The Emperor and the Knightess

This domesticated deer was very affectionate. It seemed that she craved to be patted because Sir Rabi hasn’t been around lately.

“Oh, the deer is coming towards us!”

“Whenever we try to touch her, she runs away!”

The twins exclaimed, making the deer jump. When they quieted down, Rosy walked towards Poliana again, who stroked her back gently. The soft fur felt nice on her skin. Poliana was glad she didn’t insist on making gloves out of Rosy’s hide.

Poliana held on to Rosy so Vaxi and Vanessa could pet her too.

“Wow, what a pretty deer!”

“We always thought that the deer was large and scary-looking because they are like that around here, but I guess there are prettier animals down south.”

“But we are worried about her. Our father thought to bring some dogs from the south here too, but that didn’t push through because their hair was either too thin or they weren’t hairy enough. He was worried they might not survive the harsh northern weather.”

“Sir Poliana, do you think this deer will be ok in the winter? I mean, she is so small and her hair is too short.”

Poliana then replied, “Wouldn’t it be ok if she lives inside the house?”

“Our mother will never let her inside.”

“But I saw the dogs being allowed inside the horse stalls…”

“Yes, but we can’t have the deer inside the barns because the dogs will attack her.”

The Acreian dogs were hunters, which meant that they would kill Rosy instantly as soon as they saw her. The dogs and the deer could not live together. Even the oldest dog tried to attack when he saw Rosy.

The twins, who were animal lovers just like their father, hugged the deer and chatted with Poliana. It was nice to see beautiful young ladies and the pretty deer together.

Suddenly, Vanessa lifted Rosy up and gave her a big hug. Poliana couldn’t believe her eyes. The deer was on the smaller side for a wild animal, but Rosy still weighed a solid 80 pounds and yet, Vanessa didn’t even blink as she easily lifted the deer.

“I want to hug her too!”

Vaxi exclaimed and when Vanessa handed her Rosy, she received the deer without a problem. Vaxi didn’t look like she was strained either.

It seemed that the sisters didn’t only inherit their father’s loud voice, but also his herculean strength. These girls would make much better knights than Poliana. They were stronger, which meant that they could wield heavier and more powerful weapons.

Poliana felt a sudden disappointment in herself. Feeling defeated, Poliana finished her training very early that day.

***

The lady’s quarter was off-limits to men. Even the sisters’ father, Sir Rabi had to be careful when he enters this space. The only exceptions here were seniors and children.

Bardo Bika, the youngest son of the Bika family, was free to roam around the house including his sisters’ private areas. He frequented the lady’s quarter less and less, however, as he got older.

Bardo Bika grew up believing that he would become a knight in the future. This was expected by everyone around him. Any sons born in a knight’s family were expected to become soldiers unless they had health problems. As the only son and the heir to the Bika family, Bardo was expected to become a knight.

For some reason, Bardo seemed to like Poliana. He visited her often to chat. Sir Rabi was very busy. Poliana didn’t know why, but he was, and yet the knight still spent a significant amount of time with his young son. Poliana enviously watched the family spend their quality time together.

“Hyaa!!”

“Bardo, you need to block your side, your front too, and your back of course!”

Sir Rabi was teaching his son how to fight with a sword. Lady Bika watched them from afar with a content expression. Poliana watched as well with a smile, while Vaxi and Vanessa clenched their fists and yelled, “Bardo, not like that! You need to attack his side!”

“No, lower your head, now!”

“Gosh, why are you so bad at this?! That’s not the right move!”

“Hold your sword straight and block him!”

“Father is trying to teach you, so you need to do better Bardo!”

“That’s right! Father is watching, so try harder!”

At his twin sisters’ nonstop screams, Bardo quickly lost his focus and stumbled. Sir Rabi helped his son so he wouldn’t fall and announced that it was time for a break.

“We’ve had enough for the day, I think.”

“But Father! I can go on a bit longer! I am not tired at all!”

“I’m sure you aren’t, Bardo, but it sounds like your sisters’ mouths need a break.”

Lady Bika quietly reprimanded her daughters, “Why can’t you girls watch quietly?”

Only

“I’m sorry, mother, but it is so frustrating to watch Bardo do so poorly!”

“I’m sorry, mother. We won’t do it again.”

“Vaxi, Vanessa, you girls don’t know anything about swords! Don’t you know that watching and actually wielding the weapon are two very different things?”

Sir Rabi walked towards his wife and said with a smile, “Go easy on the girls, my love. They were actually right about the moves. Bardo, I think your sisters have good eyes when it comes to sparring.”

The twins, who looked said at their mother’s words, smiled brightly when their father complimented them. Watching the family as they laughed and have fun, Poliana nodded in approval. She wasn’t sure why she was invited to their private family time, but nonetheless, it was still very nice to see them happy together.

And although Poliana was alone and she didn’t belong to the Bika family, she didn’t feel lonely. She was familiar with Sir Rabi, and the rest of the family kept her pretty busy. They were very thoughtful and kind to her.

Poliana knew that when someone asked how her stay was at the Bika house, she would answer that she had the best time of her life.