The Princess and The Knight

Chapter Four

It was a short, but beautiful walk to the village. As the princess and knight walked down the walkway, they were surrounded by bushes and bushes of azaleas. These flowers were pink, a lot like the color of the kingdom. They had a funnel shape to it and often had a dark pink array of dots in the middle. It is typically grown in this specific kingdom, but when the royal family traveled for days to meet with another royal family, the princess fell in love with them. Her father and mother asked if they could take a few seeds home to plant and the king and queen approved instantly.

Princess Grace smiled while walking down the pathway. Although she was sad about this arrangement, being surrounded by nature always brought a smile to her face. Sir John followed close behind her. He took his new job very seriously and unlike the other knights, was determined to succeed. Hating the awkward silence, he decided to spark conversation.

Sir John: "How often do you come to the village?"

The princess did not plan on answering his question. He had to be asking her about the village because he wants to know when she prefers to go there. Therefore, pretty much giving away her entire schedule. She just shrugged her shoulders and kept looking at the flowers.

The knight looked away in sadness. He tried to hide it best he could, but silence just fell between the two of them. Then again, he couldn't blame her. Just an hour ago, he told her parents that she's been sneaking out. Two things stuck with him during their argument though. The first one was that she wanted to escape and the second one was that he ruined it for her. Sir John honestly felt terrible, but he was going to make it up to her.

The village of Adrinetta had 200 hundred houses and 50 different types of businesses. Everyone helped one another and ensured that everyone had success within the village. Flowers of all kinds were lined on the window sills and the kingdoms flag was on every business. Each house had their own color that was unique, but not too bright. The spirit of Adrinetta burned brightly in everyone who lived here.

Clara's Bakery was a small bakery located  on the east end of Main Street. It has pink rose bushes along the front and a small patio areas with a few tables and chairs. Sir John often visited this place for breakfast or to just get a quick treat after work. Unlike him, the princess just looked and admired the small building draped in a few ivy vines.

Sir John: "Shall we go in, your highness?"

Princess Grace: *nods* "Yes please."

Sir John, being the gentleman he is, opened the door and bowed as she passed.

Princess Grace: "Thank you."

Sir John smiled. This little interaction made him so happy. At least it's progress!

Clara, the baker, was replenishing the strawberry pastries that were fresh out of the oven. She looked up and smiled big as she watched the knight and princess walk through the front door. She curtsied to Princess Grace.

Clara: "Good afternoon, your highness. It is a pleasure to have you in my bakery."

Princess Grace smiled. "The pleasure is all mine. I have heard nothing but amazing things about your bakery."

The princess admired all of the pastries, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and bread on the shelves. Everything looked amazing!

Clara hugged Sir John as soon as Princess Grace turned around.

Clara: "It is so good to see you again. I missed you this morning. Did you eat?"

Sir John: *smiles* Yes, I did. I had the second pastry that I bought yesterday."

As soon as Sir John ended his sentence, a group of four children run over to him and hug him. This surprised the princess. They were asking him where he had been, what knightly things has he done lately, and if he could babysit him in a few days.

This surprised the princess. Everyone was so happy to see him and he greeted all of them like best friends. That is when it hit her. He was not the guy she thought he was. Arrogant, annoying, and cocky turned into kind, amiable, and pleasant. This changed everything.