Chapter 7
The next morning, Laen was up with the sun and attending to Rilla. Today, they would be going out to see the Zoran monarchy. Laen needed to wear her special travelling clothes, the waterproof ones designed especially for going to Zora's Domain. Rilla was not pleased to see that she looked stunning in them.
"You look very nice this morning, Laen." the princess said in an irritated tone of voice.
"Thank you. You look lovely also, Your Highness."
Rilla opened her mouth to say something back when there was a knock at the door. Instead of mouthing off at Laen, Rila called, "Who is it and what do you want?"
"Your Highness, it's me, Rabay. Your mother told me to let you know that we're leaving now, and to please come out to the Zora carriage which we'll be riding in. I'm to escort you out."
Rilla shot a look at Laen, who then opened the door and followed the royal heir outside.
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As soon as they arrived in Zora's Domain, Laen diecided she wanted to be a Zora. The place was wonderful! There was more water than land, and a huge waterfall which Zora's were diving off of. The way the water reflected around the cave, though she didn't know where the light came from, made it look as though the roof and walls were as much water as the water itself. Zora's popped up out of nowhere, so well did their colouring blend in with the water. Laen was amazed, and she lost her breath.
Rilla turned to her and snapped, "I would thank you not to stare. It's very rude, and we want to maintain good relations with the Zora's, however unappealling they may be."
"Oh, I was just looking at how beautiful this place is. But I won't stare if you don't want me to." Laen smiled innocently, and she could tell Rilla wanted to smack her.
The royals were accompanied to King Zora's chamber by one of his loyal minions, and they stood on the place before the King where one must stand to address the king. They all curtsied and bowed politely. King Zora said there was no need for such formality, since they were friends and allies in their search.
Laen leaned over and whispered to Rabay, "What are they searching for?"
Rabay said nothing, and only gave her a stern look that clearly said, "Don't talk". Laen obeyed the look and kept her mouth shut.
Although she was curious to know what they were looking for, Laen tuned out the boring political conversation, for the most part. She caughte only a few words that continued to come up. Words like: child, nine years, friend, hero, ranch, missing, daughter, etc. It became apparent they were looking for a girl, but that was about all she picked up. Basically she just sat there and looked around at all the wonderful sights there were to see in Zora's Domain. When it was time to leave, she snapped out of her trance. She was still thinking, though, in the back of her mind, about that big waterfall. She wanted to jump off of it. But it was her duty to follow Princess Rilla about and be a lady. She missed the good old days when she could act however she wanted, without worrying about decorum. Still, this was better than worrying each day if she would get to eat dinner. Wondering if she'd get caught. And of course, thinking about the blond man.
"Laen! Are you listening to me? How many times do I have to tell you to listen to me at all times!"
"Sorry, Your Highness. What would you like?"
Laen wasn't sure which was worse. Living on the streets or living in the castle.
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