Meaningful conversation

The eldest daughter of the duke, Laéla, was leaning on the embankment of one the corridors open to expose the gardens. She was alone and a form of sadness was visible on her face.

Suddenly, Diésir took her out of her mind.

-I salute you, lady Laéla. He said while bowing his head politely.

-I salute you, lord Diésir. She replied by doing the same gesture. I hope your time here will be good.

-I hope too.

Then he was about to continue on his way but.

-I want to thank you for not killing us. And for not belittling us nor treat us violently.

-It is not our way of doing. We may kill enemies and execute the guilty, which your father and mother are. But we do not treat humans like they are not. Rest easy.

-I know now.

She then look again at the gardens, admiring its beauty.

-You i have no idea how much i am glad to be able to see those trees and flowers again, to smell their perfume. A few hours ago i believed my head would be rolling on the ground now or worse.

-It is indeed a beautiful garden. I remember the first time i saw it.

-I was 16 or 17 years olds i think, the first i saw you and the the other Stars.

-Indeed. If my memory is not altered by the hit i received, i was 20 years old.

-Time has passed, but here everything remained the same, unfortunately too much in the eyes of my father. She said with a sad tone.

-What do you mean ? Asked Diésir.

-He do not see me or my sister as adults, we are still kids in his eyes. He wants to protect us so much that it is suffocating. We had to stay in the castle and never go outside without them, and if we did, we had to stay near our parents all the time we were outside. He feared that someone might kidnap us, attacked us or do us any form of harm. I couldn't even have friends because of that. Today i am, pratically alone if it weren't for my family. It's not the same between having friends and your family.

-I understand what you mean. There things you can talk only with a friend and not with your family members.

-Yes. The worst is that, i know i won't be able to find love before a long time. knowing my father. I wish to be in a romantical relationship, to be love and love. She said with a hopefull tone.

-Have you talk to him about it ?

-It is like talking to a wall. He said each time that he will try to be less controling but he doesn't change. Sadly, there was one time were he was right. I fell in love, he was a handsome man, i thought it was a sincere relationship but it was just an entertainment for him. It was my first heartbreak. Howewer, after sometimes, when i managed to heal, i choose to retain the good thing and let go of the pain. 

-That's very brave of you. healing from pain is a difficult ordeal.

-It's true but i succeeded and that's what is important. 

Diésir let out a small laugh, like a scoff.

-I also saw your niece, Belda. She is cute, she grew up so much.

-Yes. That's true.

-I want to have a daughter like her if i have a child someday.

-By the grace of Varanita, you will.

-Thank you. She replied with a smile. What about you ? Do you have children ?

-No. The only child in my life is Belda. I think that's quite enough for now, she has much more energy than me. I find it incredibly.

When he talked about that little girl, Laéla could see that he was smiling, she knew the little meant alot for him.

-I can see why. Do you know what your wife think about this ?

-My wife ? I am not married.

-Oh, i am sorry. I thought you were since you are a high noble, one of the Stars of Aurora and your name is quite known among the loyalist land.

-I am not, it's not your fault for thinking like that.

-But, do you have...i should not ask this, it's inappropriate.

-No, i don't have a woman i'm interested in.

-Oh, i see. You prefer to be alone ?

She was genuinely asking that, it was rare to see someone like him in this domain.

-I...i was in a relationship with a woman i dearly loved before the war. Then, it happened. Our city was attacked and...she was caught by some soldiers. At that time, i was not a warrior so i failed to protect her. She was killed. My family disappeared amidst the chaos so i do not how if they are alive or dead but i prefer to think of the latter, so i can ease my mind.

The lady stayed silent, she was touched by his story, she could feel the pain he was trying to hide behind his tough figures. His eyes were covered by sadness.

-I am deeply sorry for what you had to live. I truly wish for your healing, so that one day you will be from that burden.

She put her hand on his arm to help comfort him.

-Thank you.

-I would give you a hug but that would be impolite from me.

She even put her hand in his right hand while giving him a reassuring smile.

-Thank you.

Then they stayed here, to admire the color plants of the castle's gardens under the nascent night.

Belda, as well as Aesta, Osmadrey and Sarika were in together in the room of Luzalé. It was big enough to fit at least a family of four.

-Hey you're cheating ! Accused Osmadrey, poiting Belda.

-No no, i am not. It's your imagination. Retorded the little girl with a mischivious smile.

-No cheating Belda. Ordered calmly and with a smile Luzalé.

-Oh.

She took back her card and Aesta put hers on the pile that had been made by everyone because of their little game.

-I won ! She said. Who's the boss now ?

-You just got lucky. Protested Sarika.

-Yeah. Said Osmadrey.

-It was fun. Expressed Luzalé while holding the little princess.

Entered unannounced Régidal. He was surprised to see all of them here, he was expecting only Luzalé and Belda.

-Sorry, am i interrupting something ?

-Yes, my victory. Proudly claimed Aesta.

-It's just luck. Protested Osmadrey.

-I don't believe it. Replied Régidal. This game demand intelligence, luck has little impact on it. It's not surprising to see her win since she is very smart.

-You hear that ? Said the lady. Even Régidal recognize this.

-Maybe but i am sure it would be a different story if he was playing.

-Yes but he was not here.

While the two of them were fighting like siblings, Luzalé talked to the chief.

-You wanted to talk to me ?

-Yes, about our next action.

-Okay, let me just put Belda to bed.

-What ? Why ? Replied the little girl with shock and panick.

-Because it's late, it is not good for you.

 She became sadder and got down of the bed. She was slowly walking, like her heart was broken. Her uncles and her aunt were amused and Luzalé were smiling in amusement while Régidal was looking at her, a bit amused too.

-Courage Belda. Shouted not too loud Osmadrey.

-We are with you.

-Thank you. She replied with a defeated voice, advancing in the next room.

Luzalé stood upand went with the little princess.

-What are we going to do ? Asked Aesta with a more serious face.

-I will explain more later but briefly, we will see to what extent the deal Horaldir made with the Knights go. Maybe we can find some clues. More importantly, we have to gather as much information as possible about the future offensive of the Reformist troops. They may outnumbered us in the military field but that does not condemn us too lose.

-It will be a long stay. Added Aesta.

With that said, they knew they task was becoming more and more difficult and complex but it was for the sake of their nation and more importantly for the one they loved, Belda.