Kaya was sitting in her reading nook, reading one of her favorite adventure novels, but the words seemed to be blurring on the page.
Her head throbbed.
She closed the book and looked out her window down into the gardens where the flowers were covered with snow. How any plant manages to survive out here is a mystery.
Kaya extended a palm and a few flowers slowly rose from the vase on her vanity. With a flick of her wrist they began dancing and spinning in the air.
"Princess?"
Kaya jumped, dropping her book. The flowers fell to the ground, petals scattering on the floor.
She turned, ready to snap but stopped when she saw a boy-or elf-dressed in the finest silk, a tunic the color of a sunset and decorated with gold-threaded details.
"What's your name?"
The boy placed the tray on the bed. "Your breakfast is getting cold, princess." he stepped back with his hands at his side.
Kaya stood and took in her meal. Porridge, bread, and fruit. She reached for her drink and took a sip.
"You can just call me Kaya."
The boy said nothing.
She finished her drink and studied his posture. He was slouched forward and his eyes were looking at the ground.
"Look, I get it. My dad did some horrible things and I know you just hate us-"
"Horrible does not even begin to describe the horrors I saw, the pain he caused." the boy grabbed a fistful of cloth and bit his lip. "He murdered my sister right in front of me and tossed her body aside like she was nothing."
"I'm..I'm sorry-"
The boy held up his hand. "Don't. I Don't want your pity."
Kaya bit her lip and looked away. She went to pick up her book and put it away.
"Because you are my companion, you are required to participate in my classes." Kaya muttered, grabbing a bag. "My first class is writing/art."
Kaya cocked her head at his confused expression. "What?"
"Nothing."
Smiling to herself,, Kaya left the room and hurried down the stairs.
Writing was her favorite class because she was free to use her imagination to create something new. Imagination was not something her father favored, but he tolerated it only because she was taking self-defense as well.
Today they were going to be in the gallery where all of her mother's portraits were on display. Before she found out she was with child, she painted all the time and always ended up with paint-splattered gowns.
Her father hated it when her mom painted, but he did nothing to stop it.
When the boy finally caught up to her he was red-faced and panting.
Kaya pushed open the doors and took in the sunshine streaming through the windows, a smile spread across her face.
The boy stood beside her looking around with an almost bored expression. His hands were stuffed in his pockets and his wavy black hair fell into his eyes.
An elderly man was sitting in the corner working on a canvas.
Master Lee.
He had lined skin and hair whiter than snow, he wore a paint-splattered outfit. When he spotted them he beamed and waved them over.
"Princess." Master Lee bowed. "Introduce me to your friend and then we'll get started on the lesson."
Kaya glanced at the elf. "I...um...don't know his name. He hasn't talked much."
"Hm. Tell me, do you enjoy arts?"
The boy cocked his head as though he were considering the question. "I used to."
"Why ever did you stop?" Master Lee asked, leaning forward.
Master Lee had a way of making people feel safe and open whenever he was around, it was one of the things Kaya liked about him.
Over the last couple of years, he's been her teacher, mentor, and counselor. And when she'd have a particularly bad day, he'd brew some tea and let her talk without interrupting.
The boy sneered. "It'd be pretty hard trying to paint while being thrown around in the mines and dragged around like rag dolls."
"If you don't mind me asking. Who got you interested in arts?"
Kaya moved toward her canvas to give them space, but she couldn't help but overhear.
"My mom." his voice trembled but he continued. "It was therapeutic for me when I was younger."
Master Lee cocked his head, encouraging him to continue.
"When I was three I burnt our pet alive. Then furniture, clothes." the boy laughed. "My mom gave me a canvas on my sixth birthday and taught me. Great mother, I miss her." he hid has face in his hands and his shoulders shook.
Master Lee stood and led him to a chair. He said a few things to him and then came toward Kaya.
"Kaya. He's been through hell, you know." Master Lee ducked his head and licked his lips. "Perhaps it is not my place to say, but I think he could use a friend."
Kaya glanced at the boy, and her heart broke. She could use a friend too.