The blue sky above my head lifted my heart, the taste of warmer days bringing good cheer to the whole kingdom. I let myself fall into the natural rocking atop the back of my favorite horse, relaxing into the spring air that was perfect for an afternoon hunt. It was quite a relief to be free from the palace’s large walls.
The blowing of a horn filled my ears. Pulling on the reins, I slowed my stead to a stop and turned to one of my attendants. He pointed off the path towards a deer trail the dogs were tugging insistently in the direction of. I nodded and we galloped down the dirt in hunt of our prey, we’d surely find something hearty to bring on our return to the castle. The wind whistling through my hair and filling my lungs held a potent feeling of anticipation I knew the others shared.
I barely needed to think as we caught sight of a strapping young buck dashing through the woods. My body moved like a finely tuned instrument through the movements of herding it closer and closer into our clutches.
A killing blow, and the great beast was felled. A whoop and cheer rang from the men as we collected our prize, horses stomping and huffing in exhaustion. I was nearly drunk off of the adrenaline and good spirits. Shouting orders over the insistent barking of the hounds, I made sure that the kill was secured for our return to the castle. I suddenly felt a peculiar sense of being watched, tilting my head around in search of whatever it was. My eyes came upon an owl sitting on a low branch, large brown eyes staring with almost human intensity. It was rather disarming, and I found myself unable to look away.
“Sire? Shall we continue with the hunt?” I snapped out of my trance, temporarily disorientated.
“Yes, yes of course.” I turned my steed back the way we came, glancing over my shoulder to see the tree was empty of any mysterious bird.
Pounding filled my ears as we continued to chase and herd through the winding forest until we burst out of the woods by the village. I yanked on the reins, bringing the group to a stop on top of a steep hill. Below us were the dirty roads and squat buildings littered with people.
I frowned slightly, that familiar feeling of shame filling me at the sight. Here I was, a prince, well dressed and fed and warm all year long when my people often struggled for food and money. My father had dismissed every plea and bill to help their standard of living, all my proposals falling on deaf ears until I couldn’t bring myself to keep trying. He didn’t share the same sentiments I did. He was not a cruel man, but he often said why fight what had always been, rich ruling over the poor.
Sighing, I turned my horse around and dug my heels into his sides. We took off back towards the castle.
When we entered through the east gate, I made my way up the palace stairs and I strode through the glamorous halls of silver and gold. Heels clicked along the marble floors, I was so lost in my head I nearly missed the messenger boy informing me of the king’s summons.
My stomach twisted with nerves, knowing there were very few things he could wish to discuss, not many of them particularly pleasant. Once I arrived In the king’s chambers, I stood at attention as he was suited by the royal tailor. She knelt at his feet tailoring his hem, a young assistant passing her needles. Father studied me for a moment before a smile broke out from behind his large, bushy mustache.
“A fine day for a hunt?” He inquired, eyes warm.
“Yes, father. A healthy buck was caught for tonight’s main course.” Nodding, he waved off the seamstress and her apprentice, departing with a quick bow. He stepped down from the stool and clapped me once on the shoulder.
“Tomorrow is the first of three very important nights, my boy. You must be ready, as it’s not just any ball. You’ll be picking your future wife, just like I did at your age and my father as well.” I nodded, it wasn’t the first time I’d heard him say this. I’d been hearing about this ball for months.
“Father,” I began carefully, he seemed in a rather good mood. Perhaps it would work in my favor. “I wanted to ask something of you.” His eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile did not twitch out of place. “I was thinking, what if this ball was truly different from all the rest? What if it was bigger and grander than ever, that women from many places and backgrounds were there?”
“Meaning?” He asked suspiciously.
“I wish to invite every eligable lady and woman to the ball, including the village women and their families.” I stood tall and refused to back down from his unreadable gaze. There wasn’t much I could give to the people, but this I wanted to share.
“You wish to invite peasant women to your engagement ball?” His incredulous tone dampened my spirits, but I didn’t let it show on my face.
“Yes father, I would.” I replied. Suddenly he burst out a loud guffaw, leaning on my shoulder. I fought back a frown.
“You really are something else, Henry. Peasants at the prince’s ball? I’ve never heard such outrageous demands!” I grimaced, but resting a hand on top of his earnestly.
“Please, father. It can’t do any harm. Just a single night for all of our subjects, rich and poor alike, to mingle together in merriment.” I knew it wouldn’t improve the everyday lives of the people, but it did give me a chance to begin extending a kind hand towards those we ruled.
“My boy, you astound me. But, I will honor your request. Invitations will be sent out today to every single family in the land. The gates will be open all night to them.” I broke into a wide grin, bringing my father into a tight hug.
“Thank you father. The balls will be wonderful, just you see!” I turned and swiftly made my exit, a new hop and skip in my step. Despite fearing the day my father would pass away and I’d be king, passing along all the responsibilities that came with it, I couldn’t help but ponder the future of welcoming those deemed peasants closer to the palace’s wealth and prosperity.
That night, my dreams were filled with those wide eyes I’d seen in the woods staring through my soul.
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