Orion Hart has always been an adventurer. She loved to travel, help people, and fight. Her job as a knight for her kingdom makes her almost free as a bird. Almost. When she gets assigned to find a suitor for the princess, her job is made a million t...
We went on like that for awhile. Celesta running like she have never ran before and I was looking around at the trees which started to present fall colors. Fall has always been my favorite season. Part of it was because my birthday was in the fall, but also because it was the most comfortable. Warm, yet cool. Gentle breezes. Leaves fly in the wind. It's all so beautiful to me.
I thought about all the places that would have a prince. Some kingdoms, like ours, only had a princess and was too searching for a new king. Kings have always wished to give birth to sons to pass their home onto, but a daughter is much more sentimental. Sons stay. Daughters go.
I saw a wall from afar, meaning that we are approaching the Tremaine Kingdom. Unlike my kingdom, which excelled in producing the finest weapons, Tremaine produced the best shoes. As silly as it sounds, the town is filled with cobblers. Shoes are actually really important, especially when it came to travel and fighting. Anyone that needs a decent pair of shoes for any occasion turn to Tremaine. Shoes are actually really hard to make too.
I jumped off my horse and we entered inside the walls. The smell of leather and shoe polish filled the air and people were shout to promote their product. "Best Shoe Ever!" "The Most Comfortable Shoe You'll Ever Wear!" "These Shoes Last Forever!" "Fresh Apples!"
I put a gold coin on the counter and the woman handed me a bag of apples. Celesta noticed and stomped on the ground with her hoof, her way of saying "Please!" I complied and gave her a ripe apple from the bag.
I could see the main palace from where I stood. It was tall, perhaps taller than the one back home. It also seemed to shimmer in the sun. However, there didn't seem to be a clear, straight path to get there. I was going to have to ask for directions.
I looked around to try to find someone that would help me. Everyone seemed too busy, off in there own worlds, until I spot a young man. He seemed to be my age and was browsing around. I ran up to him and tapped him on the shoulder, "Hey, could you tell me how to get to the palace from here without dying in this crowd?"
He turned around and met my grey eyes. His was a deep, royal blue that made his blonde hair seem golden. I then noticed what he was wearing. The neatly groomed hair, the medals on his uniform. Holy crap, this guy's a prince! "Oh! Your majesty, I apologize. I didn't know that-"
He gave me a warm smile, "It's fine. It's hard to see anything in this crowd really. I can take you to the palace myself. I actually need to head back anyway to see my father. What business do you have here if I may ask?"
He started to walk down the path and I followed close to him, trying not to be swept away by the throng of people. "The princess in my kingdom is looking for a husband. The king and queen sent me to find princes to suit her. I have to find a potential king in other words. I'm Orion, by the way. But you could just call me Rion."
He gasped, "Wait, you're the famous Knight Orion? I never expected that you would be a-"
I raised my eyebrow, waiting for the words most people say when they realize my gender. Female knights aren't common, and it's total bull crap. But I do understand that my name can be a little misleading. Instead of finishing his sentence, he cleared his throat. "I'm Prince Cinder Tremaine, but you can just call me Cinder if you want. So I'm guessing that I'm an option for the princess and the king?
I shrugged my shoulders, "Basically. There are still other kingdoms I have to travel to and other princes I have to find. It's the princess's choice of who to marry, so I can't guarantee you would get the crown."
He nodded after my explanation. We approached the gates and a guard welcomed him in. A man came by and suggested to let him lead my horse to the stables. I let him and followed behind Cinder down the corridors. The walls were decorated with antique art and lights. The ceilings were high and crystal chandeliers swung down. The windows extended from the floor to the ceilings and were designed with stained glass. It seemed a lot cleaner here as well, because the floors practically shined when the sunlight hit it.
We approached a large set of doors with two men in armor standing in front. They noticed us coming and stepped to the side simultaneously. Cinder pushed against the doors to reveal a large throne room. An old man with round belly sat in the lone throne. He stood up and opened his arms to invite his son. "Cinder, my boy! Your back early, and have brought along a guest. A woman no less."
I bowed like usual, "King Tremaine. The pleasure is mine. I am-"
"Knight Orion! I can tell you are by the crest that hold your cape over your shoulders. You are a strong, free woman. I can tell by your eyes and your hair. You are also a fighter by the way you sport your sword on your waist. My boy could use a good woman like yourself!" he laughed stroked his white beard. He would get along with the king back home really well.
Cinder put a hand on his father's shoulder and spoke, "Rion came here on a quest. If you could hear her out, then she could get closer to her goal."
King Tremaine sat back down in his seat and breathed in, collecting his stray giggles. "Of course. Please begin, Knight Orion."
I explained the situation at home and why I'm here. He nodded and hummed in response, signalling that he had been listening very carefully. "If you don't mind, I would like to take your son with me to find the other princes, and then back home where Princess Ava can choose a husband."
He gave it some thought, and Cinder shifted his feet. The king then clapped his hands together, startling me. "Yes! Wonderful idea. It's about time my son started looking for a wife as of now. He's already nineteen and hasn't looked at any girl, even though they are throwing themselves at his feet. Take my son with you on your journey. But I do have one request before you go."
Oh jeez, and here I thought this was going to be easy as cake. But I don't really have any other options.
"I want you to attend the annual ball that begins tomorrow night!"
