who awaited her at the gate. She knew this conversation was coming sooner or later, but Adelaide thought she would have a bit more time to recompose herself. The miniature frame of Gretchen paled in comparison to her heavily armored companion. He is holding a lit hooded lantern, which illuminates his dark brown eyes,  short salt and pepper hair, and his scar-littered green skin. His silver plate mail is decorated with golden wisteria branches. Two swords are strapped to both his sides, at rest in two exquisitely made sheathes. Adelaide could not keep herself from smiling as she saw the master knight, Sir Greer, standing with Gretchen.

Robin looks back at Adelaide with guilt clouding his face, “I’m sorry, Addy. I didn’t know that both Gretchen and Sir Greer would be waiting for us.” Adelaide smirks as she shrugs, confirming there is not anything wrong. She takes the lead up towards the gates with Robin trailing from behind.

“Adelaide Voz’hana Wysteria!” No matter how many times Gretchen yells all three of her names, it always sends a shiver down Adelaide’s core. Gretchen uncrosses her arms, throwing them to her side with rage. “You nearly killed your mother with that stunt! Lords and Ladies from across the Empire have come to see you off tomorrow! The event is now practically ruined because of you!”

Sir Greer turns his head to look at Gretchen and with a gravelly voice says, “Ms. Shinal, I believe you are being too harsh with our Princess. Please refrain from unnecessarily insulting her further. We were tasked to retrieve her and escort her to her room.” Gretchen turns towards the knight, blood vessels rising in her forehead. She huffs at Sir Greer and turns back to Adelaide and Robin.

Robin shyly stands behind Adelaide, keeping to himself. Gretchen stares glares daggers at him. Adelaide could feel his flinch without even looking at him. Gretchen continues, “Child, follow me. Her Grace wants you in your room. Now.”

“Are you not going to ask me how my day was, Gretchen? How rude.” Adelaide snaps back cheeky. She had not budged from her spot. She stands resolute against the oncoming storm coming her way. “I finally was able to see the city. It was amazing. I met people and saved a child from falling face first down a hill.”

Adelaide had expected a storm of yelling from Gretchen, but she remained quiet. Sir Greer steps towards Adelaide whispering into her ear, “Summer Child, please do not taunt her. I have a great deal of respect for you and I commend you for saving a child, but I cannot condone these actions. You are the heir to the throne and you cannot risk your safety by pulling stunts like this.”

Adelaide bites her lip, swallowing her pride. She looks back at Gretchen and gently says, “I apologize, Gretchen. I am sorry for the worry I caused.” Gretchen nods and reaches her hand out to her. Adelaide steps forwards to grab her hand and says, “Let’s go, Robin.”

Sir Greer intercepts Robin’s path as Robin steps forward, “I would like to speak to Zwil, before he retires for the night.”

Adelaide turns to face both Robin and Sir Greer. He never used Robin’s last name unless it was something important or when he was in trouble. A worried grimace must have been poured onto her face, because Robin made eye contact with his Princess and he gave her a simple, reassuring smile. Robin stood in front of the Empire’s mightiest warrior, unflinching. Gretchen did not relent with her grasp on Adelaide’s hand as she whisked the young woman away from her friend and her mentor.

The main hall had been decorated to receive guests and host a large party. The barren wasteland of a hall now lays deserted, except for a few servants cleaning. Thoughts of the party passed through Adelaide’s head, but they went in one ear and out the other. She would not have given up her time outside of the Palace walls for a “party in her honor.”

Adelaide and Gretchen pass through the winding halls towards Adelaide’s corridor. When they arrived, two guards outfitted in heavy armor stood at her door. Adelaide let her mouth drop open.

“Why do we have guards at my door?” Adelaide scowls, stopping in her tracks. Gretchen turns back towards Adelaide with a veil of anger falling over her face. With a few quick breaths, Gretchen recomposes her demeanor. “Was this your decision or my mother’s?”

“I suggested it and Her Grace accepted my proposal. The guards are here to make sure there isn’t a repeat of today’s shenanigans. You are leaving tomorrow for Fort Myra. I do hope you are well rested for your service, Princess.” Gretchen smugly exclaims as the guards unlock the door to Adelaide’s living quarters. With a low curtsey, Gretchen motions Adelaide towards the doorway. Adelaide did not need any further hints from her. A brief rush of emotion pulses through Adelaide’s body, but it soon subsided. Choosing to start another fight with Gretchen didn’t seem worth it, especially after the day Adelaide had. Adelaide smiles at Gretchen and walks towards the door. 

Adelaide enters the drawing room that sectioned off her wing. The drawing room was a fashionable abode, which Adelaide always thought that lacked a coziness she wanted. Adelaide had wanted to decorate her suite ever since she was a young girl, however her mother never allowed it. Every single piece of furniture, painting, or bookshelves were picked out by her mother and consisted of some motif of wisteria or other flowers. An unexpected wave of exhaustion overtook Adelaide and she dragged herself through the drawing room to the door of her bedroom.

Her bedroom was decorated very similarly to her drawing room, however Adelaide had decorated small, special parts like her bed. The muscles in her hand and legs scream like an hungry infant. She reaches towards her nightstand to the small stuffed bear that rests on it. She has had this bear since she was a young girl. It had been a gift from her father when she was born. Adelaide collapses onto the blue satin bed sheets, gripping her brown teddy bear. Today had been a lot, almost overwhelming. With the guards patrolling her hallways, Adelaide felt conflicted. While she felt safe, she felt even more like a captive. However, she knew nothing would disturb her here, well except Gretchen. Adelaide was beginning to relax until a low rumble shook the glass of her bedroom door.

Fear spread through her heart as the balcony door slowly opened.

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