The Lady Knight

Chapter 13

          "You can't be serious!"
          "Have you lost your mind?!?"
          "You're being too rash about this!"
          "This is ridiculous!"
          "I'm hungry!"
          Everyone turned to glare at Archer.
          "What? I can't help it!" he exclaimed innocently.
          Some rolled their eyes and others just simply ignored him. Henry put a sympathetic hand on his brother's arm.
          "My king, with all due respect, isn't this madness? A woman, of all people! It is quite obvious that she can't be serious. The daughter of the legendary Sir Demetrius? Lies!", one knight stepped forward.
          Alex gritted her teeth gave the middle-aged man a simple glare. Narrowing her eyes, she noticed his shorter height compared to the others and how he seemed to favour his right arm. A mess of blonde hair sat atop his head, his face as red as cherries. He flinched a little when he met Alex's eyes.
          Orpheus cleared his throat.
          "Sir Larton, I know this may seem preposterous, but trust me. I knew her when she was but a mere child. She is definitely, without a doubt Sir Demetrius's only child. I knew what this young woman is capable of."
          Seeing an opportunity to finally participate, Henry stepped forward. "Indeed! Just on the journey here, we encountered a Dark One! And right in front of my very own eyes, she beheaded it! She wasn't even frightened! Archer saw as well!"
          Orpheus gave a simple nod of agreement.
          "But Sir! A woman would be too weak to fight with us men! She would be a weak link! She would slow us down!", Sir Larton cried.
          "I am trained. I can take care of myself!" Alex snapped. The knight jumped, startled by her sharp tone. Alex narrowed her eyes in warning. Nervously, the knight took a small step backwards.
          "How about we vote?" Archer asked excitedly.
          "A vote? Well, I certainly didn't think of that! Good thinking, Archer!" Orpheus exclaimed.
         Archer blushed at the compliment, his ginger hair almost matching his face. He nodded his head in acknowledgement.
         "All of those in favour, say aye."
          "Aye."
          "Aye."
          "Nay."
          "Aye."
          "Nay."
          "Nay."
          "Nay."
          "Nay."
          "Aye"
          "Double Aye!" Archer cried.
          "Nay."
          Orpheus frowned.
          "A tie? Who hasn't voted? I know there are 13 knights!" Orpheus demanded.
          "Blade hasn't, Sir," someone murmured.
          "Blade? Where is he hiding now? Blade! Show yourself. We need your vote," Orpheus shouted.
          Alex hadn't seen a thirteenth knight in the room, not including King Orpheus. She glanced around the room, noticing the lack of hiding spots. And 'Blade'? Why do they call him 'Blade', of all things?
          A large foot emerged from the shadowed corner of the room. Then a gold-encased knee, then a whole golden leg. After both legs, a slim waist and a firm-looking chest came into view. Then muscled arms, a neck, and finally, a young face.
          Alex's breath caught in her throat. Her gaze was immediately drawn to his vibrant emerald eyes. They seemed to stare right into the depths of her soul, making her feel vulnerable and open. Hating that feeling, she straightened up and narrowed her eyes at him.
          As if reading her mind, his eyes glinted with amusement and a tiny smirk appeared on his handsome face. His smirk disappeared, however, when Sir Larton spoke.
           "Well? What is your vote?! We don't have all day!" he demanded impatiently.
          Blade slowly turned his head towards the red-faced knight. Even though he looked to be a few years older than Alex, probably Henry and Archer's age, he managed to intimidate the older knight to the verge of silence. Sir Larton could only make small noises that sounded suspiciously like whimpers.
          Blade turned his eyes on Alex again. His vibrant green eyes stared down into her silver ones. Even standing a few feet away, Alex could tell that he towered over her.
          After a few long seconds of prolonged silence, he gave Alex a tiny, almost non-existent smirk. He turned to his king.
          "Well? What is your vote?" Orpheus asked.
          Blade turned back to Alex and much to her surprise, winked at her.
          "Aye."