The Princess and The Knight

Chapter Eleven

Sir John couldn't be more impressed. As much as he admired her patience, he loved to see her stand up for herself. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but it just made him unbelievably happy. He walked at a brisk pace to catch up to the princess. When he got next to her, he could tell she was still fuming. The knight knew she wanted some space so he kept quiet, but walked next to her. He wanted to show her that he was there for her without feeling overwhelmed. After a minute of standing at the top of the stairs, he spoke to her.

Sir John: "Thank you, but you didn't have to do that. I didn't mind doing what he asked if it meant that it would help you."

That was a half lie. He despised doing what that royal brat wanted. Throwing him in the carriage himself sounded like a much better time. Princess Grace took a deep breath and smiled a little while facing him.

Princess Grace: "I stand by what I said earlier. I would never treat you or anyone else like that. Ever. I'm sorry for thinking that spending time with him was the only way. He was by far the worst one. I try to tolerate them, but it's so hard when they act so full of themselves. I can't stand when they act like that. I would love someone who is kind, generous, charming, loyal, and helpful. That's exactly who I see myself with."

The knight couldn't help but blush as his eyes widened a little. That was basically what the baker said when he was at the bakery yesterday. The baker couldn't have been more right. Now he knew why she wanted him to get closer to the princess. She must have overheard the princess when she was in town last with the royal family. He shook his head and responded to the princess while trying not to seem too excited.

Sir John: "That sounds perfect for you, Princess."

Princess Grace: "Thank you, but I highly doubt I'll find anyone within five hundred miles like that."

Princess Grace wore a defeated look while looking away. She genuinely seemed discouraged bye her own words as she watched a squirrel run along the bannister to jump on a tree by one of the many palace windows. That look instantly made the knight sad as well. Seeing someone so amazing look so defeated felt like treason to him.

Sir John: "I'm sure the one you are looking for is closer than that. Anyone would be lucky to have someone like you in their life."

Instant regret flooded the knight internally. He meant every word, but felt a tad embarrassed and prayed the princess wouldn't look too deep into his words. Luckily, she did not think much of it, but smiled at the compliment.

Princess Grace: "Thank you, Sir John. That means a lot coming from you. You'll find someone that is perfect for you as well."

He smiled at her and already knew he found her. Desperate to change the subject to avoid any awkward moments, he changed the conversation.

Sir John: "Did you have any plans for today?"

Princess Grace: "Nothing that comes to mind. Why do you ask?"

Sir John: "As a matter of fact, I do. Do you trust me?"

The princess nodded and was intrigued by these words. The knight opened the ballroom door for her while bowing a little. Princess Grace thanked him and walked inside. The room was massive with twelve rectangular windows that overlooked the castle gardens. A glass rotunda made the sun rays light the room, while not making it overbearingly bright. The tables were removed for cleaning so the ballroom was incredibly spacious. Gold and blue designs adorned the walls and behind the royal families table was a picture of them with curtains draped down the sides. When the king chose to have it be put there, he did it because he was proud of his family and not a bragging piece.

Sir John closed the door behind her as he watched her walk in. He guided her towards the middle of the room and she looked back at him confused.

Princess Grace: "What exactly did you have planned?"

Sir John: "You'll see. Can you please close your eyes for a moment?

The princess nodded and closed her eyes. She trusted knight enough to do just this. As her eyes were closed, Sir John walked over to a mannequin of a knight and grabbed the fake sword. He was hesitant to do this, but he knew it was the right choice. He walked back and stood about two feet away from her while pointing the sword handle toward her.

Sir John: "You can open your eyes now."

The Princess opened her eyes to see a sword handle close to her. The handle was silver and had an intricate swirl design around the base where the sword is held. She looked at him confused, so the knight smiled at her.

Sir John: "I'm going to teach you how to sword fight, princess."