Isabella woke up before she even opened her eyes. She was holding Jem's head as she lay next to him, and the conscious smell of his hair made her happy. She reached forward and kissed his forehead. It wasn't every night he allowed her to sleep in his room; most nights, he pounded out his daily frustrations into the wells of his body slaves.
The previous night, however, the two stayed up late comically arguing the plans for their engagement party. They laughed together at the looks of consternation on the head slaves' face each time they disagreed over a menu choice, music selection, or formal announcement procession. Most of the slaves and palace staff were always shocked to hear the Princess argue with Jem, but as with making the plans for their engagement party, Jem always welcomed Isabella's uninhibited remarks.
Now to hide the morning sunlight from his eyes, he stirred next to her and nuzzeled his head into her neck. She smiled: outside, he was so hard, so demanding, so...royally untouchable. Here and now, he was gentle, soft, and openly vulnerable.
He murmured to her as he woke up: "I have a busy day today. This morning I have a training session with Navin, and this afternoon the military council is convening...will you come to the council meeting?" He kissed her neck, "you're so insightful."
She held him as she replied, "of course I will, I would do whatever you wanted. ...Jem?"
"hhmmm?"
"I know why the council's meeting today...Rayth told me you're preparing to attack Espinan in response to their recent aggression."
Jem stretched as he thought the conversation was taking an uncomfortable turn. "Yes, my lovely, that's true...they've left us little choice but to respond militarily."
Isabella thought for a moment, then said, "I belong with you. My family...they never had any intention of bringing me back. I was expendable to them, one of many children. My brothers are all that are important to my parents. You, and your country, have greeted me with open arms." She snuggled closer to him. "My place is with you."
Jem sighed deeply, happy, and closed his eyes once more. "You're a gift I don't deserve."
*********
Prince Jaimeth was sweating profusely, and his blade's handle kept slipping. Dirt clung to his wet skin in the places he fell. He was out of breath, but smiling; he loved practicing against Navin, even though he knew he wouldn't win. He tried his hardest though.
Navin stood back, blade still drawn, his cool eyes smiled at his young trainee, allowing Jem to catch his breath. Navin had small beads of sweat on his brow, but was no where near in the rough condition Jem was.
"You see, Sir?" teased Navin, "You keep trying all that jumping around and strong-arm crap, and you just let yourself get worn out."
Their respective fighting styles reflected their personalities: Jem was forceful, quick, cunning, and active. Navin barely had to move and was calculating, efficient, and patient. They were both considered excellent swordsmen, but Navin easily won against everyone he's ever fought, which firmly secured his position as captain of the guard.
He stood patiently, ready, and smiled at Jem.
"Com'on, Sir, the next commander of the armies ought to remain proficient no matter what the circumstances."
Jem panted, shook his head, and smiled very largely. "I...I'm just..." he said between breaths, "..just getting started."
"Give him hell, Navin!" one of the guards yelled, as several had stopped to watch.
Jem laughed. Navin's eyes didn't leave the young competitor in front of him. "Focus, Sir." Navin crept towards Jem, feeling he'd had enough of a break. "Concentrate on what's in front of you. Don't watch my blade, watch me. Read my body language... read what I'm thinking..."
Navin moved in for another strike, and Jem positioned himself to block the attack. Navin saw the instability of the stance and kicked Jem's legs out from under him; the Prince hit the ground hard.
"Perhaps our concentration on other things today, Sir? I hear Isabella's coming to the meeting today...you welcome distraction, I see?
Jem jumped up, somewhat offended and swung hard, easily blocked by Navin.
"Distraction? She's the best general our military council has had in years, and you know it. She's extremely knowledgeable, innovative, efficient, and compassionate towards our soldiers..." he swung several times hard.
"But really, Sir," Navin began in a counter-attack, both physical and verbal "Do you expect to tell her your plans to dismantle Espinan's royal palace, the place where she played when she was little, and expect her to ASSIST you in doing that?" Navin paused, waiting a response with Jem's sword and rationale.
Jem paused as well, out of breath, but kept his guard up. "She's a great girl. Don't doubt it."
"I don't, Sir." Navin said as he began his attack once more, and for the win, "Just give that great girl a bit of caution. This is a new situation for everyone, including her." Navin used his body to separate Jem from his sword, and called "Win." He held his blade to Jem's throat, and Jem looked up at him with a mix of emotion. Whether he was more upset about the imminent loss or the word of caution, Navin couldn't tell. Jem swallowed, and pulled himself back to reason:
"Are the reports from the border in yet?"
"From what I understand, Sir, yes," Navin replied. "Rayth's been pulling his hair out all morning trying to sort through the information and presentation line up. If you don't want to go into the meeting blind, check him."
*********
Lord Rayth watched as the slaves laid reports in front of each council member's seat, and surveyed the room to make ensure everything was in place. He stared down at the list in his hands of the presenters he had arranged, his blazing blue eyes pouring intently over the document.
"Lord Rayth?" a female voice said, approaching him. He looked out of the corner of his eye who was approaching, half annoyed to be bothered. Once he recognized who it was, he was further annoyed, and kept reading his document. It was one of the general's daughters who was accompanying her father as an excuse to access the palace. Rayth had met her before and right now didn't have time for her.
"Hello, my Lady," he said not impolitely, but with certain lack of enthusiasm.
