Reverentia {Awe}

They stood at the edge of Kathoria. The sun had risen only a couple of hours ago. They had woken up around dawn and left the inn after having breakfast. Arya and Lady Zelie had been exhausted and right now it was showing on both of their faces.

"I can't wait until we're in the palace." Lady Zelie mumbled.

Arya felt bad for her. The sun was shining brightly making the temperature warmer and Lady Zelie's cloak was not helping one bit. She could see the sweat stains and she was sure that was part of Lady Zelie's irritation and foul mood.

The streets were once again crowded since it was afternoon and people had begun trading and selling their merchandise. Thankfully, this time the merchants did not approach them and Arya could guess it was due to Lady Zelie's hooded figure. They walked through the town leading their horses and Arya couldn't help but think of the last time she had been in Kathoria.

They had just come from Yuthx after returning William and Jenny to their rightful home. It had been her, Silvia, Damien and Aaron travelling together. She remembered it as clear as glass. There had been a duel between Damien and Silvia in which Damien had come out as the victor. The memories flooded her as she tried pushing them away.

"Let us hurry," Lady Zelie said and her steps became quicker.

Arya had to jog to keep up with her. Up ahead, Arya could see the palace shining in the board daylight. It looked the same has it had a month ago only now it was board daylight instead of the dark.

Glancing ahead, Arya could vaguely make out the figure of two people standing in front of the palace gates.

"Looks like someone else is here as well," she commented.

Lady Zelie groaned. "No, this cannot be happening."

She almost sprinted to the palace gates and Arya swiftly followed her. To Arya's surprise, at the palace gates stood two men. One with Ash brown locks while the other sported cropped golden hair. They both had blue eyes but were very distinct from one another.

The former had the palest blue eyes almost looking a silvery-white in the light. His had a sharp jawline and his nose was a bit crocked. He was dressed in brown tunic with matching pants. On his waist lay a very similar sword that Arya recognized immediately. It was Aaron in the flesh.

The later were much more formal clothes while he still had a sword attached to his hip. He had a surprised etched on his face before it morphed into a slight smirk. "Well sister, it had been too long if I do say so myself." Prince Zander said.

Princess Zelie trained her seafoam gaze on the two of them coolly. "I suppose so. What business do you have at the palace?"

Prince Zander grinned. "Well our father requested my presence. It seems he required us as well but you were late as usually Zel."

Lady Zelie opened her mouth to say something but Prince Zander interrupted her. "I knew she was from your school Zelie. The moment I saw her, it's like you have transformed her into a miniature version of yourself."

Arya realized that Prince Zander was talking about her. She saw Aaron's gaze rise and meet with her own. He also had a slight smile on his face, one that Arya did not like one bit.

Lady Zelie's voice turned into steel. "I don't care if you are my brother Zander but you will not address her as a miniature version of me. Arya is quite different and she is her own person, just like everyone else."

Prince Zander bowed mockingly. "I do apologize, princess."

Lady Zelie let out a laugh before embracing the Prince. Only was it then that Arya realized they had been jesting each other. The two of them finished their embrace before Lady Zelie stepped forward presenting Arya with one hand.

"This is one of my students, Arya Ernest. I am sure you have met before."

Arya curtsied deeply. She felt a hand reach out a gently clasp onto her own. Prince Zander kissed her hand briefly.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance once again," he said smilingly.

Arya nodded before quickly retrieving her hand. She didn't like it when other people touched her. It felt very un-natural. It wasn't as if she loathed human touch, it was only when people whom she was not closed to touched her. If Lady Zelie noticed Arya's discomfort she didn't say anything.

"Aaron, we mustn't be rude now," Price Zander said chidingly. "This is Aaron Henderson, possible one of the brightest minds I have seen in a long time."

Lady Zelie nodded as Aaron bowed to her. "It is good to see you again," he said in a smooth velvety voice.

Lady Zelie let a small smile on her face. "I can't say the same for someone who came to spy on my academy."

Aaron then proceeded to greet Arya. He didn't take her hand like Prince Zander did but instead, bowed deeply in front of her. "It's a pleasure to meet you again."

Arya nodded keeping her eyes trained on his pale blue eyes. She didn't know what else to say.

Luckily, Prince Zander cut in with a light laugh. "Ah dear sister, great minds do think alike."

Lady Zelie rolled her eyes. Arya had never seen her do that but with her brother, she had a different attitude. "The only bright mind around here is mine."

Prince Zander's reply was cut short when a man hurriedly came out of the palace. He had minty green eyes and a mouth that was curdled viciously. He was dressed in formal clothes and he made his way to Princess Zelie and Prince Zander before bowing deeply.

"My Lord, My Lady the king awaits your presence inside. He is growing restless by the minute as the other guests have arrived as well."

Prince Zander nodded. "Thank you Marquess Esmond. Tell my father we shall be arriving shortly."

The man nodded before entering the castle again.

"I should have known we would have to face delegates." Prince Zander said scornfully.

"Hush now," Lady Zelie reprimanded him. "We rarely come to the palace so the foreigners must be able to see us once in a while. Besides, the Heres Gladii is going to have many more delegates than this so, consider it practice."

Prince Zander nodded before making his way to the front of the palace. The guard who stood there seemed to stand straighter than before. His slouching figure was now as sharp as a sword.

"What are your names?" He asked formally.

Everyone knew it was the Princess and Prince standing in front of them but Arya guessed that a duty was a duty.

"Princess Zelie, Prince Zander and two of our students, Arya and Aaron." Lady Zelie said.

The guard nodded before pointing to the others to open the door. "You may enter Princess Zelie and Prince Zander."

The entered the palace and immediately Lady Zelie tugged on her arm. "Come on, I'll show you to your room. We mustn't be late for lunch any longer."

"I'll see you later," Prince Zander called at their retreating figure.

"Stay out of trouble," was Lady Zelie's reply.

Lady Zelie took Arya's arms and led her to a room. The maids seemed not to notice Lady Zelie under her hood as it had covered her blond locks. Finally they arrived at a room. Lady Zelie pushed it open so Arya could see inside. It was gorgeous, with fine duvet covers and a huge poster bed. Along the wall was a book case filled with tons of books. There were carpets laid out and two comfy chairs.

"This shall be your room for the Heres Gladii as well. I just had it done earlier so you could feel more comfortable." Lady Zelie said.

Arya nodded. "Thank you," she muttered gratefully.

Lady Zelie smiled. "You deserve it Arya. When the Heres Gladii begins, the competitors will also be in this wing but you will still have a room to yourself. If you need anything, I'll be upstairs in my room or ask one of the maids. Get dressed quickly and I will meet you in the main foyer."

With that she closed the wooded door softly leaving Arya alone to her thoughts. Arya opened the closet to find out that there was an assortment of clothes the seemed to be her size. Clearly Lady Zelie had prepared everything before Arya's arrival. Arya rummaged through the clothes until her fingers landed on a beautiful piece.

She pulled it out to get a better look and ran her fingers through the material. It appeared to be leather. It was a semi-dress, one that would reach her knees while the top bore a bit of her shoulders. It was made for a knight as a leather belt was already part of the dress. The sleeves were held together by strings and the dress had slits past the thighs. Arya looked in the closet and she found trousers that she could wear under. The outfit was perfect, a balance between dangerous and trustworthy.

Arya kept Anaz in her room and made her way to the main foyer. Lady Zelie had changed out of the blue cloak and was now wearing a deep blue dress that had draping sleeves. On her head lay a diamond tiara. When Arya approached her Lady Zelie nodded once to signify her approval of Arya's clothing.

"Shall we?" Arya motioned towards the doors behind where the lunch was taking place.

Lady Zelie sighed. "We have to wait for Zander and Aaron before we go in."

Arya nodded before leaning against one of the pillars casually. How long did it take men to get ready anyways? Arya was pretty sure that Lady Zelie had more things to do yet she had been the first one to arrive.

A couple of minutes later Prince Zander and Aaron arrived.

"Took you long enough," Lady Zelie mumbled before straightening Prince Zander's collar which had become crocked. "Let's go now."

The four of the made their way to the dining hall and waited for the guards to announce them. Just as the introductions left their mouths, the doors were opened and Arya could see the number of important people that were seated at the table.

As Lady Zelie made her into the room, Arya followed in suit but a hand stopped her. She looked questioningly at Aaron, whose hand it had been.

"Wait, let them go first."

Arya brushed his hand off her arm and turned the other way. Aaron had been right to wait but it completely slipped from Arya's mind. She was supposed to be thanking Aaron to prevent her from looking like a fool but she couldn't find the words to do so.

"Both of you come as well," Prince Zander said after they had walked in and greeted their parents. The Queen and King looked absolutely delighted as the joy was evidence from the hugs and kisses. Suddenly, Arya and Aaron were thrust into chairs and the long table. Arya was seated beside Aaron as well as the man whom and come to give the Kings message to Prince Zander and Princess Zelie.

A plate of roasted chicken and vegetables was place in front of her but Arya did not dare to eat until the King gave the order.

"My children have returned for a brief time, it is my honour to have you all here to witness their return as well. It is in their name I am hosting this luncheon. Please enjoy your meal." King Rupert finished and took a seat at the head of the table.

He elegantly took a bite before motioning to the others to do so as well. Arya took her culinary and cut with the poise that she had been taught in the Narvian Academy. As much as Arya hated classes which taught pointless things she was glad for them right now because if not for them, she would have stood out like a sore thumb.

"So you attend the Narvian Academy?"

It took a minute for Arya to register that it was Lord Esmond whom had spoken to her. She finished chewing her morsel of food before wiping her lips with the napkin.

"Yes I do."

"You might know my daughter, Jennica?" He asked hesitantly.

It all seemed to click in Arya's head that moment. This man clearly looked very much like his daughter and his high power would explain why his daughter knew the Earl of Dzfrah.

"Yes we share a few classes together." Arya said politely.

The man seemed not to notice her closed off expression and he blabbered on. "I am very proud of her. I heard she made it in the Heres Gladii. She was a natural born rider. Beauty and brains, someone I could truly be delighted with."

Clearly this man had not seen his daughters other half. The half in which she made fun of other girls, the half that she gossiped and enjoyed hurting others. To him his daughter was the perfect angle but she Jennica had truly played it will it seemed. Only those at the academy noticed her dark and devilish side.

Arya was spared answering anymore questions when Aaron interrupted speaking to her for the first time since they had met today.

"I told you we would meet again." He said in a light, teasing voice.

"But I'm sure that you imagine it under different circumstance." Arya said stiffly.

She didn't want to talk to Aaron, but the alternative was having a conversation with Jennica's father which was going to be filled with praises for his daughter. Arya would choose Aaron in a heartbeat.

"Yes," Aaron replied as he wiped his lips on the napkin. "I predicated that I would see you in the Heres Gladii."

It was in the open now. This was the first time that Arya and Aaron had acknowledge the fact that they were both going to be facing one another in the tournament.

"How was your visit to the Narvian Academy?"

"It was quite well I must say but not up to par with the Narvanian Academy." Aaron replied.

Arya snorted. Who did he think he was? The main layout had been similar, the only difference is she could point out would be that the Narvian Academy was cleaner. "I would be delighted to enlighten you with the fact that I visited the Narvanian Academy and found it below par."

Aaron shrugged his shoulders before saying nonchalantly, "we could agree to disagree."

Arya nodded and that was the end of their conversation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Presenting Prince Zander and Princess Zelie of Kalvaria alongside their students Arya Ernest and Aaron Henderson," The palace guard finished off.

The massive doors were open to the throne room where the beautiful Queen Marie and her husband King Rupert sat. Arya finally got a look at the four of them together and she could say that Prince Zander had gotten his eyes from Queen Marie while Princesses Zelie's eyes looked uncannily similar to King Rupert's.

Arya and Aaron bowed until they heard King Rupert's voice telling them to rise. When Arya looked up she saw Prince Zander and Princess Zelie being hugged by the King and Queen. The smiles were prominent on their faces and they looked like a happy family. Aaron and Arya meanwhile stood awkwardly unaware of what they were supposed to be doing.

Lady Zelie seemed to notice Arya's discomfort because she beckoned them forward. "You must have met Arya and Aaron last time they came to the palace. They told you about the Heres Gladii preparations."

The King seemed not to remember but Queen Marie's eyes lit in remembrance. Once again her eyes made their way to the pendant lying on Arya's neck.

"I remember." She said softly with a smile.

Arya smiled back gently. She rarely smiled but there was just something comforting about the Queen's smile and acknowledgement.

"We must get down to business now." King Rupert interjected.

Both the twins turned their attention to their father. "Just yesterday the Caliph of Egypt confirmed his attendance. It seems that the King of Spain will also be attending."

Lady Zelie nodded. "I am still waiting for the two messages we sent. There has been no reply yet."

"It is the same with me." Prince Zander said.

The king nodded. "Now tell me how your preparations are going?"

Here there was silence. The king raised his eyebrow. "Nobody is going to tell me anything?"

"No father, I am just waiting for Zander to leave because I know that he will try to sabotage my academy if he figures out anything."

"Zelie," the Queen cried out. "Have more faith in your brother."

Prince Zander just grinned. The King sighed and told Aaron and Prince Zander to wait outside the doors so Lady Zelie would be able to talk.

Once the doors fully closed Lady Zelie started speaking, "the preparations for the Heres Gladii are going well. Madame Kenna is training the students for the dueling portion while Madame Annie is the one teaching the dances for the opening ball. The other teachers are up to par as well."

The King nodded his head, "Good, and what about your champion?"

Lady Zelie smiled slightly and pointed to Arya whom was right behind her. "There she is. Madame Kenna and I have personally taken her training into our own hands and I know that she will not let us down."

The King glanced over at Arya preforming a quick assessment. When he was done, he turned to Lady Zelie, "If you have any updates for me, send them through a messenger."

Lady Zelie smiled. "I'll let you talk with Zander now."

Lady Zelie led the way out of the throne room and as she opened the doors Prince Zander and Aaron immediately stood straighter. Lady Zelie had a knowing smirk on her face, "eavesdropping were we?"

Prince Zander was the first to regain his posture. "We were just waiting to talk to father."

Lady Zelie was about to say something but the King's voice could be heard from inside the courtroom. "Very well, hurry up because we have something else to do after this."

Prince Zander nodded and motioned for Aaron to follow him. They waited outside the courtroom silently.

Arya finally asked a question that had been bugging her. "Are you not going to try eavesdropping My Lady?"

Lady Zelie smiled. "I don't need to. I already told one of the guards inside to inform me of everything that transpires between my father and Zander."

Arya couldn't help but allow a small smile to make its way onto her face. Lady Zelie was always a step ahead of the game. Momentarily Prince Zander and Aaron came out of the throne room both looking satisfied.

"Took you long enough," Lady Zelie grumbled.

Prince Zander chose to ignore her. "Shall we go to our appointment now?"

Lady Zelie nodded and started leading the way alongside Prince Zander.

"Where are we going my Lord?" Aaron questioned. It was weird because this was the first time that Arya had actually heard Aaron call Prince Zander 'my lord.'

Prince Zander had a satisfied smile on his face. "You'll see but I am almost certain that you both will love it."

They left the palace gates and Arya was more curious then before. Where exactly where they going? The Prince and Princess led them to what seemed like a giant courtyard. Arya could hear cries and the sounds of metal clanking.

Her eyes widened as she realized where they would be going. Lady Zelie caught her eye and smiled. She knew that Arya and figured out their location.

"Is that what I think it is?" Aaron said as the sight rolled closer to them.

Prince Zander nodded and waved his hands extravagantly. "Welcome to the Royal Kalvrian Armed Forces training grounds."

Arya could hardly believe her eyes. This was the dream she had ever since she had been a child. This had always been her end goal. To be able to see it... it was breathtaking.

"Are you both going to be standing outside and gawping like fishes or would you like to actually go inside?" Lady Zelie said.

"We can do that?" Aaron asked in awe.

Prince Zander chuckled. "Come on, we have a special guest waiting for us."

They made their way to the courtyard and Arya could see a large figure standing in front of the group. Based on his shoulder length hair and broad shoulders Arya was almost certain she knew who he was.

The man turned around as they stepped into the ground and Arya couldn't help but be awestruck, in front of her stood Sir. Samuel, Commander of the Kalvarian Forces. A scar was prominent on his eyebrows and it stopped right before his eyelids. He had a strong jaw and a hooked nose. A scowl was permanently etched on his face until he saw Princess Zelie and Prince Zander.

"My Lord, my Lady it is an honour to see you again." His voice was deep and it rumbled when he spoke.

Prince Zander was the first one to reach him and gave him a hug. "It's been to long since our last visit."

Sir Samuel chuckled in response. Arya was surprised. She had never seen Prince Zander give anyone a hug besides his parents, clearly Sir. Samuel was close to them.

Sir Samuel then took Lady Zelie's hand and brought it to his lips. "My Lady, you are looking as radiant as ever."

"You flatter me Samuel." Lady Zelie responded jokingly.

Sir Samuel's gaze went to Arya and Aaron next. Arya could feel herself standing straighter and her posture became ridged. "Who might these young ones be?"

Prince Zander introduced them as the champions for the Kalvarian tournament and explained that they would both be partaking in the dueling segment. Sir Samuel listened to his attentively before turning his attention to the two of them. "I look forward to seeing you both in the Heres Gladii. In fact, I will personally be in attendance. We are hoping to recruit a few members for the Kalvarian Armed Forces." He added with a wink.

Arya and Aaron both nodded gratefully. Arya was particularly excited. If they were recruiting at the Heres Gladii then she stood a chance at earning a stop in the Armed Forces.

"We were hoping for a favour," Lady Zelie began, "for a day, would you be willing to take Arya and Aaron on as apprentices and allow them to practice with the rest of the knights?"

"Of course," Sir Samuel said.

Arya's Aztec became wide. She couldn't believe the opportunity that she was being given. It was all thanks to Lady Zelie and Prince Zander. She would forever be in their debt.

"Just because you both are not actual knights does not mean I am going to go easy on you." Sir Samuel said and his mustache twitched.

"Yes Sir." Arya and Aaron both replied.

"Well what are you waiting for? Join the rest of the knights in the courtyard. I don't wait around for blabbering baboons."

Arya looked at Aaron who shrugged his shoulders and they both made their way to where the rest of the knights were standing.

"Have fun," Lady Zelie cried out. There was a special glint in her eyes, something that told Arya this wasn't going to be as pleasant as she had originally thought.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yes! We finally get to see Aaron again! This is one of my favourite chapters just because it had the four main characters and we get to see Arya in different settings. We also get to see Jennica's father... maybe he will play a larger part later on;). What scene was your favourite part? Did you guys like Sir. Samuel? Thank you so much for the 1k reads<333. It's insane! Please remember to vote and comment if you liked it. :)