Midnight Comfort (a Dragonskin short)
Suha woke to the click and creak of her door opening, though she didn’t move. She would be prepared for anyone who decided their pride couldn’t take her staying around anymore. Many of the guards had taken offense to being outclassed by a "dark haired no-magic upstart." Or an assassin. That was a possibility too. However, she heard a sniffle, then a shuffle, then a small, timid voice.
“Suha? Are you awake?”
“Yes, my Prince. What do you need?” Suha sat up and moved the light shield so the glow-lamp lit up the room. Her prince, Treble, stood awkwardly in the door, trailing his blanket like a small child half his age, mop of red hair disheveled, trying to stop himself from crying. “Did you have another nightmare?” she asked gently. He nodded and hung his head. Even at his young age, he already hated feeling weak. Especially without… Another sob broke free, and pulled Suha from her thoughts.
“Come here,” Suha said, formalities temporarily set aside. Treble shuffled into her bed and immediately clung to her shirt. “You should go to Her Majesty for comfort. I’m just your sword trainer.”
“You listen. And care. She’s gone, Suha! Marley was taken and Father is gone and Mother acts like she doesn’t care!”
Suha sighed and ran her hand through Treble’s hair comfortingly. Really, the Queen could do better for her remaining child. She could actually pay attention to her son-the-child and not her last heir. But, of course, there was no proper way for Suha to say that out loud. There were really only little things she could do as a guard and teacher. This was one of them.
“Is Her Highness still alive?”
Treble was quiet for a moment then nodded.
“She’s okay. Unsure and … Not quite angry? Annoyed? But okay.”
“Then take comfort in that. As long as she’s alive you can meet again.”
Treble nodded and the two sat in silence as he drew strength from her company. Treble eventually slid back into sleep. Suha sighed and carefully picked him up. It was a bit of a walk from the barracks to his rooms, but it would not end well for either of them if he was missing from his bed in the morning. She could only do little things for the remaining child who had grown on her so fast; but looking at the bodyguard still asleep in the shared bed, maybe she could work her way to a new position and do more.
~´`·*·´`~´`·*·´`~
Main story: Dragonskin, original work
Timeline: Treble is 8, this is maybe a week after Steban attacks, takes Marley, and kills the king. Suha is in her mid 20s.
Author comment: I kinda wish i could have made this longer, but i covered all i wanted to with this scene. It sets up a relationship between Suha, a no magic highly skilled warrior, and Prince Treble. And some of the things that drives them later as we get to the main story. Just more character and world practice really. Thank you Kikia for editing.
Tags: @words-writ-in-starlight @fujoshi-kianna-leigh (If you like this world I’ll add you to the tags.)
