Keep Calm and Beethoven On: August 2014

I know, finally. I've been posting more photos than writing lately. Sorry. Life is crazy lately. And taking pictures in the midst of that is easier than writing. So, it's short and not very good, but here's the next chapter.

Chapter 4

I walk back to my chambers. Changing into my riding gear for a ride with King Saber, the young ruler of Scould. My father wishes me to marry him, and I do not know if I can. I pull on brown leather gloves and don a lacy navy blue riding gown. I put my hair up so it will not get in my face while I ride.

I walk down my hallway, out of,my room and past Willows chambers, then the King’s. I smile Samuel standing by the door, attentive and alert.

“Hello, Samuel.” I say, my smile wide once again as I try not to think of King Saber. I take a deep breath, working up the courage to ask him to spend time with me, but the wooden doors behind him open and MacArthur escorts my father out. He glances at Samuel, then at me.

“Hello Daughter.” His voice so calm, but there is none of the excitement that there was in years past. I smile a little, but my real joy is gone.

“Hello.” I curtsy. “Be thee well?” My voice shakes, and I hope beyond hope that he does not mention Saber.

incompetent girl. Everyone in this putrid kingdom knows of King Saber. The King nods.

“Wgere are you going to?” He asks.

“King Saber has invited me to ride when he arrives.” My father nods.

“Good, good.” I resist the urge to slap him and take a deep breath.

He is your father. My voice says.

I know. I know.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

I stand outside and wait, stroking my white horse, Gane. I stare at an arbor with the word love engraved into it, with swirls and grooves craved into it.

Łõvę

I take a deep breath. I cannot let myself love anyone, because I could hurt someone. Maybe someday, I can let down my walls, but not until this voice, this…demon is gone.

“Princess!” A voice behind me comes. I turn and see King Saber, running towards me. I want to run away and cry, but I hold my ground. Because Saber always, always, always makes me come to him, and he never embraces me tightly.

Like he is now.

“Your highness.” I whisper. “It's lovely to see you.” My voice wavers as he squeezes me. There is strength in it, but somehow, like a bucketful of hope, I feel love. I don't know what I'm doing still embracing him. I could hurt him. But he feels sad. Finally, he steps away and I let my tense muscles relax until he takes my hand. I wish I could take my gloves off and touch him, press my lips to his…

No. These thoughts are not mine.

What makes you think that?

I do not want him.

Oh? And who do you want? Dear Samuel, the guard who makes you so happy?

I stumble and Saber catches me by the elbow.

“No one.” I whisper, my voice raspy. “I want no one.”

“Excuse me, Princess?” Saber asks. “I did not hear you.” I shake my head.

“I was simply thinking.” I say, trying not to sound indignant.

“Ah.” He says. “Very well then.” We walk inside, his hand still resting on my elbow. I sigh, my face growing rosy as I take a deep breath and try to take small steps. Eventually, Saber lets go of his vice grip on my hand. I stumble a little and gain my balance, my head feeling light and my hands shaking.

“Thank you.” I say, Truly great full. Saber nods sagely

“It is the least I could do for you.” A grin comes from the thin lines of his mouth. I gasp and I small giggle that I didn't know existed escapes.

“Well, thank you.” I whisper, my eyes wide and my smile fading the littlest bit, coming back within seconds as Samuel comes around the corner and leaving once again when I remember what the voice said.

“Highness.” Samuel nods to Saber, turning to me. “Crystal.” Saber’s hand clenched against my wrist. I gasp and wrench my hand away.

“You will address her as nothing but Princess Crystal.” As humbling as it is that Saber cares that my title is used, I set a hand on his arm gently for a moment.

“Saber. It is fine. I have told him it it is okay.” I pause. “I have asked him to.” Saber cringes a little and nods.

“If… That is your wish, then so be it.” I smile a little.

“Thank you.” I turn back to Samuel. “How is your head?” He grins.

“It aches a little, thank you.” I nod and smile, looking back over at Saber. “This is Samuel, one of the king’s guards.” I explain. “He works with the legend MacArthur, the immigrant from Scould.” Saber nods.

“A good man.” I nod.

“they make a good team.” I cannot believe I am bragging so much, seeing as Saber is a king, but yet, I continue. “I hold them both in the highest respects.”

“As they should you.” Saber says, glancing at Samuel accusatorially. I nod.

“I am aware.” I say, with just as much venom, and my voice wakes up.

Shush, insolent child. He is a king. Don't ruin this.

“I know.” Saber softens his voice a little. “I am sorry.” I nod, trying to calm myself.

“I accept that.” My voice is formal once more. The novelty of this man’s chivalry has worn down to the core. And so have I.