The Princess and The Knight

Chapter Five

Princess Grace felt terrible. As she watched everyone hug him and talk to him, she just stood there feeling like the worst person in the kingdom. How could she treat him so terribly just for doing his job? Yes, he often acted as though he was the best knight in the kingdom, but that did not even begin to describe who he truly was. She couldn't blame him for being confident in what he was good at. Looking away and showing the pain she felt on her face was the only thing she could do.

Sir John looked at the princess and couldn't help but feel bad. She looked so sad and he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Was she still mad about the whole agreement? Did she somehow hurt herself when she stepped down or when they were walking? Did she feel left out? This was frustrating to him.

He finally decided to ask her. "Are you alright, Princess?"

The princess snapped out of it like a trance for a moment. She nodded a little, but her eyes couldn't quite meet his.

"I know exactly what would cheer you up!" Quickly taking her hand, the knight rushed to the counter and ordered a few strawberry pastries. This was what the bakery is known for after all. He offered to pay, but was told there was no need. The knight thanked the owner and asked the princess if she wanted to sit down.

Princess Grace was already trying to battle the many emotions she was experiencing. It was as if the bakery was slowly shrinking. The walls seemed to be closing in on her a bit and she felt warm. Not in a sick way, but due to stress. The last thing she wanted to do was to stay inside.

"Can we...sit outside please?" The princess prayed that he would say yes. She was not trying to be difficult. Truly she wasn't.

The knight was very understanding and caring, especially when it came to the princess.

"Of course we can." He wanted her to get some fresh hair because she looked overwhelmed. The knight was very observant when it came to the princess' emotions so he wanted to help any way he could.

The princess walked briskly toward the door and the knight walked a little faster to get the door for her. She thanked him and quickly turned to the right. There was a single table by a garden-like area that that was open. The arch way that lead to the area was adorned with the roses as red as apples. There were a few tables, but no one was anywhere to be seen. The tables were a light brown and had ivy branches etched into them. They looked brand new.

The two walked over to one of the tables in the middle. The knight quickly pulled out a chair for her. Truthfully, he always admired the princess, but never got a chance to be close to her. He hoped this would change things between them.

She smiled a little and thanked him before sitting down on the blue cushion that was in the chair.
"Of course." He pushed her chair in and sat across from her.

Princess Grace sat there and felt as if she forgot to speak. So many different thoughts were going through her mind that she had no idea what to say to him. Instead, she glanced at the pastry that he ordered moments ago.

"They're amazing! You have to try one." He smiled and quickly took one.

She was trying so hard to think of something to say, but she just looked down at the table.

"I'm so sorry." Three simple, but powerful words came out of her mouth.

Without hesitation, the knight smiled at her and responded in a caring tone. "I forgive you. I actually don't blame you at all for disliking me. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't like me either."

The princess was beyond surprised. He forgave her just like that without any further explanation. She smiled a little at him and continued.

"I really am though. I just wanted to leave the castle for a bit by myself. It helps me clear my head and get a break from all of the princess duties that my parents put on me. In fact, every time I attend a ball, I see people in my position treat their knights terribly. Almost like personal butlers and belittling them even though they earned where they are. Honestly, it was horrifying. I made a vow to myself that I would never do such a thing. *sighs* Yet, here I am treating you so terribly. I am no better than them." She looks down at her pastry, dreading his response after she just poured her heart out to him.

The knight thought for a quick second, but answered her in the same way he did before.

"I can't imagine how stressful everything must be for you. If you ever need to escape the castle, all you have to do is ask. I'd do anything to hell you."

The princess couldn't help but smile at him. "You would really do that for me?"

"Of course I would." The knight meant every word. He hated lying so why would he lie to someone he cared about?

"Thank you. It really means a lot to have someone like you around." The princess reached for the small strawberry pastry that was in front of her.

She tries the pastry and her eyes light up immediately. "This is so amazing! You're right about this cheering me up. I love strawberry."

He loved seeing her happy about anything and everything. She seemed to enjoy the small things in life. "I know." He immediately regretted his response.

The princess looked at him confused. "How did you know that?"

"I uh- I've heard it from your parents and the head chef. It's well known." The knight hoped that she would believe him.