Armor

Jaria

"So how do you like it?"

She turned and smiled sarcastically and tucked her arm into her father's. "Father, 'tis a real home away from our home."

He just grinned, "We will have to watch each other's backs Bella."

"Don't we always do so anyway father?" She grinned. "Everything will be fine, have a little faith in me..."

"I do, but if they were behind the attack this could be very dangerous." William whispered. "Baldwin will probably have my head when we get back." He knew Baldwin would disagree with the decision to travel, especially with only six guards, to the enemy nation. Hopefully the letter he sent explained his reasoning enough.

She squinted in the dim torch light thoughtfully at the Jarians unpacking the carriage, and saw Aiden and Eric giving various orders. Her men stood off awkwardly to the side unsure what to make of their present situation. "Father, something is telling me the Jarians did not do it... call it an instinct..." She trailed off when Eric started walking toward them.

"Welcome to Jaria your Highnesses, Father went to greet mother and retire, so I will be escorting you to your chambers." He grasped Isabella's arm and tucked it into his, at her curious glance he just smiled brightly. As they passed, with William trailing grumbling to himself, Eric made sure to wink at Aiden. Aiden rolled his eyes and continued to direct his men.

Isabella yawned realizing how tired she was. Her back was bothering her but she said nothing. She reminded herself to put some of the ointment James gave her on in the morning. "Your chambers are almost adjacent. Hither is your chamber, three guardsmen will be sharing a room on each side of you and Princess Isabella you are two doors down the hall to the left." Isabella nodded and turned to bid her father good night.

She hugged him and whispered, "Should I place a knight outside of your door father?"

"I believe that would not be necessary my sweet. The men could use a good night's rest, they've rode very well for a long time. I will be fine. Question is, do I place one outside of your room?"

"I am fine as well," She paused, "goodnight father." She said louder after pulling out of the embrace.

Eric led her to her door, bowed and left. Isabella, inside of the spacious room, not yet having her clothing, was at a lost for what to sleep in. She loved her armor but spending another night asleep in it was not very appealing especially with her aching back. Isabella lit the candles on the stands began to unbraid her hair when she heard a timid knock on her door.

The open door revealed an irritated looking Aiden carrying a lamp in one hand and a her suit cases in the other. He cleared his throat and spoke "Prince Eric requested that I bring you your things assuming that you do not want to sleep in the armor."

Isabella just stared. The lit lamp casted a shadow upon his attractive face and flickered golden light onto his hair. She shook herself, and nodded opening the door wider but forgetting to step out of the way. "Hold this for me." He handed her the lamp, their finger tips barely brushing, before grabbing the luggage by the straps. He entered not realizing the doorway was partially blocked until he brushed against Isabella's frame. He quickly cleared his throat and muttered an 'excuse me' before entering the room completely. "Where do you want me to put this?" He asked.

"Does not matter really, on the floor in a corner I guess?" Isabella bit her lip and curled a lock around her finger. Tired, yes that's it. I am not thinking straight right now.

Aiden focused on carrying the heavy cases. "Why are these so heavy? Do you have more armor or something?" He grinned a bit at the thought.

Isabella snapping out of her stupor glared slightly. "Yes, and weapons galore."