Return to Glory

Accepting Fate

Alex awoke to the smell of bread. It was a scent she hadn't had the pleasure of enjoying for months now, and it was one of her favorites. Slipping out of the warm bread, she half-expected to be met with the same penetrating cold as the previous days, but was pleasantly surprised to find that the room was rather warm, considering she hadn't used the fireplace. The young woman hurried to get into her clothes, as she always slept only in her undergarments, afraid she might be seen through the window. A noise in the kitchen let her know that Aidan surely was there, unless they had more company. She quickly suffocated that paranoid thought; she was the first to find him and it had taken her way too long to manage even that, to even consider that someone else might have accomplished the same thing less than 24 hours later.

Nonetheless, the nerves settled in and she increased her speed to finish putting on the multiple layers of clothing she had, in order to be able to go make sure everything was as calm as she expected.

Prancing out of the room with a bit less elegance than she would have wanted, she was greeted with the view of the young blonde placing a kettle of water on the table, where she could already see some small buns and a few spreads.

"Wow, this is much more luxurious than what I would have expected," she commented as she stepped softly towards the kitchen area.

Aidan's smile was bright again. "I live a frugal life, but I do enjoy good food," he commented as he sat down and poured hot water into his cup. "Please join me for breakfast. We'll be washing clothes after this," he announced with the same enthusiasm as the day before. Alex wasn't a real fan of housework, but observing the great appreciation the young man had towards it was truly endearing. It was nothing like what she had seen with the nobles' maids, who had to do these chores endlessly for other people, practically draining their will to live, as they knew that was all their lives would be about.

The brunette sat down with the young prince and observed the small assortment of edibles they had in front of them, wondering if he had made all of them on his own. There was some butter, which made her wonder if he had cows or if he went to the town. Not one to keep her mouth shut once an idea got into her head, she plain asked him.

Aidan laughed at her observation and stated, "I go every few months when I need something I can't obtain on my own. But I do have my own little farm, or so to say, out in the back, with my livestock. We'll go see them later, if you want."

Alex was truly interested in seeing how the young man had been living in almost complete exile, but her mission was constantly in the back of her mind; she needed to know if there was any chance he'd be leaving with her, or if he was so comfortable here, there was no thinking of that possible scenario.

"I am sorry to continue bothering with this matter, but have you been able to think about what I told you? I just want to know if I'm chasing a dead end," she asked with complete honesty. She hoped that despite her rugged looks, the young man would be able to take her seriously.

Again the blond's eyes went grim. "I like my life here," he responded, looking straight at her, piercingly. "But I am willing to consider going back if my people need me. I just…" he paused and looked down at the table. "...I just need some time to prepare. I don't want to abandon everything all at once. I have my animals, my home."

Alex's heart shrank at the sincerity in his words. She felt horrible now for what she was requesting of him. But at the same time she knew that it was the sacrifice of one person for the good of an entire kingdom.

"I understand…" she managed to mumble, the guilt eating at her despite her logical comprehension that it was a necessary evil to be nearly forcing him to go.

Aidan looked back at her again, eyes solemn. "Stay with me a few days and I will go with you. You can enjoy the comfort of this place while I prepare everything. You can even help me, if you want." Despite his general upset mood, the tone in his voice sounded more enthusiastic towards the prospect of having her company in the meantime.

"Of course!" Alex knew that a few days would probably change nothing in the kingdom's status, and would make a world of a difference for the prince. And, if she was going to be honest, the entire idea of just doing some small chores around a comfortable house she'd also be enjoying, as if it were her own home, sounded like a vacation before the arduous journey back they'd be facing later.

Her eyes jumped towards the sombre young man, watching how he silently sipped on his tea, glancing through a window behind her. The heavy facial hair did nothing to conceal the handsome features beneath. In fact, Alex had to admit she actually liked the rugged look. She had had to deal with unkempt men throughout her entire life, from stable men, to mercenaries, to beggars, and anything in between. They looked and smelled nothing like Aidan. Not to mention the matters. Despite the austere and simple clothes, there was no denying that what was underneath it all was royalty.

She smiled at him, hoping he could see her. She was going to like spending these days with the pleasant young blond, and she hoped the sentiment would be reciprocated.