Chapter 2:
After eight long hours on the road, the carriage finally arrived at the heart of the Gold Kingdom—the great capital.
"Mariela, you're finally awake. Look outside," Peter, her father, called from beside her.
Mariela blinked, squinting at the vibrant scenery outside. Her heart raced with excitement. The bustling streets, the majestic buildings, the colourful markets—it was more beautiful than she had imagined.
"This is so pretty!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. "Look at this splendid place! The houses, the people, the marketplace—Father, can we visit the capital when you finish your meetings?"
Peter chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Of course. But Elise promised me that you'll stay with Gideon and not wander off on your own."
Mariela nodded eagerly. "Yes, sir."
The group entered the grand palace gates, with a guard leading them to their quarters on the guest side of the palace. The sight of the palace itself took Mariela's breath away. The stone walls, decorated with gold and intricate carvings, gleamed in the sunlight. Inside, it was even more magnificent, with tapestries hanging from the walls and chandeliers lighting the vast corridors.
After settling in, Peter excused himself to arrange his papers and prepare for his meeting with the king. As the evening fell, Mariela stood by the window, gazing out at the sprawling capital beneath the twinkling stars. It had been two days since they had arrived, and so far, the excitement had been fleeting. Her father was always busy with his meetings, leaving Mariela to pass the time in her room or in the small courtyard offered by the guest inn.
"I should not have come," Mariela muttered quietly to Gideon, who was sitting nearby.
Gideon, ever the protector, stood up and walked toward her. "Please, my lady, just bear with it a little longer. Once the master is finished with his business, you'll have more time to explore."
Mariela sighed, feeling the weight of her homesickness. "It's been one week now. I miss my old life—wandering through the forest, discovering new plants, feeling free."
She looked down at the book in her hands, her fingers tracing the pages. "I was reading about a plant that blooms only at midnight, its petals glowing brightly. They say it's said to heal scars."
Gideon raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
"Yes," Mariela said, her eyes lighting up. "It grows only in the northern part of the capital. If you harvest it at the right time, it can work wonders. I've always wanted to see it for myself."
Gideon's gaze turned wary. "Oh no, you're not going anywhere, Mariela."
Mariela grinned playfully. "I was just sharing my discovery. What's knowledge without proof?"
Gideon crossed his arms, a teasing smile on his face. "And it's Mariela without any danger in her life."
"You didn't call me 'my lady,'" Mariela noted with a mischievous sparkle in her eye.
"Apologies, my lady," Gideon said, bowing slightly.
"It's fine," she replied, her tone light. "After all, it's my name. You can call me that anytime." Her smile softened as she looked out the window at the city beyond. "It's true, though. I'm grateful for everything I've been given—my father's love, this beautiful home, and a life filled with comfort. But I want more. I want to see the world, discover all its wonders, and become a healer one day."
Gideon looked at her with wide eyes, surprised by her admission. "Is that so?"
"Yes," Mariela said confidently. "I want to cure people like my biological mother, who suffered so much before she passed away."
Gideon's expression softened. "That's very kind of you, my lady. I believe you can do it."
Mariela smiled, the thought of her future filled with hope and determination.
Later that evening, Peter returned early, his tired face lighting up at the sight of Mariela and Gideon.
"Seems like you're both resting well," he said with a grin.
"Father! You're back early!" Mariela exclaimed.
Peter chuckled. "Are you not happy to see me? It seems you're only happy when Gideon's around."
"Of course, I'm happy to see you," Mariela replied with a teasing smile. "But I am also grateful for Gideon's presence."
Peter smiled fondly at his daughter. "Right. As we all are."
Gideon bowed slightly. "You flatter me."
Peter's expression turned more serious as he gave Mariela a knowing look. "I have some good news."
Mariela's eyes sparkled. "Are we going to explore the capital?"
Peter's lips curled into a grin. "I have even better news. The king has requested your presence tomorrow. He wants to meet you."
Mariela groaned, slumping onto the sofa dramatically. "More boring stuff? I should just sleep until we leave. Wake me up when we need to go home, Gideon."
Peter raised an eyebrow, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "There will be a chance to visit the palace greenhouse tomorrow. It's the largest one in the kingdom, with all kinds of flowers from every corner of the realm."
Mariela's eyes lit up. "Who wants to sleep with news like that? Gideon, prepare the horses! We're going now!"
Gideon sighed. "My lady, please calm down. The visit is tomorrow. Rest tonight."
"Right," Mariela said, grinning. "Goodnight, gentlemen. Tomorrow is a new day."
The next morning, Mariela awoke early, filled with excitement. She got dressed quickly, eager to see more of the palace. As she ate breakfast in the garden, the sound of swordplay caught her attention. She turned toward the training grounds, where a man was practicing his swordsmanship. His golden hair shimmered in the sun, and his crimson-red eyes flashed with intensity as he wielded the sword with incredible skill.
Mariela was captivated. She'd seen Gideon's training before, but this man's movements were sharp, precise, and graceful. It was a form of artistry in motion.
"If you continue to spy on me, it will cost you your life," the swordsman warned, glancing in her direction with a cold, calculating stare.
Mariela met his gaze without flinching. "I'm not spying. You might lose your life if you continue pointing that sword at me."
The swordsman raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Are you telling me how to use a sword? How arrogant."
He signalled for his guards to stand down, but Mariela's words continued. "If you want to serve your master well, it's essential to be humble and learn from every opportunity. Even in swordplay."
The swordsman sneered. "And your advice will help me grow? That's the funniest thing I've ever heard. Now go play with your dolls and drink some tea before you dare speak to me again."
Before Mariela could retort, Gideon's voice called from behind her.
"My lady, please get ready. We are leaving soon."
The swordsman shot Mariela one last disdainful look before stalking off. Mariela shook her head with a smirk. "Oh yes, an insolent brat."
Gideon raised an eyebrow. "Who are you talking about, my lady?"
"Don't worry about it," she replied with a playful grin.