Samuel
“What are you doing here, princess?” I asked, leaning against a tree.
She was sat in the middle of a clearing with knee-high grass and flowers.
“How did you find me?”
“Well, my lady, your absence was noticed and they nearly sent an army out to look for you but I told them I would find you. And then I asked Hilary where you might be.” I answered, shrugging.
“Well now that you have seen my hiding spot, I do believe we have two options. One, you can swear to secrecy or two, I kill you.” She giggled and ducked her head even though her gaze was serious.
“Or you come back to the castle and be a good princess.” I suggested, smiling at her cute little laugh.
She stood up and walked over. For a second I actually thought she would cooperate. But she grabbed my sword and ran away.
“Really?” I called after her, shaking my head as she turned and raised the sword.
“I challenge you to a duel, fair knight.” She winked as I chuckled and rolled my eyes. I walked over and sighed.
“Put that down before you hurt yourself.” I warned, reaching for it. She drove the blade down my palm, carefully skimming it along the skin without actually cutting as she jumped away.
“No! Come on now. You are supposed to be a guard, a trained knight. I am merely a princess. It should not be too hard to overcome me.”
“Enough. You really need to put it down. Nikita.” I leaned back as she swung at my neck.
“Choose your weapon and prepare to lose.” She giggled again as she ducked behind a tree. She peeked out from behind it, biting her lip on her smile.
“I am giving you to the count of three to come out from there and give me my sword back. Then we are going to walk back to the castle, where you will stay.”
“You, sir, are no fun.” She walked over and held out my sword with a pout on her beautiful face. I took it slowly, watching her. “Are you always so strict? The castle is old. I have lived there my entire life. I only get a few minutes where someone is not watching me and I want to spend them outside. Why anyone would want to be a princess passes my mind.”
“You have an hour.” I sighed and started for the castle when suddenly I had a princess in my arms, giving her full weight.
“Thank you, Samuel!” she squealed, laughing.
I smiled into her hair, setting her down. She looked up at me, losing her grin. “Sorry. I did not mean to…” she trailed off, biting her lip.
“I don't mind.” I whispered, tightening my grip on her. She got on her toes as I leaned down.
“Well done Sammy.” a voice said just before our lips could touch.
She jumped away, blushing.
“Ryker? What are you doing here?” I asked, grinning as I hugged my brother.
“Mother grows lonely without her baby boy in the house. I see you do not share the same problem.” He winked at Nikita as she smiled nervously.
“We were-” I broke off when he laughed, shaking his head.
“It is fine. Many have stolen sweet kisses from fair maidens such as she. What a pretty girl you are. I am Ryker, Samuel’s older and much more handsome brother.” He leaned down to kiss her hand as she grinned.
“Shall I leave you two alone then?” he asked, smirking at us.
“Ryker, sweet Ryker, it was but a kiss. And it did not even happen. No need to make a big deal out of it.” A look of pure innocent overtook her soft face as she looked up into his eyes. He gulped. Even I was mesmerized.
“Princess…you have my word I will not tell anyone of what I just saw.” Ryker promised, eyes wide.
“Good boy.” she murmured, walking back toward the castle.
“What a beauty you got, Samuel. You always had more luck drawing the pretty ones.” Ryker scoffed as we both watched her leave.
“Tell me about it.”
