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Caelan saw her from afar and flew over the horse and rider, recognizing her. He dropped in front of her, pulling out a dagger. "Princess" He said in acknowladgement, grabbing the horse's reins. "What brings you to my kingdom?" |
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Adele's eyes widened as she saw a young man with... WINGS?! flying towards her. He landed in front of her and drew out a dagger. Thinking more quickly than she ever had, Adele put on an innocent look and nonchalantly pulled her hood over her head. The person had said this was "his kingdom", so he must be the king or at least an heir to the throne. "I'm terribly sorry, your highness, but I think you've mistaken me for someone else. I'm simply a traveller, looking for work. Do you know of anyone who is looking to hire?" Adele avoided eye contact, as she was still deathly afraid of this creature's wings. |
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"I'm sure you can be of use in the palace. I was actually looking for a personal servant. I can pay, if you like, but to simply keep up appearances adn not look like i'm favoriting, please refrain from mentioning any currency. It wouldbe greatly appreciated. Right this way." He said simply, smiling softly and leading the woman's horse with a gentle hand. When he was little, the horses were his best friends to tell stories of the stars and planets to. "What's your horse's name?" He inquired halfway to the castle and leading the horse into the royal stable alongside the other servants' horses. He sighed, helping the woman off the horse and toward the castle |
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Adele was beyond glad when he believed her lie. She was also incredibly relieved that he wasn't turning her away to fend for herself in the wilderness. She had a job! Adele still kept her face hidden under the cowl in case the people of the Night Kingdom knew what the princess looked like, but she allowed the man to lead Calvin, suprised at his gentle hand and easy way with horses. Adele nodded along with what he said, and was slightly surprised at his question. Hm. It was getting a little too personal here... "His name is Apollo," Adele lied, again assuming the people here would know what the princess's horse was named. She hesitated when the man offered to help her down from Calvin. She consented, and let his hand take hold of hers and guide her down. She flinched as she saw his wings again, but followed him towards the castle. |
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Caelan led the woman to the castle, not even being asked a single question as they walked the halls. He led her to his room, showing her it. "This is my place. Do you like the stars, ocean, anything to study? Feel free to study in my secluded spot." He offered, gesturing to the next room over. |
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Adele followed silently and obediently as the man led her through the castle. When they stopped at his room she looked around at it. It was surprisingly similar to her room, but with a very different color scheme. And it was much darker than hers, which was coated from floor to ceiling with green wallpaper and flowers on every table. Adele wasn't sure what to do. "Thank you, sir." Adele hesitated slightly, then continued on. "May I know what my work will consist of?" Then, more bravely, "And where will I stay?" She stopped there, suddenly wondering if it was against the rules to speak to royals without being spoken to first. |
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"Ah, yes, you will follow me through all of my duties with few exceptions. Meetings, into town, throughout the castle, things as simple as that. You will be staying next door in a spare bedroom. Is that alright?" He asked softly, handing her the key to the room--it was identical to his room's key along with another on his desk which had her room number written on it. |
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Adele nodded and said, "Yes, that's fine. Thank you." Adele took the key from him, gingerly, almost expecting it to burst into flames. When it didn't, she pocketed it. "If you don't mind me asking, sir, I can't keep calling you simply 'sir'. What's your name?" Adele desperately hoped he wouldn't ask her name, but it was to be expected. She would have to lie again. But what was a good lie? |
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"Prince Caelan. But please, call me Caelan. I despise being called 'your majesty' or 'prince Caelan' all the time. We're friends so I shouldn't call you servant or maid either. Dinner is at 5 tonight. You will dine beside me and my mother." He said softly. "And your name?" |
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Adele nodded, feeling the exact same way about the proper names. Adele was not expecting to be sitting at the queen of the Night Kingdom's side on the first day of her freedom, but what could she do? It was already too late to turn around. She'd have to except her fate as Caelan's servant. Then the inevitable came. Caelan asked her name. She had already picked out a nickname that her little brother used for her to say. "I'm Clio. Just Clio." |
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Afternoon Storms, then Clearing
