Snippet #2733185

Her question surprised him, so much so that he dropped the book unceremoniously on to her foot. Why such a react, she honestly couldn't say.“Princess Clara Allyrion. I had no idea you were curious on thatfront. But flirting out of the bat, tsk tsk.” He said and despite herself, she blushed. She was absolutely not flirting with him. He leaned in close, his lips nearest her ear and she stiffened. “This body of mine is 21 years of age. My spirit is much, much older. It has experience and memories... to match wits with even a beautiful princess.” He whispered, blowing gently against her ear. She shivered stiffly as he picked up the book, laughing. By the Gods, she hated this man. But of course, you despise and wouldn’t think about courting the likes of me, would you? He said and she turned up her nose. Was he serious right now? She scoffed audibly. She didn't have time for this. She knew she had to go, address her people and honestly she hadn't the slightest idea what to say to them.

Actively ignoring him, she turned."Come Narissa," She said and Narissa quickly made her way toward her as the girl aproached Clara glanced in his direction. "You claim my people willl not come to any more harm if I do this, you better hold to your word." She said and turned sharply and made her way outside toward the balcony overlooking the city that surrounded the castle.

It looked deserted, by this point, people would have been milling about, selling their wares, shopping, childern running around. It was what she loved about this particular balcony, she could see everyone and they could see her. She felt pressure behind her eyes. "Princess!" called an older gentlemen, a farmer. "Look it's the Princess!" He called out and suddenly, one after another people emerged, as if they'd been hiding. "Princess! Gods be good, she lives." someone said, approaching her balcony.
Soon enough, there was a crowd of people, staring up at her. Tears slid down her cheeks, as their hope filled eyes met hers. Hope that's what she represented for them and they represented for her. She opened her mouth to speak but no words came to her. What was she going to say to them? That didn't make them want to rise up resulting in their quick demise, while not sounding defeated and weak. Day will rise, she heard her father say and she took a deep breath. "My people," She called out. "Did he hurt you, Princess?!" Someone called out cutting her off and Clara had to scan the crowd to find him, it was an older man, shaking, but holding a cane aloft with fire in his eyes. Clara smiled sadly. "No, He hasn't, and he promises not to," She said and decided to simply tell the truth. "The truth is, my people, I am a prisoner but he has not harmed me, The Shadow King promises that our lives will remian the same so long as we follow his orders, mine were to keep you from rising up, and while the idea sounds wonderful, it would not bode well for anyone." She said and the crowd murmured in disgust. "You see, my people, I am a hostage for now and should you try, he will hurt me, and then you all." She said. "So for now, remain calm, go about your daily lives, and all will be well." She said and the people were quiet, she wondered if they thought her weak now. She could not, would not have that. "However, should anything happen to you, I will fight to my dying breath, and I imagine you will do the same." She said strongly and the crowd murmurred in agreement. "Day will Rise, My people, those are our words, remember them, keep them in your hearts as they are in mine and we will get through this together." She said and the crowd cheered. "Day will rise! Day will rise!" She smiled and nodded, leaving them to their cheering as she turned back into the castle and stood face to face with the Shadow King. "There," She gestured to the balcony. "They won't rise against you so long as no harm comes to me," She said and grinned darkly. "And perhaps you'll win but you won't any Merian people to lord over if it does." She told him and thought. "Your move, Shadow King,"