Hope and Devotion chapter 2
Author’s Notes: Chapter two is out. I decided that it was running a bit long, so I divided it in half. I also got a new beta reader who is awesome and helped me with the characterization and description, and pointed out my dumb typos. I would also like to thank all the reviewers, favoriters, and people who read it, you all really encouraged me. Shout-out to all the readers in Europe, Asia, Americas, and Australia. I love getting reviews.
Hope and Devotion
Chapter 2
The royal palace’s dining hall and ball room were gorgeous, all the chandeliers where lit, the stone floor polished until shone, the drapery was changed into a soft white and gold silk, the painted ceilings where restored and lit so that their true colors shone. The dining tables were polished, linens changed to match the drapery of the ball room, and the centerpieces were artful arrangements, of jasmine, rose, and white lilies. Never in her life has Ashe seen the palace decorated so extravagantly, not even for the most lavish balls and holidays. Even though she had some say in the decoration, she had never imagined it like this, there was an almost dream like quality to the whole place.
She then turned to Rasler, who was looking around the room. “It’s stunning isn’t it?” she asked.
“It is, but don’t you think it to be slightly over the top?” he examined a nearby flower arrangement.
“Perhaps, but you must admit that it’s beautiful, and besides, I’m the only surviving daughter and the first of father’s children to get married.” She eyed a nearby place setting, the china, and silverware where polished until they shone. It was sadly true; her only sister along with four of her brothers and mother all had died in the plague three years ago, and none of her elder brothers had not yet married. “It’s an important event, and he wants to make it memorable.”
He glanced at one of the nearby center pieces, “I see your point, when my brother married it was quite… celebratory.”
She placed her hand on his, “I think that our parents have more enjoyment, in planning and throwing wedding than their own children do.” She pointed out.
He nodded, “My mother can’t wait to see my sister married off, and the poor thing is only fourteen. I try to tell her she isn’t even betrothed yet, but she insists planning a wedding for her. No wonder my, I mean our people think she is eccentric and that is one of the more polite adjectives.”
“Just let her be, if you try to fight her. It shall only get worse.”
“Try telling that to my father, every time there’s a meeting with a foreign dignitary, the whole issue comes up and it all awkward and almost unbearable at times. I do hope our stay in Dalmasca lasts a few more months longer than intended. It’s much more peaceful here.” He clasped her hand.
She smiled, “If that’s the case, then I might have to make sure that you are not going to miss your homeland.”
“You don’t have to I would rather not be a burden, to my wife and her family.” He paused for a moment, and glanced at the table at the front of the room, “We should sit down for dinner, so that we can start the meal.” All those who attended the feast, were standing around awkwardly, waiting for something to happen.
“Yes, we should.” She gave him a slight nod, and followed him up to the table at the head of the room. They took their place of honor in the center of the table, and as they sat down, servants emerged with platter of food in hand. After two short speeches from each ruler, congratulating the newlywed children, the feast began. What was to be served had become the subject of much debate; where they to serve Nabradian style or Dalmascan style cuisine. Eventually it was decided that they would serve a fusion style of both. Ashe looked down at the bowl placed in front of her, it was filled with a spiced seafood stew, made with various shell fish, in a clear broth served atop of noodles. She took a bite of the fragrant dish, and then turned her attention to her husband, “Where do you get the idea that you would be a burden? My family is quite happy, in having you live here for as long as you wish.” she said.
“I thank you all, for that.” Rasler said, picking up his fork.
“It’s nothing, as I said earlier, father thinks of you as family, and my brothers seem to like you.” She took a bite of pasta.
He placed his fork down, looked down, and sighed, “Oh, dear, here she comes.” He murmured, as his mother approached the table, with his younger sister in tow. Rasler’s mother, Linerva, was a force to be reckoned with, born from nobility; she was intent on seeing all three of her children married off, and with children of their own. Most of her time was spent matchmaking, and planning for weddings.
She came over to the pair, and stood across from them. “Oh, you look absolutely gorgeous Ashelia, that gown fits you perfectly. And the ceremony was touching; I still cannot believe that my little Rasler is married. Oh time goes by so fast, they’re still in the cradle and the next you know you’re children are all married off. I cannot wait to see you have children; they are going to be so beautiful, and intelligent like their parents. That reminds me I just received word this morning, that Finnea is expecting, and she’s due to give birth in the fall. She quite nervous about the whole ordeal, bless her soul. But I sent her a message telling her that it is her duty to Nabradia, to continue the linage, although I am quite sure that you know this already, Ashelia. She is due in the fall, I cannot wait until then we have to prepare the palace, and hire a nurse, and governess. You do know that if it is a boy, you shall lose you claim to the throne, once he reaches of age. I do wonder, Ashelia, what is your father is going to do with your brothers; he has not married them off or anything, and their getting quite old if you ask me. It is about time that he finds a wife for them; I mean he managed to find you a husband before you turned twelve, and he cannot seem to find anyone for his sons; who are all quite eligible bachelors in my opinion. I would offer up, Tatiana, but that would be quite pointless, because you two already cemented the alliance. But I do have my eye on one of the younger brothers of the Margrace family, hopefully it will go through. I did think of house Solidor, but with the current situation and all I think it to be impossible. Oh, I have completely forgotten, Adrian and Finnea, wish to congratulate you on your wedding, and regret that they are unable to come and see their brother get married. They have to keep things running back home, since we can’t leave the palace alone right now, due to the situation, with the war and all. They sent a gift, I placed it with the others.” She said, bowing slightly.
“Well tell my brother that I send my thanks, and that we missed his presence.” He replied not even knowing what she had said.
“Oh, I will. Well, I do believe that your father is missing me. So I must leave.” She left, and took her seat on the far side of the table, leaving her daughter behind.
Tatiana looked up her face still a bright crimson from her mother’s comment about marriage. “I can’t believe that she brought that up right now.” She glanced at her mother, as she left. “I mean, the wedding was absolutely gorgeous.”
“Why thank you.” Ashe said with a slight smile, choosing not to comment upon the first part of her statement.
“Neither, can I.” He paused and shook his head, “I do not even listen to half of what she says. It’s no wonder half the kingdom thinks she half mad.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say that about her, I just think that her priorities, are rather skewed, or she’s simply blinded, and delusional, and maybe confused.”
“Blinded by what?”
“Not too sure… I think she wants to see us grow up happily, with families of our own or something to that effect.” Tatiana shrugged.
“But she does know that, bringing it up every five minutes will not help make things go faster.”
“I don’t think so.” She replied, “Well, see you later.” Suddenly she walked off, to her seat.
Ashe placed her spoon aside, “Your mother may be obsessive, but at least she is still with you.” Her mother had died, during the plague, when she was fourteen. It was during the life changing moments like today, that she wished, her mother, and the rest of her siblings were still alive. When the plague struck Dalmasca, no one was spared, from the diseases’ rampage. It had started innocently enough; the ill began to show signs of cough, a slight weakness and sleepiness, and mild fever. Most people had ignored it thinking it to be some seasonal illness carried by the trade routes that ran through Dalmasca’s deserts. Instead of recovering, they became worse, the coughing fits would last for minutes, leaving the victim breathless, and the fever burned through the patient’s body, while they became progressively weaker. Everyone in the royal household, had fallen ill, but only Ashe, her three brothers, and their father had survived. Analise, was the first to succumb to illness, she had always been of weak constitution, frequently suffering from dizziness and fainting spells, then came four of her brothers, and finally her mother. It was painful, watching them succumb to illness, while she began to recover from the illness herself.
“I’m sorry. I know but, I guess I’m so annoyed by her that... that I forget all she’s done for me.”
“Its fine, she starting to drive me mad as well, with her obsession with grandchildren.” She took a bite of her food.
“And she going easy one you, because I’m the second.” He shook his head.
“Poor Finnea, she must have been close to going crazy, until recently.” Ashe replied. Finnea, was Rasler’s sister in law, a princess from a small insignificant kingdom far to the north. She was a shy and quiet woman, and quite very sweet. Like Ashe she was married at seventeen, but after three years she bore no children, despite her mother in law’s hopes, and the need for an heir. They had met once or twice, during her visits to Nabradia, and the two had developed a sort of friendship for being in similar situations. The two were also expected to become companions when she moved to her husband’s home.
“Perhaps, but I don’t know I haven’t seen her in months.” he said finishing of his soup. “So when is the next course?” he asked causally.
“Soon.” She answered, “But didn’t you exchange letters with your brother?” Ashe set her spoon down.
“Yes, he hardly mentions her.” Rasler paused for a moment and frowned. “They’re not what you call happy.” His brother, Adrian, and Finnea were miserable together, they resented each other, and when she attempted to bond with him, he simply ignored her and went off. Occasionally to two would fight, although he was not really sure what they fought about exactly, but it did leave her sobbing in her private parlor for the rest of her day. Ashe has been visiting that day, and saw all that happened. Later they vowed to never let such thing happen to them, and they would uphold respect for each other.
“But that doesn’t mean he can forget about her.” Her brow knitted in concern.
“I know, but they’re not like us.” He shook his head, “Remember, what happened.” He referred to her last visit to his home.
She nodded, recalling the events of the day. “Yeah that was scary. I’ve never seen her so upset.”
“I hope that we never end up like that, or my parents.” He placed his hand on Ashe’s.
“We won’t, we made a promise to each other.” She felt the warmth of his damp skin on hers.
“To honor, and respect each other…” he recalled the words they spoke to each other two years ago, after sneaking out of the palace and into the nearby Salikawood.
“…And to settle our differences in a peaceful and civil manner before they get out of hand.” She leaned in closer, to her husband.
“For it is in the best interest of our nations for us to stay together,” he said, holding her hand.
“And for us to play the role of harbingers of peace and security,” she finished.
He leaned over and planted a kiss on her temple. “And to think the last time we said such things, you were a girl of fifteen, who shied away whenever I tried to kiss her.”
Her cheeks turned a soft pink, at her husband’s sudden display of affection. “And you were boy of sixteen, who could hardly keep his hands on appropriate places let alone keep them to himself.” The plates from the first course where removed, and the second course was brought in by the palace servants.
“It was the all those raging hormones and you were-are gorgeous.” He said, looking into her eyes.
“Ah, so it’s entirely not your fault that you cannot keep your hands off me?” She cocked her head, ignoring the food placed in front of her.
“Yes, I mean, no.” He paused, thinking over what he just said, “Forget I said anything,” he said taking a bite of his supper.
“Sure.” She then began to eat what was placed in front of her. They ate the rest of the meal in peace, enjoying the food prepared for them.
As soon as the meal was over the plates were cleared from the tables, and doors to the ball room where opened. The orchestra began to play, and music began to fill the rooms.
Rasler, got up from his seat, and offered his hand to Ashe, “Shall, I have this dance?” he asked, with a slight bow.
Author's notes: Chapter three is coming out soon, I'm almost done writing it. Thank you for reading and please review.
Hope and Devotion
Chapter 2
The royal palace’s dining hall and ball room were gorgeous, all the chandeliers where lit, the stone floor polished until shone, the drapery was changed into a soft white and gold silk, the painted ceilings where restored and lit so that their true colors shone. The dining tables were polished, linens changed to match the drapery of the ball room, and the centerpieces were artful arrangements, of jasmine, rose, and white lilies. Never in her life has Ashe seen the palace decorated so extravagantly, not even for the most lavish balls and holidays. Even though she had some say in the decoration, she had never imagined it like this, there was an almost dream like quality to the whole place.
She then turned to Rasler, who was looking around the room. “It’s stunning isn’t it?” she asked.
“It is, but don’t you think it to be slightly over the top?” he examined a nearby flower arrangement.
“Perhaps, but you must admit that it’s beautiful, and besides, I’m the only surviving daughter and the first of father’s children to get married.” She eyed a nearby place setting, the china, and silverware where polished until they shone. It was sadly true; her only sister along with four of her brothers and mother all had died in the plague three years ago, and none of her elder brothers had not yet married. “It’s an important event, and he wants to make it memorable.”
He glanced at one of the nearby center pieces, “I see your point, when my brother married it was quite… celebratory.”
She placed her hand on his, “I think that our parents have more enjoyment, in planning and throwing wedding than their own children do.” She pointed out.
He nodded, “My mother can’t wait to see my sister married off, and the poor thing is only fourteen. I try to tell her she isn’t even betrothed yet, but she insists planning a wedding for her. No wonder my, I mean our people think she is eccentric and that is one of the more polite adjectives.”
“Just let her be, if you try to fight her. It shall only get worse.”
“Try telling that to my father, every time there’s a meeting with a foreign dignitary, the whole issue comes up and it all awkward and almost unbearable at times. I do hope our stay in Dalmasca lasts a few more months longer than intended. It’s much more peaceful here.” He clasped her hand.
She smiled, “If that’s the case, then I might have to make sure that you are not going to miss your homeland.”
“You don’t have to I would rather not be a burden, to my wife and her family.” He paused for a moment, and glanced at the table at the front of the room, “We should sit down for dinner, so that we can start the meal.” All those who attended the feast, were standing around awkwardly, waiting for something to happen.
“Yes, we should.” She gave him a slight nod, and followed him up to the table at the head of the room. They took their place of honor in the center of the table, and as they sat down, servants emerged with platter of food in hand. After two short speeches from each ruler, congratulating the newlywed children, the feast began. What was to be served had become the subject of much debate; where they to serve Nabradian style or Dalmascan style cuisine. Eventually it was decided that they would serve a fusion style of both. Ashe looked down at the bowl placed in front of her, it was filled with a spiced seafood stew, made with various shell fish, in a clear broth served atop of noodles. She took a bite of the fragrant dish, and then turned her attention to her husband, “Where do you get the idea that you would be a burden? My family is quite happy, in having you live here for as long as you wish.” she said.
“I thank you all, for that.” Rasler said, picking up his fork.
“It’s nothing, as I said earlier, father thinks of you as family, and my brothers seem to like you.” She took a bite of pasta.
He placed his fork down, looked down, and sighed, “Oh, dear, here she comes.” He murmured, as his mother approached the table, with his younger sister in tow. Rasler’s mother, Linerva, was a force to be reckoned with, born from nobility; she was intent on seeing all three of her children married off, and with children of their own. Most of her time was spent matchmaking, and planning for weddings.
She came over to the pair, and stood across from them. “Oh, you look absolutely gorgeous Ashelia, that gown fits you perfectly. And the ceremony was touching; I still cannot believe that my little Rasler is married. Oh time goes by so fast, they’re still in the cradle and the next you know you’re children are all married off. I cannot wait to see you have children; they are going to be so beautiful, and intelligent like their parents. That reminds me I just received word this morning, that Finnea is expecting, and she’s due to give birth in the fall. She quite nervous about the whole ordeal, bless her soul. But I sent her a message telling her that it is her duty to Nabradia, to continue the linage, although I am quite sure that you know this already, Ashelia. She is due in the fall, I cannot wait until then we have to prepare the palace, and hire a nurse, and governess. You do know that if it is a boy, you shall lose you claim to the throne, once he reaches of age. I do wonder, Ashelia, what is your father is going to do with your brothers; he has not married them off or anything, and their getting quite old if you ask me. It is about time that he finds a wife for them; I mean he managed to find you a husband before you turned twelve, and he cannot seem to find anyone for his sons; who are all quite eligible bachelors in my opinion. I would offer up, Tatiana, but that would be quite pointless, because you two already cemented the alliance. But I do have my eye on one of the younger brothers of the Margrace family, hopefully it will go through. I did think of house Solidor, but with the current situation and all I think it to be impossible. Oh, I have completely forgotten, Adrian and Finnea, wish to congratulate you on your wedding, and regret that they are unable to come and see their brother get married. They have to keep things running back home, since we can’t leave the palace alone right now, due to the situation, with the war and all. They sent a gift, I placed it with the others.” She said, bowing slightly.
“Well tell my brother that I send my thanks, and that we missed his presence.” He replied not even knowing what she had said.
“Oh, I will. Well, I do believe that your father is missing me. So I must leave.” She left, and took her seat on the far side of the table, leaving her daughter behind.
Tatiana looked up her face still a bright crimson from her mother’s comment about marriage. “I can’t believe that she brought that up right now.” She glanced at her mother, as she left. “I mean, the wedding was absolutely gorgeous.”
“Why thank you.” Ashe said with a slight smile, choosing not to comment upon the first part of her statement.
“Neither, can I.” He paused and shook his head, “I do not even listen to half of what she says. It’s no wonder half the kingdom thinks she half mad.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say that about her, I just think that her priorities, are rather skewed, or she’s simply blinded, and delusional, and maybe confused.”
“Blinded by what?”
“Not too sure… I think she wants to see us grow up happily, with families of our own or something to that effect.” Tatiana shrugged.
“But she does know that, bringing it up every five minutes will not help make things go faster.”
“I don’t think so.” She replied, “Well, see you later.” Suddenly she walked off, to her seat.
Ashe placed her spoon aside, “Your mother may be obsessive, but at least she is still with you.” Her mother had died, during the plague, when she was fourteen. It was during the life changing moments like today, that she wished, her mother, and the rest of her siblings were still alive. When the plague struck Dalmasca, no one was spared, from the diseases’ rampage. It had started innocently enough; the ill began to show signs of cough, a slight weakness and sleepiness, and mild fever. Most people had ignored it thinking it to be some seasonal illness carried by the trade routes that ran through Dalmasca’s deserts. Instead of recovering, they became worse, the coughing fits would last for minutes, leaving the victim breathless, and the fever burned through the patient’s body, while they became progressively weaker. Everyone in the royal household, had fallen ill, but only Ashe, her three brothers, and their father had survived. Analise, was the first to succumb to illness, she had always been of weak constitution, frequently suffering from dizziness and fainting spells, then came four of her brothers, and finally her mother. It was painful, watching them succumb to illness, while she began to recover from the illness herself.
“I’m sorry. I know but, I guess I’m so annoyed by her that... that I forget all she’s done for me.”
“Its fine, she starting to drive me mad as well, with her obsession with grandchildren.” She took a bite of her food.
“And she going easy one you, because I’m the second.” He shook his head.
“Poor Finnea, she must have been close to going crazy, until recently.” Ashe replied. Finnea, was Rasler’s sister in law, a princess from a small insignificant kingdom far to the north. She was a shy and quiet woman, and quite very sweet. Like Ashe she was married at seventeen, but after three years she bore no children, despite her mother in law’s hopes, and the need for an heir. They had met once or twice, during her visits to Nabradia, and the two had developed a sort of friendship for being in similar situations. The two were also expected to become companions when she moved to her husband’s home.
“Perhaps, but I don’t know I haven’t seen her in months.” he said finishing of his soup. “So when is the next course?” he asked causally.
“Soon.” She answered, “But didn’t you exchange letters with your brother?” Ashe set her spoon down.
“Yes, he hardly mentions her.” Rasler paused for a moment and frowned. “They’re not what you call happy.” His brother, Adrian, and Finnea were miserable together, they resented each other, and when she attempted to bond with him, he simply ignored her and went off. Occasionally to two would fight, although he was not really sure what they fought about exactly, but it did leave her sobbing in her private parlor for the rest of her day. Ashe has been visiting that day, and saw all that happened. Later they vowed to never let such thing happen to them, and they would uphold respect for each other.
“But that doesn’t mean he can forget about her.” Her brow knitted in concern.
“I know, but they’re not like us.” He shook his head, “Remember, what happened.” He referred to her last visit to his home.
She nodded, recalling the events of the day. “Yeah that was scary. I’ve never seen her so upset.”
“I hope that we never end up like that, or my parents.” He placed his hand on Ashe’s.
“We won’t, we made a promise to each other.” She felt the warmth of his damp skin on hers.
“To honor, and respect each other…” he recalled the words they spoke to each other two years ago, after sneaking out of the palace and into the nearby Salikawood.
“…And to settle our differences in a peaceful and civil manner before they get out of hand.” She leaned in closer, to her husband.
“For it is in the best interest of our nations for us to stay together,” he said, holding her hand.
“And for us to play the role of harbingers of peace and security,” she finished.
He leaned over and planted a kiss on her temple. “And to think the last time we said such things, you were a girl of fifteen, who shied away whenever I tried to kiss her.”
Her cheeks turned a soft pink, at her husband’s sudden display of affection. “And you were boy of sixteen, who could hardly keep his hands on appropriate places let alone keep them to himself.” The plates from the first course where removed, and the second course was brought in by the palace servants.
“It was the all those raging hormones and you were-are gorgeous.” He said, looking into her eyes.
“Ah, so it’s entirely not your fault that you cannot keep your hands off me?” She cocked her head, ignoring the food placed in front of her.
“Yes, I mean, no.” He paused, thinking over what he just said, “Forget I said anything,” he said taking a bite of his supper.
“Sure.” She then began to eat what was placed in front of her. They ate the rest of the meal in peace, enjoying the food prepared for them.
As soon as the meal was over the plates were cleared from the tables, and doors to the ball room where opened. The orchestra began to play, and music began to fill the rooms.
Rasler, got up from his seat, and offered his hand to Ashe, “Shall, I have this dance?” he asked, with a slight bow.
Author's notes: Chapter three is coming out soon, I'm almost done writing it. Thank you for reading and please review.