Chapter 3

Once I made it to the top step, I gained the attention of the men. They stopped talking and turned towards me. All bowed but the general.

"Mil-lady." they all addressed me.

"It's your grace or princess. Mil-lady is for someone who is not of direct decent to the royal bloodline. Remember that for future reference." the general chuckled a he informed his soldiers.

"We're sorry your grace." one of the commanders spoke as they knelled down again in an ultimate show of respect. It made me feel bad making these men kneel on the ground as if I were going to punish them for making a simple mistake.

"Please do not do that. I hate it. I am not the next to be queen. Just address me as Melianna or Melia. And please no more bowing. We are not around the snobs in the castle. I promise you will not be reprimanded for not doing that around me." I stated exasperated.

"Note taken." the general said. The men slowly got to their feet and looked at me as if I was some angel sent from heaven.

"Oh you guys can continue your discussion. I'm in no rush." I ushered to their group to continue talking.

I'm glad that they did just that. I walked over to the weapons rack and admired the swords. I was jealous of them to be honest. The long sword drew my attention. I picked it up and unsheathed it. I marveled at the craftsmanship of the sword and how light it was since most long swords were not light. I did not notice the commanders leaving as I was too engrossed in my thoughts.

"So you favor long swords. Do you like that one?" a voice asked me.

"I do. I just started training with them but they are easily my favorite. This one is beautiful. I think I'm in love with it." I said mindlessly.

I spun around quickly as what I said hit me and I blushed. The general was just chuckling at my reaction as I put the sword back.

"Oh no please be my guest. You can keep it if you like it that much." he said as he leaned on the half wall which only reached to his hips where as it reached middle of my stomach.

The man was at least a head taller than me. It made me self conscious and wishing for my heels back.

I didn't miss a beat as I replied. "Sadly I cannot. It is 'improper' for a lady to be carrying a sword. Let alone own one. Thank you for the offer. It was very kind." I mimicked my mother as she stated that to me on many occasions when I was younger and asking for one.

"Well, Melianna, what brings you here? I assume that it is not a casual visit since this is the first time I have meet you since I arrived a year ago." the general finally asked.

"Maya asked me to come speak to you about the security for the festival tonight." I stated.

"Now why would she do that?" he asked with a smile of disbelief on his beautiful face.

"A secret." I said with a smile of my own as I pointed to a group of my mothers guards coming to the tower. No doubt looking for me.

He got the hint that I could not say why with them looking for me. "Well I was just about to go and speak with her about it. Care to join me?" he asked as he held out his arm for me to take.

"It would be my pleasure." I replied taking his arm.

We did not speak until we were outside the tower. The general received many whistles from the soldiers as we passed by them; making me laugh at their antics. As we were about to step outside, he whispered something to one of the soldiers. It sent the man on a rush to tell the others. It caused the whole tower of men to start pooling out. Effectively concealing us from the search party.