On the Road, 1509
Rhaenys turned to her father, Arthur, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Father, how long do you think it will take us to reach Ashara Estate?" They rode their horses along the road.
Arthur glanced at the horizon, the sun beginning to dip below the trees. "If we keep a steady pace, we should arrive by evening," he replied, a hint of excitement in his voice as he thought about the warm welcome that awaited them.
"Do you think your wife, Mahfiruze, will like me?" Rhaenys asked, her voice tinged with hope.
Arthur smiled gently, reassuring her, "She will adore you; you have a way of making everyone feel at home."
Rhaenys then asked her father, "Do Mahfiruze's parents know about me?"
"Honestly, sweetie. I have no idea whether Mahfiruze told her parents about you or not." Arthur says with an honest tone.
Rhaenys felt a flutter of anxiety in her stomach at the uncertainty. "I hope they will accept me," she whispered, glancing out the window, her mind racing with possible scenarios of their first meeting.
Arthur then says, "I am sure they are going to love you, Rhaenys." He tries to reassure her, sensing her anxiety about the upcoming encounter.
"Just be yourself, and everything will be fine," he continued, offering her a warm smile. Rhaenys took a deep breath, hoping that his confidence in her would help quell her nerves as they prepared for the evening ahead.
Tessa then says, "Your father is right, Rhaenys. Just be yourself."
Rhaenys nodded, feeling a flicker of hope igniting within her. With her friends by her side, she felt a little more ready to face whatever the evening might bring.
It was Arthur who suggested that they take a break after a few hours of travel.
"Why don't we rest here for a while?" Arthur suggested, looking around at the serene surroundings.
"I agree, your majesty. The horses have definitely earned a rest." Merlin said in an agreeable tone.
As they settled down on the soft grass, the gentle rustle of leaves above them created a soothing backdrop.
Will then walked over to Rhaenys and offered her a water sack, a gesture of kindness amidst the tranquility. She accepted it gratefully.
As she took a sip, the cool water refreshed her, invigorating her spirit. "Thank you, Will," she smiled, her eyes sparkling with appreciation as she gazed at the peaceful landscape before them.
The sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the horizon. With a contented sigh, Rhaenys leaned back, allowing herself to fully absorb the beauty surrounding them, feeling a sense of connection to both Will and the serene world they inhabited.
Rhaenys then asks Will, "What is the kingdom of Alicante like?"
"The Kingdom of Alicante is a breathtaking place," Will began, his voice steady and warm. "It's known for its stunning coastlines and vibrant culture, where the mountains meet the sea."
Rhaenys listened intently, her skepticism increasing. "The people are welcoming, and there's a rich history woven through every town and village."
"Festivals celebrate everything from harvests to ancient legends, making it a lively experience," he continued, a smile creeping onto his face.
"You'd love the markets, filled with colors and tantalizing aromas."
As the sun set, Rhaenys imagined the beauty of Alicante, eager to learn more. "I can't wait to visit someday," she said, her heart filled with excitement.
Will says with a neutral tone, "You'll love it there, Rhaenys. Trust me."
Rhaenys's skepticism was increasing as she listened. "Are all the people of Alicante Shadowhunters?" she asked, curiously.
Will chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Not everyone, but many are, and they live among those who aren't." He continued, "The diversity adds to the charm of the city, blending traditions and cultures."
Rhaenys leaned in, intrigued by the idea of such a vibrant community. "What about the training?
Will's expression turned serious as he replied, "Training is rigorous, but it's also incredibly rewarding. You'll find mentors who are passionate about teaching and guiding you through the complexities of being a Shadowhunter."
Rhaenys says, "That's incredible! The idea of a vibrant community sounds fascinating."
"Yes," Will nodded, his eyes lighting up. "You'll not only learn about combat and strategy but also about the rich history that binds us all together, forging connections that last a lifetime."
Will then asked, "What was it like to live in a dimension without magic growing up?"
Rhaenys paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "It was quite different—ordinary, really. I often felt like an outsider, yearning for something beyond the mundane, until I discovered my true heritage and the world of magic that awaited me."
Rhaenys then says, "But once I came to this dimension, I felt like I could learn about combat and strategy, but also about the rich history that binds us all together, forging connections that last a lifetime."
"Those connections, forged in the fires of shared experiences, became the foundation of my journey," she continued, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Every lesson, every battle, brought me closer to understanding not just my powers, but the essence of who I truly am."
Will said with an understanding tone, "I can understand where you're coming from, your highness."
"Please, don't call me your highness," Rhaenys interjected, her voice firm yet gentle. "Just call me Rhaenys."
Will nodded, a smile breaking across his face. "Alright, Rhaenys, it is. You can just call me Will."
Their camaraderie blossomed in that moment, a bond forged through shared experiences and mutual respect.
Will then asks, "Are you happy to finally have a chance to get to know your biological father, Rhaenys?"
Rhaenys paused, her gaze drifting toward the horizon as memories swirled in her mind. "I am," she admitted softly, a hint of vulnerability in her voice. "It's a complicated feeling, but I think understanding my past will help me find my place in the world."
Will nodded, sensing the weight of her words. "It's a journey worth taking," he replied, his voice steady, "and I'm here to support you every step of the way."
Rhaenys turned to him, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Will," she said, the resolve in her tone strengthening.
"Tell me about your life, Will," Rhaenys asked, her skepticism increasing. What shaped the person you are today?"
Will paused, reflecting on the past, unsure of how much to reveal.