“Not on mass and not for a while.” He said trying to stem her excitement. She‘d always been curious about the Rizel. “But you’ll get to meet the Elders I’ve been speaking with at the ball.” He noticed her sitting up straighter her gloom gone. “Of course that is if you can survive mistress Clara’s tutoring.” He joked but her grin didn’t go away.

The streets of the city were bustling with merchants and children and farmers come to trade. He watched Lilly who had never been to the capitol look on in awe though she was trying to hide it. He pulled his horse to a stop to avoid a group of children playing in the street. When they didn’t get out of the way he cleared his throat making one of them look up. When their eyes widened and they ran to the side quickly he heard a chuckle and turned. Lilly had her hand over her mouth staring at him laughing quietly. “What?”

“I think you’ve learn to enjoy the fact some people are weary of you.”

He shrugged as they began again to the castle. “It can be useful at times.” He said lightly then shifted uncomfortably in his saddle. He’d grown accustomed to it, it didn’t bother him as much as it used to.

Coming to the flagstone courtyard of the entrance to the castle Jaden dismounted and went around his horse to Lilly’s. He offered his hand to help her down. At first she was going to refuse, but with a force of will she relented. When her feet touched the ground she flushed from embarrassment and kept her hand on his arm as he led her to the open front doors.

As expected he saw mistress Clara waiting. Her gray white hair and old steely eyes softened as they focused on Jaden. He defined his life often by the people who treated him as a person and not a savage, Mistress Clara was one of those people. “Mistress Clara thank you for helping Bastian’s daughter. We both appreciate this immensely.” He bowed his head formally.