Royal Affairs

Chapter 4

(Ember's POV)

   I woke up early to the sound of knocking. As I got out of bed I looked out the window I saw that it was still dark outside. I walked to the door and opened it to find a servant holding a pile of folded clothes. She bowed her head and said, "These are for you Princess."

   I took the clothes and told her thank you before I closed the door. I walked to my bed and unfolded each piece of clothing. Just as I had expected they were men's clothing.

   I took my time getting ready. Once dressed I sat in front of the mirror and braided my hair. I decided to put it up in a bun..

   I looked out the window again and saw that the sun had started to rise. I hurried and threw my new training boots on and left my chambers. I closed the door behind me and turned around. I came face to face with a man. I recognized the man as the guard that had watched over me throughout the night. He bowed and said, "I am to escort you to the practice fields Princess."

   "Wonderful," I said with a smile but under my breath I said, "Great another guard."

   The guard and I walked in silence for a few minutes but finally I broke it. "What is your name?" I asked.

   "My name is Sebastian Princess," was my answer.

   "Please call me Ember."

   Sebastian didn't answer right away but when he did he said, "as you wish Prince- I mean Ember."

   I smile and glanced at him. He was handsome. He had dark hair and light blue eyes. He was tall but not nearly as tall as Jonathan, nor was he has handsome. Why am I think this? I must not do so again it is unacceptable and highly inappropriate. I scolded myself.

   Sebastian and I talked as we walked. when we entered the stable I realized that I had failed to remember an apple for Storm. I kissed her nose and promised to bring her one later.

   Sebastian and I continued on our way and walked across the dew ridden grass to the practice fields where I could see Jonathan. I stepped over the rope while Sebastian stopped. "This is as far as I go Ember. I will see you this evening."

   I smiled. "Yes. Good bye Sebastian." I turned around and walked over to Jonathan who was still watching Sebastian. "The guards are to protect you. They are not for you to use and make your way with," his words were cold and emotionless.

   I felt anger form within me. "How dare you! I am not making my way with them nor do I plan to! Where did you get such an idea? Are words that are saying so being passed throughout the castle?"

   When no answer came I realized I was right. I felt tears swell in my eyes and I turned around and forced them not to fall. "Why are people saying such things? It isn't true." More quietly I added, "I haven't even been kissed. I was courted for a short while a couple of years ago before illness fell upon my mother." Why am I telling him this? I barley know him. What is he doing to me?

   Jonathan stayed silent but after a few minutes he said, "I believe you. I am sorry. I let the false words reach me. It can be hard to tell the true from the false."

   I smiled. "What is in store for this morning?"

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(Jonathan's POV)

   I trained her in hand to hand combat this morning. All the while I kept thinking. How could I let the words reach me? I learned what to believe and what to dismiss. She doesn't seem like a girl that would throw herself at any man. Why do I care? I have a lady on my arm. All I must do is ask her father permission then ask her to marry me.