The Royal Apprentice

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"Talk Of The Town"

~Seven years later~

I sit with my sketch book laying neatly in my lap, my back resting against an old oak tree. A warm summer breeze blows through the air. I take in a deep breath, the fresh air relaxing me. Currently I sit in one of the many gardens surrounding the castle. I sigh, looking at the blank page in front of me. I wasn't feeling particularly inspired at the moment.

Listening to the soft sound of birds singing in the trees has me closing my eyes, enjoying the calming moment. The peacefulness quickly fades as thoughts of my past come rising to the surface of my mind. I try pushing them down not wanting to dwell on the heartache of my past. It would be unwise to fall down that dark path again. I begin to get up, placing the small book I hold into my brown leather satchel.

I need to find something to keep my thoughts at bay. Running my hands down my long dress I start to smooth and dust it off, my below average height makes my dress appear longer than it is. Long chocolate colored curls fall loosely down my back. I begin walking towards the exit of the garden, making my way back to my uncle's office.

The summer festival is being held tonight in town and I need to be ready in time. I am going to go with a friend of mine, her name is Charity. We have been friends for a few years now. She is very kind and we get along well. She has helped me to become a less anxious person. Her family has been working in the castle since she was a baby, she now works as one of the maids, working mostly in the kitchen.

Beautiful flowers alongside many plants cover the garden. A wonderful aroma filling the air. As I near one of the exits of the garden, I begin to hear the sounds of a few swords clashing together. I peek my head around a well kept rose bush and watch carefully, as a handful of guards stand, watching two others spar. This is nothing new. Guards and knights often sparr behind the garden in their training grounds. In a week we get at least two or more that come into the examination room for minor injuries.

For a moment I stand watching. I hear some of the knights conversing about the summer festival tonight and how they plan to attend. The two who are sparring are mostly blocked from my sight, I only see glimpses of them between the other men who stand observing. All of them wear the same uniform, a pair of dark pants and a light colored casual short sleeved shirt. The duo who are fighting wear a face mask and protection to keep themselves from hurting one another.

Realizing I am spending too much time getting caught up in less important things, I once again start my walk back to my uncle's office. Pushing open the large door I enter into the castle. It is significantly darker. Although there are many windows the sunlight is mostly blocked out. Instead, lanterns hang themselves high on the intricately carved pillars along the halls.

The thoughts that had previously been trying to sneak their way into my head have all but vanished as I walk swiftly across the polished floors. On my way I pass by many maids and guards, all of which have their own important roles in the castle.

In a matter of minutes I reach the familiar wooden door of my uncle's office. I bring my fist up before firmly knocking. Standing outside the door I wait for a response.

"Come in." Eli's voice is muffled due to him being on the other side of the heavy door. I quickly enter the room, a soft smile on my face. Eli sits behind a crowded desk at the far end of the room. His head resting in his right hand, he stares down into a mess of papers in front of him. The way his eyebrows scrunch together in concentration reveals to me that he is stressed. Blue eyes rise to look at mine, my uncle sighs running his hands through his dark hair.

"Is everything alright?" I ask, stepping beside him, my eyes skimming across the many documents covering his desk. Shaking his head slightly he answers.