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It’s just another night, like many others, when Kit enters Jade’s room by the window. But unlike every other night, the room is empty. Jade is always in bed at this time of night, and she didn’t mention she had anything today. Not that Kit said anything about visiting her but Sorsha is being, well, Sorsha as always and Kit needs a break after days without having time and space to even sneak to Jade’s room.
Walking around Kit doesn't see much to keep her entertained while she waits. She never had many possessions so there’s nothing to keep Kit’s hands occupied. Kit doesn’t have any experience being alone inside Jade’s room, Jade’s always there, every night Kit comes after fighting with Sorsha or when she’s excited about something or another.
Jade is always there, usually already in bed but every time Jade indulges Kit.
That brings a smile to Kit's face. Jade is Kit’s favorite place, doesn’t matter if it’s in her room or on the Canyon Maze or the most boring royal dinners that Sorsha likes to throw sometimes.
And that’s why Kit can never stay away for too long. Jade is there for her after every fight with Sorsha, after every dinner party she has to attend, after every bad discussion with Airk.
Jade is there when Kit has too much energy to stay in her room alone. When thinking about her father hurts too much. When Kit simply wants to lay down half on top of Jade and cuddle her and talk about whatever and pretend nothing else exists.
Jade is taking too long, it’s very unlike her to be out this late, even if she is busier in the past moons than she’s ever been before. They spar when Kit wants to but not much else, if Kit hadn’t been visiting Jade’s room more than usual they'd hardly be seeing each other.
Like the past few days that Kit has been stuck in the castle. Kit misses Jade’s room, she misses her time with Jade that isn’t in front of a crowd. After days, Kit just wants to cuddle Jade on her bed and complain about Sorsha.
Kit pouts, it’s not much to ask, some time with Jade where they can just be. Every single part of her day must be mapped out, she wants some time for herself, to spend how she wants to, without having to tell anyone where she’s going.
The room feels so cold without Jade, if she were there they would be laying down, Kit would be complaining about Sorsha and Jade would be silently comforting her because she can’t talk shit about the queen.
Kit lays down on Jade’s bed. It feels more like her bed than the one in her room. But alone, it feels impossibly big and empty and cold. Kit takes Jade’s pillow in her hands, the smell is so Jade and if she can’t have her here right now the pillow will have to make do.
Kit buries her nose on the pillow and closes her eyes, she can almost feel Jade next to her, holding her while Kit buries her face on the crook of her neck, and …
—
A loud noise startles Kit from her daydream and she jumps to her feet. The pillow rolls and barely stays on the bed. Kit adjusts her clothing and plays it cool.
Still in her uniform, smiling and looking giddy, Jade enters her bedroom. “Kit? What are you doing here? Were you on my bed?” Jade chuckles. She looks so happy, so pretty.
“Nothing!” Kit feels like she has been caught staring. “I was waiting for you, where were you? You’re never out late.” Seeing Jade smiles like that, Kit can’t help but smile as well. Jade’s happy, truly happy. Kit needs to know why.
Jade’s smile wides. “Did you know? Is that why you were waiting for me?” Jade closes the door. She takes off her sword and puts it in its place closer to the bed as she always does.
“No, I had another fight with my mom but that’s not important, looks like you got great news.” Kit takes Jade’s hand and brings her to the bed. “Tell me everything.”
Her problems with Sorsha are the same every time, it’s not always Jade has good news. The only thing Kit knows Jade loves this much is her position as a warrior. Ballantine must have assigned her something important.
“I've been accepted to train with the Shining Legion, Kit.” Kit freezes, she can’t possibly have heard it right. “To become a Knight of Galladoorn.”
“But they don't take…” Kit blinks and tries to clean her mind, this can’t be possible.
“They've made an exception. It's their first ever, actually.” Jade looks down with a shy smile on her face. She’s so proud of herself and Kit doesn’t see any of it. Kit is too busy freaking out, she feels lightheaded, her vision darkens around the edges and Jade sounds far away all of the sudden.
Jade is leaving.
“Ballantine submitted a petition on my behalf.” Kit’s only half listening to Jade.
Jade is leaving.
“According to Ballantine training usually takes…” Kit’s mind can’t process another word she’s saying.
Jade is leaving.
And Kit is staying behind, locked in Tir Asleen, alone. No more sparing or late night visits or-
“Kit?! Are you even listening to me? Hello?” Kit is jolted back to reality, and Jade is looking intensely at her with a frown. “What’s the matter with you?!”
“You’re leaving.” The words escape her without Kit even noticing it, her mind still running too fast. “You’re leaving me.”
“Did you even hear what I said?”
“Yes! You’re leaving!” Kit gets up and walks towards the window.
“It’s not forever!” Jade also gets on her feet, her voice has an edge to it.
Kit walks to the window. “It’s long enough that it might as well be!”
Kit leaves through the window.
—
As she’s sneaking back to the castle, Kit doesn’t pay much attention to her surroundings, she can't bring herself to care.
Jade is leaving.
What is Tir Asleen without Jade?! Sorsha only allowed Kit to train after her father left because it was with Jade.
We can't have the princess scuffing with men. What would any prospects think?!
The terms of the alliance between Galladoorn and Tir Asleen was very clear, any knight needed to be trained in Galladoorn, and most of them chose to patrol the barrier and make a name for themselves.
Her father, one time, had told her it takes one hundred and sixty moons for someone to become a knight. Kit can’t imagine her life without Jade for so long and she cursed her mother for giving away to Galladoorn the rights to train all knights.
“Stop right there! You don’t want any problems.” A voice startles Kit and she sees the guard with his sword aimed at her. Kit is dressed in black clothes with a hood on, not easily recognizable at night.
Kit pulls back her hood and shows her face to the guard. “Stand down, boy! I’m your princess, you can go back to your duties, I’m just going back to my room.”
The guard immediately lowers his sword and stands straight. “I can’t do that, Your Highness. Her Majesty Queen Sorsha gave a direct order to bring you to her if we ever catch you roaming around late at night.”
At this point the commotion is attracting more attention and another two guards show up from behind her.
“You don’t want to wake the queen up without a very good reason.” There’s a hint of a threat in Kit’s voice, her mother indeed didn’t like to be woken up late at night for no reason. Worse if the reason is Kit sneaking out. Worse for Kit, not really for the guards but Kit needs to use any means she can to get out of this. The last thing she needs on top of everything is to get grounded.
“I’m sorry, Your Highness, but we can’t do that.” The first guard is still the one leading the group, he is a little older than her, tall, blonde hair, wearing the same uniform Jade does.
Jade is leaving.
“Your Highness, please, just come with us.” The other two guards draw closer, it’s obvious they are not going to back down. No one wants to face Sorsha’s wrath.
Kit does. She doesn’t have anything else to lose anyway.
“How many times have I told you not to go out of the castle alone at night? What were you doing roaming outside?” Sorsha was not happy to be woken up and even less thrilled about the reason. Kit was brought to her by the castle guards and is currently in her room with her. Sorsha’s robes are a bit out of place and her hair is not neatly done, her mother is not pleased at all.
“I couldn’t sleep so I was taking a walk, is that a crime?” That’s her go to excuse. Kit might be angry with Jade but she would never throw Jade to the wolves. Especially now with Shining Legion on the line, as much as it hurts to even think about it.
Sorsha pinches her nose, a headache surely fully in place by now. “I’m tired of repeating myself, I’m tired of you doing whatever you want without any regards for anything or anyone else. You're grounded! You’re not going to be allowed outside of your room for the next two days.”
“But...” Sorsha doesn’t allow her even another word before she interrupts her.
“If you say one more word It’s going to be one week and I’m telling you, you don’t want to miss any more days. Some things will change and you won’t want to waste time because you were acting like a petulant child.” Something in Sorsha’s eyes says she’s being very serious. Of course she knows about Jade, It’s her job to know everything.
Jade is very competent but why would the Shining Legion change for her? Was Sorsha trying to get rid of Jade just to hurt her?! Why now?
Kit must’ve gotten in silence for long enough to Sorsha’s liking. “Good! Now go to sleep, you will have a full day of lessons to go through while you’re stuck inside, this is not going to be a vacation for you.”
It doesn’t matter, nothing else matters.
Jade is leaving.
She’s leaving and it doesn’t matter that they are fighting or that finally the Shining Legion is accepting women, commoners and foreigners or that her mother wants to get rid of Jade.
Jade is leaving and her life is over.
Two days inside is bad during normal times but when Jade is leaving and they are in the middle of a fight and Kit doesn’t know how much time with Jade she has, it’s a thousand times worse.
Her tutors give Kit such boring work that she barely needs to pay any attention to get through them. So she has a lot of time to think about Jade and their fight while writing. Well not really a fight, Kit left after hearing the news but what else was she supposed to do?
Tir Asleen is a cage she can’t get rid of and Jade is the only good thing in her life. And soon she’ll be gone. One hundred and sixty moons might as well be a lifetime commitment. How is Kit supposed to wait for that long?! What would Kit's life be after so much time has passed?
Kit still remembers how her father had explained to her why it took so long for a knight to be trained. And later it was part of her studies to know the overall process. It’s not much different from her studies, a few different subjects mainly.
Jade knows most of them anyway, she’s an excellent fighter. She knows how to ride, hunt and read really well. She can dance. That basically only leaves tactics for war. Jade would be good at it, Kit knows she would, but with the barrier they don’t have to fear any enemy.
She could just stay, learn everything she wants from Ballantine and be the best warrior in the castle. And they could still ride and spar and spend the night at her room. Why does Jade want to be a knight so bad anyway?!
—
The first night is the hardest. The anger and frustration Kit had during the day leaves her body as time passes. Not being allowed to leave her room, or be able to see Jade even from afar, takes a toll on Kit.
Jade has always been there for her, always listened when she needed it, and, as long as she hadn’t got a direct order, she would go along with whatever idea Kit had.
Jade is her best friend.
Jade is leaving, yes, but she’s not gone yet. She’s here and Kit could have spent the whole day with her if she hadn’t left Jade’s room the way she did the night before. Her future is going to be devoid of Jade for long enough that not having her while she’s here feels like the worst type of waste.
Jade is leaving.
And Kit is staying behind. They are not escaping outside the barrier to face dangers and have adventures together. Jade is becoming a knight and Kit is probably going to have to get married and have kids with some dude and they won’t see each other again until they're old.
Kit can’t live without Jade but she can’t leave without Jade, not when leaving means never seeing her again instead of having to wait however many moons.
It’s time for Kit to face it, she loves Jade and the idea of never seeing her again is too much to bear. She can’t handle never seeing Jade again and even if it’s going to hurt more than anything in her life, she needs to support her best friend. For the first time Kit needs to put Jade first. Jade will be back and things might not ever be the same but Jade will be here and Kit can face anything as long as Jade is by her side.
That night Kit dreams about riding away with Jade, going beyond the barrier and into a new life together, just the two of them.
The second day isn’t as hard but at the same time it feels harder. Kit needs to talk to Jade but she can’t leave her room. She needs to wait a full day for that but she can’t have Jade thinking she’s still angry or that she doesn’t care for her.
But she's stuck in her room, with lessons to get through. She still doesn't need much effort to get through them so there's no way to even distract herself.
She needs to do right and apologize and support Jade. Shining Legion has always been Jade’s dream and now, against all odds, she got in. Kit needs to make it right and she needs to make the most of whatever many days Jade has left in Tir Asleen.
While doing her lessons Kit makes a plan and it starts with doing everything as is expected of her and not getting any negative attention. Kit can be the perfect daughter for one more day.
With Sorsha out of the way she can meet Jade without any problems. She can do something special every day until the day comes. She can ask for Jade's favorites from the kitchens, bring them to her. Set up a picnic. They can’t be outside for this, too many prying eyes, but they can eat inside Jade’s room.
Jade is leaving and she needs to make as many happy memories as she can. Jade needs a reason to come back to her.
Kit will apologize and ask how many days she has left in Tir Asleen and give Jade the send off she deserves.
—
Sleep escapes Kit for most of the night, she’s too worried about making up with Jade and doing the most until she leaves for Galladoorn. It’s only when the first lights of the day start to tint the sky that Kit finally falls asleep.
She wakes up tired and very late. The complete opposite of the impression she wants to make but her mother’s day started later than usual and for that Kit feels she’s the luckiest person in Andowyne.
Kit spends the day doing every lesson, every assignment, as fast, and with most precision, as she can. By very late afternoon Kit is free to go to the kitchens and get something special for Jade before heading out of the castle, as stealthily as possible.
It's dark enough outside that it's easy to get to Jade's. There's not a lot of guards around and Kit is at the window in no time.
Inside it’s dark as well, Jade is probably not there yet giving Kit more time to think about what she wants to say. She doesn’t know how to start, she doesn’t want to fuck up again and lose Jade for good this time. If she hadn’t already.
With as little noise as possible Kit enters the room and closes the window. As she turns around she startles and almost drops the basket with the food she brought for Jade.
“I didn’t think you were coming back.” Kit can’t see Jade’s face where she’s sitting on the bed and her voice doesn’t betray anything.
“I was stuck in my room, I wasn't allowed to leave until today. Sorsha made sure of it.” Kit is looking at the floor, talking to her dark silhouette feels worse than looking at the floor.
“Guards?”
Kit nods. “Door and windows.”
“Ouch!” Kit thinks she can hear a hint of a smile on Jade’s words. “How did you get out after only two days? Good behavior usually warrants four.” Kit can definitely hear the teasing now.
“My best friend is leaving and I won’t be seeing her for a very long time.” Kit's voice wavers but she keeps it together.
Jade makes a move to get up. “Kit.”
Kit takes a step forward and motions with her hand to Jade “Just… I’m sorry, ok?! I heard you were… I don’t know, I just…” In barely a whisper Kit mumbles. “It doesn’t matter.” Then louder and more confident she adds. “I was a shitty friend and I should’ve supported you right away.”
Jade gets up and starts walking to Kit. She’s already out of her uniform, in a dark blue shirt that is too big for her but it’s Kit’s favorite. “Kit.”
“So this is me supporting you. I want to hear everything ok?! And I know one hundred and sixty moons is a long time so I thought…” Kit stops when she sees Jade looking at her as if she has grown two heads. “What?”
“What are you talking about?! What is one hundred and sixty moons?!”
“I know it’s a rough estimate. Did Ballantine say anything about how long, you know, is it going to be?” Kit can’t bring herself to say leaving again, she doesn’t even want to think about it.
“Did you hear any words I said after I told you I’ve been accepted to the Shining Legion?” Jade’s tone is not angry or accusatory but there’s a hint of annoyance to it.
“No?” Kit looks down to the basket she’s still holding. It’s embarrassing having to admit it, Kit doesn’t need to also tell her how much she was freaking out. “Can you tell me again? What you said after you told me you were accepted to the Shining Legion?!
“Ballantine was the one that submitted a petition on my behalf, I didn’t know. I was also caught off guard. But Kit, I’m only going to be in Galladoorn for around forty moons.”
“It takes one hundred and sixty moons to train a knight. All knights have to be trained in Galladoorn, it’s one of the terms of the alliance.” Kit doesn’t doesn’t even notice the confusion and frustration in her voice. “That didn’t change.”
“That’s average for the whole training period, Kit. I’ve been training with Ballantine for a long time. I just need the last part of the training that I wasn’t allowed to do until now. I don’t need to stay there to serve before coming back. Ballantine told me most knights choose to do so but Kit, I wanna serve the Queen and defend Tir Asleen not serve Galladoorn. This is my home.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’ve been learning from Ballantine everything I would have if I had gone to Galladoorn. No one is going to waste resources forcing me to do something I already know. Ballantine vetted my training and I won’t need to stay longer than around forty moons. I specifically asked him when he told me I was accepted.”
A wave of relief invades Kit all at once.
Jade is leaving and it sucks but it’s for so much less time than she thought. The smile on Kit’s face is bright and unabashed. It’s another reason to celebrate.
“Ballantine told you all that?! What else did he say?”
“Ballantine didn’t say much. I’ll be leaving in six days with a couple Shining Legion knights that are going to be passing by from a patrol not far from here on their way back to Galladoorn. Some things are changing. The past two days I’ve been helping select some girls to get the same training I did and eventually become warriors like me.”
“Maybe even knights one day.” Jade trying to not fidget and trying to hide the cutest shy smile might be Kit’s favorite Jade. “They have so much potential, Kit. Some of them are even better than I was at their age. They looked at me like I was the coolest person ever.”
“It’s because you are.” Kit is so enthralled by Jade she only realizes she said that out loud because of the tinge of crimson on Jade’s cheeks. “I brought food.” Kit holds up the basket. “More like dessert.”
Kit opens the basket and turns it a little to the side even though Jade wouldn’t be able to see much inside the basket. “Peach tart and sweet cruste rolle. I know you like them but it’s not often you have the chance to have them.”
“Kit, you didn’t have to.” Jade grins and Kit wants to live in this moment for the rest of her life. “I would’ve accepted your apology without any bribery, you know?!”
“You won’t have the chance to eat them for a long time.” Jade raises an eyebrow. “Forty moons is still a long time to go without these.” She balances the basket in front of Jade’s face.
“They are smelling really good.”
“We can eat on the bed. C’mon.” Kit takes Jade’s hand and leads them to her bed.
“I can help.”
Tonight Kit is the one in charge of serving, it’s part of her apology.
“No. This is my turn. Let me.” Kit takes off a cloth covering the base of the basket and sets it aside. She takes a knife, two small plates, and two forks and puts them next to the cloth. Kit takes out both the cruste and tart bowls then sets the basket on the ground at the foot of the bed.
“Here.” Kit brings the bowl with the cruste rolles closer to Jade. “You can start while I’m fixing you a plate.”
“I can wait.” Kit hates not being able to fully see Jade in this light.
Kit moves the bowl a little closer to Jade. “It’s for you.” Kit knows Jade is dying to dig in.
Jade takes one cruste rolle while Kit is cutting a piece of the tart. Then another. And another. “They are so good.”
Meanwhile Kit puts the piece of tart she cut on a small plate and sets the fork to the side. “I asked for it exactly the way you like.” She gives it to Jade. “If it’s not, let me know.”
Kit almost drops the piece she’s taking for herself when she hears Jade softly moaning as she takes a bite. The room is quiet or else she would probably not be able to hear it.
Kit should’ve started bringing sweets to Jade way sooner.
“So the best tart you ever ate.” Kit’s tone was light, teasing. It’s the first time she heard Jade moaning like that. Kit’s going to do her best to not be the last.
“A little presumptuous, don't you think?!” As much as Jade tries to hide, Kit can hear the embarrassment in her voice, she can almost feel Jade’s cheeks burning.
“Tell me I'm wrong.” Kit always loves teasing Jade when she’s embarrassed, her face gets the most beautiful shade of red.
“You’re absolutely right, Your Highness.”
They didn’t talk much while they were eating. Kit was hoping for many more stray moans, but she was only rewarded with one when Jade was eating a second piece of tart and wasn’t able to hold it back.
Kit is the happiest person in Tir Asleen right now.
After they ate, Kit gathered everything and put them back in the basket. Very pleased with her choices tonight, Kit feels over the moons.
“How did you like your first send off meal?”
“There’s more?”
“Of course! I’m not letting you leave without a proper goodbye. There’s more tomorrow.”
“This way I’m going soft before I get to Galladoorn.”
“You? Never.”
Jade yawns and Kit realizes it’s getting late for her and Jade needs some rest after the eventful day.
“Thank you for the surprise, Kit. It’s been a while since I last ate something so delicious.” Jade ties her blue headwrap in a bow around her hair as she always does before bed.
Kit doesn’t want to stare, she never wants to stare, but she is enthralled by how delicately Jade works on her hair. “You’re welcome. If there’s something you want, tell me and I can add it to my list.”
“I’m sure I’m gonna like whatever you pick.”
Kit makes the bed while she waits for Jade to finish her night rituals to avoid getting caught staring at her again. “Are you looking for more girls tomorrow?”
Jade goes back to the bed and Kit is almost vibrating while she waits, it’s been too long.
“No. Tomorrow I’m going to start training them. Ballantine’s idea. He thinks it’s going to inspire them if I’m there on the first few days.”
Kit waits until Jade lays down and settles on the spot she likes before she finally joins her. Kit loves her place half on top of Jade. She has the best nights when Jade is her pillow.
She feels Jade’s arm on her back as soon as she adjusts herself. They fit perfectly together.
It’s been only a moment but Kit already feels warm and relaxed. Kit tucks her face into the crook of Jade’s neck, she smells so good. She’s so much better than any pillow.
“You are an inspiring instructor, they’re already inspired.” Kit feels Jade tightening her hold for a few moments before going back to her regular hug. She always feels she did something really right when she gets Jade’s signal of appreciation.
Kit brushes her lips on Jade’s neck. Without fail, it’s too inviting to resist and tonight she’s happy and she’s going to indulge to her heart's content.
“I already planned the five days of training I’m gonna give them. It’s an introduction on what they will be expected to do.” Kit could sense a nervous energy coming from Jade even if her voice was even. Jade, as usual, has a hard time opening up and her fidgeting with Kit’s sleeve just confirms it.
“You are always well prepared, I know you have everything you can possibly need. Everything will work out well. The kids already love you.”
It’s uncharacteristic for Jade to be worried about her ability with a sword, fighting or teaching. Kit waits for Jade to say something but after a few moments of silence Kit pushes.
“Tell me what’s making you worry so much.” That was not a question, Kit long knows Jade works better with direct instructions. To lighten the mood Kit adds, “And don’t lie to your princess,” against Jade’s neck and is rewarded with a light shiver.
“Ballantine did a lot for me. I was just a kid mucking stables, and mending bridles and bits until Ballantine took an interest. He gave me something that I’d never had, a way to use my anger, to channel it into becoming something. I promised myself I would be the best, for him.
“You know I’ve always dreamed of becoming a knight and joining the Pacalcade but what I’ve never dared to even dream of was eventually becoming commander of the Pacalcade just like… Just like Ballantine.” Jade’s voice breaks a little. “Now that I got accepted and i can try… I just want to make him proud.”
“He made the Shining Legion accept you, he’s already proud of you. Anyone who cares about you is.” Kit’s fingers slowly stroke Jade’s arms.
They stay silent for a while. It’s impossible for Kit to not think about her own father and how one day Kit’s going to make him proud of her.
“Are you proud of me?” if it weren’t for the quiet night, Kit might’ve not heard her.
“Always.”
The next four nights Kit repeats the same formula. They would have a lovely meal together, always something different Jade loves, followed by cuddling until they fell asleep. Kit avoids talking about the fact Jade is leaving. And Jade, for her part, also doesn’t bring it up. It was their unspoken agreement so they would be able to enjoy Jade’s last days before leaving for Galladoorn.
Each night is a little harder for Kit to leave. It had never been this hard before. The worst part used to be getting up from a warm bed and sneaking through a cold night. But now, Kit just doesn’t want to leave Jade.
It’s not that Kit was unaware of her crush on Jade. Jade’s awesome, anyone would have a crush on her. Spending time with her, riding together, sparing on top of the Canyon Maze, cuddling at night when the world was too much. Simple friend stuff that has always been enough.
But now that Jade is leaving, now that she won’t be there anytime Kit needs her, it’s getting harder and harder to just hang out. And Kit doesn’t think she’s the only one. It might be Kit’s imagination but she can swear every night Jade takes a little bit longer than the night before to let Kit go.
Kit won’t be able to safely write to Jade while she’s in Galladoorn without raising suspicions. They will say goodbye tonight and forty moons will pass before she can see Jade again. Or more if Jade decides to stay longer.
It’s the worst timing. Kit’s used to her feelings acting up from time to time but since that first night of Kit’s “send Jade off with a bang” plan, Kit has been plagued by most lovely dreams about kissing Jade. The day was not much better, she was always getting distracted daydreaming about running away together.
It has always been Kit’s dream to be able to leave Tir Asleen with Jade and have adventures together. Now more than adventures, Kit just wants to be with her. She can’t think about anything else, she can’t concentrate.
She was barely able to ask Jade to have dinner with her tonight in her room. Jade’s last night should be special. Perfect. And Kit is going to give her perfect even if it’s the last thing she does.
Climbing Jade’s window with two baskets is not the most straightforward thing and she makes a little more noise than usual. By the time she is at the top, the window is already open.
Jade is wearing a blue oversized shirt and brown pants. Her hair is braided in rows along her scalp that fall to her shoulders. Everything slows down for a moment and Kit forgets where she is.
“I thought you could use a hand.” Jade offers her a hand for the basket. “Here, give me one.”
“My savior!” Kit hands one over and while Jade takes it to the table she gets inside the room.
The other nights she brought desserts and snacks but tonight Jade’s getting a full meal. She had instructed the castle staff to bring a small table to Jade’s room for this specific reason. It’s Jade's last day and if it gets back to Sorsha, Kit will be more than happy to pay for it.
The candles Kit brought the second night were already lit. The shadows moving with the flames make a hypnotic sight. It’s been the perfect setting over the past four nights and tonight is no different.
“That’s so much food, Kit.” The table is already set. After the first night Jade insisted so much on helping Kit serve that she let her.
“Not everything is food.” She smirks while she works on untying the cloth she used to keep the food container hot.
Jade opens the first basket and raises an eyebrow to her. “Ale?”
“It’s the sweet ale you tried at the last ball, the one you can’t get drunk on.”
“The one that was brought specially for that ball?! How?”
Jade will never know but Kit asked the kitchen staff to save some during the ball, after Jade had tried it. She knew she was going to surprise Jade with it, she just didn’t know it was for her goodbye dinner. “I have my ways.”
“I like your ways.”
Kit ignores how fast her heart is beating and how much she wants to kiss her.
“Buttered muffin! I can’t get these anywhere else.”
“No, you can’t. It wouldn’t be right if I left them out.” Kit takes the containers from her basket and puts them on the table. “The best for last.”
“What do you have there?”
She takes a cloth from the top of a ceramic pot, revealing sliced bread inside. “Olive and rosemary bread” then she opens the lid of the other ceramic pot. “And special stewet beef. Your favorites!”
The only word Kit could think of that describes Jade expression is pure joy. “You asked the kitchen to make you all this? Did they think you had hit your head?”
“You wound me Jade! I don’t eat only fancy food.” Kit only laughs as Jade makes a face to her. “I even ate the snake you caught that one time we didn’t get much luck with anything else.”
“I’m sorry you were forced to eat the only thing available, Your Highness.”
“You are forgiven. Now let’s eat before they get cold.”
Kit takes the bottle of ale and fills a tankard for Jade then one for herself while Jade takes a good helping of stew and a couple slices of bread. Kit gets some for herself then raises her tankard.
“To you, the best knight in the realm.”
“Kit, I didn’t even start yet.”
“Which makes it even more impressive.” Kit gestures with her tankard towards Jade but she doesn’t seem convinced so she tries again, for real this time.
“To my best friend in the world. May all your dreams come true.” Kit’s intensely looking at Jade, no jokes and no games, just her sincere words.
“May all your dreams come true.” Jade echoes Kit’s words then takes a sip of ale and starts eating, and soon after Kit does the same.
It’s hard not to bring up this is Jade’s last day, it’s in everything she did and everything they won’t be able to do tomorrow. They can’t avoid it even if Kit wants to more than anything.
“How was your last day?”
“It was busy, I went over everything I had prepared for the new recruits and we said our goodbyes.”
Talking to Jade has never felt this hard for Kit. She wants to tell her how she feels and how much she’s going to miss her.
Kit knows it’s unfair but she’s afraid Jade is going to find someone in Galladoorn and never come back. Or worse, come back happily married with kids and no space for her.
Which is silly for Kit to think because she noticed Jade hugs her a little tighter sometimes, or how her touch lingers a little longer than necessary when Jade is teaching her a new form or when they are sparring. But Jade never showed interest otherwise, and all that could be Kit reading too much into it.
Except Jade wouldn’t show any interest even if she wanted to. She’s too much of a knight to allow herself to fraternize with a princess, let alone the heir, in such an intimate manner.
Except they cuddle all the time. But Kit is always the one that starts it.
Kit should be celebrating Jade’s last day instead of being horny for her.
This time it doesn’t seem like Jade is trying too hard to hold back her moans and it’s probably the last thing Kit needs right now.
“This is really good, Kit. The ale tastes even better this time. And the stew is perfect.”
The moans Jade makes are still the most perfect thing in all the realms.
Kit needs to say something instead of just staring. “The bread is also really good.” The bread is also really good. What was Kit thinking?!
She can’t even be as present in this dinner as she wants to. Kit feels like she's only mimicking conversation.
“If you want to take any leftovers with you on your trip to Galladoorn you can. I’m sure the kitchen won’t miss a few pots.”
“Oh, no. I don’t think there will be much left once I’m done with them.” Jade’s laugh is music to Kit’s ears. She’s so pleased she did good for Jade.
“I brought extra muffins so you could have a couple tomorrow before you leave.”
“Muffins before hitting the road will be lovely. Thank you, Kit.”
Jade takes her last piece of bread and clean the leftover sauce from her plate with it then eats it. Another moan escapes her lips.
Kit clears her throat. “Still want some dessert?” Seeing, and hearing Jade eat is a serious test to Kit’s limits.
“I always have space for buttered muffins. Always!” Kit can see Jade’s eyes glowing with anticipation.
Kit plates two muffins for Jade and one for herself. “There’s more if you want.”
The first bite Jade takes, she closes her eyes and moans. Kit knows it’s not intentional, but it’s doing things to her. Instead of eating, Kit is enraptured by the sight of Jade eating a muffin. Kit doesn’t even notice when Jade is done with the first one.
Just like she doesn’t notice she is past her limits or why she should care about it in the first place.
Jade takes the second one and bites in. She’s savoring it just like she did the first one. And so is Kit. “I am going to miss them the most.”
“The second.” Kit pointedly corrects Jade with a smirk. “You’re going to miss me the most.”
“Will I?”
“Yes.”
“Why is that, Your Highness?” Jade takes another bite.
“Hmmm let me think.” Kit takes her time while Jade eats. “I’m better to spar with.” Kit waits for Jade to swallow the last bite before adding. “I’m a better rider.” Kit takes another muffin and puts it on Jade’s plate. “And I taste better.” And ends with a smile on her face.
The most delicious shade of red covers Jade’s face and neck. It’s the cutest image Kit has ever seen. Even the tip of her ears are red.
“You want another one?” Kit asks with the most level tone she can muster.
“What?”
“Muffin? Do you want another one? There are still.” Kit counts the muffins inside the bowl. “Three muffins. So if you want to save two for tomorrow, you can eat another one.”
“No, no. You only had–” Jade looks at Kit’s plate and sees the still untouched muffin on a clean plate. “You didn’t even have one? You love them.”
“You were too cute eating yours.” Kit takes a small piece of her muffin. “ I got distracted.” Kit eats it while delighting herself seeing Jade’s face becoming a deeper shade of red. “This is really good. Definitely second place.”
Jade clears her throat and goes back to her muffin. Kit takes pity on Jade and savors hers while watching Jade, face down, eating hers. Avoiding looking Kit in the eye but still sneaking glances from time to time.
“Thank you for the dinner, Kit. It was perfect.” Jade’s voice is a bit shaky and her cheeks are still slightly pink but she’s looking at Kit.
“You’re welcome. I need to make sure I have one even better waiting for you when you get back.” Kit looks around the room and it’s almost as bare as it always is. “Did you already pack?”
“Yes. My saddlebags are close to the door. Everything is already packed, except the uniform I’m gonna wear tomorrow.”
“So everything is ready.” Kit is still looking away from Jade and towards the door, she can’t really see the bags from where she is, the candles light well where they are but don’t cover the whole room. Kit needs more time. “We should go to bed early, you have long days ahead.”
It’s not that Kit is desperate to get in bed with Jade. Well it is. But it’s also the need to be close to her, to be touching her and at least pretending she can hold for as long as she wants to.
“Yes, I should. It’s surreal this is going to be my last night here.” Jade gets her headwrap and covers all her hair with it, neatly tucking in every braid. “Even when I come back I won't be sleeping here anymore.”
And for the first time it hits Kit that this is also her last time in this room. Someone is probably going to move in the next few days. So even if she wanted to, she wouldn’t be able to come back to this room or this bed ever again.
This is the last time Kit is laying on this bed, not just with Jade but at all. The memory of the cold bed while she was waiting for Jade that night doesn’t feel as bad anymore. Kit is going to steal Jade’s pillow.
When Jade is nearly done, Kit begins blowing out the candles. She finishes as Jade is ready for bed.
As is their routine, Jade settles first then Kit joins her. And it doesn’t feel any different from any other day but Kit thinks it should since it’s their last night. Tomorrow everything is changing but right now it feels the same. The bed, the sheets, Jade’s body next to her, the heat she radiates, her smell.
Kit could pretend this is just another night and have her last bit of normalcy but not recognizing all that she’s losing feels like a betrayal.
“You can say it. Whatever it is you’re thinking, just say it.”
Kit’s not ready but she doesn’t have the willpower not to.
“I don’t want you to go.” The words fall out of her mouth. “I hate this princess life, I hate not being able to do things on my own. But you make it easier. You listen to me when I need to talk shit about my mother.” Kit feels like she’s losing control but she can’t stop. “You go to balls with me just because I ask you to, even though you hate them more than I do. I don’t know how to survive court without you Jade. I don’t know how to survive my mother.”
She feels tears filling her eyes but she doesn’t want to cry, she can’t cry right now. “I have to go, Kit.”
“I know. I want you to have everything you want. The knight title, the armor, everything. But I’m scared of being alone without you. What if you get hurt?”
“I’m going to be fine. Ballantine trained me well, all the extra training I had was exactly to prepare me for it. I know I’m ready, Kit.”
“Just don’t offer to go on a suicidal mission, ok?
“Never without you. But, Kit, promise me you are not going to hurt yourself just to hurt someone else. You are more important.”
It has been the same way for the longest time. Kit hurts herself so she can hurt Sorsha. Everything Sorsha demands of her are things Kit loathes but that Airk is more than happy to do. And it’s not fair and if it’s up to Kit to set things right, she doesn’t care if she hurts herself in the process.
“I won’t change who I am, Jade.”
“I’m not asking you to. Just be smart about it. I’m sure you can find many ways to mess with people while being mildly annoyed.”
Kit can hear the teasing in Jade’s voice, she knows Jade is being serious and trying to lighten the mood. Kit hates to admit it but she has a point, without Jade here to unwind, Kit doesn’t want to think about how bad it can get now that she’s not a child anymore. It's going to be hard but maybe not impossible.
“I can only promise I will try my best.”
“I’m gonna hold you to that.”
“You can hold me as much as you want just promise me you’re coming back to me in one piece.”
Jade adjusts herself, bringing Kit a little more on top of her and holding her with both arms. “I promise I’m coming back to you in one piece.”
Very few things in Kit’s life have ever made her this giddy. Kit feels like giggling. Giggling! She needs to take a hold of herself.
—
It’s so easy to let Jade stir the conversation to their past. It's something Kit has also been thinking about a lot lately.
The day they met, when Jade was introduced to Kit as her new instructor, something she had been begging her mother for for many moons. Jade looked so cool in her maroon and black uniform even though she was holding two wooden sticks. Kit hated those swords, she wanted to train with a real one. It took a while but she got her wish.
They laugh remembering the little excursions Sorsha allowed them to make outside of Tir Asleen. Kit would insist she would catch their meal and, nine times out of ten, Jade would have to step up and catch something if they wanted to eat.
It was those same excursions that opened the door for them to sneak out to spar outside of prying eyes. It started with groves near Tir Asleen and every few moons Kit would choose a place a bit further away and each time she felt a little closer to freedom.
In the past couple moons they had been trying different places on the Canyon Maze. It’s a harder, more challenging terrain making it more fun for Kit and making Jade’s life more complicated. But Jade agreed it was worth it for the view alone.
And before they know it, it’s time for Kit to leave if she wants to be in her room by sunrise. It feels too soon and they are too comfortable holding each other but time is catching up with them. Kit feels a sharp ache inside of her chest.
“I don’t want to get up.”
“We have to. We can have breakfast together if we get up now. I think we have three muffins left.”
It’s too hard. Kit never lets anything go willingly anymore and it’s cruel she needs to start with Jade. Last time Kit said goodbye to someone he never came back.
Tears slowly gather in Kit’s eyes, it won’t take long for them to start falling. Kit disentangles herself from Jade and stands up. She takes both baskets but leaves a plate with three muffins on the table.
When she turns around Jade is standing up close to the bed. Kit can’t deal with it anymore.
Kit opens her mouth but nothing comes out. She doesn’t know what to say that can convey everything she wants and tears are already falling down her cheeks and she needs to leave.
“Goodbye.”
Kit turns and walks to the window. Her heart is racing, she’s undeniably crying. It’s a small room, it only takes a few steps to get in front of the window. Her mind is yelling for Kit to get out but her body doesn’t move. Kit uses one arm to get rid of the tears that still insist on falling down her face.
Everything is too much, too fast but leaving feels so wrong. Kit has never run away, Kit has never been a coward and she refuses to be one now.
Kit lets go of the baskets and turns around. Jade is still in the same place. Kit doesn’t think, she just walks right at Jade and kisses her.
Everything around her disappears and the only thing she can feel is Jade. She feels her hands on Jade’s jaw and neck. Kit instinctively draws her closer. She feels Jade’s arms circle around her, bringing her closer.
If Kit thought hearing Jade moan over food was fantastic, it holds nothing against the moans Kit is drawing out of her, or the ones she’s offering in return.
Kit doesn’t realize they were moving until she feels them hit a wall and she can press herself better against Jade.
She’s surrounded by Jade. Her mind is hazy with all the sounds and sensations. She feels like floating and Jade is her tether. No dream could ever get close to what is now Kit’s reality.
Like all good things in Kit’s life, this one is also cut short. A loud noise rumbles downstairs and startles them.
When they realize there’s no danger and it’s probably someone dropping something in the stables below, they laugh. They are still holding each other and Kit has never felt more free.
Kit closes her eyes and tucks her face against Jade’s neck.
“I don’t wanna stop.” Kit knows she’s whining but she can’t make herself care.
“You’re late.” Kit can hear the reluctance in her voice. “The sun is not totally out but if you don’t want to get caught it is better to go now.”
It’s hard for Kit to leave her place in Jade’s arms but It doesn't feel as definitive as before and Kit’s not afraid anymore.
Kit takes Jade’s hands, kisses each palm. “You’re going to be a great knight. Come back in one piece.”
Jade only nods, her big hazel eyes pleading for her to stay, betraying what Jade had just said. Kit feels better knowing it’s as hard for Jade as it is for her.
Kit starts walking back to the window but comes back and kisses Jade one last time. “See you later, Jade.”
Kit takes Jade’s pillow and leaves.
Life doesn’t stop. Not even for princesses. So Kit has to learn, after a really long time, how to deal with her frustrations without Jade's presence to calm her down.
The first days after Jade left go smoothly. Kit spends most of her time in the royal woods, a place Sorsha couldn’t make a fuss about, and it’s isolated enough to give Kit some privacy. And soon she grows to like spending time there, so much so it becomes a habit.
It was two opposing feelings, one of sadness and loneliness over Jade being far away and one of hope that their kiss meant to her as much as it did for Kit. That they would be able to be together once Jade comes back.
Little by little Kit picks up her lessons and the time she would normally spend with Jade is reserved for riding and daydreaming about her.
Her dreams are always about Jade, even after Jade’s pillow stopped smelling like her. Kissing her, holding her, riding with her, sparing with her. But not even one nightmare about Jade. When nightmares come Jade was the one that made everything better.
Kit’s father was a knight of the Shining Legion when he and her mother married. Her father used to tell big tales of their epic love. Kit was never the biggest fan of those stories, her brother was but now Kit is dreaming about marrying her knight. How times have changed.
For the first time in her life Kit feels like things could improve and her future doesn’t have to be so gloomy.
Except, things are not quite so simple in Kit’s life.
A couple moons after Jade left, Kit was ready to start training again. It would be hard without Jade but she had too much energy and riding wasn’t enough.
The logical choice was Lachlan, and it wasn’t so bad at first. Lachlan didn’t put much of an effort to attack but she was still getting some training. At first it was easier to overlook the lack of a challenge but as the time went by Kit became more and more frustrated.
Until one afternoon, after many days nagging Lachlan, Kit was able to convince him to do one real sparring.
Everything was going well, Kit was barely holding her own but that’s what she has been missing. It was the most fun she had since Jade left. She was panting, her muscles were burning, she was solely focused on what she was doing.
Everything couldn’t be going better.
Kit was defending against Lachlan’s fast hitting attacks when she dodged one a little too late and his sword caught the sleeve of her shirt. It didn’t hurt Kit in any way but the incident got back to Sorsha and that was the last time Lachlan made any real effort. They were still training but no more real sparring nor any real challenge.
And that set the tone for everything else. Sorsha acted like Kit couldn’t be responsible with her choices so Sorsha pushed Kit to do what she wanted, Kit refused to do it, and it would end in a loud fight.
Until one particularly bad fight with Sorsha over Kit’s refusal to take on embroidery that ends with her not being allowed to leave the castle for twenty five days.
That meant no riding, no break from everyone’s prying eyes. And she would have to entertain some of the most boring and irritating nobles the next few balls, which Airk would usually take on to give Kit a break.
And that ended up being the best thing that could’ve happened to Kit.
That first night Kit couldn't stop thinking about the promise she made to Jade. To do her best to find a way to not hurt herself just to mess with Sorsha. Everything started so well but she lost herself and she needed to find a better way to keep her word.
It took a few days for her to find something good. And she didn’t even have to wait the twenty five days to try it out.
It was simple, Kit just did what Sorsha asked her to do, embroidery. Unfortunately for Sorsha, she wasn’t specific on what Kit had to stitch so Kit started making many different types of mirrors, swords and shields. A few quivers, bows and arrows, and even a falcon.
Embroidery was still not Kit’s favorite pastime but it grew on her after a while. No one needed to know though.
Next she did the same with court games. She picked up chess instead of the expected backgammon, which didn’t get as much of a reaction from Sorsha as she was expecting but it was still fun to play.
It took some time for Kit to seriously pick up archery again. Static targets were boring but once she got some training she was able to hunt better. Being able to spend a full day outside the castle like she used to sometimes with Jade was bittersweet but ultimately good for her mood.
Not everything Sorsha wanted to force on Kit could be twisted in some way but it became something that Kit could spend her energy on. And it was always a nice treat when it worked.
Dresses were the one thing Kit never budged on. She was forced to wear them to balls, important dinners and meetings but that was it. Kit did more than enough by showing up on those on a dress. That didn’t keep Shorsha from trying.
Kit still dreamed of adventures beyond the barrier when things would get particularly hard. Holding on to the fact that she now was better prepared than she was before. Hunting, cooking, mending and strategy abilities had improved substantially.
But as hard as things could get sometimes, it wasn’t hard enough that she would leave without Jade, or without even warning her. Even with the increased presence of Galladoorn emissaries.
There have always been Galladoorn emisseries visits to Tir Asleen because of the treaty and regular administrative duties. What is so uncommon is the frequency of the visits. And Kit can make a guess as to why.
Kit had learned many things studying the past and one of them was how neighbor kingdoms solved any possible conflicts, sometimes even before they began.
It doesn’t take a genius to guess why Kit is the heir or who’s going to be sold to Galladoorn to strengthen their alliance. Kit didn’t want to believe her mother would do something like that. And if she did, Kit thought her mother would respect her enough to tell her.
All the emissaries back and forth didn’t give Kit much confidence. Sorsha saying the emissaries were there for reasons regarding the alliance and Kit didn’t need to know more than that made everything worse.
Kit spent too long thinking about why she was the heir instead of Airk. What made her different. Galladoorn emissaries were a good indication of the beginning of the workings for this type of contract.
A visit of the King and a Prince would be the final steps of such an arrangement. Maybe Kit shouldn’t be so surprised, she’s been preparing herself for such a day, but it hurts all the same.
The only thing that comforted Kit was knowing Jade was close to coming home. Kit could face anything with Jade by her side. And who knows, maybe Jade got fed up with everything and would be open to running away with her.
Airk tried to fill Jade’s place after she left but the more effort he made the more it became clear to Kit he couldn’t understand what their mother was doing to her. He had always been free to do what he wanted. Had less classes than her, less responsibilities. He got to actually train with Kase, not the pretend bullshit Lachlan had been doing.
And he’s not going to be the one forced to keep the succession line with a man he never met before. He actually gets to fuck whoever he wants, with minimum effort to hide, and no one cares. Kit couldn't even play chess with Lachlan without her mother yelling at her.
As if to make up for the difference between them, Airk began sneaking out with her to spar. It took some planning, and Kase's help, to keep it a secret from Sorsha, who would have very much disapproved. Kit would be forever grateful to Airk for that.
Kit didn’t know exactly when Jade was going to come back but she was hoping for news of a Galladoorn committee coming to Tir Asleen around the forty moon mark. She had no idea how right that assessment was until it was time.
Every member of the royal family of Tir Asleen has their own tree in the royal woods, planted in their name by their parents. Sorsha held them in very high regards and she would often arrange a picnic with Airk and Kit at different trees when they were little.
Kit never felt much of a connection to her tree, she felt it was weird to have one to begin with but using her tree to mark the passage of time made Kit more fond of hers.
During the first days of her new found loneliness, Kit got an idea on how to mark the moons that Jade had been away from her. She took a pouch of shurikens from the armory and once every moon cycle, Kit threw one shuriken at her tree. They’re not neatly in a row but they are there, marking the agonizing past of time, and bleeding her tree every time Kit throws a new one.
Eighteen days after the thirty seventh mark Kit gets the best and the worst news of her life.
During dinner, Sorsha tells Kit in seven days Prince Graydon Hastur is coming with a group of Shining Legion knights that are going to assess the Mother’s Gate. There has been news of Bone Reaver activity around the gate for a while and King Hastur thinks a more thorough check is in order.
Sorsha orders Kit to be on her best behavior for the prince.
Kit is dreading it already.
It’s clear it’s Sorsha’s intention for this to be some kind of prearrangement for her marriage contract. Prince Dermot’s brother will probably work as a liaison. Kit can’t think of another reason for Prince Graydon to be visiting. It’s very unorthodox for him to be part of an assessment committee and not even be at the inspection.
At the end of the dinner, after a whole lecture of how to behave and how to impress Prince Graydon Hastur, Sorsha adds almost as an afterthought.
“Oh, your friend, Jade, is coming back with them.”
If Sorsha says anything else Kit has no idea, she just stops listening.
Jade is coming back.
The next six days are a blur for Kit. She cuts her hair that has been getting a little too long for comfort. She gets ahead of as many of her duties and lessons as she can. And Sorsha is more than happy to oblige when Kit uses Graydon’s name as a reason why she needs a break.
Kit knows Airk thinks she’s up to something when she asks him to spar with her every day but she passes it off as being nervous. She doesn’t think he believes her but they spar and Kit doesn’t really care if he knows. She is nervous and she needs physical exertion more and more as the days pass, it’s just not because of Graydon.
It’s been thirty seven moons since Jade left. Twelve seasons. Four Harvest Festivals. Kit changed during that time. Jade would approve of how much more seriously Kit is taking her duties now, even if it’s to avoid ugly fights with her mother.
Kit is ready for Jade to come back, she’s tired of being sad. Her cage feels much smaller without Jade.
The next day everything is ready for their arrival. Sorsha forces her to stay put, to wait for Prince Graydon and the last thing Kit needs on the day Jade is coming back is to cause a diplomatic incident so she stays put.
Sorsha had picked her dress, not trusting Kit to make an adequate choice. A green dress covered with gold embroidery. And metal accessories. The dress has metal parts. Of course that’s Sorsha’s choice for her, what’s one more torturing device?!
It’s the biggest test of patience Kit has had to face yet. And if it wasn’t for the underlying threat to the alliance Kit would never have obeyed. Sorsha’s punishment would be far too great and Kit would never forgive herself if she missed precious days with Jade over it.
—
The party finally arrives. Prince Graydon enters first and four Shining Legion knights follow behind. Kit is barely hanging on, she’s doing all the proper protocol but it’s a struggle.
Where’s Jade?!
Kit doesn’t even care if she is keeping up with the conversation. Jade isn’t here. Is Jade in the palace? Did Jade even come back from Galladoorn? Questions are consuming her thoughts and taking Kit’s mind with them.
At some point they start eating, Kit has enough practice with boring dinners that she thinks she’s maintaining enough of a presence but she keeps looking at the doors hoping Jade will show up.
She doesn’t want to bring attention to Jade in front of the guests and there's no way for her to sneak somewhere to find out.
It’s only when it’s time for the Oath Ceremony that Kit has confirmation that Jade is in fact in Tir Asleen.
Sorsha, Kit, Airk, Prince Graydon and the four knights move to the throne room where the ceremony is taking place. The room is busy, most of the Pacalcade knights are there. Ballantine is in his golden commander’s armor, waiting next to the dais.
Kit is frantically looking for Jade but she can’t find her anywhere.
Sorsha went up the steps, with Kit and Airk following beside her and Prince Graydon lagging behind. Sorsha moves to the front of the throne with Kit and Airk on her right and left side respectively. Prince Graydon stays awkwardly away, more to the left side of the room.
Still no Jade. Kit is getting more and more anxious.
Until she sees a knight walking in the middle of the room, head’s down, wearing the full Pacalcade armor. Every eye in the room is on her.
Jade.
The armor is better on her than Kit’s ever dreamed of. The silver and gold armor shines in contrast to the maroon gambeson and blue cape. The Pacalcade uniform has never looked so stunning before.
Jade’s face is barely visible under the helmet. She stops at the bottom of the dais next to Ballantine. She takes her helmet off.
Seeing Jade’s face again after so long brings tears to Kit’s eyes. She’s wearing the same rows she was the last time Kit saw her but the braids are longer. She can’t wait for Jade to get closer, Kit has new freckles to map.
Jade gives her helmet to Ballantine and looks at Kit for a couple moments before turning her gaze down again.
The world slows down and Kit feels in a haze. Her heart is beating faster than ever before. Kit has to stop herself from walking to Jade.
After a few moments Jade raises her head and walks towards them, stopping in front of Queen Sorsha. Jade sneaks another glance to Kit before kneeling in front of the Queen. Right arm on top of her thigh and her eyes looking up at Queen Sorsha.
She hears voices but she can’t understand them. She will never forgive herself if she misses such an important moment for Jade.
Kit takes a deep breath and focuses on Jade. And as she is about to begin, without moving her head, Jade turns her gaze from Sorsha to Kit.
“I, Jade Claymore, do truly and sincerely acknowledge, profess, testify, and declare in my conscience before Andowyne, that our Queen Sorsha Tanthalos, is lawful and rightful Queen of this kingdom; And that no individual or institution has any power or authority to depose the Queen, or to authorize any foreign prince to invade or annoy her, or to discharge any of her subjects of their allegiance and obedience to her Majesty, or to give any license or leave to any of them to bear arms, raise tumult, or to offer any violence, or hurt to her Majesty's royal person, state, or government, or to any of her Majesty's subjects within her Majesty's dominions.
“I will bear faith and true allegiance to her Majesty, her heirs and successors, and will defend to the uttermost of my power, against all conspiracies and attempts whatsoever, which shall be made against her or their persons, their crown and dignity, by reason or color of any such sentence or declaration or otherwise, and will do my best endeavor to disclose and make known unto her Majesty, her heirs and successors, all treasons and traitorous conspiracies, which I shall know or hear of to be against her or any of them.
“And all these things I do plainly and sincerely acknowledge and swear, according to these express words by me spoken, and according to the plain and common sense and understanding of the same words, without any equivocation, or mental evasion, or secret reservation whatsoever: And I do make this recognition and acknowledgement heartily, willingly, and truly, upon the true faith in Our Mothers.”
Sorsha touches Jade’s shoulder with her sword.
“Sir, Jade Claymore, I do hereby knight thee into the Pacalcade.” Sorsha touches Jade’s other shoulder and rests the sword next to her.
“Arise knight and be recognized.”
Airk is the first to congratulate Jade, he shakes her hand before going to talk to Prince Graydon. Ballantine is the second, and stays by her side, holding her helmet. Slowly one by one the rest of the knights present in the ceremony go up to Jade to congratulate her and shake her hand.
Kit can’t move, she knows she should congratulate Jade.
Sir Jade Claymore.
Jade was looking at her during her oath. Kit needs to move.
Jade keeps stealing glances at Kit as the knights congratulate her. And as the crowd disperse, Jade turns to Ballantine and takes her helmet back and prepares to leave.
That brings Kit out of her trance.
Kit walks over to Jade, knights moving fast to get out of her way, until she’s in front of Jade.
“Sir Jade Claymore.” Kit nods.
“Your Majesty, Princess Kit Tanthalos.” Jade doesn’t move, her eyes are fixed on Kit’s.
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Kit takes another step forward and kisses her.
The party is in full swing. Music is filling the room. Some people are dancing, others are excitedly talking among themselves. There’s a wide variety of food and drinks to choose from. Only the very best Tir Asleen has to offer. Everybody is enjoying the party, including Kit, even though she didn’t get to pick the food, the drink or the music. But she chose the two most important things.
Kit picked exactly what she wanted to wear. A dark green surcoat covered with gold scrolls embroidery, with a darker green tunic under it and black pants. She personally talked with her tailor and embroiderers and followed each step of the process to guarantee she would get exactly what she wanted.
Kit looks at her hand, a golden leaf ring, inspired by the Crown of Tir Asleen, with a jade in the middle adorning her finger. And then to her wife, Sir Jade Claymore.
It’s the best day of Kit’s life. She can’t believe she actually married Jade and gets to spend the rest of her life by her side.
Jade is sitting next to Kit, wearing her silver armor with gold details but now instead of the usual maroon, she’s wearing a dark green gambeson and cape. Her hair is down, her curls framing her face, resting at her shoulders. Jade’s never been more attractive and it’s not just because of the matching wedding ring on her finger.
As if sensing her wife’s gaze on her, Jade turns. “Having fun?
“Yes, but I can't wait to be alone with you.” Kit looks around the great hall, everyone is too busy having fun and not paying much attention to them. “Do you think we can get away with sneaking out and leaving Airk in charge?”
“As if he is going to focus on anything but Prince Graydon.”
“They are so annoying! You should do something about it.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“I don’t know. You promised me you wouldn’t allow any prince to annoy me. They are dancing together making lovey-dovey eyes to each other.”
“Foreign prince. And Prince Airk outranks me so I can’t help you with this one, my love.” Jade takes Kit’s hand and kisses it. “And their union pleases the Queen so you are outranked as well.”
Sorsha wasn’t pleased with Kit’s actions after Jade’s Oath Ceremony. The kiss in front of the Knights of Galladoorn and Graydon, who Kit later found out was supposed to be her betrothed, ended any chance of a union between Kit and Graydon.
The only reason the incident didn’t garner any greater consequences for Tir Asleen was Prince Graydon Hastur. He was the first to congratulate the couple and he spoke positively about their union, taking away any claim King Zivian might have had of any wrongdoing by Tir Asleen.
Airk got a good one this time. They complement each other and Airk’s never been happier. It’s annoying.
“Did you see where my mom went?” Sorsha’s chair in the center of the table has been empty for a while. Kit knows her mother is not happy with her wedding but she thought she would’ve stayed longer.
Meanwhile in the dungeons, a man with a beard and long hair kneels on the floor next to a wall in the middle of a cell, wrists and ankles bound to the wall by chains. He is only visible by the light of the moons.
“How’s the party?” the man asks in a raspy voice.
Sorsha sits outside of his cell, looking not at him, but at the wall in front of her. “Everyone seems to be having fun.” Sorsha’s been in a mood the whole day.
“So why are you here? Maybe it’s because you want me to tell you, you made the right choice in letting your daughter marry for love.”
“You know I didn’t have a choice after that ridiculous kiss.” And her mood is getting worse as the day goes by.
“You are lucky everything worked out well, all things considered.”
Looking out through the circular throne room window, Sorsha is in a meeting with Ballantine, who maintains a respectful two feet from her. “Kit is getting to an age Zivian can officially request a meeting to start the proceedings for a marriage between our children.” Sorsha is worried. “Kit was a toddler the first time Zivian tried to arrange a union between Tir Asleen and Galladoorn. He talked to Madmartigan alone and it scared him enough that he never tried again. He’s always been power-hungry, he’s not going to give up. He knows I won’t have many ways to refute him.”
They are alone in the room, all doors are locked. “The period you are allowed to halt any important proceedings is still in effect, Your Majesty.”
“I already pushed as far as I could. Madmartigan’s death won’t get me any more time. I need to find a new way to stall Zivian’s advances.”
Sorsha and Ballantine are in another meeting, she’s sitting on her throne and Ballantine, his usual two feet of distance between them. “The girl, Jade, that you suggested to train my daughter. We had a long conversation. You’re doing good work, Ballantine. She’s very loyal and respectful.”
“She has a lot of potential, Your Majesty. She’s been excelling in training and her duties.”
“Zivian sent word he’s coming for a visit. He is trying to set up a meeting as soon as possible.” Sorsha turns to Ballantine. “Do you have informants in Galladoorn?”
“A few, Your Majesty.”
“I have one. It’s time to find out what he’s hiding.”
“I heard news from my contact in Galladoorn. Zivian’s son, Dermot, passed away some time ago and they are trying to delay the news.” Sorsha is walking from one side of the room to another. “Apparently he fell from a tree. As if anyone is going to believe that. Did you hear anything else?”
Ballantine is standing still two feet from Sorsha’ walking path. “Not really, Your Majesty. I’ve heard King Hastur has been busy. Do you know anything about his other son?”
“Graydon?” Sorsha shakes her head. “The mouse? Not really.”
“He’s the opposite of what King Hastur values in a son. Including swordsmanship. Your Majesty can use Sir Madmartigan’s reputation to your advantage.”
Sorsha greets King Zivian Hastur and leads him into the room. “It’s very noble you kept our meeting in times like these but I would’ve understood if you rescheduled. Losing a son must be the hardest thing a parent can go through. My deepest condolences.” Sorsha meant every word, she couldn't imagine losing any of her children.
“Thank you.” Zivian appears to be taken off guard by the statement; clearly he thought he was better with a secret than he was. “It’s been difficult, especially for my wife.”
“I’m sure. But it must be for you as well.”
“Yes, but I need to think about my responsibilities as a ruler.”
“The burden we have to carry, always needing to think what is best for our people even before ourselves. Prince Dermot had a reputation for being a great swordsman.”
“Nothing less for a Hastur.”
Sorsha feels for any parent that loses their child but she has one of her own to take care of. “I was quite good with a sword in my youth and my husband, Madmartigan, was the best in Tir Asleen. One thing, from many, we have in common is we value in a king the ability to defend the Realm and his family. I can’t imagine choosing any less for my daughter. Dermot would’ve been a great leader, it’s an equally great loss.”
“My other son, Graydon, has many strengths as well.” Zivian can’t even pretend he believes what he's saying.
“Oh, I heard he is really good with…” Sorsha pauses as if trying to find a good word. “A book.” She grimaces for good measure.
“So, your ward and my daughter.” Sorsha is sitting on her throne looking directly at Ballantine, who is standing two feets in front of her. “Do they think they are fooling anyone?”
“Your Majesty, Jade is a stand up warrior. She would never do anything inappropriate with the princess.” Ballantine’s demeanor doesn’t change. “I can talk to her about being more mindful about appearances.”
“I know my daughter, I see too much of myself in her. I know how she gets when she wants something.” Sorsha looks to the back of the room, eyes unfocused.
Images of Madmartigan and herself flood into her mind. Not the most typical depiction of a love between a princess and a knight but they were happy.
It takes more than a few moments for her to speak again. “I’ve been keeping tabs on Jade. She’s been displaying the qualities of a great knight. I have been trying to convince Zivian to allow the Shining Legion to accept women, or at least Tir Asleen candidates to train with them. He’s not been agreeable but Jade might be the chance I’ve been looking for.”
Sorsha is too busy remembering her time with Madmartigan to notice the change in Ballantine. “Your Majesty, I served your father, the great King Tanthalos IX. I have been serving you since you were crowned. I have the ultimate respect for Your Majesty and your authority and I made an oath of loyalty and servitude.” At this Sorsha turns back to Ballantine. “My daughter is a good kid, she has always served you and Tir Asleen to the best of her abilities. I will talk to her and she will stop. You don’t have to get rid of her.”
It’s the first time Sorsha has seen Ballantine like this, she should’ve been paying more attention to how she’s talking instead of thinking about instead of losing herself in old memories.
“I took a lot from my daughter, Ballantine. I don’t know if I will be able to keep Zivian away, but if Jade became a knight she could be assigned to protect her. My daughter would have at least one person she can trust by her side.” Sorsha stands up and walks to Ballantine, lays her hand on his shoulder. “Jade is a special girl, she’ll become a great knight. She would be a fine addition to any family, royal or otherwise. You should be proud of her, my friend.”
In another first, Sorsha sees Ballantine getting flustered. “I am, Your Majesty.”
“Train her as hard as you can, you can excuse her from her regular duties. Don’t tell her why.” Sorsha is right back to business. “It’s not just that she needs to be overqualified. She needs to learn as much as possible while I pull some strings with Zivian. I will have to feign interest in a wedding contract to make him change the rules of the Shining Legion. I won’t be able to stall as much as I could otherwise.”
“Jade will be ready, Your Majesty.”
“I love my daughter but I’m at my limit!” Sorsha is pacing the room. She can’t stand still for this. “Why does she have to be so difficult?! Why couldn’t she do what she was told?!”
Ballantine is standing one foot from her path. “I heard the Princess picked up embroidery.”
“From all the things she could stitch she picked weapons! Now she has been experimenting with armors as well. Her latest one was a velvet fist next to an iron glove. What am I gonna do to her?!”
Sorsha is self aware enough to not shout as loud as she wants to. She needs to get this out of her system.
“I can only have a certain standard for the man I will marry my daughter to if my daughter follows those same high standards. Why is my daughter incapable of following in line?!”
Sorsha stops walking and takes a deep breath. “In his last letter, Zivian wrote about making sacrifices for the good of the realm. How the barrier and the Shining Legion make the Realm safe from any threat. And how difficult it must be to have a daughter so challenging.” Sorsha turns to Ballantine. “I don’t know what else to do.”
“I can’t postpone Zivian’s visit, he has a legitimate reason. Even if it’s a transparent one.” Sorsha is standing at the edge of the window of the throne room and Ballantine is beside her, to the right of the opening.
“Jade is about to complete her training.” Anyone can see how proud of his daughter Ballantine is. “It would be an honor to have a member of the Royal Family of Galladoorn and the Shining Legion present for her ceremony as a symbol of the strengthening ties between Galladoorn and Tir Asleen.”
“Zivian would never legitimize a woman's claim of knighthood by being present in her Oath Ceremony.” Sorsha looks at the horizon, in the direction of the royal woods. “It’s been hard seeing my daughter wither away. She even desecrated her Royal Tree.” Sorsha turns to Ballantine. “Do you think it’s enough time?”
Ballantine smiles “If the way Jade has been asking about the castle and her old duties are any indication. It’s more than enough, Your Majesty.”
“I hope so, my friend.”
“Yes, I’ve been very lucky.” Sorsha needs to laugh at that. Luck. As if luck has anything to do with it.
“You married for love, it wasn't an easy decision but at least you made it for the right reasons.” Unlike what you are doing now left unsaid.
“Everything I’ve done, I’ve done to protect the people I love. It costs a lot. I’m tired.”
“How long can you keep it up?”
Sorsha takes a deep breath. “As long as I have to.” She gets up and leaves.
The man in the cell yells, “Hey, next time bring me a cake.” He continues in a lower volume. “It’s the least you can do.”
In the darkness of the night, three humanoid creatures look at Tir Asleen from afar.
The first is mounted on a horse, their figure covered by a hood.
The second is standing next to the first, wearing a robe and holding a staff in their left hand.
The third creature stands to the right side of the group, as if making space for something else. They are bigger and broader than the others. They have a metal cage fused to their head and barbed wire around their right hand.
A fourth creature joins them, at first flying around the group in avian form. Once they touch the ground in the middle of the group, they turn into a slim humanoid with long dark hair.
The creature with the staff walks ahead of the group and moves their hands in circles while murmuring in pnakotic. Their hands glow yellow, then smoke forms between their hands.
The creature blows the smoke and it grows and spreads in the direction of Tir Asleen.