The Scarlet Lillie

Granted

Chapter 20
My father was where he said he would be, but Logan was not with him. Interesting, but I decided not to ask about that.
I knocked on the study's door. "Father?" I called shyly. "Do you have a moment?"
"Well, not really. But if it's urgent, I suppose I can spare a moment." He replied, beckoning me forward.
I stepped in, and was astonished; officials and war council members were scurrying about the study, getting papers in order and hastily talking to one another in hushed tones. They bowed as I passed them.
"Forgive me; I did not know I would be interrupting something." I insisted.
"No, darling, you are perfectly fine." My father replied, glancing up at me from a document. "What is it you need?"
"Father, I wish to visit a small village outside the capital named Kendrick's. I was hoping to get your approval before I depart."
He set the paper down and removed his reading glasses. I had his full attention now. "Why would you wish to visit this place?"
"There is a young boy that is working in our stables, and he hails from this village. He says... His people hate us, Father. The people in his village think we are not fit to rule. The rumors that float in the village are horrible ones. I only wish to go to return this boy to his home and care for the town. I want to show them we are not as bad as they think."
My father hesitated. Then he smiled sadly. "You're mother used to make trips like that every chance she got. Very well; you may go. Just make sure-"
"Logan and my guard come with me, I know, Father." I kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you."
"By the way, I like that tiara on you; it suits you very well." He complemented.
"Thank you." I smiled. I excused myself from the room, not wanting to disturb the men any more than I already had.
I walked through the hallways and out to the guards' quarters.
I hadn't been to this building since I was six years old. I used to always come and call on Logan to play with me. However, I had never made it past the front door.
As it was a nice day, the men had left the door ajar. I gently knocked and stepped through.
"Pardon me, gentlemen." I called, walking through the entrance. Finding no one was there, I pushed further into the building. I heard distant laughter echoing through the halls, and followed the sound all the way to the back of the house. I exited through the back door and stepped into the very large training area. The newest recruits were standing in a circle around their instructor, eagerly listening to him.
"The King and Princess are you're top priority at all times. You are there to protect them, and to give them assistance with any matter." Logan explained. He nodded to a man who had his hand slightly raised.
"Sir, aren't you in the princess's personal guard?" He asked. Logan nodded. "What's she like? The princess, I mean."
"Your Highness!" Someone gasped. I turned to discover Jake and Max standing behind me. They bowed to me without hesitation.
"What are you doing here?" Jake asked.
"Please," I pressed a finger to my lips. "I wish to hear this."
The men nodded and remained beside me.
Logan smiled. "She's wonderful. She always thinks about what other people need before she even considers herself. Which is why she's the worst person to be working under; she'll try to make it so that you avoid getting hurt, even if it means she gets killed. Leonard," he addressed one of the men. "What would you do if Her Highness was being held hostage, but she told you to save yourself and get away?"
Leonard thought for a moment. "Her word is final, but I'd challenge it because her life is more valuable than mine."
Logan nodded. "Good answer." He unsheathed his sword from his belt. I had never seen him draw it before, and was caught by surprise how intense he looked with it in his hand.
"His Majesty can fend for himself, if worse comes to worse. Her Highness, however, is frail and could never lift a weapon. We, as the Royal Guard, will act as her sword. Come, and show me how sharp her weapons really are." He beckoned them on.
"You mean... All of us at once?" Someone called.
Logan grinned. "Unless you doubt you can defeat me?"
The men exchanged glances, then they all ran towards him. It was over before they even started; Logan tore through them all without losing his breath. It was astonishing.
"You all have a long way to go before you even think about passing this course." Logan said, sheathing his sword. The men groaned on the ground in response.
"Don't you think you're being too rough, Logan?" I asked, stepping out.
"Your Highness!" Logan exclaimed. He bowed, and the other men kneeled on the ground, unable to rise any further. "To what do we owe the honor?"
"I need to speak with you. All of my guard, actually." I added, nodding towards Jake and Max. "If someone could please find Philip and Isaac I would be very grateful."
"Yes, Milady. At once." Logan answered. He nodded to the man closest to him, who ran off towards the archery range.
"We can speak privately in the lounge." Max suggested. I nodded and the four of us headed inside to a large room furnished with couches and chairs of wood.
"Beg your pardon, Your Highness; we were not expecting company." Jake pleaded, picking up beer mugs and dirty plates.
"It's quite alright. If anything, I should be the one apologizing for not informing you sooner." I replied.
"No, Your Highness is not at fault." Jake insisted.
"Your Highness," Philip said at the door way. Isaac was at his side, both were out of breath.
"Good, you're all here."
"How can we help, Milady?" Isaac asked. "Is something wrong?"
"No, not really. However, I wish to venture outside the capital today, to visit the village of one of the stable boy's. I would like to request that you accompany me."
The men exchanged looks. "What does His Majesty say?" Jake inquired.
"My father has given me his permission." I answered.
"Alright." Max stated. "I'm in."
"What?" Philip asked, surprised.
"The Princess wants to make her first visit to a village outside the capital. Guys, it's practically a right of passage for her. I'm definitely not going to stand in the way of that."
Jake glanced between Max and I. "He has a point. I'm in, too."
Philip sighed. "Why not? I'm in."
Isaac nodded. "Me too."
We all turned to Logan, who had been awfully quiet. "Captain?" Max pried.
"If His Majesty is permitting, and since you all agree to come, then I shall as well." He said slowly.
I smiled. "Thank you all." I rose. "I am having the stable-men prepare our horses. They should be ready any minute. I will meet you all by the gate in twenty minutes."
They bowed respectfully and I left for the castle. I had to fetch a few things before I left the capital.