○●Fallkirk of Farnfoss, Summer, 2nd Feburary 1389●○
□■Ulf’s P.O.V.■□
The next morning I awoke later than usual, I wasn’t late by any measure, but I had hoped to be up earlier. It was finally the first day of the three day competition that would now commence. Today was solely for the archery competition. My brother Rafe would be entering it, he was well known as one of the best archers in all the lands, I had not much doubt that he would not lose, he was almost always perfect. I didn’t know of anyone as perfect, so I was fairly confident in his skill. There was a loud knock on the door and a quiet voice soon grazed my ears, "your highness, the first competition will commence in two hours, I have been sent here to bathe and dress you appropriately before leading you to the royal stands where all royals will be seated during the games." I groaned, why did I have to sit there, of all places, I was sure that this was so the young Princes and Princess could mingle and hopefully ignite a wedding unity between two countries to gain power. I’d already had enough of their selfish company. Especially that of Prince Lark of Mossley.
He was very self loving, he spoke down on everyone, especially his sister; whom never attended any of the royal mealtimes held. He had called her many names, implying that her ugliness belonged in the stable she was no doubtly hiding in with her horse. The worst part was his parents agreement, maybe she really was ugly. And I was aiming to marry it? I really didn’t know how my brothers could possible allow it. Especially if her personality was akin to her brothers. If I were to marry, id want to marry someone kind at least! A pair of white-blue and violet eyes flickered through my consciousness, before my mind could fully conjure up the image I called to the servant waiting at me door.
"you may enter." I tried my best to keep my voice even as a young servant boy tip toed into the room and straight to the empty tub in the bathing room. I slowly got up from my bed and walked to the wardrobe. I liked to pick my own clothes out for the day, it gave me a sense of choice, like I could choose what I wanted with my life. I picked out a dark mauve tunic, and black satin breeches. I then laid the clothes on my bed as I picked out a pair of mid calf black shinny boots. After choosing my clothes I dismissed the servant, I could bathe and dress myself on my own. I didn’t want to spend to long bathing, so I got in, cleaned my spots and was out within a couple minutes. I was careful to make sure I was fully dry, hair included, before I pulled my clothes and boots on. Nothing was worst then spending the day in damp clothes. It was mighty uncomfortable. I also took the extra effort to neaten my mass of curls, putting them into a neat order before tying the locks back at the nape of my neck.
If I did not tie the hair it would become uncomfortable during the day. For they stored a lot of heat in their depths during the hot days. After staring at the looking glass for a couple of minutes I decided I wouldn’t get much better than this, and if I tried harder to look better I would begin to feel like a woman stressing over weather I look pretty enough. I was slightly vain but I was not stressed over whether I was appealing enough, there was no one to impress here. Walking down the steps I saw my best friend Adriaan was waiting for me. As soon as he saw me he smirked wickedly.
"dear Ulf, you look rather dashing today, but I must ask since Lady Lowri is not here, who are you dressing to impress? Possibly the Princess you would no doubtly be marrying soon?" I scowled at him and did not dignify him with an answer, this just made him laugh harder.
"you know I’m just jesting! But seriously though, is there a someone here?" those peculiar eyes flashed through the forefront of my mind making me frown, was I really unconsciously trying to impress a stranger? A peasant no less? I turned to Adriaans smirk and grumbled out.
"Nay, Adriaan, there is no one to impress here." We both made our way to the entrance of the inn I was staying in, Adriaan was staying in a large tent outside the building with the rest of the nobles who’d come to watch the games, the tents where stylish, almost more stylish than the actual inn itself. Once we were outside we followed a large group of nobles walking toward the archer grounds. I was beginning to bubble with excitement, any games would be fun to watch, and watching my brother compete would make it all the much more exciting. when we both arrived at the grounds I noticed the royal box, which was filling up quite quickly, I turned to Adriaan, "it seems if I don't hurry I may not get a seat." Adrian tried to stifle a laugh.
"Would that be a bad thing Ulf?" I couldn't stop the laughter rolling off my tongue.
"nay, it would not be a terrible thing, but I fear my parents would disapprove it is purposely missed out on acquiring a good seat." Adriaan gave wish an encouraging pat on the shoulder and wished ne the best of luck as he scooted around on the heel of his boot and made his way toward the stands with the other nobles. I hoped he would be able to get a seat.
Making way to the royal stands I noticed two available seats, one in between two young princess’ and the other on the end of a row next to one of the younger princes. I made haste towards it in case I lost it to the last member yet to join the box and gratefully sank into the seat. The young Prince next to me gave me a sympathetic look as we both noticed the disappointment on the faces of the two girls beside the free seat. They’d obviously done that on purpose to try and ensnare me between them, without a chance of escape. I looked back at the young Prince my eyes displaying many grateful thank you for not kicking me out of the seat. I heard a quiet snicker behind me and knew without the need of turning around that it was Sebastiaan completely enjoying my suffering. It also seamed that The empty seat was to not be meant for another for another person never came. As the announcer of the game began his speech I realized who had yet again failed to show her presence, the Princess of Mossley. What was her name again ‘A’ something?
