The Princess and The Knight

Chapter One

Princess Grace put on her cloak and a dark blue dress in order to fit in. She left all jewelry at home and made sure to leave her crown as well. The last thing she wanted was to be spotted by anyone who works on the grounds. She made her way down the path to the closest village. This village was her favorite due to her ability to sneak away quickly and get back before anyone would notice. She was not often rebellious, but in fact a great daughter. Like everyone, she needed to have some alone time.

The shops in the village still have their lights on, so it's around 7pm in the evening. The princess smiled as she walked around the village, admiring its sunset beauty.

Everyone minded their own business, except for one individual that followed the princess. He wasn't aware that she was the princess. This man was a robber and intended to steal whatever he got. As he approached her, he extended his arm to grab her and pull her into a nearby alley. That did not go as planned.

Sir John pulled the individual away from the princess and into the same alley he intended to rob the princess in. Sir John slammed him against the wall and glared at him.

Sir John: "I recommend you rethink this plan of yours. Not that I have any intention of letting you go free."

Robber: *eyes widen* "How did you-"

Sir John: "I'm trained to recognize danger. I'm a knight. How could you not realize that? It's not just a costume I pull off so well."

Robber: "Just let me go and-"

Sir John: "You'll change? Yeah, haven't heard that one before. Go ahead and take him in. I have something else to deal with."

The knight next to him nodded and pulled the robber with him. Sir John watched the princess go into the bookstore and smiled proudly. He was the reason the princess was safe once again. As she stepped out with a book, he smirked.

Sir John: "Out a little late, aren't you princess?"

Princess Grace's eyes widened. She knew that voice all too well. That knight always seemed to be overly confident, especially in their weekly meetings between royals and knights. She turned and intended to get rid of him so she could enjoy the rest of her evening.

Princess Grace: *gives him a look* That is something you shouldn't be concerned about.

Sir John was leaning against the wall of the bookshop with that overly confident, yet somehow charming smirk of his. He was wearing his normal black outfit that he wore under the silver armor.

Sir John: *smirks* "Considering you are off of the castle grounds without an escort, it is something I'm very concerned about, your highness."

Princess Grace: *gives him a look* "Well, it's not that big of a problem, I assure you. It's a safe village."

She was right. Every village in Adrinetta was very safe. Every now and then, someone gets the bright idea of trying to make this untrue for their own selfish gain. The knight knew exactly how to handle this situation. He came off of the wall and bowed.

Sir John: "Oh really? Well, I'll see you around then, your highness. Get back to the castle safely."

Princess Grace: *smiled proudly* "Thank you. I know exactly where I'm going to get back."

Sir John smirked. She was indeed going the wrong way. In fact, the closest village is about an hour away. He watched her start to head in that direction and giggled quietly.

Sir John: "Your highness? The castle is that way."

Princess Grace's eyes widened and turned abruptly. She hated whenever he was right! She tried her best not to seem embarrassed or give him any satisfaction.

Princess Grace: "I knew that. I was just trying to walk a bit further to see if the bakery was still open. Are you often this nosy?"

Sir John: "Oh of course, your highness. Enjoy your nightly stroll back." He bowed and winked at her.

The princess rolled her eyes and made her way to the same path that brought her to the village. Sir John was not about to let her walk it alone. Instead, he followed her quietly and made sure she did not see him on her way back to the castle.