Shadowing the Queen

And that’s how Elise ended up taking a walk, which she had originally wanted to take alone, with Kurt.

“So,” Kurt smiled under the full moon, “You know our parents have discussed your arranged marriage.”

“Have they now?” Elise asked, distracted.

“Yes.” Kurt replied. “They asked if I would be willing to take your hand in marriage.”

Elise stopped dead in her tracks and turned to him, her eyes wide. She liked Kurt, but she liked him as much as she liked every other knight; very little. They tended to be overly cocky, and that was saying something coming from a princess.

“And what did you say?” She asked distantly.

Kurt turned to her, studying her face curiously, “I told them I had to speak with you about it.” Elise sighed, relief washing over her. “And they said that they needed to make a decision soon, so if I did not choose quickly, I was not in the running for your hand.”

Elise groaned, “That is ridiculous!”

“It is.” Kurt agreed. “So, I am not in the running for your hand.”

Elise had mixed feelings about this statement, because as little as she liked Kurt, she still knew him and knew how to deal with him. She would much rather marry him than some other knight of whom she hadn’t met.

“Do you know if they asked anyone else?”

“I do not, Princess. But I will try to find out for you.” Kurt smiled, and then thought of something. “Why are you walking around with Amory and Tabor?”

Elise sighed, thinking of them watching her from whatever their hiding places were. “Is there a reason I shouldn’t be?” She asked coyly, turning and walking away from him backwards.

Kurt watched her intently, and she thought she saw something like regret flicker in his eyes. “Well Hardy tends to be a complete arse.” He said that last part louder than the rest of his sentence. Elise wasn’t the only one who knew they were watching.

“He’s not that bad, Kurt.” Elise rolled her eyes and turned away, looking up to watch the stars.

“He’s not? He had me fooled.” Kurt muttered, watching her as she lay down in the dirt. “Princess, you’ll get dirty.”

Elise laughed, still watching the stars. “I could not care less.”

“Explain that to your mother.” She didn’t reply. “I have to get back to my post, Princess Elise.” He stood above her, blocking her view. “But I truly hope they will keep you safe, my lady.”

She smiled and nodded, letting him disappear.

Not a minute after Kurt was gone; Hardy was looming over her, looking annoyed. “You’re friends with him?” He asked, disgusted.

“I’m friends with all the knights, Amory.”

“Do not call me that.” Hardy groaned, plopping down next to her. “You’re not allowed. You call me Hardy.”

Elise laughed and shook her head, “Why do I get special treatment?”

“Because you don’t know any better.”

Brynn kicked Hardy, making him fall over. “I call you Hardy.” She pointed out. “Not that it’s very hard to do.” The blonde girl smiled.

“It isn’t a very hard thing to do.” Tabor agreed. “In fact, I dare say it’s not a very hard thing to spell either.” He sat down next to Elise. Brynn sat down behind her and started brushing the dirt from her hair.

“Yes, yes. I have a very funny last name.” Hardy rolled his eyes. “But Tabor’s last name is Schmidit. Are we not going to go in the very obvious direction we can go?”

Elise thought about it for a moment, “Hm, no. I don’t think we will.” She gasped when Hardy laid his head on her stomach. She tried to keep her breathing as even as possible, frightened that he’d notice.

They all sat there for a long while, staring up at the stars before Elise spoke. “My parents are arranging my marriage.” The statement was quiet, and wasn’t exactly sad, but wasn’t happy in the least. Her voice was somewhere between sadness and worry, but no one seemed to know to respond to her.

“Yes.” Tabor said finally, “You knew they would begin their search.”

“No.” Elise breathed. “I had two years. They said they’d begin looking after two years.” There was a lump in her throat. “It’s too soon.”

Brynn sighed and leaned against Tabor tiredly. “I’m sorry, Princess.”

“I’m sorry, Princess.” Tabor added.

“I’m…” Hardy didn’t finish the sentence. Instead, he got up and headed back to the castle without a word.