In the morning, I wake up to the sound of birds chirping outside the window. The sun streams through the gap in the curtains, casting a warm golden light across the bed. Alden is already gone, but a plate of food and a steaming mug of tea sit on the bedside table. I can't help but smile as I eat, savoring the taste of the food and the feeling of being cared for. 

"Thank you, Alden," I reply, taking a bite of the eggs and toast. They're delicious. "You didn't have to go to so much trouble."

 "It was no trouble," he says, sitting down on the bed beside me. "I just wanted to make sure you were comfortable." He picks up a chess piece and studies it thoughtfully. "So, do you want to play a game of chess while we eat?"

Yes, master I'd love to" I eagerly reply. "Have you ever played chess, Duna?" He questions "Yes, I've played a little bit before. But I'm sure you'd easily beat me." I calmly reply. "I wouldn't be so sure about that" he says as he set up the board. "My father was a great strategist, and I've spent many hours practicing against him. But don't worry, I'll go easy on you. "The pieces clink together as we make our first moves. Alden's fingers dance across the board with ease, while I struggle to keep up. It's clear that he has a natural talent for the game. Despite his initial promise to go easy on me, he remains relentless, constantly pushing the boundaries of my knowledge and skill. As we continue to play, I can't help but feel a sense of admiration for Alden. He's not only a skilled strategist, but also a patient teacher. He takes the time to explain each move, offering helpful advice and encouragement along the way. It's obvious that he takes pride in his abilities, but he never lets it come across as arrogance. He's humble and gracious in victory, and gracious and humble in defeat. Alden finally makes a mistake, and I seize the opportunity to capture his queen. There's a brief moment of surprise on his face before he lets out a hearty laugh. "Well done, Duna. It seems I've underestimated you." He stands up and offers me his hand. "Care to have a rematch? "Suddenly, the door flies open, to reveal lady thorn standing in it. "Alden I have a task for you and Duna." She states. "Yes, Mother?" Alden replies, a bit taken aback by her sudden appearance. "We're running low on supplies, it's been a while since we a did a proper stroll around the market place" 

"Of course, Mother." Alden takes the list from his mother and glances at it. "Duna, would you like to accompany me on this errand? It's always good to get some fresh air and stretch our legs." "Yes Master, I'd love to." The two of them prepare to leave, as they do Lady thorn appears from around a corner as they are about to walk out. 

"Oh, before you two leave, you should take the wagon you won't be able to carry the whole list of items back time time around." Lady thorn says as she swiftly disappears into the hallway once again.  

Alden making sure that Duna has everything she needs for the journey. As they step outside, the sun is beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the castle grounds. The air is crisp and clean, a welcome change from the stuffiness of the keep. As they walk through the market, the bustling activity around them is a welcome distraction from their task at hand. Vendors call out to potential customers, hawking their wares: brightly colored fabrics, fresh fruits and vegetables, and even live animals. The scent of cooking meat and spices fills the air, making Duna's stomach rumble. They wander the market for several hours, chatting and bartering with the vendors. Alden seems to know everyone here, greeting them by name and engaging in friendly conversation. It's clear that he has a strong connection to this place and the people who live here. Duna finds herself enjoying the experience, feeling more at ease in the presence of Alden.

"Alright, most of this seems to be just food I guess that banquet really drained our stockpiles" "Well, we'll have to make sure to plan better for future events," Alden says with a smile. "And maybe we can find something for Lady Thorn as well." They continue to browse through the market, eventually finding a stall selling a variety of herbs and spices. Alden spends some time haggling with the vendor before eventually purchasing a small bag of each kind. "This should keep her happy for a while," he says, tucking the bag into his pocket. As they make their way back to the keep, Alden turns to Duna and asks, "So, Duna, did you find anything that caught your eye while we were here?" Her heart flutters at his question. Perhaps this was her chance to ask for something special, something that would remind her of her time here with him. "Well, Master Alden, I must admit, I was quite taken by that beautiful cloak at the tailor's shop. It was so soft and warm looking..." Her voice trails off, hoping that he'll understand what she's trying to say. Alden's face lights up. "I'm glad you mentioned that! I had actually been considering getting one myself. It would be my honor to gift you with one, as a token of our friendship." Duna feels a lump form in her throat. She can't believe her ears. Not only did he understand, but he was actually offering to buy her the cloak! She tries to speak, but the words get stuck in her throat. Alden places a comforting hand on her shoulder and smiles reassuringly. "Take your time, Duna. There's no rush. We'll go together and get you that cloak right now." They hurry back to the tailor's shop, the excitement building within Duna with every step. The tailor, a kind-looking older man, greets them warmly and shows them several different cloaks in various colors and fabrics. Alden and Duna spend some time admiring them, and eventually, they both agree on a Dark black Cloak with a lining of soft, warm fur. The tailor measures them both and promises to have the cloak ready by the end of the day. As they walk back to the keep, Duna can't help but feel a new sense of belonging and appreciation for Alden. She has never felt so valued or special in the presence of another person. The thought of wearing the cloak, a gift from Alden, fills her with joy and anticipation. They stroll through the marketplace once more, this time with a newfound spring in their steps. Alden buys her a small keepsake, a delicate pendant made of silver and enameled with a tiny ruby, which she wears around her neck from that day forward. The rest of the day passes in a blur of activity, as they help to unload the supply wagons and organize the new provisions. Despite the work, Duna finds herself content and at peace, enjoying the company of Alden and the people of the keep. As the sun begins to set, casting a warm golden glow over the castle walls, she knows that this day will be one she will never forget.

As they make their way back to the castle,  Alden offers Duna his arm, and they stroll through the castle grounds, admiring the view. 

As they return to the castle. Lady thorn is waiting with many of the other slaves to help unpack the wagon. Duna and Alden both work diligently side by side unpacking the wagon, the weight of the food and supplies making it difficult work, but the two of them work well together. The other slaves look on with admiration, as Alden treats Duna with such kindness and respect. Even Lady Thorn seems to soften a bit, watching them from the sidelines.

After several hours of hard work, they finally finish unpacking the wagon. Duna, exhausted but satisfied, takes a moment to catch her breath, leaning against one of the wagons. Suddenly, she feels a sharp pain in her ankle as one of the other slave girls trips her, sending her falling to the ground. The girl immediately apologizes, fear etched on her face. Duna looks up at Alden, expecting him to reprimand her, but instead he merely helps her to her feet, brushing off her clothes and checking that she's alright. "It was an accident," he says to the girl, his voice calm and reassuring. "No harm done." 

The other slaves exchange glances, surprised by Alden's reaction. Lady Thorn, who had been watching from the sidelines, smiles back at Alden. Duna, however, feels a surge of gratitude towards Alden. They all head inside the keep to rest and eat. The hall is filled with the aroma of a hearty stew that cook has prepared from the fresh ingredients. As they sit down at the long tables, Duna finds herself placed beside Alden, which earns her a few envious glances from the other slaves. Alden, however, pays them no mind.

As they eat together, Cook strolls over to Alden and Duna. "May I speak with her for a moment my lord?" Cook askes Alden. Alden nods, and Cook motions for Duna to follow him into the Hallway. Duna rises and follows him, curious as to what he has to say. Once they are alone in the Hallway, Cook closes the door and turns to face her. "So, what's up with you and and him?" Cook questions, gesturing his head towards Alden. "I've never seen him so... nice to anyone." Duna blushes at the question. "I-I don't know, Cook. I think he just... sees something in me that others don't. He treats me with respect and kindness, and it means a lot to me." She looks down at her hands, fidgeting with her new cloak. "I hope I can repay him somehow."                                "Well, what ever you're doing, keep doing it please I like this new Alden." Cook smiles down at her. "If you're ever Hungry there are lots of leftovers these days so let me know."                              Duna smiles back at him, feeling more confident than she has in months. "I will, Cook. Thank you." As they walk back into the great hall, she can't help but feel a sense of renewed purpose. She finishes eating and helps clean up the hall, chatting with the other servants and slaves. Alden lingers near her, always making sure she's not overworked or struggling with anything.

Lady Thorn, who had been watching their interactions throughout the meal, approaches Duna as they work together to clear the tables. "My dear, you seem to be doing quite well here," she says with a warm smile." Thank you, my lady," Duna replies, curtsying. "I have Alden to thank for that. He's been nothing but kind and patient with me."                                                                                    Lady Thorn looks over at Alden, who is helping another slave stack dishes, and nods in agreement. "Indeed he has. It's quite refreshing to see him take on the role of protector and friend so willingly."  

She pauses for a moment, considering something before continuing. "I must admit, I'm curious. What is it about Alden that you find so... appealing?"

Duna blushes deeply at the question. She's never really thought about it before, but there is something undeniably special about Alden. He treats her with respect and kindness, but he also challenges her and encourages her to be her best self. "I-I'm not sure, my lady. He's just different from the others here. He makes me feel seen, you know? "Lady Thorn nods understandingly. "Yes, I do know what you mean. Alden has a way of making people feel important, even when they're lowly servants like us. It's a gift, I suppose." She pauses for a moment, considering her own words before continuing. "Perhaps you could return the favor, my dear. Perhaps you could be the light that guides him through these dark times, just as he has been for you." Duna frowns slightly, unsure of what Lady Thorn means. "I-I'm just a slave, my lady. Alden doesn't need me for anything."

Lady Thorn smiles gently. "Oh, but my dear, you underestimate your own importance. You see, Alden has always been a man of duty and honor. He would never take advantage of your situation, but that doesn't mean you can't be there for him in your own way. Perhaps you could be the light that helps him see through the darkness."

Duna thinks about what Lady Thorn has said. She's always admired Lady Thorn from afar, and her words make a lot of sense. If she could be a friend to Alden, someone he could rely on and confide in, perhaps it would make a difference. She resolves to try, even if it's just a little bit. "I'm so glad to see you both getting along now." Lady thorn beams down at her. That night, as Duna lays in bed, she can't help but think about Alden. She wonders what he's going through, what he must be feeling. She decides that tomorrow, she'll find a way to spend some time with him, to talk to him and get to know him better. Maybe they could find a quiet spot in the gardens or something.