The Forgotten

Chapter seven: The Job

I went home and quickly got changed into my dress. I reach for the front door when it suddenly opens, revealing Arthur. We stand there for several seconds in silence.

"May I pass?" I sigh, looking up at him.

"Where are you going?" He asks in a weird tone.

"I need a job, I don't want to rely on you anymore," I state blankly. He sighed deeply. There was an odd moment of silence. I could feel the tension burning between us.

"Well I can't keep you, go on," He brushes by me softly as he walks into the house. I walk out hesitantly... Maybe I could get a job at the inn? Or maybe at the horse stables...? I have always adored animals. Or maybe I could be a maid for a noble in the area? I never minded cleaning all that much. I walk into the local inn just up the street and walk up to the bar.

"Excuse me sir, you wouldn't happen to be hiring, would you?" I smile gently as the old man turns and looks at me.

"No, sorry miss, we have too many workers already." He sighs.

"Alright, take care." I groan and walk out, moving on to a nobles house up towards the castle. I knock gently on the door and a man opens it. He states he is in no need of workers so I move on, going house to house to house when I reach the castle. It seemed nobody would hire me. I approached the castle door and two soldiers pointed their swords at me.

"State your business," one says in a gruff voice. The men both wore full suits of steel-plated armor.

"I am looking for a j-" I begin but suddenly the castle door opens and a man dressed in fancy clothing walks out. He nearly walked into me. He was very attractive. The two soldiers put their swords away immediately and get on one knee. I quickly bow my head. I suppose he is the king.

"My, My, who are you?" he grabs my hand and kisses it gently. I quickly look up at him to see him staring into my eyes. Wow, he was very charming, indeed.

"I am Isabel," I curtsy, dipping my head down again but he lifts it up with a gentle hand.

"No need for all of that nonsense, why are you here?" He smiled. I feel as though I am about to melt, damn. His chiseled jaw cut through the air, which left his light brown eyes piercing into mine.

"I was looking for a job and I was considering to work here," I say hesitantly and he nods.

"We can work something out, why don't you come inside?" He puts his hand on my shoulder and walks me inside. This place was absolutely stunning... I had never seen anything more beautifully decorated. He leads me up the carpeted stairs which led up to a hallway heading each way. A massive chandelier hung above the staircase. He turned right down the hallway and entered the first door on the left. The room had beautiful paintings of brave knights hung on the walls. Although the room was small, a long table with 14 chairs sat in the center of it.. The room was empty besides us so I sat down in a chair across the table from him.

"What kind of job would you be looking for?" He grins. I felt my heart beat quicker as my stomach twisted in swirls.

"I-" I began but my voice cracked so I stopped and took a deep breath, "I want to become a knight," I say quietly. Despite Arthur annoying me lately, he had still inspired me. He says I should express myself, no matter what others think and this is truly what I want to do. I want to work along side Arthur and continue our adventures and express my independence.

"Excuse me?" his laugh echoes the room, "You are but a beautiful girl. Surely you would like to be a maid or something?" he says, holding back his laughter. Yep, there it is... A sexist male once again.

"I am positive," I say firmly and his smile disappears.

"Well... you could become a soldier, but that requires a lot of training and time-" he began but I cut him off.

"I will do it," we stare at each other for a moment before he sighs.

"Girl, where is your father? Surely you are to be married... Not to become some warrior. You are far too beautiful. Looks like that are meant for a prince," he smiles charmingly.

"I do not need a man, I can make decisions for myself, thank you," I say blankly, staring at him intensely. He stands up and walks over to my chair, towering over me.

"Where is your father..." he repeats firmly this time.

"I fear that is none of your business," I gulp, still staring at him.

"I'm not going to ask again, girl," he says sternly. He crosses his arms as I stare at him.

"Southern Athesda village, but-" I start but he cuts me off.

"Excellent. I must discuss pressing matters with him at once," he walks out and I stand up, following him reluctantly.

"Stop by here again Tuesday morning, girl," he smiles as I leave the castle. What the hell was that all about? That was weird. I walk back to Arthur's house and immediately go to his room. He was asleep, yet it wasn't fully dark out. The sun was still setting. I sit down on the bed and sighed. I beamed at his armor across the room and grinned slightly. I will be a soldier soon... Maybe he'll be proud of me...

I woke up to the sound of Arthur's armor clunking in the corner. I quickly sit up and open my eyes, spotting him putting on his armor.

"Shit, I didn't mean to fall asleep... I'm sorry," I started blushing. It was not okay to sleep in a bed with someone unless married. I felt my face burn with embarrassment as I quickly shielded it with my face and groaned in disgust.

"It's fine, Belle calm down. Where the devil were you last night? I began to worry," I look up at him slowly and sigh in relief.

"I went all over town looking for a job. I wound up at the castle and I met the prince? King?... We talked for a while and he said I could become a soldier... He was very handsome and-" I begin but he cuts me off.

"Wait, did he say that word for word? Or did he imply it," Arthur turns and looks at me in shock.

"He said to come back Tuesday. I am so excited," I smile, but he frowns as he puts on his helmet.

"That's odd, he usually doesn't let girls in..." he says quietly. "No matter, I am to go discuss with the king about the thieves. Try not to get into too much trouble," he chuckles, as I nod. He walks out the door. I should go explore town today.