She waved the thanks away with her old, slightly gnarled hands. “Anything for you dear. My life would be so boring without you turning the kingdom upside down with your treaty.” Then her eyes turned to Lilly. He almost jumped as she grabbed his hand out of sight of the older woman. Her old habits hadn’t disappeared to his amazement. Their time together traveling had reminded him of how close they once were. To his surprise they slipped right back into their friendship as if no time had passed.

“Now my dear.” Clara’s eyes appraised her dispassionately. “You have strength in you...and beauty….but you’re a bit callow.” Her eyes flickered to Jaden. “If I knew she was this raw, I would have had you bring her years ago.” Lilly’s hand ripped from his immediately, he could see her spitefulness rising by the set of her jaw. One way to get her to do something was to trigger her spiteful tendencies. Clara frowned at her noticing the change in demeanor. “Is there something you have to say Lady Lilly?” Lilly’s glare was at the least rude, at most, insolent but she didn’t say anything. Clara grunted obviously satisfied with her lack of response. “Come along, the servants will bring your things up to your room.” She began walking away. Lilly followed after a quick uncertain glance at him. He watched until they disappeared around the corner, she didn’t look back.

He walked silently on the outskirts of the southern side of the castle. Most of the servants and guards were familiar with him and he was mostly unnoticed as he made his way to the barracks. Entering the stable yard he saw a young man only twenty five years old, his black hair slicked back with sweat. His chest was heaving as he leaned on his sword while three men lay on the ground groaning. “Jaden!” He said once his blue eyes found him.

“I see your training is going well for the new recruits.” He commented sarcastically while he helped one of them up.

The man shrugged with and encouraging pat to the young men. “What bring you here?”