Her back was turned to me, but I still recognised the supple leather armour curved round her body. The first thing I noticed was that her helmet was placed on the floor next to her, revealing a messy dark twist of bronzed hair. My heart rate picked up at the realisation that her face was mystifyingly uncovered. She didn't seem to register I was behind her, even at the sound of Rose's hooves clipping against the rough stone floor, so I tied Rose up and walked over. "His name's Raven," I piped, standing next to the tall knight. Her head swivelled towards me in surprise, flashing her deep brown eyes wider at me. I froze, unmoving, and just stared. Never in my life had I encountered such beauty. Silence stretched out between us, my lips slightly agape in wonder as I took in her features. She had freckles smattered across the bridge of her nose which softened her golden-coloured face, but her dark eyebrows gave her a more serious appearance. The corners of her mouth pulled up into a faint smile as I struggled to form words. "I didn't know you rode, Princess?" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marriage in these times was strictly between a man and a woman. The Princess, however, can think of nothing worse than her arranged marriage to Prince Mattheus when the female knight Lex walks though the castle doors. Will she marry for her kingdom, or listen to her heart?