Chapter 2

"Why are you here?" an annoyed head maid asked me as she looked over the flower arrangements.

"I came to help since everyone is flaunting over the new parents. It's nauseating to watch." I said with annoyance lacing every word. I leaned my hip against the side of the table as she replied.

"Amen to that. Do you know how many times they asked me to fluff her pillow or get her a different blanket? I am way too busy to be doing that personally." she laughed at the absurdity of the groups actions.

"Oh trust me I know. Edwards mother was ordering me to go in the room and take care of Chloe as if I am her lady's maid. Those were standing next to her just chatting. So to avoid them and not get blamed for not making sure this goes smoothly, I am here to help. What do you want me to do?" I explained making her laugh. "By the way I'm Melianna but you can just call me Melia. Please no Princess or formal titles. They truly drive me nuts especially since I'm working with you."

"Maya. Nice to meet you, even though I already know who you are." the head maid introduced herself. I took not that she was a bit young for her job. "And yes I know I'm young for my job. I grew up as a maid here. To answer your question in your head." She looked familiar to me.

"Oh ok." Then it finally clicked who she was. "Wait you are the girl I seen with the guards out on the grass. I'm sorry for being the reason that you all left. It looked like you were having fun." I apologized as I remembered the group splitting up.

"Oh haha it's ok. Speaking of that group, I didn't have time to discuss the security with the general. Can you please go do that?" Maya asked me.

"Yes. Where may I find him?" I asked as I was about to leave.

"At the top of the western tower. You will need a horse to get there." she explained as she pointed towards the stables as we waked outside. I turned and gave her a wave as she sent me a wave back.

I ran off to the stables and saddled my horse. It was an all black draft horse. I loved being tall but my short build made that very hard. That's why I wore heels all the time, even when I'm training or out on the sea but on the off chance like today, I wore regular boots only because my boots for this outfit were not ready. I rode to the western tower and arrived just as shift change was going on. As I walked through the tower, everyone stopped talking and bowed to me. It made me uncomfortable.

But none the less, I kept my head up and continued. I seen the familiar face of my training buddy, Jake. When he seen me, his face brightened and he came to give me a hug and screamed my name, all without bowing. That made everyone look on in fear for their comrade. I just laughed as I greeted him. He was a commander so he was of higher rank but not that high. When I looked around at everyone, they all looked down.

"So what are you doing here?" Jake questioned me to distract me from all the looks we were getting. It was unusual for anyone to see Jake and I together.

"I'm here to see the general." I replied as I fidgeted in my spot.

"Ah gotcha ya. He is at the top speaking to the other commanders who just arrived for shift change. I'll let you go on up. I have to go see how lil sis is doing." he said referring to Annan. Not many knew but Jake was my fathers bastard son from his mistress. We were close unlike me and my sisters. "Warning, Jasper is quite a catch." he said as he turned and winked.

I just shook my head at him and laughed. I followed the stairs to the top where I seen a group of men standing next to a table that had chairs around it and a map on top. There was a weapons rack to the other side full of beautiful swords.