The Lady of Shadows

The Begining of the Tale

    After joining the palace life I faced the first month of training without much trouble. I was hungry and cold, but Mother was taken care of so I could live with that. I quickly passed the month and was allowed to move into my Mothers quarters. My training hours normalized but the training was just as hard. My teachers refused to let me slack off even a small bit, they refused to move on till I could accomplish whatever task was being taught in my sleep with flawless perfection. The months rolled into years and as I grew stronger I noticed the others in the palace giving me and my mother a large radius of space. No one could come near us. That was fine but it bothered mother. She worried that someone would try to be sneaky and attack us thinking that doing so would end the whispers of her stealing the queens time or me stealing the heirs affection from the Lord. Rumors that went on and on. A bunch of lies. The Lord never came to see either of us. So The was no base for the lies, yet they spread like fire. Before I knew it I turned 16 and there was a huge party being held for the completion of my training as well as they studies of the Princess and Prince. 

    "You know to keep quiet this time right?" Mother asked as she tightened my hair bow.

    "I know mother. I wont cause any trouble this time." I said. I had learned to let the nobles say as they wish, I ended up punished if I even sighed by them anymore. It sucked, but that was fine. It meant less interaction with them at all. She put her hands on my shoulder and smiled down at me.

    "My little shadow... You're all grown up." Mother choked out the words. I patted her hands and nuzzled my face against her hand like I always did. I looked up and sighed.

    "Let's go before the Princess finds a reason to blame me for her party not being perfect." I said and took her arm. We headed to the ballroom and joined the party. Every one avoided us as normal but still bowed in acknowledgement of my power. I smiled at mother as she found a drink and settled into a quiet corner. I took a drink and found the Lord. He looked down on me with that creepy smile he never took off. I offered the drink to him and bowed my head. This was as respectful as I got to him. Being kind enough to keep my insults quiet around his friends. Let them think he had me on a leash... But he and I knew better. 

    "My an act of kindness from the one that has been nicknamed the child of evil." The man cackled. I looked up as he look the drink from me.

    "An act of respect. Don't mistake the two please." I answered as he grinned at me.

    "And to what do I owe the odd pleasure?" He asked leaning forward to be eyelevel with me from his pedestal. 

    "I would like to make a request. Now that I have completed the mastery of all the training you offer me..." I began.

    "Ah... I see. What is it you wish for? A title? Or maybe an estate for your mother?" 

    "Our freedom. I would like to go and explore the world beyond our kingdom." I answered locking eyes with him. For the first time I saw his smile begin to fade. He recovered and laughed out loud. 

    "That is a very big request for such a minor accomplishment." He said once the laughter died down.

    "I don't think so... as I have mastered all you have to teach why would I not reach for something new to learn? I'm sure the Elves have skills and magic we have no knowledge of, and humans, who have no natural magic of their own yet still find ways to use it... Then there are the ancient dragons who have forgotten more of this world than anyone here has ever learned." I answered without breaking eye contact. He glared at me with that fake smile in place. I hated that smile. 

    "Greedy thing you are." A light voice called and the princess walked up and bowed to her father. I ignored the remark as any response would surely get me in trouble. 

    "What reason would I have to allow you and your mother to travel?" The man asked.

    "You want to use me as a weapon. How can I be an effective weapon without a full understanding of all that could attack or their skills?" I asked in return.

    "A weapon doesn't need knowledge. Only to follow the wielder's command." The princess smirked.

    "You make a valid point... but what does your mother going with have to do with it?" 

    "I've made it clear from the beginning I will not leave my mother." I said. The Lord looked at me for a moment and then shook his head. 

    "I can allow you to travel, but until you have a means to care for your mother on the same level of comfort that her being a consort brings, she will need to stay here." The Lord said. I tilted my head. A habit I wasn't sure where I picked it up... but I listened carefully for a moment. Whispers of a surprise attack to kill my mother and me if he agreed to see us off... the steady pulsing of his heartbeat as he waited for my answer. The gentle breathing of my mother from across the room. When I straightened my head I smiled.

    "If my mother agrees, then I would consider it a deal." I said.

    "Then run and ask her." The Lord said. I did just that. I explained to mother the whispers and that once I gained a noble title in the outside world she could join me. She didn't hesitate. 

    "Even if it takes you forever to get a title, at least you will be free. And I can endure anything knowing that." Mother answered. I sighed and kissed her forehead. Of course that was her concern. I looked up to the Lord who was still watching me with those blood red eyes. I nodded and he straightened his tie before moving onto another conversation. Tomorrow would start a new life... and I would work hard to make sure Mother could join me quickly.