Memory of You

Chapter Twenty Two: Unlearned Lessons

"You don't think we were a bit harsh with Samuel, do you?" Mark wondered aloud, as he and his cousin traipsed to the castle entrance.

The two of them had decided to check out how the guards around the perimeter of the castle were doing, after Mark had stationed Aram with Alexandra, and checked the castle interior.

"No. I think we did the right thing. Why?" Valek gave him a questioning look, opening the door.

"I feel a bit sorry for Sophia. It's obvious she's a bit lost, and looking in all the wrong places, but she seemed to really like him." He answered the blonde guard. Knowing he shouldn't have felt bad, a part of Mark could relate to Sophia, and he knew Valek could see that.

"As much as I feel sorry for her, I feel more sorry for us. We're an elite guard, and Samuel is still a liability. As for being too harsh, I think we were too soft...remember the other two we let go? If it weren't for the fact that the next class graduates next June, I would have sent him up North."

His cousin was right. For as long as Samuel stayed within Astale, guarding the castle...he was a weak point in their security.

"Why do we keep having trouble with her?" He wondered, as they walked through the castle halls.

"I don't know."

"Do you think Samuel was serious about her?"

"No...I'd be surprised if he was...Aram and Daniel heard how he was bragging about her to some of the other guards after getting caught. And yes before you ask, I did relocate the ones who he spoke to. The last thing we need is more problems." Valek said, rather testily. Both of them were tired of having to move around their men because of Sophia. She may have been a kind girl, Nicholas' sister, and Alexandra's best friend and lady-in-waiting; but she was fast becoming a sore spot for their work.

"I think we should shuffle them up with the guard in Eucharista. Those men scored just as high on the tests...and it would give us some fresh blood."

"True, that would solve the problem a little bit...but maybe we should talk to her?" Valek suggested in an uncharacteristically hesitant tone.

Mark knew Sophia wouldn't take too kindly to them telling her how to go about her personal life, but she was leaving them with very few choices.

"Maybe we should see how it goes for a few months and then talk to her?" He suggested as they were about to push open the kitchen door.

"Alright." Valek agreed, as they headed in.

"About time you two showed up!"

Standing with her arms crossed over her chest, Alexandra looked quite cross with them; behind her stood Nicholas at the counter, icing a cake.

"Sorry, we had rounds." Mark told her.

"Well...did you at least check that everything was ready?" She asked.

"Yes...everything is ready for Sophia. The dining hall is set for a cozy dinner between friends." Valek said, watching as Nicholas finished decorating the dessert.

"Okay, let's go!" The chef told them, as he put the cake on a tray and led them out of the kitchen.

It was a short walk to the dining hall from the kitchen, with Valek in front of Alexandra and Mark following up the rear.

"You did tell her to meet you for dinner, right?" He asked the young ruler.

"Obviously. How stupid do you think I am?" She asked, giving him a look which said 'I dare you to answer that'.