The two men were engrossed in conversation and did not notice Roselyn immediately. Their voices were low, almost to a whisper, despite being the only people in the room. Her father sat on the throne, with a young man knelt by his side. He clasped her father’s hand and shook it ardently. She wasn’t sure whether it was an apology or an affirmation. Rather than wait to be noticed, Roselyn cleared her throat. Her father’s head snapped up in surprise.

“I thought I told you — Roselyn. My, you have a way of sneaking up on me.”
The young man let go of her father’s hand, stood, and turned to face Roselyn.
“Perhaps it runs in the family.”
“Alexander?” Roselyn said in surprise. Alexander smiled and walked towards his younger sister. His rough, calloused hand took hold of her soft one and he raised it to his lips and kissed it.
“It has been too long, sister. You have grown much, and you look well.”
“I wish I could say the same for you, Alexander. You’re…a mess.”

Her description of Alexander was actually rather flattering, considering how he looked. It was quite possible that he had not slept in several. The dark underneath his eyes almost matched the darkness of his brown eyes. His dark brown hair, which had always been worn close to his scalp, touched the top of his shoulders. She never knew that he shared the same soft wave. It would be pretty, if it weren’t so greasy. Dirt was caked on his face, emphasizing every small crease in his face and causing him to look several years older than age. A recent gash marred his otherwise striking features, with his sharp cheekbones and chin.
He released Roselyn’s hand and, seemingly by habit, reached for the helm of his sword. His lips twitched to a smile.

Roselyn looked to her father, “Did you let him use the back door? I thought for sure you would insist on welcoming him with a parade.”
“It was your brother’s request. He has been away for so long and is exhausted from all he has been through. He needs some time to recover. Let’s not overwhelm him on the first day.”
“How is the front line, anyway, dear brother? Have you made any progress against Banya?”
Alexander raised his eyebrow and glanced back to the king.
“The front line has not been my duty since—”
“Roselyn!” her father said sharply, “Do not overwhelm your brother with your childish questions. You may be excused, now.”
Roselyn curtsied to both of the men.
“Alexander, good to see you. I trust that you will recover quickly.”
—-

I wonder how observant you guys are…hmm.

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