Snippet #2389277

“It would be my honor, my lady, but I am no sir. Only Benedict of Kaareviel.”said Benedict and Aleiia smiled. He is modest, How nice. Aleiia held out her arm for him to take and soon after she started walking with him. “I believe we’re cousins, my lady. My mother is your father’s sister. We've only just arrived for the feast, I’m to be my mother’s big surprise but I suppose it’s not so worrisome that another is in on the secret.” Benedict said. " How delightful." Aleiia smiled, she felt alot less nervous now that she knew they were family. It wasn't uncommon to marry family. Not only that, Benedict seemed incredibly honest, that was a relief. "You're secret is safe with me." She said with a bright smile and a pat to the hand that was holding to hers.

The walk back to the palace from the garden wasn't too long but she decided she'd take this time to get to know her bashful cousin. Not that she was one to talk, She was horrible when it came to men, if she managed to get a word out, which was difficult to say the least, she would end up stammering like an idiot, not like the proud princess she was. She didn't know why she was incapable of carrying a conversation. She was the Princess after all. Perhaps she was not as confident as her sister, Matilda. Aleiia envied her sometimes, her confidence anyway. She loved her sister though.

"So, Benedict, You are here for the contest, I presu--"Just as she asked they came up to the main entrance. Aleiia froze as a handsome elf stood covered in mud. “Curse you! You guards! You assume you’re a solider? Soldiers charge into death on the battlefield. We gain no promise of life. And your greatest duty is to stand! You shall pay for treating as if I were a wad of horse dung! You bastards!”he cried out, fury evident in his posture. Aleiia blinked. "Princess," The guards said, bowing. Aleiia read the situation. The poor elf looked as though he'd been cleaning, and the foolish guards made a right and true mess of his hard work. " What is the meaning of this?" She asked firmly. The guard stumbled over his words. "Speak." She ordered, Aleiia was typically quiet sweet and gentle in nature however she'd inherited her father's impatience and therefore his temper. "We were just having a laugh, My lady."
"A laugh?" Aleiia said, her brow rose. " How's this for a laugh? You will continue what he has started and then tell how much of a laugh you have." She said and the guard nodded. " Well, What are you waiting for?" She asked as he stood there. The guard stammered. "I--You--"
"Get started then." She turned to the knight. " My deepest apologies, Sir Knight. All of your work gone to ruin. Come, Allow me get you fresh clothes." She said and gestured for him to accompany her into the palace, along with Benedict. Once inside, she looked to Benedict. "Thank you, Benedict, I must tend to the knight, I will see you at the feast." She said and looked back at the knight. "I am Princess Aleiia, I wish we could have met under better circumstances."