okay... this should work. I'm seeing how tech savvy I am. But this looks awesome!!! I'm so excited!
Anyway, back to my story. For those who have read the first chapter, here's the second. I need a little bit of a character diagnostic from people. Erin kindly gave me one from Obscurely Clear and I'm extremely grateful for that. Tell me what you think of Glen, who is he? What kind of past do you think he had? What are some of his weaknesses and strengths? Analyze the guy, make this a writing exercise. Truth is he's kind of a mystery to me and I need to flesh him out, make him real. So read, comment PLEASE!
Princess Rivalee (Part 2)
Life went about as usual, but time seemed to slow to the pace of a snail struggling up a wall. For the first time in her life, Riva had the intense desire to tell someone, anyone, about her new experience. The day dragged on and while it had been monotonous but bearable before, now it was tedious and infuriating. Night couldn’t come fast enough, maybe-
“Princess!”Riva’s head snappped up and she sat as straight as her spinal cord would allow.
Her tutor scrutinized her, “Princess, what is wrong with you today? You are being completely disrespectful and unfocused.” He huffed out a quick breath.
Blood rushed to Riva’s cheeks, she had never been so inattentive to a mentor and words stung badly. “I’m sorry,” She mumbled, making a properly repentant expression.
The instructor sniffed, bringing his book back to his nose. “As long as you understand, now as I was saying-” and off he went on the proper ways to greet a visiting dignitary.
Riva bit her lip to keep in a sigh that was begging to be released.
But when night finally fell, there was no sign of her new acquaintance.
Riva pulled her big coat around her tighter and continued to search the ever darkening grounds. After three hours, she finally admitted to herself that he wasn’t coming. Tomorrow. She promised herself. Tomorrow. He’ll come. That bit of hope kept her eyes dry.
Tomorrow he wasn’t there, same with the next day and the next. The goofy grin that had been plastered to her face after the first day began to sag and eventually left her face all together. He had forgotten her, or had he? Was it something she had said? Was it because she was a princess? Had she said something to offend him or make him think she was shallow?
She started to analyze the conversations between them, trying to understand what fault he had found. All motivation to do her work drifted away and she found herself staring out the window often. Most nights she would go out and sing, hoping that he would hear her. Her only real distraction where her studies in magic, which was making slow progress.
One night she drifted to sleep leaning on the balcony. Glen poked her face, groggily she raised her head, her cheek numb and sticking to the fur of her coat. “Wha?” She looked up into Glen’s grinning face.
“GLEN!” Excitement bubbled over and she hugged him tightly.
Taken aback by her affront Glen staggered backward, one arm around Riva and the other grasping the banister for balance. “Well, don’t kill before the Sealidans can.”
Riva loosened her grip, becoming aware of how inappropriate her action had been. Despite her embarrassment she was grinning, elation was flowing through her. “What took you so long? It’s been almost three weeks! Why didn’t you visit sooner?” An edge was creeping into her voice and she already knew that she sounded like a spoiled child whining loudly. She bit her lip, chastising herself.
Glen sighed, “I’m sorry, Riva, but we are preparing for war. There just wasn’t any time, I have my men and I have to take my turn in some of the less desired assignments. It’s only fair.” He released her and sat on the banister and leaned back, balancing more precariously than Riva would like.
Now that Riva had calmed down she looked at him and noticed the dark circled eyes. He also looked like he was getting sick, his voice was rough and scratchy.
She frowned, “What’s going on?”
Glen’s response lacked fervor. “Well, your father wants to leave as soon as winter is out. We’ll be launching a full frontal attack. It’s a lot of preparations that need to be put together.” He shook his head and waved a hand dismissively, “But you already know all of this-”
“No... No, I don’t. The King doesn’t involve me in his war councils.” Why should he?
Glen looked genuinely shocked. “I thought you were the Crown Princess. Aren’t you taking the throne once your father dies?”
Riva nodded, “I am, but that doesn’t mean I’m ruling the country. My father will find a man who has the abilities to become a good and strong leader, with connections and possibly wealth. Then I will marry him and he will rule the country. Until then the King’s Council has the power to rule. I don’t want to rule, Glen, even if I had the choice or even knew how.” Riva had always known this was to be her life. It her duty and fate. It had been settled long before she was old enough to even understand. Who was she to change it? “I’m just the face, to represent royalty.” she added as an afterthought. “I’ve never had any real power to begin with.”
Glen clenched his jaw shut.He’s angry. Riva thought, confused. She studied his face trying to draw meaning from the way he held himself.
Thick brows met over his stormy eyes, darkly he muttered. “This is just ridiculous.” He stood abruptly, pacing. “What do you know how to do?” He shook his head and apologized. “That wasn’t what I meant, I mean as the face of Alsteare, what are your duties? What are they training you to do?”
Quickly Riva outlined her classes, what the basic idea was behind each one and how it was supposed to relate. She also mentioned some of her own studies.“Wait, wait- you are teaching yourself magic?” Glen’s eyes widened in amazement, momentarily distracted.
Riva nodded matter-of-factly, “Well, the theory anyway. I’ve also studied Geology, Navigation, Engineering, Mathematics (From the Nurvians mostly), construction and architecture, some smithing and a little sailing (although I don’t really understand those ones, as I’ve never been to the ocean) and... I don’t know. Whatever strikes my fancy.” She concluded, “The library is open to me.”
Glen looked somewhat placated, but sill frustrated. “But you’ve never actually-”
“Done any of them? No, just read about them and seen pictures.” She sighed. “I have a very firm grasp of how things should be, not necessarily of how they actually are.” Glen’s lips twitched upward. Why does he think that’s funny?
But the moment was gone, “Have you ever been outside of the palace?”
Riva thought she detected a demeaning tone but was unsure, either way she bristled at the question. “Of course, I have! I’ve been out to enjoy the entertainment on Festival days. I’m not a prisoner you know.” She turned away slightly to hide her expression, regretting those last words.
Glen was silent and slumped. “I just don’t believe it. You are the Princess! Heir to the throne! You will rule Alsteare and they have taught you how to curtsy and embroidery?”
Riva turned to defend herself but stopped short. When she had first seen Glen she could never have imagined his boyish grin to be twisted in anger, cloudy eyes blazing.
“It’s an insult to Alsteare’s people and an insult to you.” He was trying to tell her something. Riva could see it in his eyes, it was like he was pleading with her to see what he could see. She shook her head completely baffled. Why couldn’t he just take a deep breath and tell her? Why did he have to flare up?
“But the Council will keep our affairs in order, why should I need to know how to rule, when I don’t even want to? When I am married we will have a proper king and all will be well.” Yes, she assured herself. That is the best way. It’s worked for centuries and should be this way.
Glen visibly relaxed and cooled. He swallowed and didn’t say anything for a long time. He looked hurt, confused, shocked and angry all at the same time. It made Riva’s stomach knot and ache in fear, anxiety and concern.
Finally he lifted his eyes and bore into her, softly he said, “How can you leave thousands of people’s lives in the hands of fate?” But I’m not!- “How can you trust the Council?” They are- “Have you met them?” Well, no. “Do you know them? Would you place your life in their hands?” He took a breath, voice starting to raise and Riva was started to feel that her pitiful protests were useless. “Don’t you feel the need to DO something?! To take your life in your own hands?”
Honestly? No. She had never had any such desire. She had been perfectly content with life up to this point. All had been planned, all had been prepared for. She didn’t need to lift a finger.
His eyes were desperately searching hers, trying to see the same passion that he had. Riva stepped back, she had never seen him like this. She swallowed and dropped her eyes, unsure of how to respond. She needed to think, analyze the situation. The guilt that was eating at her was unnecessary. She had no reason to feel that she had done something wrong. Glen was at fault not she. She was doing all that was required of her. She turned to him, but didn’t meet his eyes. “I think it’s time for you to leave.” she whispered.
Glen stiffened. While she kept her eyes down Riva could feel bitter disappointed emulate from him. “I supposed so, good night, Princess Rivalee.” He bent into an appropriate bow for royalty and by the time Riva had the courage to lift her eyes, he was gone.
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