Knightress

The Connection

I am still in disbelief in the shocking turn of events given to me. I am currently standing outside Calithea's chambers. I slowly lay my head back; leaning on the door. I suppose it wouldn't matter if I closed my eyes for a little, would it? I give in to the urge to sleep for a spell. I, after-all, had to sleep late because of extra training as Calithea's main knight-of-honor, as the King likes to call it. I enjoy the few minutes of slumber before someone opens the door; the very same door I trusted my life on.

"Wooah!" I fall back expecting to hit the floor hardly on the backside of my head. Ha, I guess I should abandon my always-false expectations. I am swiftly caught by the arms of an unknown person.

"That was a close one. Wasn't it, Knightress Maia? Perhaps you should not keep your guard down. Especially if you are leaning on my room door. Who knows? I might even do something naughty to you."She winked at me as I still ponder what exactly happened. She offered her hand to help me stand.

"I can stand on my own." I blushed furiously as she giggled to herself. She must look down on me for allowing my guard to be left down.

"Well stand quickly! We have to get to the royal ball to celebrate my becoming of a Queen." She eagerly grabbed my arm and lifted me up before I even had the chance to do it myself. She kept hold of my hand while she dragged me to the ball room. Calithea swung the double doors as hard as she could; only for the door only to be opened just a crack. I wouldn't blame her; the door looked as if it weighed hundreds of pounds. She turned her head to me. I, already knowing what she is about to ask, just nod at her and moves her to the side. I breathe in deeply, and I swing my leg to the door; making an intense force not only to the door, but my leg as well. I learned this move in my personal training. I smile at my personal victory as the door slams the wall as it opens quickly. The ball room was filled with people. Royal people, average citizens, and people that aren't even connected to the kingdom of Knavesmire at all. They all turned their heads to the abrupt action that occurred. Calithea turns her head to me; her face completely red in embarrassment.

"Perhaps you may have over done it." She states quietly.

"I apologize, Your Royal-"

"Calithea. Please. Address me by my name." She drops her head down.

"I do not have many friends or anyone I can act myself with. By you addressing me by my given name, I can feel as if you are a close friend; someone I can be myself with." She gently engulfs me in a tight hug. I can hear whispers from the guests whom are witnessing this sudden change in character from Calithea. I give them an evil and threatening glare; scaring everyone and making them turn away and resume their foolish, uneventful conversations. I return the hug as to reassure her.

"Thank you, Knightress Maia. I apologize for that sudden act I did. I am sure it startled you."

"Not at all, Calithea. I am thy royal protector; and I will do anything, and withstand anything for you to feel protected from not only physical harm, but emotional as well." She looks straight at me; again seeming as if she is looking into my soul and smiles, revealing a slight blush.

"Thank you. I dearly appreciate thy efforts to protect me." As she says this, her father, The King, approaches us.

"HU-HOH! LOOK AT YOU! MY BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER IS READY FOR BECOMING A QUEEN! YOU LOOK SO MUCH LIKE YOUR MOTHER!" He continues his rambles as he guides Calithea to the center of the room.

"IT IS TIME FOR THE TRADITIONAL KING-PRINCESS DANCE! THIS DANCE BETWEEN MY DAUGHTER AND I. THIS SHOULD BE THE MARKING OF HER NEW ROYAL PLACEMENT AS QUEEN CALITHEA THEOPHILIA!!" They both take their stances for the royal dance. I, being only known for the study of martial arts, combat, fighting stances, judo, etc. I have no knowledge of dance or anything that has to do with dancing and what-not. The dance takes approximately twenty minutes. Much too long if you ask me. A servant walks towards them and hands the king a crown atop of a pillow.

"IT IS TIME TO SWICH MY DAUGHTER'S CROWN TO HER NEW ROYAL PLACEMENT CROWN!!" The King kneels to his daughter and replaces her crown with her new one. I can honestly say that it looks absolutely glorious on her. My face heats up and I am well aware of it. As soon as the crown touches her head, the room full of guests cheers her new title. Gradually getting louder and louder.

"QUEEN CALITHEA!! QUEEN CALITHEA!!!"

"IT IS TIME FOR THE FINAL RITE-OF-PASSAGE!!!!!" The room goes quiet.

"MY DAUGHTER WILL NOW HAVE A DANCE WITH SOMEONE OF HER CHOICE. THIS IS A NEW TRADITION IN WHICH WILL BEGIN TODAY! THE PERSON OF HER CHOICE WILL BE SOMEONE WHOM SHE WANTS TO BE WITH FOR THE REST OF HER LIFE!"

"NOW, DAUGHTER, CHOOSE YOUR PARTNER. ANYONE IN THIS ROOM." He says extending his arm to represent the wide variety of people in the room. All the men encircle her; suffocating her. They screech out her name, attempting to grab her attention. I run to her; pushing every man in my way, getting an elbow to my face or occasionally my stomach.

"ASIDE!! MOVE ASIDE!!!!!" I forcefully push and shove all the men shoving themselves toward Calithea. I end up, on instinct, punching a man whom wouldn't back away.

"ENOUGH!!!" I am shocked, as is the crowd of people, of the sudden yell given by.......Calithea.

"That is quite enough." As soon as she realizes her abrupt change, she covers her mouth with her hands. She then speaks again, but in a significantly softer tone; gentle even.

"I apologize greatly for my sudden...outburst. I have now chosen my life-long partner; in which I will have this dance with." I, as well as all the men, turn their heads towards Calithea. My heart aches as she begins to speak. Why?

"I choose...My Knightress in Shining Armor, Maia Amsel."