Robin Hood and the Prince

Part 2

 The throne room was the grandest thing I had ever seen. First, it was huge. The ceiling was as tall as the sky, and the length between the two ends of the room was longer than my father's entire manor. Stain-glass windows spanned that length, making a variety of colors dance across the floor. Leading up to the throne all the way from the doors was a thick red carpet framing the cold, stone ground beneath it. The throne it lead to was awe-worthy. It was huge and made almost entirely of gold. There were countless small details that spoke lengths about the skilled blacksmith who crafted it. The only un-grand thing in the room was the person sitting in it.

He was a scrawny, pale teenager who wore enough silk garments and fine clothing that any spectator would think he was either royalty or a bragging thief. He spread himself out on the gigantic throne in a way that was probably meant to make him look intimidating, but only succeeded in making him look insignificant. The small crown on his brow was obviously made for someone larger and fell down at least twice as Will and I walked the length of the room.

Once we reached the end of the red carpet, Will and I bowed, as we were taught to do to someone of higher rank. But my eyes never wavered from his. After all, who was this boy to sit in judgment over us? He lived in this great hall, with servants tending to his every whim. He wore the finest clothes made by the best tailor while sitting in the most exquisite seat made by man. But he was so unworthy of it all. I have seen stronger and more well-fed rabbits than the lanky person before me. If the guards had left, I would not have hesitated to spat in his face.

"What a mighty fine day it is for hunting," I said. Will looked at me in complete surprise and a guard raised his hand. But before he could hit me, the teenager made a stop gesture, a smile forming on his thin lips.

"This boy does not know the rules of the court. He has never been informed of how he should act before those who outrank him. After all, no one wastes their time to teach mere peasants."

"I am no su-" I began before the guard slapped his hand over my mouth.

The teen slowly shook his head. "First rule when meeting a prince: do not speak unless you are spoken to." I shot all the anger I could from my eyes, but his smile only grew.

"Now on to the matter of these poor boys' crime." He fixed his sunken eyes on the guard. "What do you have to report?"

The guard who was holding me said, "Prince John, sir, they were caught poaching in Sherwood Forest. And we not only saw them in the act, but they left this behind." He held up the white rabbit, that was now stained crimson red in several places from the blood.

The teen moved his eyes to Will and asked, "And how do you plea?"

I fixed my eyes on Will, silently begging him to lie. But, Will, being the well-mannered, perfect boy he is, squeaked out, "Guilty."

"Well, then it is decided. Both boys will do two complete months of hard labor in the town to pay for their crime." There was a collective gasp from the few in the room, and a chuckle from the guard holding me. "They will start tomorrow, but until then, take them to the dungeon."