The Horse of Wood

Chapter 3- A Romance is Blossoming

A/N: I am so sorry for slacking off lately. By the end of the week I will try to have 2-3 more chapters out. Thank you for being patient with me. :)

After that day, Phoenix and Matthias spent the next week in each other's company. Day in and day out the two had been inseparable. Not at any point in the day would you see one without the other, unless it was time to retire for bed. They had grown very fond of each other over the time spent together. The two began to open up to one another about everything. They knew each other's favorite color, height, birthday, favorite food, and funny little things that they shared with no one else.

In the morning, they would eat breakfast in each other's company. At lunch, they would sit in the garden and snack while talking about anything that came to mind. When supper came around, they would sneak into the kitchen and steal food, and would eat in the throne room. There was never a dull moment with these two. Very quickly they became the best of friends. It wasn't that surprising to anyone, and that was when the king realized he didn't need to bring anymore suitors for his daughter. He called his advisor and Matthias to the throne room early one morning.

Matthias was about to go wake up Phoenix, when a knock shook his door. He swung the door open in hopes of seeing his best friend, but was met with a palace guard instead. He stood up straighter when he realized it was a guard. "Is there something you need?"

"I have come to tell you that King Darius requests your presence in the throne room."

"Lead the way, please." The guard turned around and began to walk in the direction of the throne room. The walk was silent and Matthias had his head in the clouds the whole time. They reached the doors of the throne room and Matthias straightened his posture. The large doors opened and Matthias waltzed in. The king was sitting upon his throne and watched the prince stroll in. Matthias stopped directly in front of the king and bowed.

"Good morrow, Your Majesty. If I may ask, why have you requested my presence this morning." Matthias looked up and noticed the advisor to his right.

"I have come to discuss the betrothal." Matthias' eyes widened. Is he not fit for the role of king? Did he mess up? Does Phoenix not like him like he thought she would?

"Calm down boy, I can see the fear in your eyes. It's nothing bad, I assure you." Both men let out a sigh, Matthias' in relief and the king's out of sadness. The king did not want to give up his daughter to another man, but he knew this day would come.

"Then may I ask, what do you want to speak about regarding the betrothal?"

"I want to ask you if you want to marry my daughter. Are you still in this for marriage or have you lost interest in her?" Matthias thought for a moment. This a big question that he hasn't even thought about himself.

"I am all in, Your Majesty. I have only grown more fond of your daughter in the past six days. I believe that she would make the perfect bride for me, and I wish to ask you for her hand in marriage. It is very sudden, even for me, but I am ready. I do not plan on asking her yet, but someday when we are both ready, then I will ask." He looked up at the king, only to be shocked by the tears in the king's eyes. The king turned to his advisor.

"Neo, I want you to call off all of the other suitors. My daughter has just found her king."

"Yes, sir. I will get it done right away." He scurried out of the room. The king returned his attention to the prince.

"I believe you are the perfect match for my daughter, and I will humbly agree to the marriage. Ask her when you're ready, but do not wait too long. My daughter has very little patience once she knows what she wants." The king let out a hearty chuckle, and Matthias began to laugh along as well.