Gambles and Gifts
1419 Words
As I stood at the top of the staircase, the aroma of breakfast wafted up to me like a warm hug. It turned out my husband, Ryker, had sent a small army to our cottage manor, Bryerwood, and those men were bustling around downstairs. They moved in and out like clockwork, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe mixed with nervous anticipation. Some were soldiers, others looked more like craftsmen, but all of them radiated an intensity that was both terrifying and reassuring. They could likely annihilate any threat that crossed our path.
As I followed Ryker into the dining room, he pulled out a chair for me—a small gesture that made me smile despite the chaos downstairs. I sat down, and he plopped beside me, immediately filling his plate like it was a competition. I happily followed suit, snagging crispy bacon and fluffy pancakes, generously drenching them in honey and butter.
Just as we were polishing off the last bites of our breakfast, a shy girl quietly gathered our plates. She practically scampered off, and I took a moment to survey my surroundings. My home—this quaint, charming manor—was beautiful in its simplicity.
Just then, Drax, one of Ryker's loyal companions, strode in with a mission in mind. But when his eyes met mine, I noticed a flicker of shock cross his face before he quickly masked it with professionalism. I was still getting the hang of this whole royal business, and apparently, my mere presence was enough to surprise someone who had i assumed seen it all.
“What’s the news?” Ryker asked, and I couldn’t help but lean in closer.
"Wagons incoming," Drax reported, shifting nervously. “The troops have arrived, along with the queen’s new indentured staff and some building materials.”
Ryker smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. “You owe Karianna two hundred,” he said, making me raise an eyebrow.
Drax frowned before clearing his throat. “The Queen and I will be out in a moment. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to see her people.”
“What do you mean he owes her two hundred?” I asked, curiosity bubbling.
Ryker chuckled, “He bet you would be hideous—unibrow and snaggletooth. Karianna bet you would be more beautiful than the infamous Merridian Princess.”
“Oh,” I gasped, surprised that they would bet on my looks. “I doubt I’m more beautiful than someone whose beauty has fame.”
“I’ve met her,” Ryker said, his eyes sparkling. “You are definitely in the running to beat her out. Trust me.”
With that, he stood and gently pulled my chair out, offering me his arm. “Shall we?”
We stepped outside, where the wagons and carriages had indeed started to pull up. Andi sat up front with a tall man who had bright blue eyes and a cheerful demeanor despite the seriousness of the morning. He looked older, hair greying but still fit. In the back sat Lacy next to a boy who appeared to be a few years younger than her. They shared the same bright eyes; looking at him felt like looking at an even younger version of the man up front.
“Your Majesties,” the older man greeted, bowing in a way that seemed far too formal for my taste. Lacy, Andi, and the young boy followed suit.
“Rise,” Ryker said, grinning. “We can skip the formalities, sir. A simple curtsy or nod is more than enough for me.” He extended his hand toward the old man.
The man hesitated for a moment but eventually took Ryker's hand, shaking it.
“As you wish, Your Majesty,” he replied.
“Please introduce me to your family,” Ryker asked, his tone encouraging. “I’ve heard you all have ample trade skills that will be quite useful in my kingdom.”
“I’m Hans, this is my wife Andromeda and daughter Lacy,” he said, leading us on a brief family tour. “This is my son Ben.”
Four more family members approached, each offering a nod or a curtsy. “My brother-in-law Oliver, my wife’s sister Helena, daughter Alice, and son Sam,” Hans concluded.
Ryker nodded, a relaxed smile on his face, though I sensed an undercurrent of tension. There was something about Ryker that unsettled those not in our inner circle.
“Welcome,” Ryker said, addressing the group. “I am happy you all were so willing to join my wife as she navigates the future by my side. I believe, based on my meeting with Lacy and Andromeda, you will be a valued asset to her and to my kingdom.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Oliver replied, determination lacing his voice. “The offer was more than gracious. We will work hard to prove it was worth the investment. Sam, Ben, help your father and I grab the trunks.”
The boys jumped to action, charging toward the wagons and beginning to haul trunks.
“A gift for your marriage,” Andromeda said, her sister at her side.
Hans opened the first trunk, carefully lined and holding a beautiful broadsword.
“For His Majesty, a sword to defend his lands, his people, and his bride—a sword I forged from Damascus steel. It’s weighted and balanced, with a simple yet sturdy pommel, set with a Ketican Ruby, the gem of your empire.” He lifted the sword, extending it toward Ryker who stepped back, effortlessly testing its balance.
“Absolutely amazing work,” Ryker beamed, the weapon seeming to dance in his hands. “I’ve held many swords, but this—this is like an extension of myself.”
“And for Her Majesty, as is traditional in her mother’s custom,” Hans continued, his eyes full of pride. “Daggers to protect her king’s back—half-moon daggers, forged from Damascus as well. Each bearing the rubies of her new kingdom.”
He presented the daggers, and I took them, gasping as I felt the weight of two stunning blades in my palms. “They’re beautiful. But I worry I’ll hurt myself. I have no idea how to use them,” I admitted, glancing at Ryker with wide eyes.
“You can learn,” he replied, his voice steady. “I’d feel much better knowing you could defend yourself.”
“Actually, I’d like that,” I said, the thought of learning to fight igniting a spark of excitement in me. “I don’t think a vase is the way to go for self-defense,” I recalled, remembering last night’s near disaster.
Ryker nodded, “As you wish. I’ll arrange for a trainer.”
After he slid his new sword into its sheath, Lacy approached with a small belt. I put it on, reveling in the idea that I would learn to use those daggers—this would be fun!
“Now, to add to those,” Oliver said, approaching his chest. Inside were two stunning saddles—soft, supple leather, perfect craftsmanship, tanned and dyed a deep black with intricate blood-red stitching.
“Matching saddles in the king’s colors,” Oliver explained, glancing at me. “Ruins of safe passage and speed blessed into them, completed with matching saddle bags.”
Ryker and I stepped closer, completely mesmerized by the artistry before us.
“Your work is artistry,” Ryker declared. “I’ve never seen such well-crafted saddles. You’ll find yourself richer than I am with these. Both of you men have talent far beyond what I’ve encountered before.”
Drax, who had gathered with several men, wore a look of admiration at the craftsmanship being showcased.
“Drax, can you get these saddles on our horses? We’ll be heading to the land King Byron has set for us as a training encampment,” came Ryker’s command.
“Yes, my lord,” Drax replied, snapping his fingers at nearby men, who jumped into action to gather the chest.
“Please, go inside and find yourselves rooms, settle in. We’ll be here for a while,” Ryker instructed, gesturing toward Andromeda’s family.
As I stepped back to observe what was now my new family, a blend of excitement and trepidation ran through me. This life was full of unexpected twists, but with Ryker by my side and these incredible new allies, I was ready to embrace whatever came.
- Writer
