The Swan Princess

Chapter 14: Early Bird Catches the Worm

The next morning, I awaken early in bed. Staring at the ceiling, my thoughts wander.

What does my knight in shining armor look like? I'm so intrigued by a man I can't see. His suit of armor is always on, to where I've never even glimpsed his face.

I bet he's handsome. His chest is so broad in his suit of armor, must be huge. He always carries a sword with him, too, which must be heavy. He seems like he could pick me up at a moment's notice and spin me around. I would like that.

Tempering down my thoughts, I head out of my small bedroom. If I'm going to be awake, might as well us this time to peruse the halls for my target item.

Roaming the halls, I shift between thinking of my two next tasks.

When will Lukas come collect me for our date? I am sure he will honor Princess Insun's request, which means it is only a matter of time before he seeks me out.

Yet, I long to communicate with home. I want to talk with my own kin. Finding a magic mirror is a time-consuming and arduous task. One that would take me out of plain sight, where Lukas is most likely to find me.

I've just skimmed the corner when I slam into a shining wall of metal.

"Oof!" I cry out.

Warm, gloved hands steady me by the elbows. I look up.

"Thanks, Lukas." I smile and reach my arms around to hug him.

"You know, there's a morning bird that slams into my window nearly as hard as you ran into me just now."

He pulls me closer. "May I take you on a stroll of the gardens right now, little birdie?"

"Of course!" I respond, letting him take my hand. Proper work can wait.

I already had a long conversation with Emilia about me evading my responsibilities - filled with "my, really!" and many giggles about what big things may hide beneath the armor - and I know she'll cover for me.

His gloved hand squeezes mine as we walk towards the gardens.

Tall and charming, this man.

The rising sun reflects off his armor, casting our surroundings in a light glow. He must be such a massive man to fill up the entire suit of armor. It's almost mystical that this gentle giant, who must have ladies throwing themselves at him, is interested in me.

"Aren't you stuffy in there?" I ask of my armored companion.

"No," he responds.

You have no desire to remove the helmet? I put on my most sincere smile, gazing up at him. "I would like to see your face."

"Orders are orders, milady," he says dryly, then pauses. Reaching into a bush on the left, he plucks out a pink rose, then carefully weaves it into my long hair.

"Pretty," I beam.

"Indeed."

He takes my hand in his again. In the distance, Emilia and a few other servants are stealing glances at us. When I catch them staring, they hurriedly start dusting the plants with dusters. (The plants do not grow dust).

"When you're not following orders, what do you like to do, Lukas?"

"Be chased by women, usually," he answers.

I knew it. So I'll have to out-compete the others, then.

"Which ones?" I ask innocently.

"You can't see the ones staring at us right now?" He gestures to where Emilia and the others are standing.