The Royal Pawn

Chapter 2: A Bard's Cottage

"A tea for you and a coffee for me, let's do this from the start. How are you feeling? "Rodriguez sat in front of Elena at the wooden table. Both mugs laid on the wooden table.

"Terrible, Rodriguez. I just lost a mother and I've said some stupid things before," Elena cried out, bawling her eyes. Her reddish haired all tackled up with leaves through the thicket of the forest as she stormed away from the castle. She picks them out one by one. Her hands were covered in reddish stain, and her feet were all bruised.

"You're overwhelmed that's not a good place to start and I'm sorry for your loss."

"Of course it's not, my father had disowned me" she leaned over her arm, her head slumped on the table. She felt the hopelessness. Fearing once word spreads out, surely she will not only be trialed but executed as well. It was no easy task to reclaim a kingdom, let alone clear one's name.

"Ale?".

"No, Elena. This is not a tavern and we are not in a performance. You need to get your head straight" Rodriguez pats her shoulder before reaching out for one of his drawers.

Unlike other places within Dreor's town, his cottage was cozy, full of smoke and stench of forged metals. Elena felt at home with the smell of Lavender which reminds her of her mother's garden. Fresh tulips growing outside, birds chirping by the window, and the smell of coffee are the things Elena loves the most. She wanted to stay there and in the comfort of living everyday life. Mathilde had it, and even if she was not envious, Elena wondered how beautiful it was to live without the complexities of life with a brother who wasn't sociopathic as hers.

"Here, this is the map of the whole kingdom's borders including the neighbouring kingdoms of Sulfaeta and Tempestes. This was owned by my father who was once a squire and don't ask me sweetheart why I didn't became one" Rodriguez laid the map on the table.

"I did not sign up for geography lessons."

"I'm a bard, not your tutor" he rolled the scroll lightly, tapping it on her head. Elena groaned before dropping her head once more on the table. "And no you're not signing up, but do ought to remember you can still reclaim your throne. Wasn't it you who told me about the Sulfaeta slaves?" he points towards the borders. A red mark is showing the edge near the seas. Despite the knowledge, only a few had learned about the enslaved men's location.

Elena's head rose from the table this time; a smile came upon her lips. She dried her tears away; for a moment, enthusiasm sparked in her eyes.

"Rodriguez you're a genius."

He pretends to fling his hair before drinking a mug of coffee. "Yes, I am darling. "

"No, I meant you're right! I should be going and making preparations" the young lady rose from her seat only to be stopped by Rodriguez, who placed his hands lightly on her shoulders.

"No, you haven't slept yet. Look at your clothes all stained and wore down. No one else would believe you let alone you look like you've been thrown out of the tavern" Rodriguez frowned with disappointment before he disappeared on one of the bedrooms.

Elena groaned before giving up with a sigh. A throbbing headache came as soon as she stands up. "You're right sleep first before anything else."

Mathilde's brother came out carrying fresh linens and a pair of dresses. He set them aside on the table along with a bowl of water and towels.

"Spare room's on the left and darling you owe me. I'll handle the horse outside," he pointed out before opening the front door.

"I know, and thanks Rodriguez. I don't know what to do without you and Mathilde" the princess took the fresh linens and clothes before proceeding to lock the spare room's door.

Dinner came when she awoke; the aroma of Beef Stew flooded throughout the cottage. There was no light or candle in her room.

I've overslept, she thought to herself. Rodriguez appears to be talking with someone in hush tones. Elena remembered she kept the knife concealed on her nightgown. Unlocking the hinge, she slowly pushed the door open. In the light of five candles, it was revealed that Mathilde stood beside Rodriguez by the kitchen cooking up the beef with fresh herbs of onions, garlic, and basil.

"I'm glad you're safe, princess Elena" Mathilde rushed to meet Elena with a sudden hug. Both clasped in a warm embrace. As soon as both drew back, Mathilde pulled out three plates and a fork. Mathilde continued, "And I hope my brother did not bargain with you or any sort."

"You wound me sister I would never do such thing" Rodriguez rolled his eyes before setting the beef from the pot on the wooden table.

Everyone took their respective chairs. Elena's found it oddly comforting that Mathilde kept a vacant stool. This reminded her of her maid's father, who passed away. Saying their thanks, everyone began to consume the meals.

"Do tell princess, where will you head off next?" Mathilde asked before chewing once again.

"I shall make my way towards the black sea."

Elena continued with her meal and said nothing more. There was a slight concern with Mathilde's face, aware of Elena's plans. It was a secret that Elena barely shared except with several people in her life while the rest of the kingdom remains unaware.

"You don't mean the Sulfaeta slaves? Elena they will slaughter you!"

"You're fretting too much, Mathilde " Rodriguez looks up from his beef. His frown appeared before realizing how awful the meat was before reheating it on the fire.

"It's barely cooked I'm sorry "Rodriguez, half apologetic, retrieved his and his sister's plate.

"It's going to be alright I got a plan" Elena placed her hand on her friend's arm, who was frantically worried.

"The last time you had a plan you had an argument with your mother," Mathilde reasoned, only to be met with silence. Elena hadn't recovered from it. No one uttered a word.

"I'm sorry for your loss both your parents has passed away."

"Bloody hell Mathilde! Cut her some slack, you're starting to sound like an old goat" Rodriguez glanced behind, who still held the fork, warning her sister.Elena knew Mathilde had a motherly affection for her. Mathilde was older than her with ten years of gap. It was her right to be worried. After a day of chaos, Elena knew well every decision she'd back would have its consequence. However, that night, Elena preferred to retreat in solitude.

"Excuse me, I shall be taking my leave now" Elena left with her food barely untouched, retreating to her room with a candle in her hand.

"Now you've done it" Rodriguez shook his head as he sat down with the roasted beef. With a thud, the door to the spare room closed, leaving them both in silence.

As dawn approaches, Elena found herself taking bread from the cupboard. Her candlelight had long died, leaving trails of smoke. She had wondered if there were apples as well. Taking into account, she'll have these returned as soon as she was done with her mission. She tiptoed, reaching for her pouch, retrieving it behind the door. Elena didn't want to wake them up, but alas, she was not an expert in the art of stealth. Unaware, a figure was watching her from behind.

"You're leaving?"

Mathilde stood there with a shawl on her arms, freezing as the cold breeze swiftly entered from the open windows.

Elena turned to face her; despite having a limited vision in the dark, she saw the sadness etched in Mathilde's face.

"I have to. I apologize for my behavior last night" Elena reached for a hug which Mathilde returned warmly.

"Hush, it's my fault I shouldn't have said those words" Mathilde shook her head as they both separated.

Elena unlocked the door turning towards the Greenlands. She sees the kingdom from distant light, breathing in the fresh smell of morning dew. Untying the horse from the small stable, she set foot to the border of the kingdom. Cloaking herself, she glanced again at the sight of the domain before setting foot to where the sun barely shines on. The cliff where storms meet the sea, and on the cold winter morning, Elena will walk the perils of ice and fire to reclaim what was hers. She rides towards the black sea.