Solatium {comfort}

"Where is the King?" Arya shouted at the front gates.

The guards remained at their position and didn't answer her question.

"Answer me damn it!"

Arya normally wasn't one to lose her cool but at this moment; all rational thoughts had escaped her.

"Miss, you must have an appointment to see the King. We cannot let everyone waltz in. Besides, he is in a meeting with someone else." One of the guards explained to her calmly.

Arya wasn't satisfied with his response. She had travelled night and day without stopping in order to reach the palace and now the person she wanted to see wasn't available? Sighing she tried another tactic. "Well then, I'll just have to wait to see the king. I have a room in the palace, if you would allow me to enter."

The guard looked suspicious but there was nothing he could say to someone who was a guest of the palace. He begrudgingly allowed her to enter the palace. Once the doors shut down, Arya sprinted through the hallways looking for the King. She stopped many people in the corridors all asking them about the whereabouts of the King. After hassling at least three people Arya had learnt that the King was in his study speaking with a group of people.

Arya asked one of the maids in the hallway to point her towards the Kings study. "It's in the north wing of the castle. Keep walking straight and you'll be there."

Arya thanked her before following her direction. Moments later she arrived at a mahogany door. She could hear voices inside. Normally, this would be the point where Arya would knock on the door and she did but there was no reply.

On impulse, she bolted open the door and five pair of eyes went to her. Arya ignored everyone else in the room and turned to the King. "The Narvian Academy has been attacked."

The King facial expression morphed into a shocked one before he sighed. He opened his mouth to speak but then the door burst open once more and a palace guard came in, his eyes immediately latching onto Arya. "Sire we heard that someone broke into your office. We shall have the threat removed at once."

His hands grasped Arya's shoulders and on instinct, Arya's hands flew to Anaz. There was a tense silence for a few minutes before the King shook his head slowly, "No, let her stay. Shut the door behind and don't let anyone else come in."

"Your wish is my command." The knight echoed in reply before he shut the door.

Arya looked at the group once more to get a clear look at everyone that was present. Sir Samuel was beside the King and Arya also recognized Lady Vivian and Sir Francis. In the corner of the room stood Aaron with his hand resting on his sword, Arya's heart beat wildly against her rib cage.

"It seems that your academy was not the only one that was attacked." King Rupert spoke drawing away Arya's gaze from Aaron's.

"The Narvanian Academy was attacked as well?" Arya asked Aaron.

He nodded. His face was solemn and his eyes had lost the sparkle. Arya had almost always seen Aaron smiling and seeing him like this broke something inside of her.

"Something says that these attacks had been well planned." Sir Francis said in his deep voice.

"They were." Arya and Aaron said simultaneously.

"The attackers used large rocks to break down most of the academy structure. My guess would be they only did it when they were sure that the troops had landed on the beach of the Tunshia." Arya explained.

"That would mean they had enough troops to have some remain on the vessels." Lady Vivian cut in.

Sir Samuel rubbed his chin. "It would appear so but the question is who would want to attack the Academy students?" He looked at the King for some clues.

Sir Rupert sat down. "I don't know," he said softly before looking at Arya. "Were any of the academy students hurt?"

"Before I left no. I was gathering most of the students that were still in their dorms while the rest were in a safe classroom. The academy however was damaged extensively."

The King held his hands to his forehead. "This is a nightmare. Even after all the things we did to protect the students. If any more of them get hurt..."

"It isn't your fault." Lady Vivian said consolingly.

"We couldn't have expected this. Nobody could have. Now the only thing for us to do is to find out who is responsible and make them pay for it." Sir Samuel said.

The King nodded and they all crowded around the map in the centre of the room. Arya and Aaron stood beside one another and Arya could occasionally feel Aaron's hand brushing against hers.

"Walk us through every bit of detail your remember starting from the beginning. Don't leave anything thing out. Even if you have any assumptions mention it to us. We need to see this from your eyes." Sir Samuel commanded the two of them.

Arya nodded and before she started speaking, she felt a hand squeeze her own. She glanced down below the table to see that it was Aaron who had slipped his hand into her own and he was offering her support.

She was grateful for that.

It made her seem as though she wasn't alone. She explained the events of the attack but mid-way through there was a knock.

King Rupert told her to ignore it and continue her story however the person knocked multiple times which resulted in Sir Samuel having to open the door.

"How many we help you?" He cocked and eyebrow. "Didn't the King say we were not to be disturbed?"

The female knight merely bowed. "This letter appeared at the front of the palace and I believe that it is of the utmost importance to read it."

Sir Samuel took the parchment and thanked her before closing the door on her retreating figure. He opened the seal and began reading the contents. His face visibly paled and he held out the letter towards the King.

"I believe you should read this," he croaked out.

The King read the letter and his faced began to match Sir Samuel's expression. When he handed the note to Lady Vivian and Sir Francis Arya and Aaron both peered over their shoulders to read the message as well.

To the Kingdom of Kalvaria & their ruler King Rupert Ashfield Greaves

This note is to inform you that the Kingdoms of Haxovola, Mavera, and Gurvold have come together to declare war on Kalvaria. While I was in the country of Haxovola I noticed a meeting between different rulers and decided to try my hand at espionage. The information I learned was astounding and I wished to deliver this letter as soon as possibly but I had to be careful. Once I located someone I could trust, I sent this message to inform you. I will remain behind in Haxovola to gather as much information as I can. Be safe.

-Sir Cromwell

Arya covered her mouth in surprise. She couldn't believe that the neighbouring kingdoms had conspired to attack Kalvaria.

"So these must be the people behind the attack." Aaron said angrily.

Sir Samuel nodded in agreement. "It would make much more sense. Gurvold is on the east of Kalvaria and the Tunshia Ocean is what separates the two kingdoms. It would be very easy for them."

Sir Francis caught onto his train of thought. "In the same way, Mavera lies on the west of Kalvaria and the Narvanian Academy. They would have travelled through the Vruorb Ocean in order to launch their attacks."

"Now we have the facts we need to start preparation." Lady Vivian looked to the King for confirmation. "What is the next step?"

Something in the king seemed to change and he snapped into a more formal ruler. "We will need to set guards on all of our borders. The greatest number should be sent near Monique and send additional ones to the Easter and Western Ports."

He looked at Sir Samuel. "The rest of the knights need to be mobilized for fighting. We will need people who are able to guide vessels into the ports since the kingdoms of Gurvold and Mavera can attack from there."

"Understood Sir, where shall we set up camp?" he asked.

Arya was surprised that she and Aaron were allowed to remain while the King and his Knights discussed battle strategy. It showed them how much the king trusted them.

The King pointed towards the map lying on the table. He had already begun to scribbles notes on it. "Evacuate the people of Monique and that is where we shall set up our main camp facing towards Haxovola. Experienced knights will be sent to the sea each led by Lady Vivian and Sir Francis. The main army however will be led by you."

"Make sure that Esmond does not let the information about this war escape. We do not need to cause anxiety within the people. We will tell them once we have all the pieces set into place." The King commanded.

"What about the students of the academy?" Aaron dared to ask the King.

He looked up surprised as if he had just remembered that the two of them still stood there.

"They will have to return home. As of now, I am sure that my daughter and son had located them to the nearest cities for their safety. However I cannot allow any more students to be harmed."

"Sire I completely agree with you but there is a reason we attend the academy. To get better and become fighters that can defend the country. I think the students should be allowed to stay and fight if they wish so." Arya tried reasoning with the King.

She had practiced so hard for the last few months and what good would that do if she wasn't able to defend her beautiful country and the people in it?

"War is not something to be taken lightly." King Rupert muttered darkly.

"With all due respect, we are not taking it lightly. All we are saying is that the students that wish to stay should be allowed to do so. It would lend a helping hand." Aaron also put forth in input.

King Rupert exchanged a glance with the three knights in the room. They all seemed to be having a private conversation.

Moments later King Rupert turned to Arya and Aaron with a resonated sigh, "We have agreed that students over the age of sixteen will be allowed to make a choice of staying and fighting with the rest of us. However, they must also complete and meet the training requirements of the camp and if they do not, they will be turned away. The battalion will fall under Sir Samuel's command and they will also fight on the southern borders alongside the other knights."

Arya and Aaron exchanged small smiles. They had a small victory. Arya's insides were suddenly nervous; this was the first real fight she was going to be having and it was a war.

"Vivian call the slyest knights, we are going to need some spies to see what is going on across the border." The King commanded before pointing to Sir Samuel. "Explain the situation to the knights and begin mobilizing the army."

Lady Vivian and Sir Samuel both nodded and left through the oak doors. There were only four people left into the room. King Rupert's green eyes met Arya and Aaron's. "I know the two of you didn't rest when you made the journey here. Take the time to recuperate and once we have a solid plan, I shall inform you."

Arya and Aaron both bowed to the King before they let themselves out. Once the oak doors closed, Arya felt the fatigue hit her like a brick. The adrenaline is what kept her up most of the meeting but now that it was done, she was exhausted.

She glanced at Aaron and saw a similar expression on his face. "As much as I would love to talk, I'm too tired. I think I'm going to fall down any minute."

Arya smiled faintly. "If you do, I'll be sure to catch you."

He just shook his head. "Come on, I'll walk you back to your room."

Arya and Aaron walked side by side in comfortable silence. There was no need for words between the two of them. A little while later, the two of them arrived in front of her door.

"Well I guess this is goodbye." Arya said while fidgeting with her hands.

Aaron smiled at her gently before he took three steps forward so that he was standing directly in front of her. He smelt like the woods and Arya knew it was because he had just arrived from his journey. Aaron brushed his lips against her forehead lightly before allowing his own head to rest there.

"Good night Arya," he whispered before removing his forehead and leaving her standing in the doorway watching his retreating figure. Arya entered her room with a small smile. Having Aaron here provided her with some comfort. She didn't like to admit it, but she was becoming dependent on that boy.

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

Arya could feel the breeze as she closed her eyes and allowed it to pass through her figures. Her midnight blue hair flowed in multiple directions as she had decided not to tie it back today. Beside her stood Aaron dressed in a casual tunic and trousers. He watched Arya keenly but didn't say anything.

"So where are we going?"

They had woken up quite some time ago to a sober breakfast with the King and the rest of the knights. Then Aaron has suggested they go for a walk without telling Arya the destination. So far they had walked away from the palace and more towards to the South. The grounds were unfamiliar to Arya as she had never visited this part of Kathoria.

"It's a beautiful garden that Prince Zander once mentioned when we were having a conversation. I haven't been there myself but Queen Marie gave me the directions." Aaron replied to her question.

Arya looked at him suspiciously. "Are you sure that we are going in the right direction?"

Aaron looked at Arya seriously before he cracked a small smile. "To be completely honest, I don't know myself. But I do believe that we shall arrive at our destination in a few more minutes."

Arya shrugged her shoulders and continued following him. True to his word, minutes later Arya and Aaron had arrived at a grey gated garden. Aaron slipped a hand into his pocket and withdrew a metallic key. He inserted it into the lock and they heard a loud creak as the mechanisms turned.

"Come on," Aaron said before he pulled her into the garden.

When Arya peeked inside, immediately she knew this would be her all-time favourite garden. She walked into the garden with soft footsteps glancing the beautiful cherry blossom trees the surrounded her.

It was her first time visiting a cherry blossom garden and it did not disappoint. Soft petals flew from the trees and a couple even landed in her hair. Arya was too mesmerized to brush them away.

"It's stunning," she said glancing at Aaron.

He smiled as he took in the scenery as well. "It is. I could see why this was one of Prince Zander's favourite places."

Arya knew that one of the many things that she and Aaron had in common was their love for nature. Some of the most beautiful places she had visited were because of Aaron. He had let her see the beauty he had discovered and for the she was eternally gratefully. Aaron interlocked his fingers with Arya and led her further into the garden.

There was a small stream running through the garden and an arched wooden bridge had been placed for easy access. The two of them climbed over it and walked further into the forest of cherry blossom trees. There was a small bench placed in the corner and Aaron suggested that they take a seat there.

They did so and every so often a petal would fall from the tree above them. "It's crazy, isn't it?"

Arya glanced at the right and nodded her head ever so slightly. "We are going to war."

"We are going to war." Aaron echoed. "I didn't believe that the King would allow us to participate."

Arya smiled slightly. "I was surprised myself. Now I'm not sure if we made the correct decision."

Aaron's hand brushed Arya's in a comforting manner. "We gave them a chance, whether they take it or not it is their choice."

"I can't believe that people would be cruel enough to attack children." Arya muttered bitterly. The image of the burning academy blazed through her mind. She could still hear the screams of the students if she closed her eyes.

"We will avenge the destruction of our homes." Aaron said in a firm voice. His eyes were blazing, making them seem a deep ocean blue instead of its usually silver.

"So what have you been after our trip to Evenna?" Arya said changing the subject. The times were already becoming darker and she needed to have a lighter conversation.

"You mean besides think about you?" Aaron replied with a small smirk lighting his face. His eyes had gone back to the light colour.

Instead of blushing, Arya nudged him with her shoulder. "Yes besides that."

"Well I have been researching." he said seriously.

Arya cocked an eyebrow, "on ways to court someone?"

He laughed a little before replying softly, "no, on Harper."

Arya's body posture suddenly became stiffer and it seemed as the wind around her became chiller. "What did you find out?"

Aaron snapped into a business mode. "Did you know that Harper was only an alias? Her real name was Lorena Fitzgerald. According to the records she was loyalty and a distinct cousin of the previous Duke of Evenna."

"No I didn't know." Arya replied softly. "She didn't tell me much. Did you find out anything else?"

Aaron nodded. "She fell in love with a younger man. Not only was he ten years her junior, he was also a servant in their house. Lorena's family was very rigid and when they found out they banished her from their manor. She began living in Evenna with the man and they soon wed. Since Lorena's family still held influence over Evenna, they made sure that everyone ignored her. The Fitzgerald's were one of the most powerful families in the country and nobody disobeyed their orders. Even after everyone in the family was killed, the cold shoulder continued in Evenna."

Arya couldn't believe the reason why Harper had been treated so cruelly in her village; for falling in love with someone who was younger and not of her rank? It was pathetic but Arya knew there wasn't much she could do for Harper. She was long gone but she could teach others around her to be more accepting so there would not be another story similar to Harper's.

"Thank you for figuring this out for me." Arya said to Aaron with complete gratitude.

Aaron pulled her closer to him until Arya was tucked into his chest and Aaron's chin rested on his shoulders. "For you, I would do anything." he whispered.

The two of them sat in the same position and watched as the cherry blossom petals fell down from their trees. It was a serene moment, one of the only few they could get in the next couple of weeks. 

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

The calm before the storm. So we finally find out who was responsible for the attacks. It's time for war now. Thank you so much for getting HOTS #259 on the What's Hot List! Please remember to vote and comment as well:) 

Question for this week: What T.V Show's do you watch? 

My All time favourites are Prison Break and Suits.