Protecting the princess (GXG) *Complete*

2. 100,000 GOLD

I opened the scroll, and could believe what that man had just given me. I had to read it a couple times and still couldn't believe it.

I ran to the stables and saddled Nolan, opened the latch and bursted out to head for the castle. I took the outskirts route because I didn't want to run anyone over. I ducked my head and propelled us forward, dodging trees and branches. Then I came up to the river and with added momentum jumped clean over it.

Reaching the castle gates I hopped off Nolan, and tied him to the front post. Before I left I kissed his nose and thanked him. The guards put their spears infront of the gate and asked for my business for being there. I held up the scroll and they instantly opened the door and let me through.

I walked through and was greeted with a butler." I'll presume that you are the Huntress Hailey the king asked for." I nod and he gestures for me to follow. I walk in and notice the large hallway. It was so much bigger than my house. The walls were draped with curtains that each told their own story. The main colors were navy blue and silver. I looked at the ground and noticed that the rug had matching stories to the curtains, and the same colors. Leading up to the throne that the king sat with his wife Isobel next to him.

I knelt on one knee and lowered my head," you requested for me? My king." I dreaded this, but I wasn't going to be disrespectful.

"Rise from your respects." His voice was very deep and smooth. "Dear huntress how have you been?"

I got up and stood straight." I've done better, how have you been? You and your wife look well."

"Haha, no need to suck up to us huntress, we know what you can do. And yes we are very well." He sighed and lost the hysterical smile." Now to talk important matters. My Daughter will be turning 19, and bringing in suiters for a future king. We," he grabbed his wife's hand," need you to look over her while the princes reach the kingdom. It's going to take a while so I ask that she can stay at your place until further notice."

I was thinking it over in my head and I didn't want her in my house. Let alone near me. I opened my mouth to speak," If I may, I can...."

He cut me off," of course we would like this to work in your favor. So the offer we have is 100,000 gold. And for every day she stays extra we'll raise the price." My jaw dropped and I couldn't deny him. 100,000 GOLD, I WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR THAT KIND OF MONEY.

I straightened myself and cleared my throat," I humbly accept." A gigantic smile appeared on his and his wife's face.

"WONDERFUL!!" he jumped up and walked down to me. He was bigger than I imagined, but not the stereotypical king fat. He was built, and way over my height. He grabbed my hand and thanked me." We'll also give you money for food, water, and anything else you may need." Pain shot through my body from my hand because of his grip. I tried to keep my composure and a smile on my face, but it was slowly disappearing the longer he shook my hand. He finally decided to let go and I held my hand in pain." She will be packed and ready tonight, before dark." He handed me a bag of coins and a list of her favorite foods. We had a little bit of small talk about her and then he sent me off.

It was about mid-day, and I had brought Nolan back to the house, and picked up Winston. My brother still wasn't home, so I thought that I might sleep in his room while the princess slept in my room. I have to play nice the entire time she's with me otherwise I don't get the money I've earned. Sounds greedy I know, but I personally don't like the royal family. The past king was horrible to the 'peasants' and raised the taxes like a dick. Since I'm a huntress I earn more than the average commoner so I was buying bread and running back and forth for water for the other villagers that were struggling.

After going shopping with the money I was given, I walked back home and looked around the house. It was dirty, clothes thrown around, dust lingering in every corner. I couldn't let someone stay at my house with it looking like this. So I got straight to work, starting with the kitchen and ending with the bedrooms. I found things I thought I'd lost years ago. It took the rest of the day but it was worth it. My place needed a clean, desperately.

I took a look outside, and the sun was headed down. I walked outside and made my way back to Nolan, who was falling asleep. I tapped his nose and he woke up and pushed his nose into my stomach wishing to be hugged. I gave him what he wanted and he willingly got up. I put on the saddle for 2 and made sure it was safe. I worked my way onto his back slowly, because I knew he was still waking up. The latch opened and I started for the kingdom outskirts trail. I allowed him to walk instead of running like he did earlier. He deserved the slow walk, he always deserves one. It would take us 20 minutes to get to the castle gates but I didn't care, Nolan needed to stay calm especially before dark.
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We were about half way when I stopped Nolan because i heard something coming from the woods. It was like a scream, but distant enough into the wood that only a trained professional could hear. I slowly slid off Nolan and listened close. I dropped the reins and rubbed his head," stay right here. If anything go back to the house." And I kissed his nose. Wandering deeper into the wood the scream began to pick up sound. I saw a figure backing up surrounded by wolves. The scream was high pitched, and sounded like a girls. However, with all the male cowards in this village you wouldn't know the difference. I've only ever heard mages come into the wood in search of ingredients for potions and spells. What would a young girl be doing in the woods and how did she work her way past the river?