The Horse of Wood

Chapter 6- The Next Step?

You would think Matthias proposed to Phoenix by now, but sadly he doesn't have the courage to do it. The kingdoms are waiting on their matrimony, and both are becoming rather impatient. Everyone knows you can't push a marriage, much less love. It all came with time, and boy Matthias sure does take his.

Rings weren't much of a tradition for a marriage, but Matthias felt he needed one in order to make Phoenix his bride. He used all of his allowances to buy the most expensive ring ever. Matthias knows Phoenix would be okay with a small ring, but he felt she needed the best ring for the best woman.

King Darius knew of the ring, and he begged Matthias to return it or even sell it. He knew his daughter would not like an extravagant ring, and she would refuse him if he brought it to her. After many failures to get him to return it, Darius had the servants that clean Matthias' chambers fetch it.

Once the ring was in the king's hands, he returned it to the castle jeweler. He had also gotten his late wife a ring before their marriage, and he still had it. It was a 1.73 Carat Greek Style ring, with many designs around the edge. It was made by his best friend from childhood, Zephyr. Zephyr had known both the king and his wife their whole lives. The ring meant more to him than most things in the world, excluding his family, friends, and kingdom. Darius had promised his wife that his daughter would wear her ring someday.

Darius placed the ring into the original box and summoned Matthias to the throne room. He set the ring on the arm of his chair and waited for the boy's arrival.

Matthias was learning Grecian sword techniques in the training room when a servant of the king came in, and requested his presence in the throne room. He set down the sword he was using and excused his instructor. He took off the armor he was using and wiped the sweat from his brow. The servant left the room, and Matthias trudged after him.

The walk to the throne room was quiet, so Matthias spent the time in his thoughts. He wondered if Phoenix would like the ring, even though the king advised him not to give it to her. The king had told him it was too big and expensive for the girl. What if the king was very upset with Matthias opposing him? Maybe Matthias should've listened to the man. He has known his daughter her whole life, while Matthias had only known her for a few weeks. Matthias's thoughts were interrupted when they reached the throne room.

The doors opened and Matthias's eyes met the king's. "Matthias, my boy, come forth. I have something I must discuss with you."

The said boy slowly walked closer to the throne. When he was a few feet from the throne he raised his head at the king.

Darius let the scared boy collect his thoughts, before asking him to come closer. "Don't be so scared. I only want to talk. I should be the one who's shaking in his shoes right now. I've done something without your permission, and I have no idea how you'll react."

"I am sure you will not anger me, Your Majesty. For I have not been listening to your suggestions these past few days."

"Well, I am glad you think that because I sold the ring." Matthias' mouth hung open and he blinked several times.

"You did what?"

"I sold your ring back to the jeweler. I had a servant sneak it out of your room last night. Now before you lose your head, I have an explanation." 

Matthias wasn't particularly mad at the king's decision, he just wished he didn't invade his privacy. He gestured for Darius to continue.

"I know for a fact that a stubborn girl like her would not accept the ring you wanted to give her. She is not one for big gestures and most definitely hates expensive things. My Phoenix should always have the best, but the best isn't always the biggest or most expensive." The king cleared his throat.