A Knight's Daughter

It wasn't supposed to be like this. When your father and Uncles went to meet the enemy on the battlefield you were certain that they would return the victors. And why should you have thought otherwise? You prayed to God as everyone else did but......you went above and beyond. You volunteered to become an Acolyte at the Royal chapel. You and the other women willing to do so, endured months of isolation and fasting.

But alas, it appeared it was all in vain. The enemy not only defeated your armies, but your father and Uncles were captured along with the King's son. Now as you stood by the door that led to the Palace of Lights, hope had died - leaving only bitterness on your tongue. If hatred was venom, you had enough to kill the entire world.

Oh how you hated the Saxons and their haughty behavior on your lands. If you were not bound at the wrists, you likely would have attempted to unsheathe one of their weapons. You could at least cut one throat before dying, you supposed. Behind you, Princess Hannah stood, leaning against the wall.......crying.

"Will you stop that incessant weeping! Do you wish for our enemies to see you as weak?" You seethed at her in a whisper. "We are here to see to you and your brother's release. It could lead to the rest of us being set free as well. But we shall not get anywhere if you cannot hold yourself together!"

"That is easy for you to say. But I am a Princess. It is difficult for me to be in such a position of.........of.......captivity and degradation. I am being treated like a commoner."

You wanted to slap her as hard as humanly possible. Hannah was speaking as if your father wasn't highborn and you had not been her companion since the two of you were born. You moved in the same social circle but now, she was speaking as if you were a fisherman's daughter. Your father and Uncle's had fought loyally against the Saxons.

Even going so far as to attempt a rescue of Prince Gustav which led to them being ambushed and captured themselves. And now, here Princess Hannah stood, speaking as if your family was nothing.

"I will forgive you for that, your Highness. But speak to me like that again and I shall never forgive you!"

The Princess stopped weeping long enough to glare at you. The pompous brat certainly knew how to cease her dramatics when she felt insulted. Furrowing her brows, she peered into your eyes in anger. She then sniffled - inhaling the mucus in her throat before she spoke.

"Lady Y/N, Please do not threaten me. I am—-.

"Do not assert your title to me, Princess! I know very well who you are! My family has done much for the kingdom, especially my father and Uncles. So do not besmirch my position again. I have said my peace!"

With that, you turned your back to her once again. Princess Hannah was infuriating but she was still your better. You may have been sharp-tongued but even you knew when to hold your words. As you stood, a finely dressed man approached one of the men guarding you. As they spoke, his eyes fell on yours in a way that you could only describe as 'taunting'.

You looked away immediately. Not only because of the smirk that had crossed his face, but the fact that it was improper to stare at menfolk.

"Pray tell, who are these women you have all tied up like farm stock?"You heard a man's voice say.

When you glanced over your shoulder, it was apparently the same man who had been looking at you. He paced the floor, eyeing you, Princess Hannah and the other highborn daughters who lined the wall.

"That one in the red is Princess Hannah. King Alfred plans on using her and her brother, Prince Gustav for leverage in negotiations."

"I see." The stranger said. "And what of this one with the unpleasant face."