Knightly (A Reverse Harem)

Chapter 1: Beginning Adventure

"Princess Ava is turning eighteen this year and we have unfortunately made no progress with finding a husband for her. I am at an old age and may soon pass away with no kingdom to turn over. I can't leave the walls to find a suitable man for her, and I don't trust anyone but you to do it. I am asking for you to travel around to the other kingdoms to find a prince for my daughter."

I let that sink in for a moment, and then Princess Ava spoke up, "I want him to be strong, and handsome. Don't bring back anyone that isn't up to my standards. I only deserve the best, since I am the best, so go find the best!"

That snot-nosed brat! I thought. I never liked Princess Ava. She was stuck-up, spoiled, and manipulative. The king and queen has always given her what she wanted. If she wanted a new dress, it would be made by that afternoon. If she wanted lamb for dinner, then a whole lamb would be butchered just for her. If she wanted the most handsome prince in all the world, it was up to me to supply her a god.

Ava inherited her mother's looks, and her rotten personality. Her raven hair was worn in a bun on top of her head and her eyebrows were too thin. Not to mention her face was scrunched up, almost like a pug's. And it's not a cute pug. Finding a prince who would actually stay with here was going to be tough.

"Will you take the job?" The queen asked. It almost sounded like a threat, and knowing her, if I refuse she would have my head. Like I had a choice.

I bowed again and answered, "Yes, your highness. But if I may, instead of bringing one prince, I would like to bring several so that the princess may choose who she likes best. I am not sure for who exactly she wants or envisions, so I wish to bring many for her."

The king gave a hearty laugh and clapped his hands, "Excellent idea, Orion! You never fail to meet my expectations and go above and beyond! I will have someone bring your horse from the stables and have someone gather everything to pack for your journey. My finest bakers will bake bread for you and the men you bring. I will have my seamstresses and blacksmiths make fresh armor and clothes for you too! This is so exciting!"

"Please, your majesty, I can leave right now if you would just bring me my horse. I have no need for new equipment, and I can simply buy meals." I interrupted. The king was always a kind man and was very hospitable. I didn't want to take advantage of him.

"Very well," he thought, "but I want you to take some extra money for your travels just in case. Good luck! I know you won't disappoint!"

I bowed for the last time and left the palace to head to the stables. If I could, I would've rejected the task and told the princess to screw herself. But, my job as a knight leaves little room for defiance. Whether I liked it or not, I had to fulfill what I signed up for. Baring it up with Royce would have to wait for who knows how long.

A servant women came up to me with my horse, Celesta. I took the ropes from her and patted my horse. "It's been a while since our last adventure, hasn't it girl," I spoke softly to her. She responded by neighing and moving her head up and down. I giggled and held her steady. Celesta was my horse ever since she was just a foal. They were going to kill her because she was a little slow at standing up, so they thought she was lame. I saved her instead and when she grew older, she is now the fastest horse out of the others in the kingdom.

I jumped up and situated myself on the saddle before gently kicking her side to move. She walked at a steady pace as we headed outside the kingdom walls. All of the towns folk lined up to wish me good bye and good luck for my travels. Many of the shop owners offered me resources, such as breads, clothes, and jerky. I tried to politely refuse, but some have slipped it into my pack anyways.

As soon as we made it out, I kicked harder for Celesta to start running. The nearest kingdom was about two hours away by horse, and I would've preferred to get there before nightfall. The wind blew through my shaggy cherry brown hair, and I felt the thrill of riding off to an adventure again. It's always been short like that ever since I learned that when hair flies into your mouth by the wind, it doesn't taste good. Also, keeping it short made it harder for people to grab it, an issue during a fight.