Ch 2

“I’d like to give him a good beating,” mutters Colonel Hapsbury. Ocearia chuckles drily, “Me too.” Prince Belezar, after six hours, was still complaining and threatening to have Ocearia beheaded.

“When I get back I’ll have my mother hear of this! You’ll be sorry! You can’t treat the 3^rd prince of Gaila like this!”  Ignoring the prince’s voice, which had become background chatter, Ocearia shades her eyes as she looks up at the sun. The sun was setting, turning the sky an orange ocean of warm colors. Prince Belezar’s escort was tired from the long ride and needed as much rest as Ocearia.

“Have someone scout ahead Colonel Hapsbury, we need a place to settle for the night.” Taking a glance at the raging prince she adds, “An inn in fact. I don’t want to hear anymore of the prince’s complaining.”

Prince Belezar scowls at the tiny bed sitting in one corner of the room. “They want me to sleep in here?” He places his hands on his hips as he looks around the private room in disdain. His room in the palace was ten times the size of this room.  Walking over to the bed he peers at the white sheet. A small faded spot of brown stain catches his attention. No way! They wanted him, the 3^rd prince to sleep on this dirty bed? He refused!

“Guard!” he commands at the top of his lungs. Ocearia, who was heading upstairs after paying the innkeeper, jumps into action at the prince’s shout. Rushing into the prince’s private room she expected to find the prince in danger, instead she was smacked in the face with a compliant about the dirty bed sheet.

Doing her best to container her anger, “ Your highness, this is the best room in the inn. A barely visible stain will not kill you---“ Prince Belezar throws a basin of water across the room. “I am of royal blood!” he shouts, “To have my beautiful body stained by the likes of that is a sin! I want a better room—no—the best room!”

Ocearia takes a deep breath to control herself, “Your highness this is the best room in the inn. Unless you want to sleep outside, please understand and keep quiet. You are disturbing the other guests.” Face as red as a tomato, “This is an outrage! Who are you to tell me what to do? I change my mind. I refuse to meet Princess Dahlia. Take me home!”

It was a request Ocearia had to refuse. The queen had specifically made her promise to bring Prince Belezar safely to the kingdom of Lyce. “Don’t you dare bring him back until he has met Princess Dahlia,” the queen had warned. Bowing to Prince Belezar Ocearia replies, “I am sorry your highness, but I cannot do that. It is on your mother’s order.  I will see if the bed sheet can be changed.” Closing the door behind her, Ocearia walks off to the sound of objects being broken.

Cloaked in black, Alfae observes the scene from the corner of the room. Her request this time was a bold one, the most daring of all her requests so far. Sipping on apple cider she watches her target from across the room. It wasn’t hard to catch up to her target at all. He was stupid and totally unaware of his surroundings. Alfae smirks. This was almost too easy.

“Don’t think I didn’t spot you there.” Alfae sighs, stretching her arms, “ You only see me because I let you.” Ocearia sits on the wooden bench across from her. “What brings you here Alfae?” “You already know, but I’ll spell it out for you,” Alfae replies. She tilts her head in Prince Belezar’s direction, “ I don’t usually do this, but because you’re my sister I’ll give you a heads up. My target is Prince Belezar.”

Ocearia leans forward, pressing her hands against the table. “Alfae! You can’t, Prince Belezar is my charge.” “As he is mine,” Alfae answers. She was mostly a quiet person who didn’t like talking much, but when it came to killing Alfae couldn’t contain herself. She crosses her fingers leaning back in her seat. “Let’s play a game Ocearia.”

The blue hair Captain raises a brow, “What kind of game?”  Alfae smiles darkly, “ You and me both have the same target. Let’s see who wins in the end.” Ocearia frowns, “I’ll protect the prince at all costs.” Alfae glances over at the arrogant prince complaining about the horrible food, “You sure you want to protect an idiot like him? He’s not worth it.” Ocearia sighs, “Ugh, I wonder the same thing, however it is my duty to protect the prince. I won’t back down Alfae.”