Crown On My Head

chapter 73

Kingdom of Tareeya Lacey

As I walked toward the stables, the crisp morning air felt both refreshing and charged with anticipation. My thoughts were preoccupied with the journey ahead, and I couldn’t help but glance back at the castle, which was slowly waking up. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter, and I was ready to embrace it.

When I reached the stables, Harwin was already there, his presence impossible to miss. He was mounted on his horse, a grin spreading across his face as if he’d been waiting for this moment all along. My own horse was tethered nearby, and Harwin had taken it upon himself to hold the reins.

“Ready for another adventure, Your Majesty?” Harwin called out, his tone light and filled with his usual enthusiasm. He had a knack for turning everything into a grand escapade.

I approached, giving him a wry smile. “You’re quite the persistent one, Harwin. I take it you’re coming along after all?”

Harwin chuckled, adjusting his grip on the reins. “Of course! What’s a quest without a bit of humour? And who else will keep you entertained on the road? I’ve been perfecting my jokes for just such an occasion.”

I shook my head, amused despite myself. “I suppose I’ll have to endure your endless quips then.”

As we mounted our horses and set off, Harwin’s chatter filled the air. He talked about everything and nothing—tales from his past, exaggerated anecdotes about his exploits, and the latest gossip from the court. His humour was relentless, but it was a welcome distraction from the weight of the journey ahead.

“Did I ever tell you about the time I convinced an entire town that I was a famous bard?” Harwin began, his voice brimming with excitement. “Turns out, the only song I could sing was the kingdom’s anthem, and even that sounded better when performed by a chorus of cats.”

I laughed despite myself. “I think you’ve told me that one before. But go on, I’m sure there’s a new twist.”

Harwin leaned closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a great secret. “Well, this time, the cats were actually very appreciative. They even staged a parade in my honour, complete with fish-shaped confetti.”

As we rode through the countryside, Harwin’s stories and jokes made the miles seem to fly by. The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the landscape. The path wound through rolling hills and dense woods, and I felt a familiar thrill of adventure.

I glanced over at Harwin, who was mid-story about a rather disastrous attempt at cooking. His animated gestures and hearty laughter were infectious, easing the tension that had been building inside me.

Despite the gravity of our mission, Harwin’s presence was a comforting reminder that I wasn’t alone in this journey. As we approached the edge of the kingdom, ready to face the unknown, I felt a renewed sense of strength and resolve.

With one last look back at the familiar landscape, Harwin and I continued our journey into the unknown.