Color of Roses

Cat Purrrson

Chapter 3

We walk briskly down the hall, the knight's armor clanking about with each step. The silence is deafening so I scramble for a way to break it. "Crazy day, huh?" As soon as it's said, I realize how stupid it was.

"Crazy? That's a minor way of putting it. Today, I met some strange girl trying to climb a tree and decide to let her inside the castle only to find her digging up flowers in the courtyard and to top that off, that same girl is now the princess. Crazy isn't the word I would use," he said with irritation. Despite his tone of voice, his expression remained barren.

"I can't really be the princess. There has to be a mistake." I didn't come here to be a princess in the first place.

"I don't disagree with you there. You couldn't even arrive in time. What is Giles thinking?" His stride becomes larger and I'm almost running trying to keep up. He stops in front of a large door and I nearly collide with his back. He opens the door and I walk into a large library. The man from before, Giles, is leaning against a large desk with a small book open in his hands.

"Ah, Princess Aria, pleasure to see you all cleaned up," he smiles and places his book on the desk. "That will be all, Sir Alyn."

Alyn glances at me before leaving the room. "So, you're probably wondering what's going on." Giles approaches me and sets a large tattered book onto a desk nearby. The title reads History of Wysteria in golden letters.

"I'm not truly the new princess, am I?" I didn't even participate in the events and or interact with anyone.

"I've chosen you to be the next heir to the throne, Aria. I don't make mistakes." Giles' lips tighten into a smile but his eyes reveal a hint of annoyance.

"I don't know the first thing about being a princess. Let alone running a kingdom!"

"If you'd let me finish I would tell you that I will be your instructor. I will coach you in the ways of the politics and mannerisms of being a princess and further as queen. There's just one thing." Giles's arms cross while one hand presses his index finger to his chin. "You'll need to find a partner."

"What kind of partner?" My heart's starting to race.

"Someone who will run the kingdom alongside you, of course. We have plenty of noblemen who visit the castle often as well as wealthy establishments with suitable bachelors. Although, there is no real time limit, I would still suggest finding someone sooner rather than later; Wysteria depends on you as its means of a future and the includes providing heirs."

There is so much to take in all at once. I feel myself getting dizzy all of a sudden and I brace myself against the desk. I'm the future of the entirety of Wysteria and I had to choose who would rule alongside me. How can he expect someone as inexperienced as myself to handle such a large responsibility?

"Aria?" I hear Giles voice but it's muffled.

Before I knew it, my vision is blurred and my body becomes heavy and I fade to blackness.

I wake up to a familiar white room. I force myself to sit up, my head throbbing. I begin to recollect everything that's happened today and the throbbing increases. My vision is still a bit hazy while my eyes wander the room finding myself to be alone. I shove the covers towards my feet and take a step onto the lush carpet beneath my bed. The room was a light shade of orange from the setting sun. I step towards the nearest window and rest my elbows against the solid block of stone and gaze at the large courtyard.

A stable sits a few yards from the side of the large castle but it appears the horses have been brought in for their dinner and slumber. I unlock the window and push it open to allow the cool breeze to flow through my stuffy room. I needed the fresh air. I spot a blur of white below near the flower garden and look to find a white cat.

Eager to get out of this room, I make a dash out the large door and down the halls ignoring the expressions I receive from the staff. I reach the courtyard and find no traces of the white cat. I start to call out for it, even getting on my hands and knees looking in bushes.

A voice from behind startled me. "You're up to no good again, aren't you?" I push myself upward and I'm confronted by the always pleasant knight.

I lock eyes with his, unsure if I can lie my way out of this mess. I sigh in defeat. "I thought I spotted a cat just now. I came to investigate."

"I heard you fainted today. Perhaps you're still out of it. There's no cats here," the knight says in a mocking tone.

I squint my eyes at him until I spot the white ball of fur behind his towering figure. "There!" I point.

He turns around and sure enough the snow white cat is sitting on a stone bench grooming itself. "I'll dispose of it," he trots over towards the cat that responds by leaping off into a nearby bush.

"Leave it alone!" I reach out and grab a hold of his cape but my weak strength does little to halt his actions. I decide to wrap my arms around his waist.

"What are you doing?" Alyn grabs my hands and forces them loose.

"Leave the cat alone!" I then stand myself in front him with my arms spread wide.

He lets out an irritated sigh. "Whatever," he crosses his arms before taking a step back.

I sigh in relief and crouch near the bush and offer my hand. Sure enough, the cat peaks its blue eyes through the leaves and sniffs my fingers. I reach out and touch its head, caressing behind its ear. It slowly removes itself from the bush and rubs between my legs. I reach down and pick the small cat up and continue to pet its head.

"If Giles knew the princess was befriending stray animals he'd be livid." The knight stands beside me, his hands resting on his knees, his expression displeased.

"I want to keep her," I say quietly.

"You're kidding, right?"

I hold the cat closer feeling her body vibrate as she purrs. "She seems to agree with me." I hold her out towards Alyn who backs away as though the very creature disgusts him.

"If anyone asks, I wasn't here."

"You're not much of a cat person, are you?" I tease.

"Always loved dogs." Alyn looks away as though he's embarrassed by his answer. He was interesting regardless of his stern personality. "I need to get back to surveying the castle. Promise me you won't get in anymore trouble?"

I nod at him. He seems satisfied with my answer and turns to walk back toward the main entrance. I call out to him, "Thank you!" before he's out of ear shot.