Most boys—servants—I knew growing up dreamed of being knights. I often thought it wasn’t for the glory of adventure or the honor of protecting one's kingdom. Rather the riches. The parties. The way others look at you in envy and the gained power to step on anyone below you. 

True knights, men who would die protecting their people with honor, seemed like fanciful stories. Yet Sir William spoke with his duty with an air of modesty. He told stories, not to flaunt his talents, but to entertain with humility and humour. 

“I thought your father must be some type of nobility to become a knight.”  

“Maybe in your kingdom, but Wulfric believes any citizen who wishes to protect his kingdom should be allowed to try.” 

“Was it easy becoming a knight?” 

“No. You first had to prove yourself, show you’re worth the time to train. Then if you pass you have to survive the teachings. Most men in my squadron quit before a month's end.” 

“I can’t say the same for home. As long as you have the title, the job is yours.”

“A pity. Perhaps you can change that when you take the throne.” 

“...Yes.” 

I rested my head against the carriage window. The breeze fluttered in, across my face, carrying a scent of charcoal and light clanks of armor. We were nearing the gate. A towering wall that barely covered the distant castle it protected. Where knights walked the parapet and roamed the treeline. They allowed no concern to cross their faces, but their alert posture said it all. The only thing easing them was Liam’s presence—No, anticipation. They were waiting for something.

As we rolled to a stop, I realized what. A voice that made them all stand at attention. Coming from a man whose armor didn’t glint in the sunlight like all the others. His hair was salted with age, and he wore his kingdom’s sigil on a band across his arm. 

“Liam,” he said, approaching us with his arms crossed. 

“Sir,” Liam smiled. “Fine morning isn’t it?” 

“It would’ve been fine if I hadn’t wasted it searching the forest for you.” 

“Where’ve you been and why are you covered in dirt?”

“I was out…patrolling.” 

“Well then I expect a full report on your ‘patrolling’.” 

The other knights watched on with small grins. This must be a usual show around here.

“I do apologize, Your Highness, our standards are usually much higher.” 

His sudden gaze made my heart drop. “Any higher and I’d say they were the best in the land.”

Collins' voice rang about my head. “Flattery is the safest option. People don’t often probe when you deflect with compliments.” 

“High praise. Can I ask what he’s done to deserve it? After all, it’d be a shame to let him go unrewarded.”

“If you’re done,” Liam cut in, “Wulfric’s waiting for her arrival.”

“You care about being on time? I might just fetch you a nurse.”

“Very funny.”

The man gave a wave and the gate rolled open. “Be seeing you, Princess.” 

“Of course, Sir?”

“Captain, Edric.”

“You’re the captain of the guard?”

“Until I can find a replacement, but so far no one’s been up to par,” he said, looking at Liam. 

“You won’t find one here.”

“You’re right, because you’ll be waiting for me at my office.”

Liam sighed. “See you around, Princess.”

He trotted away, leaving me and David to roll our way through the gate and into the kingdom. Streets weren’t cobbled like they were back home. They were loosely graveled and crowded with marketstalls and warm homes. Voices flew by while children darted under the blue sky. 

As the carriage wound its way to the castle I laid back, burying myself in the cushions. Mere minutes of rest as I watched the houses grow grander with each clop of the horse’s steps. Every home was made of dark wood, but the best were carved with interwoven details and mixed with chiseled stone. Nothing was chipped or aged. 

The beauty was multiplied by the thick bushes of trees arranged at every corner. No flowers or butterflies. Just thick leaves, likely to harbor broods of snakes itching for prey.

“Your Highness, Vivian,” David shouted, “We’re here.” 

Again, the carriage came to a stop. David wasted no time hurrying down from his seat to pop the door open. Giving me a hand out onto the paved courtyard. 

“I…hope you're here when I pick you up.” 

“Me too, David.”

He gave me a small nod, and then returned to his seat. Off to start a long journey home; he flicked the reins and drove away, leaving my lonely steps the sole echo in a stretching courtyard. 

Grand statues in all sizes littered the walls, their stone gaze locked onto me from the different parapets above. Some hidden behind twirling spires while others were apparent on the spurting fountains I passed. 

There wasn’t a sole in sight, still I could hear the whisper of voices as I drew near the castle door. Its hinges were bigger than me. Its frame heavy as I gave a light knock. 

“The less attention, the less danger,” I muttered to myself. It was the bones of each lesson Collins had taught me. If I could keep that, I could survive. 

I matched my breath to the opening doors; they swung open making me lose all confidence as I lowered my gaze to the base of the throne so far away from me. 

“Presenting Her Highness, Princess Vivian Darnel, of the Eastern Kingdom.” 

Mumbles and mutters of “dirty”, “spoiled”, and “plain” bounced around the room as I stepped inside. All coming from the wall of nobles on either side as they lined the hall. They made no effort to hide their disgust as I walked by. Each one chuckling and turning their head up at me with scrunched brows. 

They reminded me of young children, or rather the princess I was cast as. After all those times she helped with my lessons, I suppose I finally have something to thank her for. With the idea of being surrounded by clones of her, I held my nerve. Able to raise my head in sheer spite at the thought of her. 

Though I stuttered in a few steps as my gaze latched on the king before me. By gossip and word I imagined this Wulfric Pembroke as an aging old miser who bathed in satin and perfume. With more wrinkles than cracks in the road. Yet this man, he couldn’t have been five years older than me. 

His hair was a soft brown, shadowed by the darkness of the throne room. It waved with precision and complimented the trimmed beard that framed his stern jaw. He wore embroidered fabric and sat with all the confidence of one in his position. 

“I admit,” he said, leaning forward on his throne. “I was expecting a grander entrance. Your father is always with his shows. He brought half an army's worth last time.”

“Then I must apologize for the disappointment. With these long roads, I’m afraid our showmanship is lacking.” 

“You Darnels always seem to have an excuse ready.” 

“I don’t mean to make excuses. Merely explain the behavior which you find grievance with.” 

“Yes…”

His eyes studied me, not like Lionel with his preying desperation, but with the attention of Collins. That care behind every blink and squint. The studying before the decision. 

“Tell me, this is your first time in my kingdom, is it not?” 

“I believe it is, yes.” 

“What do you make of it—your first glance?” 

“The nature is far unlike my home. Your trees stretch high; the hills are many and though beautiful, it wears on a long journey. The people seem happy, busy. Your knights dutiful.”

Wulfric smiled, tapping his arm rest. Though his silence reached into the far corners of the room, as each tap of his finger echoed the pounding of my heart. Allowing no relief under his firm watch until the nobles started snickering to themselves again. 

“I do wish for a longer conversation, but I have duties to attend to. Would you be willing to join me for dinner tonight?” 

“O-of course. It’d be my honor.”

“Good.” He waved his hand and a servant hurried to my side. “He’ll take you to your quarters.”

“Thank you,” I nodded. 

I don’t know how well my poker face was as I gave a bow, and followed the servant out of the room. Though I doubt I looked pleasant as I made my way through the narrow path of bodies. Dinner with the king. Collins would be rolling in his grave, if he were dead that is—Oh, please come soon.