“I will do it.” 

Moria stood up, a sort of numb anger filling her as she struggled to regain her composure. “If you will excuse me,” she said to nobody in particular, “I’m going to retire.” Not waiting for a response either, she turned and left quickly, passing through the door the guard had opened for her. It creaked as it closed behind her, and she was left alone.

 Faint voices filtered out into the hall. “She’s displeased.”

“Of course she’s displeased…”

She began walking with no real intent except to get away from what had just happened. There were few things she disliked more than not having a say in something, especially concerning her own life, but it seemed her father had decided how he would handle whatever ‘worrisome threat’ he had received without her say.

The halls had since begun to take on an orange glow as the sun crept lower in the sky. It was quiet except for the occasional servant, who hurried to pass her with their heads bowed. Her aimless wandering had brought her close to the guest quarters and she made her way towards Lady Ashlyn’s room. There was no guarantee she would be there, but Moria needed somebody to talk to, or at least to rant to. The anger had not dissipated in the least.

Knocking on the door, a few beats of silence passed before the door opened. “Yes, wha-“ Ashlyn’s expression morphed from neutral to questioning as she recognized the princess. “Moria? What are you doing here?”

“I want to talk to you. Privately.”

“Who am I to say no to the princess?” While her tone was sarcastic, she still moved aside to allow Moria to enter. The room was less decorated than her own, but still held all the luxuries necessary for an honored guest. Moria sat in front of the vanity, removing her crown and setting it down delicately. Ashlyn took a spot on the bed, waiting in silence.

Moria let out an exaggerated sigh. “A peasant won the tournament.”

“So I have heard.” Ashlyn said, nodding.

“And my father wants him to be my personal guard.”

“A personal guard? What for?”

Moria gave a dismissive wave. “Some sort of threat.”

 “A threat? To you?”

 “Of course. Who else?”

 “I don’t know.” Ashlyn paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts. “What is wrong with this peasant? Is he dumb?”

Moria snorted. “Aren’t they all? He barely talks at all.”

“Did you try to speak to him?”

“Well, no.” She hadn’t wanted to talk to him, after all.

“I see. So, I’m assuming you’re here because he accepted the king’s offer?”

“Yes.”

“And you’re upset.”

“Of course.”

Ashlyn gave her a puzzled look. “Why?”

Moria returned the look, though a slightly more irritated version. “Why? Because I’m going to have some farmer boy, not even a knight, escorting me around everywhere for however long my father thinks I need protection from a likely false threat. All because he won a tournament.”

“It sounds to me like you’re overreacting.”

“I am not!”

“Yes, you are.” Ashlyn sighed, clasping her hands on her lap. She sat like a perfect lady, and Moria was silently jealous of her ability to remain poised in any situation. The woman was only a few months older than Moria, but it seemed as if they were years apart. “So what if you have a commoner as an escort? Your father is satisfied, and if the threat is truly false, then he will be gone soon enough. All you have to do is grin and bear it.”

“I shouldn’t have to.”

“If you’re going to be queen, you’re going to have to do a lot of things you don’t want to do.”

Moria didn’t respond, instead reaching out to caress the crown on the vanity. The metal was cold and the adornments glittered in the fading light, a symbol of royalty and glory. What Ashlyn said was true, but it didn’t mean she hated it any less.

“At least it wasn’t a suitor tournament.” Ashlyn said after a moment. Moria grimaced, earning a light laugh from the other woman. “It won’t be so awful. Maybe you should try talking to this commoner. I’m sure it’ll make things easier.”

“Right.” Moria said, sarcasm dripping off her tone. She stood up and retrieved her crown, satisfied with the conversation. Her anger had dissipated, leaving her with clearer thoughts. Mirroring her movements, Ashlyn stood and moved to open the door. “Thank you for your time and advice, Ashlyn.”

“Anything for the future queen.”

 “See you in the morning, then.”

Ashlyn’s expression dropped, looking very resigned. “I’m afraid not. I’m leaving this evening to return home.”

“Oh.” Moria didn’t know what else to say, standing outside the threshold. She felt uncomfortable, turning the crown in her hands rather than returning it to her head. “Well, then… Until another time, Lady Ashlyn.”

“Farewell, Princess Moria.”

The door closed softly, and Moria set off down the hallway, considerably slower than her previously aggressive pace. She replayed Ashlyn’s advice in her head as she walked. Just grin and bear it. It seemed simple enough.