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the echo of footsteps in the grand hall reverberated against the polished marble floors as kinich walked, still feeling the ache in his chest from the wound that had nearly cost him his life. he was flanked by guards in armor, their stern expressions giving away nothing as they led him to the king's chamber. the weight of what had happened in the garden still clung to him, phantom pain still occassionally stirring in his chest, but today, there was something else-a sense of anticipation. rumors had already spread about the young lord who had saved the princess.
inside the chamber, the king sat on his throne, an imposing figure with sharp eyes. his hair was streaked with silver, adding to the air of authority that surrounded him. kinich's father, lord huitztlan, stood off to the side, face tight with expectation. next to him were other members of the court, all watching with a mixture of curiosity, some with their own agendas. you were there too, standing beside your father, your small hands clutching the folds of your dress nervously. your eyes found kinich's, and for a moment, your lips curved into a soft smile that was only reserved for him at this moment.
"step forward, kinich of huitztlan," the king's voice rang out, filling the chamber. kinich moved to the center of the room, head held high despite the bandages wrapped tightly around his aching body.
"you have done a great service to the crown," the king continued, his presence imposing up close. "it's not every day that a boy of nine stands up to grown men and defends a princess with such courage."
kinich felt a twinge of pride but kept his expression neutral, eyes fixed on the king.
"as a reward," the king said, leaning forward, "i am granting you special permission to begin training as a knight, despite your age. it's rare, but not unheard of, for one so young to join the ranks under exceptional circumstances."
kinich felt the air in the room shift as the crowd whispered. his father's eyes gleamed with satisfaction, and for a brief moment, kinich's chest tightened. this was what his father wanted, wasn't it? the huitztlan name restored through him.
"thank you, your majesty," kinich said, his voice steady. he glanced at you, standing tall by your father's side, and then his father. the pride in his father's eyes was like a chain around his neck. he swallowed and continued, "but i must decline."
