Chapter 33 Preparation

Chapter 33 Preparation
“Aizurah,” Zeidan spoke softly, reverently, as he ran his fingers through her golden locks. “Once the fighting begins, you must remain with Sir Stonewell or me. We can keep you safe.”

“I’ve been training,” she reassured him confidently. The prince sat up and lifted her chin, forcing her to look up into his silvery eyes.

“You must. I—I cannot lose you.” The earnestness in his voice hit her like a blow to the stomach, and she cupped his face in her hands as she blinked back tears.

“I will be cautious, my love, I swear.” Her lips met his softly, pouring her adoration and need into the kiss and hoping it was enough for him to understand just how much he meant to her. The pair readied themselves in silence, each knowing that their lives might be irrevocably changed over the next few days.

Breakfast was a hazy ordeal, as the princess was exhausted from the night’s exertions. Lord Bernyrd seemed in a jovial mood, however, and his energy was contagious. As Aizurah allowed herself to relax, the fear of their impending excursions was put out of mind, at least temporarily.

News of the fleet’s movements reached them by midday, informing them that the ships would arrive late that evening. While Aizurah wanted to explore the grounds, the dreary weather kept them inside the keep, and the princess grew restless, wandering through the corridors of the small castle.

An unshakable anxiety had settled in her gut, no matter the reassurances she had been given. She worried, not only about the battle, but about the men. As the princess, Aizurah had already been told that many questioned a woman’s ability to lead.

Would the men consider her advice when it came to battle? Would they be willing to follow her, potentially to their deaths? Doubts swarmed inside her like a plague of insects, and she struggled to put them out of mind.

As the day grew late, they gathered in the Hall of Rain once more, going over some semblance of what they might expect when they arrived in the Summer Isles. Zeidan and Maerus recalled the kingdom’s previous excursions there and explained how a feint won the last battle. The princess listened intently, as she had never heard the full tale, and wondered if any of their previous tactics would work against the pirates a second time.

Aizurah made quick work of her supper and turned in early, in dire need of rest before their morning departure. Zeidan kissed her goodnight and remained in the hall with Lord Bernyrd to await the fleet’s arrival. As she remained awake under the covers, Aizurah’s thoughts returned to The Summer Isles, and she wondered what awaited them there.

Would there be an abundance of blood? Would the smell of the carcasses on the beaches turn her stomach? Her mind carried on ceaselessly, and when she finally managed to drift off, she dreamed of screams and blood and dragon fire…

The next morning dawned grey and cool, but the rain had ceased, to Aizurah’s relief. She dressed in her riding leathers, securing her hair in a tight knot at the nape of her neck. When she emerged from the guest chambers, she found Rainfall’s corridors bustling and loud as she made her way down to the Hall of Rain.

Sir Arden Stonewell located her almost immediately, shadowing her every step, and then leaning against the wall as she made for the great table to break her fast. The Hall of Rain had been filled with tables to accommodate as many men as possible, but many of them were still left standing as they shoveled porridge and salted bacon into their mouths.

The hall was full of conversation and laughter. It seemed strange to the princess, as she watched the soldiers prepare, that most of the men were excited at the prospect of battle, while she felt a nervous wreck.

What about war pleased men so? How could anyone be thrilled with the prospect of killing others or being killed themselves?

Aizurah watched Lord Bernyrd give his son a pointed look, and Brendyn approached her, looking thoroughly chastised.

“Princess, I must apologize for my behavior last night. I am not entirely familiar with the politics of the crown, but we would like you to know that Rainfall and House Rainfur will always stand behind you.” The speech sounded rehearsed to her ears, but she could not fault him for that. Instead, she nodded and gave him a gracious smile.

“Thank you, Lord Brendyn. We are eternally grateful.”

“If it please you, princess, I would travel with your party to the Summer Isles. I wish to fully prove our support for your cause.” Brendyn added.

“While that is not entirely necessary, I’m sure we need every man we can spare,” she replied, dipping her head. “We’re thankful to have you with us.” She looked to Zeidan, and he nodded at her encouragingly. The princess tucked into her breakfast and observed the preparations happening around her.

“Sir Stonewell,” Aizurah called her knight to join her side, and he knelt next to her chair. “How are you feeling?”

“Me, princess? I could ask you the same.” Arden answered with a small smirk.

“Nervous, to be perfectly honest,” she replied softly, grimacing. “What if the men don’t want to listen to my ideas?” He smiled at her and shook his head.

“Princess, you have a good heart. I heard the way you spoke to your father’s advisors during the council. You’re passionate about what you believe in, and these men are lucky to follow you. Believe in yourself and speak with your heart, and you will undoubtedly have their ears, and swords.” She gave him a watery smile, feeling much comforted by his words.

“Thank you, Sir Stonewell,” she said softly.

Zeidan and Aizurah finished breakfast and went to see the fleet off. Lord Bernyrd embraced his son, informing him that he was proud of his decision. The scene made Aizurah’s heart ache as she thought of her own father, hoping he was proud of her as well.

Sir Stonewell bid the princess goodbye and swore to find her as soon as the fleet anchored. Aizurah and Zeidan would fly ahead and join Lord Taevar and his men on Sunpointe.

The princess gripped Lord Bernyrd by the hands, thanking him for his assistance and support. Aizurah climbed up onto Starlyght’s wing and secured herself on her back, glancing at her husband. He nodded his head encouragingly at her, and she gave him a weak smile, her nerves knotting like vines in her stomach.

As Starlyght lifted off, the dust and pollen swirled around them, and Rainfall was quickly put out of view…