MEETING TRISTAN
1121 Words
"Beautiful" wasn't a word my mother approved for describing men, but it was the only fitting adjective for this stranger.
His ocean-blue eyes, raven-black hair cascading down his shoulders, and towering stature left me awestruck.
"Stay focused, Jemima," I warned myself, shaking off the distraction. This man was armed, after all.
"Who are you?" I demanded, my tone sharp, sword pressed against his neck.
He met my gaze, his lips curling into a subtle smile. My resolve wavered.
Don't let him charm you, Jemima.
Just as I struggled to maintain my composure, Sharon's voice broke the spell.
"Jemima?" Sharon called out from behind.
I turned, keeping my sword trained on the stranger. "Brother, I found this unknown armed man!"
Sharon's timely arrival was a big save.
"Sire Tristan?" Sharon exclaimed, recognizing the stranger instantly.
He pushed my sword aside and enveloped Tristan in a warm hug.
"Been five years, man! Never thought we'd cross paths again," Sharon said, beaming.
Tristan's gaze lingered on me, and I looked away, feeling a flutter in my chest.
"There's much to discuss," Tristan said. "I reached out to Sire Samuel. He didn't inform you?"
Sharon shook his head. "Not at all." His eyes met mine, and he smiled reassuringly. "My little sister's always...passionate. Don't take offense, Sire."
Tristan's smile broadened as he bowed. "My Lady Jemima."
My heart skipped a beat.
He knew my name.
I returned a slight bow. "Sire."
Sharon draped an arm over Tristan's shoulders, guiding him away.
"There's a unison party in the kingdom tonight," Sharon said, filling Tristan in.
“A villager had informed me” Tristan explained, his eyes sparkling with interest. "Good to see the kingdoms uniting, just as Simeon always envisioned," Tristan said, his smile warm.
I couldn't shake off Tristan's persistent smile. Why did he seem so familiar with my brothers, yet a complete stranger to me?
His rugged features, sculpted from battles, contrasted with his warm, gentle smile. Small lips, chiseled jaw, and broad shoulders spoke of a seasoned warrior.
Just as I pondered, Elena's soft voice interrupted my thoughts.
"My lady," Elena said from behind.
I turned, frowning. "Elena, you've been gone for hours"
Elena's eyes darted, her fingers twisting in her hair. "I...I had cramps. I rushed to my room, and...the pain was unbearable. I took pills and fell asleep."
I nodded, though skepticism gnawed at me. Elena's excuses had become legendary.
Little did she know, I had discovered her secret. Her trysts with my brother, hidden behind fabricated stories.
Elena, an orphan, had been my loyal maid since childhood. We'd grown up together, Ruth, Elena, and I, now twenty. Even though, we are months older than she is.
Our bond transcended mistress and servant, making Elena's secrecy all the more disheartening.
"Fell asleep in Sharon's room?" I asked, my tone laced with accusation.
Elena's eyes widened, caught red-handed.
"My lady!" she pleaded.
"Don't you dare!" I snapped, turning away.
Seeking escape from the tension, I returned to the unison party.
The ballroom pulsed with life. Simeon and Lady Lorena twirled across the dance floor, lost in joy.
Samuel and other princes sat nearby, engrossed in conversation and drink.
I longed to flee.
"My lady, may I have this dance?" Prince Lorenzo asked, his voice grating.
Protocol forbade refusing a prince, so I forced a smile.
"I'd be honored, Prince Lorenzo."
He led me onto the dance floor, his grasp firm.
As I danced with Prince Lorenzo, his smile seemed more like a leer.
Compared to Tristan's chiseled features and piercing gaze, Lorenzo's soft jaw and watery eyes made him almost forgettable.
"We'd make a fine couple, don't you think?" Lorenzo said, his smile widening.
I forced a polite laugh. "I don't wish to marry, my lord."
Lorenzo's eyes sparkled with persistence. "Every man would kill to have you, my lady."
I sought escape. "I need a drink, my lord."
"I'll fetch one for you," Lorenzo offered, bowing.
As soon as he stepped away, I seized the opportunity.
Excusing myself, I slipped out of the ballroom.
I quickened my pace, seeking solace on the rooftop. Turning left, I took the shortcut.
But my escape was foiled by faint moans.
Curiosity piqued, I tiptoed closer.
Prince Tobias and a maid, entwined in a compromising position, came into view.
The same Prince Tobias who'd been taciturn during dinner.
I recognized the maid – Elena's friend, Sophia.
Disgusted, I altered my route to the rooftop. Are the maids all after princes now? Or the princes are just promiscuous.
Finally alone, I gazed out at the kingdom, a mix of emotions swirling within.
Golden Kingdom's four majestic castles housed the entire village. This one, the royal castle, shimmered with gold.
Each kingdom's architecture reflected its name. Bronze, Silver, Crystal and Rose. History had it that Golden Kingdom is the richest
The Workers' Castle, crafted for knights, castle staff, and the orphanage, stood as a testament to my family's care.
The remaining two castles housed the villagers, with ample rooms for all.
In fact, my father was building another.
Finally, I could see the royal guests departed on horseback, joy swelled within me. I hastened to bid my farewells. King Jace's family lingered, exchanging warm words.
"Let's have more gatherings like this," King Jace said, beaming.
"Absolutely!" my father agreed, smiling.
The queens shared affectionate hugs as we watched the last of the royal entourage disappear into the night.
Nothing brought me greater joy than this moment. Our villagers, however, continued their revelry, savoring the unlimited food and drink.
"Jemima, you look stunning," Mother said, taking my hands.
I'd evaded her all day, but now couldn't escape her praise.
"You should dress like this more often, baby!" she exclaimed.
Father chuckled, "Your mother's right, Jemima."
I frowned, deflecting attention. "Can we focus on someone else? Like Simeon flirting with Lady Lorena?"
Samuel snickered, "For real?"
Mother's eyes sparkled, "Maybe one of you will marry soon."
"I want grandchildren soon!" she added.
Simeon jumped in, "Tradition dictates Samuel marries first as the eldest son. And I'm not interested in Lady Lorena," he clarified, "she's just friendly."
"Who established these traditions?" Father teased Simeon. "You?"
We all burst into laughter.
"That means Jemima can marry first," Sharon winked at me.
"Sharon!" I admonished.
"What?" he feigned innocence.
"Don't you like Prince Lorenzo?" Sharon probed.
I frowned.
"He couldn't stop asking about you," Simeon chimed in.
"For real?" Samuel asked, chuckling.
My brothers' laughter grew louder.
"Mother...Father," I appealed, clinging to their arms as we walked away.
Just then, Sire Luke rushed in, his face grave.
"My lord, a maid has been found dead in the palace!"
A chill ran down my spine. This unison celebration was never a good idea.
- Writer
