The Emperor and the Servant: A Tale of Two Heroes

Chapter 15: Hope

  In entering the city of Paris with her father and Uncle Christian, Raynen as bodyguard and Marcus as the one to carry their luggage, the Princess accompanied her maidens to the Chateau de Augustus, residence of the family of King Philip of France, the place where she was born.

  Here, she played with two of the King’s daughters, her best friends in life.

  PRIMROSE- BLONDE HAIR, AGED 21, 152 CM IN HEIGHT AND 95 POUNDS

  CAMELLIA- BROWN HAIR, AGED 19, 149 CM IN HEIGHT AND 95 POUNDS

  They embraced each other after years of separation. The sisters were last spotted in the Princess’ 18th birthday. Raynen de Cavalier stood next to the Princess, earning a bad look from Marcus, which he spots.

  “What are you looking at, knave?”

  “You seem to be comfortable around here.”

  “This is my home. Of course I feel…”

  “I actually mean…being two steps behind Maria.” Raynen turns around and sees Maria smiling at him. He blushes and backs away. “Marcus, if you want to live, just shut up and mind your own business.”

  “We still have not settled things between us.”

  “Well then, what a terrible coincidence! I was planning to go and practice at the archery range, to test my aim. Now I can test it even further with someone to compete with me.”

  “Can you fire an arrow a hundred meters away from you?”

  “I can do that with my eyes closed!” They run to the range, surprising Maria. “Those two never learn.”

  Camellia was blushing and giggled. Primrose noted how Raynen has not changed.

  “I have never seen you so close to men other than your father and Servant.” Primrose added.

  “Indeed, Maria. Are you…with them not merely to be secure but to…well…?”

  “Camellia, can you articulate your words a bit more clearly next time?”

  “Yes but umm…well…you see…whenever there are…umm people…I….” She covers her face.

  “Are you alright?” Maria asks as she touches her hands and forehead. “You look hot.”

  “Obviously that is because he is here…”

  “Who…” The three Princesses faced similar circumstances.

  “Primrose, are you still waiting for the day you get married, I mean since you are the eldest…”

  “Maria, times like these I do not want to think about marriage. Those suitors, even if they are handsome and smart…it is just that they lack something. I do not know what exactly.”

  “Take it from me, girl. I know how you feel.” She turns around and sees the two men are already gone.

  King Philip meets with Richard and the Emperor and Christian.

  “There is no time to waste. We must leave for Crete now or else…”

  “Relax, Richard. We have plenty of time. You do not need to stand up to make your point.”

  “You are too complacent, Philip! What do you think, Emperor Vincent?”

  “We need to wait for the Khan first… He promised to bring a fleet to help us in our search.”