"Papa." Alora smiled at her father who had dark circles under his eyes from worry.
Sir Savren took a few steps into the room before Alora made her way towards him. She gently wrapped her arms around his torso. Feeling a fleeting sense of safety and warmth. She looked up at him to see a small smile of relief before he gently unwrapped her so he could bow to the king.
"Thank you so much my king, with you caring for my daughter I felt at ease."
Looking at her father she knew otherwise, he was not at ease. Not for a single moment.
"It was no problem, afterall, it was my men who mistook her for the enemy." Eldon chuckled lightly. "How is your younger daughter and wife? It was quite fortunate your youngest ended up in the pantry, safe."
Alora felt relieved to hear that her mother and sister were safe. She was so wrapped up in the unfolding events she did not even think about Ayla. As she stood next to her father she felt a strange pulling sensation from the direction the king was. Almost the same feeling she felt that night. She shrugged the thought off, it was probably her arcana sensing his strength.
"Both are well. Ayla has a small bump on her head. Nothing severe. They have headed back to the village already." Mr. Tavelin bowed deeper before raising back up to look at his daughter, she felt his eyes burn holes into hers. She knew he had many questions..and probably many fears as well."Alora, are you well enough to leave? The king has many appointments to attend to."
Alora had to think quickly. She felt the king's gaze on her though she did not look in his direction. He was letting her make her decision, life in the castle or death. She tried to scheme quickly, she had to please the king while maintaining some semblance of control. She did her best to control her face, to make her next words seem like an extraordinary thing.
"Father, the king has extended his hospitality to the Tavelin family. He has offered to let me stay here and study with the royal tutors. As you are aware, I have exceeded my tutor in Lestia." She paused for just a moment before continuing. "I am still a bit weak from the past events. With mother and sister already back at the village and you to take leave with the other knights tomorrow, I can stay here to learn until you come back and the family transfers to the home out here."
Eldon cannot help but smile at Aloras response.
She was quick witted, he had to give her that. Not only does she know her father has worked very hard to raise his family's status. Having a daughter in the castle will peak the other noble families interests, making it an easier transition for her family later on. But she was also giving herself an out, subtly putting a deadline to her being here.
Sevran could not hide his shock. This was unlike his daughter. She prefers the solitude of her hometown. When he mentioned moving the family to the capital she was unhappy, now she requests to stay here. She has spent many years controlling powers, he trusted she would not agree if she thought she wasn't able to do it. He was not sure what was going on but he could not let this opportunity slip through his fingers.
"We are honored you have gifted our eldest daughter this opportunity, sire. My daughter lacks in many areas. She has not yet learned the etiquette of the castle nor has she studied with such grand tutors. Please guide her." Savren quickly agrees.
Alora bowed her head along with her fathers. Did he always obey the king wholeheartedly? Is that why he left my mother, sister and I in the village without a second thought? She was surprised at how little convincing her father needed. No questions asked. She felt like he just handed her off to a tailor shop saying 'she's broken, fix it.'
Eldon grew impatient with this interaction. The politics of the throne and maintaining good relations with his pawns was boresome. This could have easily been solved with one word of his. Eldon slammed his hand down on a table causing a loud thud. Alora jumped causing her to look up in the direction of the noise. Her father remained still.
"It is settled then. Knight you will go prepare for your deployment. Edward, prepare a room for Lady Alora." Eldon dictated to the room with blatant annoyance.
"Sire, she has brought no clothes. No offerings to the royal family. Please allow me to take her to town and purchase belongings for her stay." Savren humbly asked, trying to get a minute alone with his daughter so he could know exactly what happened the other day.
Alora looked to the king, she knew her father was testing his patience. Eldon did not speak but began to walk towards the door, done with this gathering. He stopped for a moment right behind the knight. "Nonsense" he barked at the bowed man. "You have an important mission, and if there are any problems, I will hold your head personally accountable." his tone grew deeper, threatening. "Are you disobeying my command?"
"No, my great king"
"Then you are dismissed," he snapped.
Alora watched her father stand up straight and leave the room without another glance at her.
With every step further away he took, she began to feel more frightened. Uncertain of what these weeks or months entail for her. She was determined not to show any more weaknesses.
Eldon took a look back at the young woman, taking note of her ripped clothes.
"Edward, prepare an outfit for the Lady. Schedule the tailor to come tomorrow for the clothes. Show her to her room and let the maids prepare her for dinner" Eldon's smile grew wicked, "She will meet the family tonight."