The Art of War and Flames

Chapter One

The sky was a brilliant blue, clouds speckled the air high above the world. A great palace sits in the middle of Reinhardt, the fiery kingdom ruled by King Alfred. Small shops and restaurants dot the landscape of Leone, Reinhardt's capital. Beyond the castle walls, a small squadron of knights in training complete their morning exercises.

"Remember, men... and lady." The captain stated."We could be attacked at anytime, the safest people here are the Royal Family." He turned around to greet the king."Hello, sir. Training is going well, we completed our morning routine."

"Very good." He nodded. "I have some buisness to attend to in the Air Kingdom so you and your squadron is going to be supervised by the Princess, understood?"

"Understood, milord." The captain, Miles, nodded. He turned back to the troops and ordered them to the mess hall for lunch. Eyeing one of the Knights, he walked up to the new recruit.

"Young one, your swordsmanship is outstanding. I would like to teach you some advanced tricks later today."

"Yes, sir!" The shy boy shook his head, running after the others.

The princess regally walked into the mess hall, standing at the front stage. She clears her throat. "May I have your attention please."

"The knights turned to face the sound of the voice, looking straight at the princess, except the one Scarlet haired knight. He finally looked up, a few seconds after some knights caught his attention.

"In my father's absence I shall be leading you all in a simulated battle sequence. As your future queen I ask that this may be a trial for me. A test I must take and at the end, I need input on my weaknesses and strengths on this field." She looks at the knights and smiles. "I thank you for your service to the kingdom, and I hope I am good enough for all of you brave souls."

"Sounds like a plan." One Knight nods. The Scarlet haired knight looked at the Princess and to the floor, trying not to make eye contact.

The princess smiled again. "Thank you, all of you. Now, finish your meal and go to the strategy hall once you're finished."

x-X-x-X-x

All of the other knights finished their lunches and headed to the hall, except the Scarlet haired knight. He sat there, looking down for a couple seconds, before realizing that the others had left. He hightailed it out of the mess hall, dropping a heart-shaped locket.

The princess was walking shortly behind, noticing the fallen object and taking it into her fair hands. "Um, excuse me..."

The knight swung backwards, facing the princess with a baffled look on his face. He flipped his bangs away from his eyes, looking straight at her, nervously and hesitantly."Huh?" He softly spoke.

"You dropped this necklace." She sweetly smiled at the red-head, holding the locket out to him. "Its very pretty."

"T-thank you." He stuttered, taking back the necklace gently."My sister gave it to me, your majesty." He shyed away a little, blushing almost as red as his hair.

"How sweet of her." Her dimples formed at the side of her cheeks. "I'm sure she's a lovely young lady.'

"Yeah... she's very sweet..." He stammered, looking behind him briefly."I-I'm Alex..." He stated.

"Ella, but you probably know that..." She giggles, extending out her hand.

Alex slowly raised his hand up to hers, his whole body shaking."Nice to meet you, your majesty.

"No need to be so nervous." She said softly. "And please, call me Ella."

"Yes, Ella." Alex nodded, before quickly running off to the Strategy Hall. The other knights were already seated, and there were no seats left for Alex. He reluctantly sat down next to the nearest pillar, yawning due to fatigue.