Dragon Guardian

Vaen

She adjusts her leathers, stowing her sword on her side and quickly tucks her hair into a secured twirl on her head. She is a princess in her kingdom but here she feels like an object. Inhaling deeply she left her quarters. Caegh perches against the wall of the hall. His one leg hitched up as his knife glides across a stick.

“He’s taking you for a visit of the town?” Caegh deeply asks but never looks at her.

“Yes. Are you coming with us?” Vykirenia bursts out with hope.

“No, my princess. I wasn’t invited. He deserve your time.”

“But you do too.” Vykirenia reaches out for him but stops her approach.

“Aye, and if I want it I will call upon you.” he snips.

“I see. Well what happens if I reject it?” Vykirenia felt her own anger rising.

“Then I will know where your heart is.” Caegh is trying to keep her at a distance.

“Don’t be callous with me, I’m not a servant.” Vykirenia quips as she pokes him in the chest.

He shift himself so his stance is straight, he notes she only comes to his shoulders. He leans to her ear “I’ll never think of you as a servant. Always.As.My.Princess.”

Her heart quickening, her breathe hitches as her body unwilling leans into him.

“Now go play with Vaen. He mustn’t be kept waiting.” Caegh wraps his hands over her shoulders and spins her towards the opening of the stairs. Vykirenia steps unsteadily as she pushes to clear her head.

Caegh grumbles as he stalks away.

In the great hall she finds Vaen waiting in new clothing. All white and adorned with green and gold accents of knotwork.

“Princess Vykirenia, you didn’t change?”

Vykirenia looks at herself, her walking boots over her pants. Her leather armour still intact. Her sword fastened to her side. “I wasn’t sure what to wear.”

“With me always wear dresses. No need for a sword.” Vaen reaches for her sword holster and removes it, “We aren’t fighting anyone. The village is safe and you are of higher status then those in the village.” he pushes her sheath and sword on a table near by.

“I will remember next time.” Vykirenia timidly states and feels herself biting her tongue in order not to yell at him.

“Very well. Let’s go then… as is.” Vaen states dryly.

***

Caegh knew he wouldn’t be far from them. He refuses to not see how they are together. How will she be with the town folk? Will she fall for Vaen’s tacts? How could he possible win her heart? Her beauty is captivating and beyond in comparison.

Caegh sticks to the shadows of the past noon sun. Staying on the roof tops of the village. He could see all from there including them. Vaen extravagantly spays his arms around, laughing loudly being very much himself. Over the top in self indulgence.

Vykirenia has her hand draping on his arm. As he delicately steps around in the streets of their village, he appears to be avoiding the puddles. She just hops over them or long legs it instead of side stepping.

***

Vykirenia listens to the people as they call out their trades.

“Fresh baked bread!” an old man croaks.

“My lady I have dresses.” a middle age woman cries out.

“Your highness, I received trinkets of your desire.” a young man calls to Vaen.

Suddenly a young girl screams, dropping her basket of fish onto Vaen and Vykirenia’s shoes as the young girl falls in the mud, sending the mud in splatters.

“Oh I’m so sorry. Please! I’m sorry.” the girl cries from her knees but never making eye contact.

Vykirenia kneels into the mud taking the girl by the chin, raising her head up they met eyes and Vykirenia smiles then begins to assist the young girl.

“It’s ok, my little one.”

“Vykirenia! What are you doing? Vy, you will smell. And you are soiling your clothing. She is already ruined my shoes and cape. Insolence!” Vaen calls from above and raises his hands to correct his hair then snaps to his guards.

“Vaen, please calm down. She fell, can’t you see the basket is bigger than she is.” Vykirenia states as she puts muddy fishes back into the basket next to the young girl.

“Thank you my lady.” she whispers. “You’re very kind to help.”

Vykirenia delicately grins at her feeling her own smile reaching her eyes.

“I shall help you home sweet one.”

“Vy! What?” Vaen screams as he hears her.

“Vaen she needs help. We are capable.” Vykirenia gentle calls to him as she continues to pick up more fish.

“I am a prince. She is a peasant and servant to my kingdom. She can help herself.” Vaen screeches. Vykirenia waves a hand at him.

“I am happy to help her. Just be patient.” Vykirenia could feel her anger rising with his words. Who is he to put down his people.

Vykirenia stands while taking hold of one side of the now filled basket of fish. Vykirenia grins at the young girl, noting her brown hair and blue eyes.

“I am Vykirenia, Princess of Brisingamen, what is your name little one?”

“Aife. You’re a princess...wow.” she brims with a mega watt smile. She scoops up the other side of the basket. They begin to trudge through the mud down the sloop. With minor slips but no spills they make it a to a little hut.

“My home, Princess. My mother is sick and my father is hunting. So I am taking on the chores for them all.” Aife states softly.

Vykirenia strokes Aife’s brown hair,

“You’re a good daughter to do that. If you need anything please ask for me. Here is something to help you get what you need.” Vykirenia places 3 gold coins in Aife’s hands.

Aife gasps “I can’t take this.”

“I want a fish order then. Deliver tomorrow, a basket full.” Vykirenia demands gleefully then grins.

Aife dazzles Vykirenia again, who then laughs wholeheartedly. “Sweet girl, tend to your mother.” As Vykirenia walks towards Vaen she notices he is in near fit. Huffing and puffing over the soiled cape.

“Let’s return.” he foully spits out when he sees her. With disgust written on his face he moves to return to the castle with no sweet gestures toward her.

Vykirenia bows her head, “As you wish.” she quotes, secretly grinning that Vaen is out of his elements.

Vaen walks ahead not once looking back, Vykirenia merely picks her own route behind him. She knew he is fuming mad but so is she. He is overbearing of his self image. And the sudden name cut, ‘Vy’ that is getting under her skin.

She is Vykirenia the Warrior , not Vy.

Suddenly hands wrap around her waist and mouth, she is dragged into a dark alley between buildings. She kicks and elbows her aggressor, attempts to draw her sword but it not there. A voice ushers her to be quiet and a smell of familiarity hits her. She stops her assault, melting her body to his as she relaxes against Caegh.