Color of Roses

Fateful Encounter

Chapter 1

The town clock chimes eleven in the morning and I can't help but feel frustrated. Today is the day the castle hosts an event to find the next heir to the throne of Wysteria. Rumor has it that the king has fallen ill and there's not much time left. I received a letter telling me I'm eligible but I'm not going to the castle in hopes of becoming a princess.

I pick up my pace and start running towards the castle gates only to see them closed. "Crap," I mutter. The event already started. I have to get in! I promised!

*Flashback*

"I hear there's a flower in the castle garden that grants wishes. I want to wish my mommy better," a young student of mine draws a white lily on a piece of paper I handed her.

"Is that so?" I watch the way she scribbles the colors and smile. "Well, I got invited to the castle. I'll find you this flower," I promised. The student's eyes widen and her mouth parts and shows sets of white teeth. "You mean it?" She leaps from the desk and wraps her tiny arms around my legs.

"I mean it."

My student's mother has fallen ill with the same symptoms my mother had. I can't bear to see another young child go through what I had to go through.

I glance around the wall searching for a protruding brick or tree I can climb. Sure enough a short tree stands near the wall a few feet away. I make my way to the tree and grab the closest branch and try to hoist myself upward. I make it and begin to climb another branch. A snapping sound startles me and I stop moving. The branch begins to part with the tree and I brace myself for the fall. I land right on my bum.

"That's quite a bruise you'll have," a male voice says behind me.

I turn my head to see a tall figure blocking the sun several feet away from me. I quickly get to my feet and dust off any dirt I might have on my skirt. I feel my face burning from the embarrassment.

"You saw that?" I say quietly. So much for trying to sneak in.

"I saw enough. Who are you?" The figure steps closer and I take in his features. Silver armor covers his right shoulder and a red cape flows over the other. His hair is dark and his eyes are the color of roses. I feel my face burning even more. It's just my luck to make a fool of myself in front of someone so.. handsome.

"I'm Aria," I say after a few minutes of staring at the young knight.

He steps in closer and grabs my hand. "You're here for the princess elect event?" He grabs the letter from my hands and examines it. "Well I can tell you this. First rule of being a princess: Be on time," he laughs and hands me the letter and turns around towards the gate.

"Wait!" I run after him. "There's something I need to get here. It's important." He eyes me for a moment, shakes his head and continues towards the gate. "Please listen!" I beg and he stops and gives me an impatient look.

"I made a promise to someone that I'd go to the castle. I can't let them down. I won't stop trying to get in until I fulfill my promise," I give my best puppy eyes and the knight shakes his head in disbelief. "Alright, fine." He says and opens the gate for me. I step inside and take in the scenery of the castle and its courtyards. Luscious green grass spreads over a majority of the landscape with trees and shrubbery spread over the castle itself. "It's beautiful," I say out loud.

"Do what you came to do but don't make me regret letting you into the castle. If I catch you doing anything strange I'll escort you out personally." The knight gives me a stern look and I try not to laugh. He doesn't look that tough. "Yes sir," I say and salute him in a mocking way. He narrows his brows and glares at me. I don't think he found it funny.

"Sir Alyn! We need you," another male figure rounds the corner and calls to the knight.

"I'll be there in a second," Alyn says. I give him a playful smile before he turns and walks towards the man. "Thank you!" I say but I'm not sure if he heard me or not.