Best Friend

"She is a stunning woman, sigh." Jordan added. 

"She could even be the queen of Iceland, and still, I wouldn't want to see her this late. Take me to her." 

Jordan led the King to the dining area, where the woman was awaiting their arrival. The woman was certainly breathtaking, with long lustrous crimson hair, a slender physique, and a smile that illuminated the room. As soon as she noticed the King's entry, she rose from her chair. 

"Your Majesty," the woman said, curtsying. 

"Who are you, and why have you come so late?" the King inquired. 

"Please excuse my intrusion, Your Highness. I have been a nanny for many years and have cared for children of all ages. I heard that you have a new baby and wanted to offer my assistance."   

Jordan grinned and led the King aside. 

"She's impeccable, my Lord. She's a genuine lady, who could teach your daughter to be a resilient woman. Look at her clothing, she's tidy," he whispered. 

Jordan and the King redirected their attention to the woman. 

"What is your name?" the King asked. 

"I am Shiandra Rhinehart from the country of Aota." 

"My advisor informs me that you are the ideal person to care for my daughter. I will pay you 50 coins weekly for looking after the child. Am I not fair?" 

Shiandra smiled. 

"You are very fair, Your Majesty. Thank you, Your Majesty," she said, curtsying.

Jordan cleared his throat. 

"My Lord, you haven't yet told us your child's name. What should we call her?" Jordan asked.

The King was taken aback. How could he have forgotten to name his child? Suddenly, Carla's image came to mind, and the King smiled. 

"The child will be named Carmen, because she reminds me of a woman I once loved." 

"Carmen. That's a lovely name, Your Majesty," Shiandra said. 

"Indeed, it is. Good choice, my Lord," Jordan added.

The King arranged a comfortable room for both the nanny and the baby. 

Five years went by, and baby Carmen had grown into little Carmen. She adored running around the palace, chasing cats and butterflies. She got into trouble many times.

"Come down from there! Your father will be angry if you fall," Shiandra shouted. 

Carmen slowly descended the tree, hoping she wouldn't tumble, but she did anyway. 

"Race you to the palace!" Carmen exclaimed, running as quickly as her little feet would carry her. Shiandra chuckled, watching the little one scamper off. 

Jordan and the King observed them from the stables. 

"Your Majesty, the child is very energetic, but she doesn't have any friends of her own. She may become lonely. May I bring Alex to play with her sometime?" Jordan inquired, while watching the King brush the white horse, which he had named after Carla, to keep the memory of the woman he loved close to his heart. 

"Alex is a good boy, and you have become like a brother to me. Bring him here tomorrow," the King commanded. 

"My Lord," Jordan said, bowing his head. 

Later that evening, Jordan sat down to dinner with his son and was reminded of his conversation with the king earlier. He was unsure of how Alex would react to his request. "Son, I need to ask you a favor. The king's daughter doesn't have any friends to play with, and she's lonely. I want you to be her friend," Jordan said.

Alex put down his fork and sighed. "But she's a girl, Dad. How am I supposed to be friends with her?"

"It doesn't matter, son. You will do as I say," Jordan replied, determined.

"Since Mom died, you've been so hard on me. I can't do anything without your approval. I have to learn combat and give up writing because it won't get me anywhere. And now you want me to befriend that girl. It's so frustrating!" Alex exclaimed, grabbing his plate and retreating to his room to finish eating.

Jordan followed him and tried to explain. "I know I can be tough on you, but I have big plans for you. I want what's best for you, and I love you, son."

Alex softened a little. "Fine, I'll befriend her. But my friends will make fun of me for this."

"Thank you, son," Jordan said, hugging Alex.

As an advisor to the royal family, Jordan had big plans for his son and wanted him to marry Carmen one day. He had not yet suggested it to King Cyrus, though. Suddenly, the king burst out laughing, surprising Jordan. "What is it, my lord?" Jordan asked.

"I can see that you like her, but why do you hesitate?" the king said, noticing Jordan's gaze toward Shiandra.

"Oh, no, my lord. It's not like that," Jordan replied, trying to hide his true feelings.

"You're a bad liar, my friend," the king said, chuckling.

Meanwhile, Alex arrived at the palace with a tennis ball and bat, ready to play with Carmen. Shiandra greeted Jordan and thanked him for sending Alex. "Excuse me, I have letters to read," the king said, leaving Jordan and Shiandra alone at the stables.

"I'm impressed that Alex listened to you," Shiandra said.

"He's a good son," Jordan replied, laughing.

Shiandra noticed that Jordan wasn't wearing a wedding ring. "Why aren't you married?" she asked.

Jordan hesitated before answering. "I used to be married, but my wife passed away a long time ago from ovarian cancer."

"I'm so sorry," Shiandra said sympathetically.

"It's okay. I've learned to accept it," Jordan said.

"And you? Why aren't you married?" Jordan asked, trying to change the subject.

Shiandra looked down at her finger. "Maintaining relationships was never my strong suit. I don't ever want to feel trapped again, I guess," she said with a sad smile.

"I hope one day you find someone who appreciates you," Jordan said kindly.

"Thank you. Those are kind words I'll never forget," Shiandra said, then went back to playing with the children.

as waiting.

She stood up from