AISLIN | I

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

WE DEPARTED for the ship within the hour with Kingsley by our side. She packed her necessities in a small satchel slung over her shoulder. It's hard to describe a complex person like Kingsley, but perhaps most important is that she's honest and dedicated. Of course, she's also cheerful, responsive, and idealistic, but that's all hidden behind the hard shell that comes from years in a patriarchal military system.

Her honesty though, is what grabbed my attention, and what I cherished her for. On many occasions, people have relied on her honesty and punctuality when they require support, tactical or otherwise.

Nobody's perfect of course and Kingsley has plenty of rainy days too. Her demanding nature can make things uncomfortable, to say the least. Fortunately, her dedication to the rank system helps keep her in check.

Kingsley grew up in the Aexedia Empire. Her father, the emperor, engraved the respect and honor of those above her into her soul. From a young age, she had respect for her elders and obedience to those who outranked her above all else inculcated into her very being.

Thinking of others, doing your best, not giving up, respecting your elders, and knowing your role; the core values of her culture, were never to be forsaken.

Her mannerisms clearly revealed how seriously she took those values. Her mother, The Empress, was a warrior in their empire as well as filling her royal robes. When Kingsley expressed her desire to become a warrior, no one stood in her way as she followed her mother's footsteps.

When I met Kingsley at only seventeen years old, she had tremendous potential for greatness.  When I heard she was looking for a mentor, I reached out. She accepted. With my help, she got closer and closer to her potential and became just as powerful as I knew she would be, and she becomes more powerful every day. When you look at her, you wouldn't expect her to pack as much punch as she does into those slender limbs of hers. I used to worry her bones might snap like a bird's, but she's one of the strongest people I know, mentally and physically.

We reached the dock in record time and piled onto the boat. The ship's crew was running around getting ready for our departure to the next location, moving fluidly around the boat's decks.The rhythmic thumping of running feet coming towards me the moment I stepped foot on the ship caught my attention. I looked up to see Prince Grey jogging towards me with a bright smile on his face.

"Welcome back!" He beamed. He stopped right in front of me and seemed to have to stop himself from throwing his arms around me. I heard Kingsley walk up behind me.

"You seem to be in a good mood," I chuckled.

He nodded, "Now that you're back it means we can start sailing again, and I get to meet our newest crew member," He looked over my shoulder and waved to Kingsley enthusiastically.

"I have news for you, Your Highness, She was a member of this crew before this crew even existed. Mind yourself." I said as I stepped out of the way. He held out his hand, offering it to shake "Hello, I am Prince Grey of Kavan. It's nice to meet you." At least he hadn't tried to do the princely thing and kiss her hand. He may have lost his if he had tried.

Kingsley looked at him for a brief second as if sizing up an opponent, then shook his hand, "Likewise. I am Kingsley, Princess and Commanding General of the Aexedia Empire."

"It is an honor to have you on board with us, I am excited to see you put some of these men in their place as well. Aislin had done a pretty good job, but they didn't appreciate taking orders from a 'mere lad' while she was ashore." Grey chuckled.

She laughed and let go of his hand, "Well as stated in an old proverb, "Even a fool has at least one talent."

"Even a fool has at least one talent." Grey repeated in English translating the phrase easily, "I like that."