Domi woke up with a big yawn. She quickly covered her mouth when she saw Ignis sitting on the bed, reading a parchment.
"Good Morning" Ignis greeted without looking up from the documents.
"Good Morning My Lady! I thought you would be sleeping till noon today. Your feet and buttocks were screaming in pain yesterday"
Ignis glared at Domi for a moment before going back to her work. Domi got up from the sofa and stretched her body.
"Did you sleep well? Are you hungry? What would you like to wear" Domi asked mechanically.
"I got 3 hours of sleep, I am famished and get me something comfortable to wear. The King won't meet me today."
"How do you know that? He may just call you any moment, better be prepared."
"I just know..." She shrugged and took another document "I sent a word with Albert this morning. Asking for the King's audience. I am sure he is going to refuse it"
"Alright, if you say so. I will go get some food and comfortable clothes" Domi went out of the room.
***
It was almost noon, when Domi entered the Princess's room along with Max.
"My Lady" Max bowed.
Ignis smiled and asked him to take seat.
"So how was your talk with the King?" Ignis asked
"It was good. Do you want to know what he asked for?" He looked down.
Max understands how important confidentiality is in business. But he sometimes forgets that when it comes to Ignis.
"Will you tell me if I say yes?" She decided to torment him a little.
He nodded and Ignis burst out laughing.
She shook her head "No, I am not interested in that. But, I want to know how he was behaving? Was he polite or calm? Did he lose his temper? Did he pester you for anything? or threaten you?"
Max thought for a moment "He was calm but curious. He didn't ask much but somehow I felt like he was urging me to keep talking. So I told him many things." He felt guilty.
"Did he ask you to get more details?" Ignis asked, almost hopeful.
"Yes he did. We are leaving tonight to finish the task. It will take us a month or two to get back here."
He stood up "I came to meet you both before leaving. I hope when we meet again, you will be preparing for your wedding" He bowed again. Ignis smiled and stood up. She went to him and patted his back "Come back soon, we both will be waiting for you".
"Why do you get emotional on my every dispatch. I am not a child anymore. I am almost 18 now"
"Yeah yeah kid! Off you go" Domi said giving him a light push towards the door.
***
Ignis and Domi had lunch with all the Knights that followed her to the Land of Aqua. She requested Albert for a place for their regular training. After some discussions, all Knights voted for Sir August to be made the Commander of the troops. Since her father now knows where she ran off, he will definitely try to bring her back.
It is better to stay prepared.
After staying with the troops, answering their queries and enjoying some wine and laughter, she went to the garden in front of the Great Hall. Domi pleaded to tag along, but, Ignis wanted to stay alone for some time.
She found a tree with a huge trunk, along the edge of the garden. After settling herself behind the tree, she opened the book she brought along and started reading it. After reading the same line for the 10th time, she gave up on the book and looked around.
A stream of late afternoon light danced through the lush canopy of the tree. A cold breeze flowed through the flower beds in the garden carrying a pleasant fragrance. She also heard the water flowing through the huge fountain installed in the middle of the garden. Everything seemed so relaxing that she instantly found a comfortable position and closed her eyes. Ignis concentrated on the various soft sounds around her, but, as soon as she drifted asleep, her eyes flew open.
Argh! the nightmares won't leave me in broad daylight as well. She sat cross-legged and hid her face in the palms of her hand.
There was a slight rustle and her eyes flew towards the sound. Only a few steps away, a white horse was intently looking at her. Ignis stood up and kept still for some time. The horse started walking towards her. She extended her hand as if to welcome the horse. The horse rubbed his head on her palm. Ignis smiled.
"Hello there" she rubbed and patted the horse's neck and the horse welcomed her affection. The horse looked young and strong "where is your master?"
Ignis looked around for anyone who was looking for the horse. But, the place was oddly peaceful.
Come to think of it, I have not seen a single soul since I have been in the garden.
She hugged the horse and asked "will you stay with me for some time?"
Ignis quickly cleared the place of dried fallen leaves and sat with her back touching the tree. The horse silently sat in front of her. "Do you get nightmares?" she asked the horse.
Ignis continued speaking to the horse as if she was speaking with a long lost friend. She talked about her life in Fyre Land, about Domi, Max, the lunch with the Knights, her past and hope for the future. The conversation continued till sunset.
She brought the horse to the stable. A stable-man ran towards her and greeted her.
"My Lady, where did you find this naughty kid? We searched for him everywhere."
"I found him in the garden, he listened to me quietly and was the best company"
"The horse's name is Gale and he is the fastest horse owned by the Royal Knights. He is quite stubborn with the Knights but I am glad you enjoyed his company." The stable-man chirped.
She lightly bumped her head to the horse's head and smiled warmly "Thank you for keeping me away from my solitude, even if it's just for one day"
I wish all my days were as peaceful as today.