The Lady Knight

Prologue

The small girl groaned with pain as she was shoved down a hill. She looked up at her laughing sisters.

"What's wrong Katherine? Aren't you going to fight back?" They grinned widely and chuckled.

"Elizabeth...Vicky..." Small tears formed in the corners of her eyes and she slowly stood up, brushing the dirt off of her skinned knees.

Her sisters laughed harder as they noticed the tears in her eyes. Anger boiling inside her, Katherine ran up the hill and tackled Lizzy. Together, they rolled down the hill and landed with Lizzy on top. "You little...." Lizzy quickly stood up and kicked Katherine in the shin.

"Elizabeth! Victoria! Upstairs to your room young ladies! I will not allow you to treat your sister like a peasant." Queen Diana came running and scooped Katherine up in her arms. Elizabeth and Vicky quickly took off and disappeared into the castle.

"They hate me." Katherine muttered.

"Of course not. They were just having a little fun. But I shall be punishing them later." Queen Diana stated, dusting off Katherine's short white dress.

"Now go play. I shall call you when it is time for your royal bath." She kissed Katherine's cheek and walked back inside the castle.

"Jealous? Of me? Course not." She sighed. Running her fingers through her strawberry blonde hair.

"I hate being the youngest. They always make fun of me. They make fun of my height, my hair, and let's not forget what I get made fun of everyday. My differently colored eyes. I have gray eyes, which I hate. Mother claims I'm special but I'm not."
•
Gray clouds were rolling in, threatening harsh storms and damaging winds.

"I actually enjoy storms." Katherine said. "They aren't expected to act properly. They can be as wild and carefree as they want."

The rumbling sound of hooves caught her attention. She turned her attention to Max, the greatest of the Knights. He was riding on a midnight black horse.

"Good afternoon my Fair Lady." He climbed off of his horse and walked to her. "What are you doing out here all by yourself? A storm is rolling in."

"I know. But I like storms and I'm not afraid."

Max raised an eyebrow and chuckled slightly. "Well you're the bravest child I've seen in a long time My Lady."

"Hey, Max?"

"Yes My Lady?"

"Are you scared of anything?"

"Of course."

"But you're a knight! You're the bravest of the bravest and strongest of the strongest!"

"I'm always scared when I have to defend this kingdom. I worry that my power will not be enough to protect you and your family. But just remember, I'll do everything in my power to protect you." He planted a kissed on her head.

"What's it like being a knight?"

"It's a huge responsibility. You have to learn to duel with swords, bows and arrows, spears, and other weapons. You must learn to ride a horse and defend yourself while you're on it. Knights risk their lives to protect the ones they love. You must train hard every day and every night if you want to be successful. It's an horror to hold the power in your hand to protect the kingdom. That's what a knight does."

Katherine's eyes glistened. "Wow...awesome!" She giggled.

Max climbed back on his horse. "Well my Lady, it's been lovely talking to you. I must go now. Good day." He gave a small smile and rode off over the hills on his horse.

"Knights know how to fight and they are very strong. They are the ones that protect and keep the kingdom safe. When there is a problem, a knight is one of the first to know."

She stayed quiet for a few seconds, then she slowly started to grin; somewhat like a Cheshire Cat. "That's what I want to be."

"I want to be a knight."