Chapter Thirty-One - Opposites Attract

Nassandra politely knocked on the door to Ailith's room.

''One moment!'' Ailith called out.

The princess stood waiting, listening to the sound of excited movement coming from inside the warrior's chambers.

''Your pulse has quickened, your Highness,'' Fethawi noted, floating next to Nassandra on her left.

She bit her lip, suppressing the urge to retort. Dozens of harrowing scenarios played puppeteer with her anxiety. What if she made a fool of herself? What if Ailith grew tired of her? What if the castle had gone under construction overnight and Nassandra guided them down a wrong corridor resulting in them becoming hopelessly lost?

They were ludicrous suggestions. Nevertheless, her palms grew sweaty.

Finally, the door opened to reveal Ailith. Her eyes were drawn from the princess and Fethawi to the tall, armoured Knight standing by her right-hand side. ''Oh, Vlad? It's your turn again today?''

The Knight nodded. A bulky helmet obscured his face. ''Aye, I'll be watching you and the princess closely. If you so much as look at her strangely, your head will roll.''

To prove his point, he hoisted up the large axe in his hands, a faint gleam of light shone from the tip. Nassandra felt her nerves fry just from staring at the weapon. It was almost as big as her body.

Ailith tapped her finger against the steel. ''Yep, that would do the trick.'' She returned her attention to Nassandra, lowering herself into a bow. ''Sorry for the wait, I was trying to finish my breakfast. I think I might have accidentally got double portion.''

Peering over the warrior's shoulder, Nassandra noticed three trays filled to the brim with empty trays and plates, with only the enduring smell of eggs and bacon in the air. ''Father thought you deserved it after your help with the mission yesterday.''

''Oh, that makes sense.''

Nassandra stared at her. ''You thought you were erroneously given double portion, and yet, you ate it anyway?''

''I was hungry,'' Ailith replied bluntly, earning a laugh from the princess.

~X~

The only sound from the group came from the heavy metal of Vlad's armour, clanking with every step.

Nassandra feared that Ailith had already become frustrated with her quietness. Instead, she looked over to see the blonde woman enamoured by the sights as they trekked through the corridors. There was something so warm and carefree about Ailith's attitude, that it left the princess unsure if it soothed her worries, or made her feel more self-conscious about herself.

Before long, the silence was halted when Ailith skipped closer to Fethawi. ''How come I didn't see you yesterday?''

He turned his head to her. ''Because you were in the dining room.''

Ailith gazed curiously. ''So...''

''I am not permitted in the dining room.''

''Why not?''

''Because I am a Drasa.''

She blinked at the candid admission. ''That doesn't seem fair.''

''Drasa are built to serve their masters. It does not matter to us what is fair and what is not fair.'' He explained as efficiently as hovered along.

Fethawi's head turned back down the corridor, away from Ailith. The warrior continued to stare at him bemusedly. ''And that doesn't bother you?''

''No, nothing bothers me. It is against my creation to be bothered, happy, sad, angry. I live to serve like every Drasa built before me and after.'' He paused, giving his words a moment to be absorbed by Ailith before staring at her with his dot-like eye. ''You say that I am the first Drasa you have met, so I acknowledge your confusion in understanding my purpose.''

She couldn't stop a frown from forming. ''Well, I think I understand. I just don't think it's fair to be built to be told what you can and can't do.''

Throughout their conversation, Nassandra watched Ailith's every reaction. Not only was it strange for her to see someone give more attention to another rather than herself, she'd also never seen anyone so argumentative with a Drasa whilst arguing on behalf of the Drasa himself. For as long as she could remember, she knew that Fethawi was built specifically to serve the royal family. Yet, the conviction in Ailith's eye as she disputed his purpose left her fascinated, and willing to hear more.

However, she knew that she couldn't stay silent for much longer. As she agonised over how to start a conversation, Ailith strode faster, observing her majestic surroundings with wide eyes.

''Were you frightened?'' Nassandra finally blurted out, immediately regretting the frantic tone in her voice.

''Huh?'' Ailith looked at her curiously.

''Against the Ayek?'' She probed. ''I've heard they can grow to the size of an adult Mamethshire.''

''It was intense at the time. Though, not in the top five most intense moments of my life.'' She winked.

A half-hearted chuckle escaped the princess. ''I still feel guilty for sending you.''

''Don't be,'' Ailith beamed. ''It's exactly what I wanted! I can't prove that I have what it takes to be a Knight if I don't get any opportunities like that. I got a chance to fight alongside Kuval. I can't thank you enough for giving me that chance.''

Shyly looking away, Nassandra resisted the urge to break into a bright smile. ''You saved my life. I should be the one who can't thank you enough.''

The warrior merely shrugged. ''I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.''

Ailith turned back the pages in her mind. It already felt like such a long time ago she decided to sign up for the tournament. Never in her wildest dreams would she have imagined being where she was now, standing before the princess after saving her life from an assassin. An assassin who also entered the tournament and, according to the prisoners Ailith conversed with, wasn't the first to try and draw royal blood. Ailith's mood was punctured, dreading what would have happened to Nassandra if she hadn't stumbled into the library.

With her smile failing, she earned a questioning look from Nassandra. Wanting to know more, Ailith pressed on. ''I've heard there were other attempts to attack you and your father...'' she left her words dangling, waiting for Nassandra's reaction. The princess paled and looked away again shamefully. ''Have there been?''

''None like that,'' Nassandra shook her head. ''But, my father did warn me that there would be people who would wish to bring me harm because of who my family are.''

''You don't personally know anyone who would want to harm you?''

''There's no one I've formed a close enough attachment that would go so far...'' She trailed off, fearful of comprehending the thought.

Worried about upsetting her, Ailith gave a warm smile. ''Is there something else you want to talk about?''

After giving an appreciative smile, Nassandra pondered. Her mind breezed through the list of questions in her head until she came upon one that she couldn't resist asking. ''Diasormon, how does it work? I've always wanted to ask Kuval, but I didn't want to bother him.''

''Oh, well...'' Ailith stood thoughtfully, folding her arms over her chest. ''I'm not an expert on the subject. I can only talk about what I know, which isn't much.''

''Hearing from you is perfect,'' Nassandra encouraged. ''There's only so much I can read about in books or learn from life studies. I want to know more from someone who has genuine experience.''

''Okay, um...'' Ailith looked around as if searching for something. Skipping over to the wall, she placed her hand on one of the bricks. Soon, diamond with a greenish glow formed over her knuckles and fingers. ''I can create diamond over my own skin, but I haven't learnt how to form it over my surroundings like Kuval or others have.''

''Is it a strain to generate diamond like that?'' Nassandra asked, staring at Ailith's magical skill in amazement.

''In the beginning, it was. It's like training your muscles. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. One step at a time.''

''I'm surprised more people haven't attempted to learn Diasormon.''

Ailith removed her hand from the wall as the diamond over her skin disappeared. ''It's not easy to learn. And other than for combat, there's no real purpose to learn Diasormon. Apparently, decades ago, diamond was worth a fortune because it was considered a rare material.''

''But, once more people studied how to create diamond through magic, it lost its value.''

Ailith nodded. Her lip twitched upward when a memory flashed before her eyes. ''My Papa told me when he was my age he wanted to learn how to control the temperature in his hands so that he could cook more efficiently. Why waste coin on a stove and ice when you can heat or frost food with your bare hands?''

''What happened?''

''He never got around to fully learning. He paid for tutors, but that never went anywhere. Ironically, it would have been easier just to pay for a stove.''

Nassandra offered a sympathetic grin. ''I suppose that explains why Knights and other warriors would learn magic that is more physically imposing and powerful.''

Ailith nodded before turning to Vlad, who was still following them while keeping his distance. ''Did you learn magic?''

''I can levitate!'' He replied with a stern expression. Before either woman could question him, they watched as he lifted himself off the ground by an inch. Vlad landed back on his feet with a thud, calm and stoic like nothing had happened. ''For two seconds.''

''That's amazing.'' Ailith gushed.

While Vlad tried to brush the compliments aside and hide the blush creeping over his hard cheeks, Nassandra glanced to the side and spotted a large open door leading down a long corridor. She questioned whether or not to venture inward. However, her hand was forced when Ailith also found the open door and decided to walk ahead, Vlad shadowing her.

Fethawi floated next to Nassandra. ''Shall I retrieve Miss Natia and ask her to move along?''

Sighing heavily, she shook her head. ''Let her be. I'll be fine.'' Hesitantly, the princess followed her guest through the door.

A row of candles along the walls, illuminating the hallway with flickering flames of different colours, helped Ailith to discover the Royal Gallery. A plethora of expertly detailed paintings hung from the walls, leaving Ailith awestruck. Landscapes, portraits, abstract images, all of them were magnificent. The colours flowed, making them seem almost lifelike as if the vivid images were moving of their own accord. Her sight never stalled on a single frame for more than a second or two. That is until one painting caught her attention...the one that Nassandra had been staring at since they entered the gallery.

The painting showed a family of three in royal attire, proudly displaying the Kingdom's colours of red and gold. Ailith recognised Kiros instantly, even if the crown atop his head was a giveaway. Standing no higher than his knee was a small child with a lovely dress clearly a size too big, not that it deterred her sprightly smile. One of the little girl's hands was clutching on the flowing gown of a tall, slender woman with a crown of her own. Kiros's arm was wrapped around her shoulder, holding her close.

Underneath the picture was a golden plaque with their names engraved.

King Kiros Arsalan

Queen-consort Darice Arsalan

Princess Nassandra Arsalan

A small grin grew on Ailith's face. ''She's beautiful.''

Nassandra nodded, humming quietly in agreement. Ailith dragged herself away from the painting when she noticed the princess trembling next to her. Her hands were clutched tightly, tucked behind her back. Despite Nassandra's best attempts to hide her emotions, there was no masking how her chest heaved with each heavy breath.

Ailith turned to face her fully. ''Do you want to move somewhere else?''

Shaking her head, Nassandra locked eyes with Ailith. ''No, if you want to explore the gallery more, I don't mind.''

''I think you do mind. That's why I don't mind moving somewhere else.''

After a beat of silence, with Nassandra observing her with an unreadable expression, the princess looked back at the painted face of her mother. ''Did people in the Kingdom talk about my mother?''

''I don't know,'' Ailith confessed. ''I was only five when I heard what happened.''

Nassandra averted her gaze. ''I wasn't there. I heard from a servant that my mother had a sudden heart attack. By the time the doctors and healers reached her, it was too late.''

''I'm sorry.''

''It was only a few months after my grandfather had passed in his sleep. I'm not sure if you know him?'' She asked.

Ailith reflected for a moment. ''I only knew him as the King whose face was on every coin in the Kingdom. Did you know him well?''

''Vague memories. Father doesn't talk about him much. But, his legacy still lives on. I know he was the one who turned the Knights into a force to be reckoned with. So much so that no one dared to stand against his power. Arsalan became known as the Unbreakable Kingdom.''

Ailith's heart leapt at the reference to the Knight's heroics. All the stories she had heard and carried with her helped shape the dream that she would one day become part of those stories. Though, she found it strange that King Niru's name seemed to be kept distant from her. If he were such an integral part of turning the Knights into what they are, surely she would have known more about him?

Nassandra lifted her head, turning to Ailith. Somehow, staring at her kindly expression was enough to warrant a smile's return. She tilted her head, gesturing towards the painting. ''She was actually on my grandfather's council. That's how she met my father.''

Searching around the gallery, Ailith hoped to find another portrait that bared the face of the King she recognised from being plastered over Ark coins. However, nothing was found. Sorrow panged in the pit of her stomach. ''I can't imagine what Kiros must have gone through. To lose his father and then his...'' she sharply stopped mid-sentence. ''I'm sorry, I shouldn't be talking about this.''

''No, no, it's my fault. I brought up this morose topic.'' Nassandra said, her eyes shifting to the ground for a brief moment before coming back up to meet Ailith's. ''This subject hurts simply because I know less than I should. Talking with you about it help lifts the fog a bit.''

Suddenly, the sound of sniffling caught their attention. Looking over their shoulders, they saw Vlad, his eyes were watery and his bottom lip wobbled like jelly. Realising he was being watched, he cleared his throat and straightened himself out. ''The dust in this room! It's affecting my allergies.''

Fethawi faced him. ''You never stated to have allergies in your health examination-,''

''Quiet you!'' He hissed.

Ailith and Nassandra shared a small laugh with the warrior throwing Vlad a playful smirk. ''I haven't seen a single speck of dust since I entered this castle,'' she paused, stroking her chin. ''Except, maybe the dungeon? I'm not too sure. I was blindfolded most of the time.''

A realisation hit the princess like lightning. ''Follow me.'' She instructed, rushing out of the gallery, leaving a bemused Ailith with no option other than to obey.

Rushing through one corridor after another, passing by a few puzzled maids and servants, Ailith was surprised to find she recognised this place.

Nassandra brought her to the newly refurbished library. The hazy sunlight shone through the window, lighting the room and giving Ailith a chance to inspect the new shelves that had been built.

''I feel safer coming back here.'' The princess said quietly.

Ailith entered the library first, combing her hand through the row of books, wondering which to pick up first. ''Where should we start?'' she asked.

Nassandra smiled. ''One book at a time.''

Glancing at the shelves, the warrior shot an amused look. ''I think I can find one in here you haven't read yet!''

''Oh, is that a challenge?''

Without another word, Ailith scampered away to search through the library, observing the splendour of each book cover.

Nassandra remained at the entrance of the library, still mentally composing herself. She stared up at the dark corners of the room, seeking any kind of unnatural movement. Her body started to twist in the other direction, willing her to leave and never come back. She silently cursed her mind for playing tricks on her.

Seeing Ailith rush around the room with a face of joy, it somehow lifted the princess' spirit enough to stay. She was going to be Queen one day. She would have to open herself. If she couldn't be open was at least one person, what hope did this Kingdom have for the future?

For the first time since the attack, Nassandra tentatively entered the library.

The next hour was spent with Ailith attempting and failing to find a book that Nassandra hadn't already discovered. The Princess almost felt embarrassed to admit how many she had read, fearing that Ailith would grow bored or annoyed with her predictability. Instead, the warrior sort out any books that piqued her interest, and asked about them, wanting to know more. Titles that promised tales of adventure and thrills were soon in her grasp, and the young warrior listened intently as Nassandra offered brief descriptions.

Time passing soon proved to be the greatest annoyance.

''Your Highness,'' Fethawi interrupted. ''You are scheduled for a lesson with Dame Margo in thirty minutes.''

Nassandra sighed. A frown threatened to spread across her face, but she resisted as best she could. The prospect of bidding farewell to someone left her saddened for the first time in a long time. She turned to see Ailith offering a sympathetic glance while placing one of the books she grabbed back on the shelf. ''I understand. Thank you again for showing me around the castle.''

''I'm certain that I could have done better.'' She admitted, eyeing how Ailith's hand lingered on the book she returned. An idea flashed in her mind. ''You can borrow them if you prefer?''

The warrior gasped. ''Seriously?''

''I did promise you, didn't I?''

''Thank you so much!'' Ailith shot a shining smile. ''How many can I borrow?''

''As many as you can carry.''

~X~

''Can you carry them all?'' Nassandra asked anxiously, staring at the swaying tower of books Ailith held.

''Yes, it's no trouble,'' She replied, shuffling out of the library. The book on top of the pile was an inch from grazing the door's upper frame.

The Princess's eyes flickered up, surprised that Ailith somehow managed to keep the stack balanced, without a single book dropping. Despite this, Vlad dashed around with his arms wide open, readying himself to catch the books whenever they leaned too far to one side.

''I wanted to take more,'' Ailith continued. ''But I wouldn't have been able to leave with them.''

Nassandra giggled. ''That would have been problematic. But, that means there'll be more for you to borrow when we return.''

''Yeah, I guess-,'' Ailith froze and twisted her body to face the Princess with wide, disbelieving eyes. ''Wait, return?''

Nassandra froze and felt the back of her neck warm. Was this meant to be a one-time-only event for Ailith? Did her father mean for this to become a common occurrence? Her heart raced, unsure of what to do next.

''Your Highness,'' Fethawi hovered closer. ''Your lesson will begin soon.''

Without thinking, Nassandra nodded to Ailith. ''Yes, return! I haven't shown you everything my home has to offer. And...'' she paused, wanting her next words to sound sincere and mask the nerves threatening to break her. ''It would be nice to have the company of someone who seems to genuinely want mine.''

Ailith smiled warmly. ''I'd like that. Plus, I am going to find a book that I've read and you haven't!''

With that, the two said their goodbyes. Nassandra and Fethawi left while Vlad escorted Ailith back to her room, always keeping an eye on the stack of books that threatened to fall.

A/N: Hello guys, girls and everyone else. I hope that you are all well and enjoyed this chapter. This was meant to go up earlier, but I've been having Wi-Fi issues on my end. For now, it seems to be sorted. What did you think of this chapter? Please don't be afraid to let me know what you thought. Until next time, take care.