The Northerner

It is the right time. The best opportunity for you and our kingdom.

The words of my father ring through my head almost as loud as the celebratory bells. People were so quick to decide on matters that did not concern them. Like my marriage, my interests and hobbies, what keeps me awake at night that often they see me walk the grounds of the kingdom alone, as if I am waiting for something. They were not wrong. I was waiting for something but I could not tell you what.

I conceal my identity beneath a cloak. It drapes the length of my body in emerald green but its material does not boast about its keeper. This was the only way I could go undisturbed around our people without the look of a princess.

Only this morning was I made aware of the engagement between myself and the great warrior of the North, Rolf they called him. Was I nervous? No. Being a royal, a daughter of a king it was rather ordinary to have to do things you would not necessarily choose to. However, this time was different. How my father chose not to tell me of my marriage was disturbing. We are so close, or so I thought. That is why I have chosen to wander about alone rather than submit just yet. I shall see to the King of Covas in a little while. For now, I must enjoy the little freedom I have left.

...

"Come, daughter."

With a heavy sigh, I take the steps towards the king with a measured and contained manner I was so used to. I meet his eyes and my father seems to understand my feelings towards the matter already. I suppose our relationship is still in tact.

"I am glad that you have come back to us so soon. I would not have minded if you needed some time away at the cliffs you so dearly love. I would not have minded at all." The eyes of my father are warm and kind. The wrinkles besides them remind me of our time together. I then look towards my mother who ushers me closer with her hand even though she knows there must be a respectful proximity between the subject and the king. But of course my mother was not the type to obey all the rules. Just some. She winks at my father who then clasps his hand above hers with the same gentle caress of a mother to her newborn. He so treasured his queen it was almost overwhelming to stay in the same room as the two of them, between their intimate acts of devotion to one another.

"That was not on my mind today, father. Instead, I must ask; why?"

The concerned frown on his forehead relaxes.

"Why must you marry?"

I hear some people chuckle underneath their breath. Nevertheless I stood taller.

"Why now? And without my knowledge. Father, this was wholly unexpected and... you did not ask me. You did not ask what I want, or who I want."

Mother wipes away a tear that escaped her eye and she looks down at her skirts.

"Fahmeen, there are times when a king must do what is right for his people, even if they do not know it. Your marriage to this Northerner is much more significant than you could have ever imagined. And I trust you to do the right thing as you are so much like your mother. I trust you, daughter."

So, there seems to be some mystery surrounding my engagement to this foreigner. But if it is for my father and for the kingdom, then it must be like he said. Significant. Right for the people.

"As you wish, father. I will do as you wish."

"This scares me, Daisy. But not in the way you think. There is something deep inside of me that has almost been waiting for something. Was it this?"

Daisy, my first maid, and who I consider to be a true friend regardless that she is a servant takes my hand in hers and sits besides me. Some would object to her forwardness but it instead bothered me the formality and distance that the societal laws put between us only because of our titles. So, with or without my mother's permission I let Daisy know early on that she was a friend and a friend does not have to serve me in such a formal manner. She arrived at the palace a young child, with her mother. Who quickly became beloved to all of us and she is the head maid.

"What scares you? The man as to whom you are engaged? I would not worry as your own parents have chosen him for you. I cannot see your father nor your mother allowing someone they could not even boast about to ever marry you."

"Daisy, are you suggesting I have faith in my parent's decision?"

We share a look of silly anticipation.

She laughs along with me and we stare out of the window, the open sea stretching so far out it could have been eternal.

...

Outside of my room lay a lit lantern and a furry cloak. The servants of course had come to expect me to go off on my wander at this late hour and I so very appreciated their consideration. I picked up the items and went on my way.

Covas was completely different in the night time. From anywhere you stood, you could always see the water. The full moon reflected in the deep ocean and made for a natural source of light. I found myself using this on my way to my most favourite place in all of Covas; Poseidon's Drop.

I walk out of the forest and into the clearing, small rocks crunching beneath my feet. The sound of the water crashing at the bottom gave me a sort of comfort and I lay the furry cloak on the ground so that my 'ars' as the Northerners would say, would not bruise. I leave the lantern besides me and settle for the vision before me. The wind is gentle against my skin, the mist settles like small pearls and I imagine them to shimmer in the night sky. This is peace, this is sanctuary or at least it should be. For years coming here has satisfied me, brought me a fullness others could not have understood but left me to it. I was a wanderer amongst my own people. It did not bother me until of recent. This hole, emptiness I am seeking out here but I am not finding.

There is a change in the air. A sense of coming.

With bated breath my eyes dart towards the sea. There is a ship, having only just crossed onto the line between us and eternity.

I force myself to admit the impending reality.

"He is here."