Lienna.
We rode into the fortress, its high stone walls looming above us, and I kept my gaze out the window, watching in excitement as maids, workers, and sentries stopped to cheer for us. Their faces radiated so much joy and happiness, just like the villagers we met on our way here, it made me giddy with gladness. Some had tears in their eyes, while others grinned from ear to ear.
I gasped as I saw all the familiar faces, some looking at me in shock while others waved more excitedly. I returned their greetings with equal fervor, raring to get down from the carriage I was cooped up in.
Finally, we reached the grand entrance of the fortress, its heavy wooden doors adorned with the royal crest. The carriage finally slowed to a stop, and I immediately pushed open the door, jumping down from the carriage. My body vibrated with happiness as I dragged a deep breath into my lungs, feeling the cool fortress air fill me.
The shifter kings bellowed out orders and announcements, their deep voices echoing through the fortress courtyard, but I was too distracted to hear what they were saying. The crowd’s excitement was contagious, and I couldn’t help but be swept up in it. I did catch snippets of their words – something about a celebratory banquet, with tables groaning under the weight of roasted meats and steaming pies.
By then, I was already weaving through the throng, searching for a familiar face. My eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on Mara, her bright smile and shining eyes standing out amidst the sea of faces. Her gaze caught mine the moment I found her, and she beamed, moving closer.
I let out a grin, breaking into a run as I rushed to hug her. A squeal escaped my lips as I wrapped my arms tightly around her. “Mara!” I called out, squeezing her tightly and breathing in her scent – a warm blend of cooking spices and fresh herbs – that was so uniquely hers. She smelled like home and I loved it so much.
“Lienna!” She called out, her voice lower yet filled with so much warmth and happiness. “I’m so happy to see you’re back. I’ve missed you so much.” She said, patting my back with a gentle touch.
I pulled away from the hug to gaze into her glistening eyes, the lines around them etched with worry and relief. “I missed you just as much, Mara. How have you been?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Mara chuckled, her eyes sparkling. “I’ve been good. Mostly worried about you. I’m so happy to see you’re alright. I heard about all that happened and what you did. Heavens, I’m so proud of you!!!” She said animatedly, shaking my hands with a firm grip.
I giggled, blinking back tears. “But, I have to say… You have lost weight,” Mara noted, her voice taking on a stern edge. “I need to get back to putting meat on those bones.” She eyed me critically, her hands on her hips.
I chuckled, not having anything to say to that. She held my cheeks, gazing affectionately into my eyes. “I’m so glad you’re back, and thank you for what you’ve done,” Mara said, her voice filled with warmth and gratitude. My eyes began to sting with tears once more, and I hugged her even more tightly, feeling a sense of homecoming. She patted my back, rocking me gently from side to side, as if comforting a child.
Just then, a voice pierced the air. “Lienna!” Daisy shrieked, her footsteps pounding the stone pavement as she ran towards me. Her bright blue dress fluttered around her legs, and her golden locks bounced with each step.
I pulled away from Mara’s hug and opened my arms to Daisy, who launched herself into them. We hugged and jumped, twirling around in a joyful circle. “I’m so happy to see you!” Daisy screamed, her eyes sparkling with excitement, her face aglow with a radiant smile.
“Welcome back!” she added, squeezing me tightly.
“Thank you! I’m so happy to be back,” I replied, smiling as we pulled away from the hug.
Daisy’s gaze darted around me, her brow furrowed. “Where are your things?”
“Oh… They should be with the others,” I said with a shrug. “Never mind, I’ll look for them later. They’re all dirty anyway.”
Daisy giggled, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “You look like you could use a wash!”
Mara called out, her voice gentle but firm, as she began to usher us into the castle. “Come on, let’s go inside… You need a bath and a change of clothes.”
At the mention of a bath, I took a sniff of myself and realized that I was indeed reeking. Embarrassment filled me, and my face flushed. Mara caught the look and chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
I let out a groan, feeling a mix of relief and mortification. Despite my best efforts to appear clean, the scent of sweat and dirt clung to me. Well, what could I do? I had been on a campaign, after all.
Mara’s warm smile reassured me. “Don’t worry, child. We’ll have you cleaned up in no time.”
Together, Mara led me to my room, the familiar surroundings enveloping me in warmth. Inside, I found a huge tub of warm water waiting, its surface adorned with delicate petals and fragrant oils. Clean towels and an assortment of colorful soaps sat on the side, emitting a sweet, inviting aroma. The sight of it almost made me cry. It felt like an eternity since I’d last indulged in such luxury.
I couldn’t wait to sink into the water, let its warmth seep into my bones, and wash away the dirt and fatigue of the campaign. Even though the shifter kings had attended to my needs all through my time during the battle, this was different. This was home.
I hastily shed my travel-worn clothes, eager to slip into the tub, when a knock came at the door. We all froze, exchanging surprised glances. I wasn’t expecting visitors, especially not so soon.
Mara swiftly handed me a plush robe, which I wrapped around myself, feeling the soft fabric envelop me. I tied the sash and she made her way to the door, opening it half-wide.
On the other side stood a soldier, his expression formal. I didn’t catch his words, but Mara’s reaction was immediate. She pushed the door open fully, and the soldier gestured to several attendants behind him. They rolled in a series of elegant dresses, each one more stunning than the last.
“What the…!?” I trailed off, stunned.
“The shifter kings are inviting you to their celebratory banquet tonight, and they’ve brought you some dresses!” Mara announced, clapping her hands excitedly. Her eyes sparkled with delight. “How amazing is that?”
I stared at the beautiful, extravagant gowns in utter shock. Why would the shifter kings go to such lengths? And why was j even invited in the first place? Daisy was already rallying around the dresses, her eyes shining with wonder and awe. “Oh, I can’t wait to see them on you!” She squealed excitedly. I stared at the clothes, my heart happy but still a flicker of uncertainty settled.
“Do I really have to go though? It’s been such a long journey and I’m quite tired… ” I started to say but Mara cut me off with a scoff.
“Oh… Come of that. You were invited personally by the shifter kings. You think they’ll take no for an answer? Aren’t they the one hosting it?” She asked and I swallowed back my words. She was indeed right.
She then let out a warm smile. “Don’t worry, by the time I’m through with you, you would be raring to go. Just trust me, okay?” She asked and I let out a sigh.
“Okay… I trust you.” I muttered, mirroring her smile. She clapped her hands, moving almost instantly.
“Good, let’s get started then.”