-- Lilith POV --

  "Yes, I can see that your claws make it difficult for you to handle delicate tools. But forging like we do isn't very delicate. And actually it is my job. I'll do the forging and you carve the runes. Your claws look just perfect for that", Bernard told her.

  It was the last blacksmith whom she had to interview. He sat on the other stool at her table and for some reason his looks seemed to be glued to her jewelry. Sir Frederik had gently but firmly insisted that she had to wear the pieces. She was a servant to the royal family, the royals had commissioned this jewelry for her, and on any occasions someone might see her, she had to wear the jewelry.

  She'd like to ask him why his eyes kept returning to her jewelry. Had be been involved in forging them? He was a blacksmith though, not a jeweler.

  She decided to skip that thought and return to the important point, "I'd like to learn and practice more forging though. John modified tools so that I could handle them more easily and actually be useful at the forge."

  "Your former master was generous and trained you well, demon." The blacksmith looked her into the eyes, but showed no emotion about his statement. They all refused to use her name. She had given up to protest that.

  "John was a friend and not my master. We worked together", she felt compelled to point that out for the umpteenth time.

  The blacksmith actually put a hand on hers, "Demon, that is what he wanted you to think. Maybe he wanted you as help in forging too, but ultimately all he wanted were your runic inscriptions."

  She frowned a little at his words but still appreciated the little consolation that came with his touch, "So, will you teach me how to get better at forging?"

  The big man shook his head, "I cannot decide that. You will have to ask Queen Zabeth if she wants someone to spend such time and effort on you. I'm sorry to say, but I do not think she will. Your skills are unique and you seem to be very good at what you do. She'll want you to focus on this and become a master of rune crafting. I'm good at forging. I'll make you the best blades in the whole kingdom. Your work will not be wasted, it will crown the best of the best."

  She nodded. That was about what the other three had said also. At least she would get to work at the forge, even if she wouldn't do any actual forging.

  "Do you have more questions, demon?" The man asked patiently.

  She shook her head lightly and looked at him. Short blonde hair, surprisingly blue eyes, a stature like a hero of legends. "No, no more questions. Thank you Bernard."

  Sir Frederik chimed in, "Bernard, thank you for your time. Queen Zabeth will announce her decision tomorrow whom of you will work with Lilith. You certainly have demonstrated exceptional knowledge."

  Sir Frederik and the big man got up, Sir Frederik unlocked the doors and led the blacksmith out of the room which contained her cell. She sat and waited for him to return.

  "Sir Frederik, what's the real reason all of them refuse to train me in forging?" She asked him once he was back.

  "It was the queens decision to split the work like this. I don't know why she decided so", he sat down on the other stool across of her.

  She sighed a little, "Any chances to get training without needing the queens permission?"

  He shook his head, "I'm afraid not. Maybe if you talk to Princess Lisa next time you see her. She might be able to influence her mothers opinion. But back on topic, which one of the four is your favorite?"

  "The last one certainly knows a lot about metals, alloys and how forging actually works. I trust him to be the best one in all technical things. The second one, black hair, I forgot his name, I like him because he cares about craftsmanship past a mere technical level. I once tried to sculpt bronze, he's the type who'd like to do so too. But if none of them are allowed to teach me their craft, I think the last one can produce the best quality." She tried to summarize her impressions.

  Sir Frederik nodded, "I agree. Bernard is already royal blacksmith, presumably the best in the kingdom. Tobert I'm not so sure about. Maybe you are right, he's more the creative type. Someone who tries new things. Not quite what the queen wants, but certainly one who can further the craft as a whole with his ideas."

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  They sat for a while, noises from the city streets trickling in through the window which she had kept open.

  "Lilith, unless you have objections, I'll suggest Bernard to the queen as the primary choice, and if she wants an alternative, I'll suggest Tobert", Sir Frederik informed her.

  She had been in thoughts and it took a moment to gain focus again, "No objections, Sir Frederik. I'm sure I can work with both. They understood what I can do and what I can't and I trust they will arrange everything so I can do my best work there."

  He gave her a pat to the shoulder, "I can understand that you feel sad about not getting any training in forging. But I'm not in a position to do anything about it."

  She grimaced a bit, "It's not only that. I get training to be the royal pet and fashion show. It's just I would like less of that and more of forging."

  Now he rubbed her shoulder, "Lilith, a day or two ago you said you also like the walks. So, look forward to that, and not so much on what you can't have right now. Bernard was right, talk to the Princess. You have an ally there who is second only to the Queen."

  She had to smile a little. If she ignored the circumstances, the walks with Princess Lisa actually were nice. She got to see the city. Sometimes talk to people. More often than not something surprising happened and she returned with new memories of the world outside her cell. She was willing to call it a bit of freedom.

  "Thank you Sir Frederik. You're right, without Princess Lisa and our walks my life was a lot duller. Oh!", she remembered something, "did you think of the paper, the ink and the brush for the runes?"

  "Right, I have them in my office. I'll fetch them for you", he nodded, got up and left, and actually left both doors unlocked. She looked at them in disbelief. Well, there were seven or so more doors between her and the world outside, at least along the only one path she knew, but it was still surprising that he had not at least locked one of the cascaded doors. Guard Sam had once mentioned it was a standing order that one of the doors had to be locked all the time, the only choice was which one. Well, usually both.

  She was still staring at the unlocked doors when Sir Frederik returned a little later and put the items on her desk. "Sir Frederik. You left both doors leading to my cell unlocked."

  "Ya, don't worry it's safe. No one will come to kidnap you. There are guards stationed in all corridors. No one can come in here without us noticing that", he tried to ease her mind.

  "I meant, I just could have walked out. Even with the jewelry on me." She still couldn't believe it.

  "Once you didn't. Second you'd not have gotten very far. It's appreciated though that you didn't try. Besides, you walk through the city with Princess Lisa almost every day. You had much better chances to run if you ever wanted to." He explained matter-of-factly.

  "I guess I like this place", she tried to joke.

  "Actually I think so too", he agreed. "Don't really know why though. Ah, something else that I forgot. Tomorrow craftsmen will come to install a stove. You've earned a heated cell. Might come at a tiny cost though, you'll have to wear one of the official outfits and the jewelry while they are at work."

  She looked at the man. He looked back.

  "And how am I supposed to get into the outfit and out of it again without shredding it?"

  "The usual way. Someone will help you. Princess Lisa won't be around while it happens, so chose one of the guards. Someone you like or trust. Or just someone."

  "I'll be fashion show for the craftsmen while they set up the stove." She just stated her fate.

  "Yes. And try to make it look good. This is jewelry and clothing commissioned and payed by the royals. They want to see you impress people. You have some responsibility."

  She was pretty sure he had practiced that statement ad infinitum.

  "Yes, Sir Frederik", she accepted her fate.

  "Lilith, you always look so defeated when told you must get dressed. You've got fantastic outfits. Come one, try to be proud of what you are given." He certainly tried to sell this point. How much did the royals pay him to do that? It had to be a fortune.

  She smiled a little, "It's alright, Sir Frederick. I'll give my best impression."

  "And don't forget the stove comes with fire." His voice faded from her mind.

  Fire! A personal fire. In her cell.

  "Lilith?" His voice reached her.

  "Oh sorry, I was dreaming for a moment", she tried to excuse herself.

  "I noticed. Just want to say, try not to light up your cell. There isn't much in here that can burn and the fire can't spread past this room, but it would be a pity if you burn down your bed and have to sleep on the brick floor." He seemed to know what he was talking about.

  She huffed. The man had a point, "I get it. The fire has to stay in the stove."

  "Alright, then it's settled. Do you have a preference for the outfit you'll wear tomorrow, or shall I ask Princess Lisa to choose one for you?"