Royalty? It's Not What You Think. (ON HOLD)

Chapter 13: Two More Companions

Hey guys! Sorry it took so long to upload! I have to write all the chapters now, since I already uploaded all of my prewritten chapters. So, I apologize in advance If I'm not as punctual as before (not that I was that punctual) but nevertheless, please keep commenting and liking and sharing your feedback!

Thanks!

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I woke to a knock on the door of my chamber. Rubbing my eyes sleepily from the lack of sleep due to worrying all night about my ring, I called out in a drowsy voice, “Enter.”

A young maid stepped into the room keeping her head down with a bundle of clothes in her hand. “The Prince has instructed me to help you dress for the day, Milady.”

“Why?” I asked, suppressing a not-lady-like yawn.

She paused for a minute, taken by surprise. “Has Milord not informed you of today’s events?” She asked.

“I do not recall so.” I said puzzled while rising out of my bed.

“You and Milord are to attend horseback riding this morning.”

A servant led the way down the corridor as we made our way to the stables. Sunlight from the high windows streamed through and gave the stone a faint glow. We came to the stairs I had taken with the Prince the night before and descended them. The halls were still cool with the morning chill which sent shivers up my skin.

As we cleared the corridor, we came to an open hallway. On one side, was a wall of the castle, and the other side opened out to the North entrance of the castle which, in the distance, looked like a giant barrier separating us from the outside world. Pillars made with the same stone of the castle stood spaced out at equal intervals holding up the ledge that was above our heads. The fields were green, lush and looked as if they were well taken care of despite their immense size.

Just as the stable came into view, a young page darted out from the corner of the hallway and came to a hasty halt in front of me, quickly sinking into a deep bow.

“Milady, the King has summoned your presence in the conference hall.” He spoke rapidly seeming out of breath.

“I was told to meet with the Prince at the stables.” I informed the boy.

“Prince Auden has already arrived at the conference hall.” The boy said as if he were ignoring my comment.

I cocked my head to the side, confused, but I complied, dismissing the servant that was with me and followed the page boy.

As we came to the hall, I saw a figure approaching. It looked to be a man, only a few years older than I. As he neared, I was able to distinguish some of his features; he had ebony colored hair, nearly pitch black, and his eyes were bright green which was in stark contrast to his hair. The man’s eyes bore a strong resemblance to the Prince although it was clear that he was King Stanton’s brother.

“Lord Percy?” I exclaimed. Almost instantly, I attempted to hide my left hand, hoping that he would not notice the absence of my ring.

“Princess,” he called, “Good morning. I trust that you had a pleasant night?” Lord Percy came to a stop a little too close to me and forced me to take a step back. He looked me over seeming to take in my clothes. “Your attire seems…” His voice trailed off.

“Oh, I was to be horse-ridding with Prince Auden right now, but it seems that we were both summoned by the King.” I explained. “I apologize for my clothes. I should have changed.”