Veyron by true.fantasy (best books to read for self improvement txt) 📕

for excuses to annoy me. There was a knock and then she entered—again.
“I brought you some fruit, sir.” She says.
“Thanks.” I say politely. “But I still have the lunch, snacks, nuts and dry fruits, drinks and all that to finish.”
She giggled nervously. “Yeah.” She moved the new tray onto the already overflowing table. “You know, I wasn’t supposed to let you into the Mahal, or as you might say…the palace, like that.”
“Really?” I say, uninterested.
“Yes, the guards weren’t very happy. But I guess…I thought I just had to.”
I got up with a small smile. “Thanks. Do you know when the court’s taking place?” She was a pretty girl—but she was starting to get annoying.
She nodded. “In a few minutes. Shall we go now?” She asks battering her eyelashes.
I give a small smile. “Yeah ok.” I say.

Mila and I finally arrived at the large hall, and I thought if I never heard her voice again, it would still be too soon. She hadn’t stopped talking ever since we’d left the room. And she was extremely clingy, and I had had little luck brushing her off. But it seemed everyone had a place in the court and she left me to join a group of other giggling girls. I turn away from them and gaze at the magnificently decorated large hall. Roan, the big guard nudged me forward, and I followed his direction. I had got to the centre of the court before I froze in my tracks. The most stunning woman I had ever seen had walked into the room. I felt my heart leap frantically. She was of average height, slim, with soft-looking black hair tied up in loose bun. But that wasn’t all—I’d seen her before, hadn’t I? She had a familiar arrogant aura and that same swagger to her walk. Graceful yet powerful. She turned to face the court and caught sight of me, and her warm copper brown eyes reflected what my golden eyes did. Recognition. She blinked and shook her head as if to confirm if it were true—it was. She stepped back with a frown and I smiled brightly at her—Yeira! It’d been 4 years too long. She was a teenager back then, she was a woman now. So much for not being recognised…
“Xavier?” She asked. The hall fell silent as everyone flicked gazes between me and her.
“Yeira.” I greet. “Long time no see.” Roan nudged me in the ribs.
“That’s the Empress; call her by title you fool.” He whispered. My eyes widened; Empress?? She was surly dressed royally, but—she wasn’t anything as royal four years ago. What happened?
She seemed to collect herself and raised her hands for everyone to be seated. And took a seat on the throne herself. “What seems the problem here?” She asked calmly.
“This man is a representative of the Badin nation and he seeks help against Northern Foreigners.” Roan debriefed. She gave a nod and he stepped away with a bow.
“Speak.” She told me. Did I have to be formal with her now? Was she married to the emperor? …Was she married?
“Ah…that’s right. We need assistance from your…I mean, from Kistna.” My confidence had shattered, and I felt extremely nervous. She was the last person I thought I’d have to convince—and she would be the hardest.
“You want military support…from us?” She smirked—that’s not a good sign. “Had we not been such a civilised society, I’d have had you thrown in a cell for coming back here.”
What should I say to that? “And I’d happily go there.” I bluff. “My country needs me to do this, to seek help in defending our homes. I was wrong for what I did four years ago, I can only ask for forgiveness from you nation.”
She cocked her head to the side questioningly. “Forgiveness? That is something only the court as a whole can issue. Allow me to fill everyone in on who you are. Bring back a few memories.”
I nod, trying to seem humble and she rose to her feet to face the large audience. I had to avert my eyes from her body to avoid seeming disrespectful with my gaze.
“Members of the palace. This is the 10th seasonal palace court we’ve had. Those of you, who’d been on these lands four years ago, will recall the festival of lights in which our village was plundered and nearly completely destroyed by bandits.” There were murmurs of agreement and a few gasps as pieces clicked together for some. “Let me introduce you, to the captain of those bandits of our past; Xavier.” She gestured towards me as the court started talking amongst themselves as some pointed at me in recognition.
I glance around before facing Yeira again. “Y—I mean, Empress,” I start. “Indeed you are correct. I was one of the bandits—not the captain…”
“Well done.” She spoke sarcastically. I repressed saying something rude back and continued.
“Believe me, I am sorry for what trouble we had caused you, but it’s not us…bandits that are calling for aid. When I left them, I returned to my home country Badin, and it is my home that calls for alliance. I know not why they’d ask me to court you all, but they did. And I wish to leave with hope for Badin’s future.” There was a pause as everyone fell silent. All eyes turned to Yeira. She frowned, thinking,
“This may be my empire, but my people will decide what is appropriate.” She spoke at last. “And I will seek council of the elders.” She turned face the group of 5 seated in elegant chairs to her left. They were indeed old, some serious, some smiling and some thoughtful. They began talking in low voices, until finally one rose. An old yet sturdy man, wearing a navy turban.
“Empress, we advise forgiveness. Not only does this man seem sincere, but also with so many lives at stake, it is the right thing to do.” He spoke firmly and clearly before sitting back down.
“Thankyou grandfather.” Yeira smiled. “Any objections?” My heart raced, but no one spoke up. With a nod, Yeira spoke up. “Pardoned. Discussion on side of the troops can be dealt with tomorrow with the head of warriors.” She paused as if to check for objections before continuing. “There are other matters we need to clear; you are welcome to take a seat if you wish. Otherwise, someone will see you to your room, so you may rest. I’m sure you’ve had a long journey.” I caught onto the hint she wanted me to leave. Not wanting to anger the…‘empress’ I gave a nod.
“Very kind of you, I’ll take my leave.” I say. She gave a nod and sat down
“I’ll see him to his room.” Mila offered respectfully.
Yeira raised an eyebrow. “I think it best if Roan would do the…honour of escorting our guest to his quarters.” She obviously still had a hating towards me—not good.
Roan got up obligingly and gestured me out of the hall. Not knowing how to exit formally. I think of waving or curtsying—no that’s stupid, so I just kind of lingered there for a bit before heading outside followed by a smirking Roan.

***

“What’s so funny?” I ask him as we walked down the hallway.
“You didn’t know how to show leave when you left.” He chuckled. “I thought it was quite funny. Even the Empress was close to laughing.”
“Really?” I ask surprised, I hadn’t seen her smile once at me. “How do you…exit?”
He laughed out loud this time. “Newcomers can be a lot of fun. Well…you fold your hands respectfully and say…well you could have said goodnight or something or give a farewell nod and a small bow.”
I give him a look. “Well how was I supposed to know?”
He came to a stop in front of my room and opened the door. “Fair point. You best stay in your room tonight. If you need something, call us.” I nod and he continued. “You seem a good man; if you ever need anything let me know.” He smiled.
I nod with a smile. “Thanks, I appreciate that.”
He returned it and walked off, leaving me to my room.


~YEIRA~


Court business was over and most people that were not resided in the palace had taken their horses and headed home. Others went to their rooms to sleep. I walked towards my own room, nodding to a few of the guards on night duty. Xavier. I snort; I’d have kicked him out of the castle as soon as I saw him had I not been filling in for father. With a sigh, I changed into a nightdress and opened and brushed out my hair. But father wouldn’t have done that—even if he’d known he was one of those thugs. I glance out the large window by my bed, the sun had almost set, beautiful birds rested on my balcony. Putting down my brush, I moved over and opened the large curved and colourful glass doors. The birds all flew towards me and then off into the sky and I giggled—well, all but one. Will. The dark brown hawk tilted its head when it saw me. Smiling I tilted my head back at it.
“Hello, Will.” I greeted him. He squawked back a greeting. Stroking under his beak softly, I murmured soothingly to him. It flew up and around the balcony.
Pushing back my long hair with a laugh, I followed him with my gaze before someone in the balcony to my right caught my attention. I froze. Xavier was looking back at me. I felt my cheeks flush in embarrassment. Had he seen all that? He was smiling, so I’m guessing he had. Giving him an annoyed glance, I turn to head back inside. Who’d have guessed he got the room beside mine?? There was a good amount of a gap between our balconies at least—I could sleep in peace.
“Wait! Yeira!” He called out. Clenching my jaw, I came to a stop. “Hey, I—I really am sorry for what happened all those years ago…I—”
“I don’t care, Xave.” I cut in. “If I had my way, I’d have kicked you out without a second glance. But I must respect the Elders. My father wouldn’t have you kicked out, so I mustn’t either.”
“You father?” He asked. Those amber eyes looked back at me softly; concerned. My heart caught in my throat; I’d dreamt of them endlessly. No Yeira, I scold, stop it. Clearing my throat I take a step back.
“Father is the Emperor of the land, he’s ill so I’ve taken his place. And it’s really because of him you’re still here.” I finish, trying to sound emotionless.
“Is he getting better?”
“Why do you care?” I ask glaring. “We’ll talk tomorrow with the Captain of our military. Goodnight.” I turn and walk through the glass doors, back into my room. Closing and locking the doors behind me—something I’ve never done before.
With a sigh, I squeezed my eyes shut and rested my back on the doors and slid down. Lord give me strength. I cry.

***

I woke up next morning exhausted, my back hurt…I’d fell asleep on the floor yesterday. Stupid. Giving myself whack on the head, I quickly washed and changed into clean comfortable clothes. I had to remember something today…what was it? Oh yeah. Xavier. The warriors. The meeting. With a sigh, I loosely tied up my hair into a plat with a ribbon and turn to face the window. The scenery was beautiful, the rising sun, the fields, the morning music coming from town. I’d usually walk outside to breathe in the crisp clean country air—but not with that jerk next-door. Turning on my heel, I walked outside and walked down the various