Chapter Two

  For the next month, I attended daily lessons at Mr. Orin's building. After Cecein left each afternoon, he would teach me the vital skills needed to become a candidate for the role of Princess Meriana's protector. Among those skills was swordsmanship. These extra lessons required me to leave home earlier and return later than usual, often with an exhausted mind and a sore body. My parents noticed this change but interpreted it positively, believing I was finally dedicated to my education. They even encouraged me to spend more time with Mr. Orin.

  I felt ashamed for not telling them the truth, yet I was grateful that I didn't have to explain. I wasn't ready to hear their objections.

  With each passing day, my abilities grew stronger, as did the pressure of the king's upcoming selection of suitable candidates for the princess' protector. This looming decicion weighed heavily on me, especially with the news that men were being sent to the Tarione/Centinalian border each day after King Heldon of Tarione had called for aid.

  Any day now, my father would be summoned personally.

  Yet, I was still no closer to keeping him out of harms way than a month ago.

  But finally, the day of the king's selection had come.

  On that crisp April day, just a week before the Spring Festival, Mr. Orin and I stood on the wooded outskirts of the city of Windsor. This spot provided concealment from unwanted eyes, making it our preferred practice area every afternoon.

  We circled each other, both holding wooden swords, breathing heavily. "You've improved remarkably, Miss Semnia," Mr. Orin remarked, the sleeves of his white shirt rolled up to his elbows.

  I remained silent, my mind focused yet aware of everything around me. Suddenly, he lunged forward, swinging his sword. I blocked his attack and for several moments we danced in this manner, each poking at weaknesses and searching for an opening. Finally, I seized an opening and caught his blade in my sword's cross-guard, twisting it and sending his sword flying onto the grass. He stared at his empty hand, then at his sword. He laughed in disbelief and astonishment.

  Breathless, I lowered my sword and tried to catch my breath.

  Mr. Orin continued laughing, placing his hands on his hips as he looked at me with approval. "My word! I have never seen a woman wield a blade with such skill!"

  A shy smile crept onto my face as he wiped sweat from his brow, his blue eyes sparkling with warmth. It was a warmth I scarcely saw in my parents' eyes.

  Pride.

  "I think you are ready for tonight," he declared.

  "Really?" I asked, a surge of happiness and triumph filling me. I was not used to being looked upon with approval. However, doubt quickly clouded my mind. "What if they require something of me that we have not practiced? Things of war and such?"

  Mr. Orin walked past me, retrieving his sword from the ground. "Well, Miss Semnia, you will eventually encounter challenges you were not trained to handle," he explained, meeting my gaze. "Even all that I have taught you will not be enough."

  I sighed heavily with understanding, handing him my sword.

  "Go to the castle tonight," Mr. Orin said. "Prove yourself worthy." He smiled, adding, "You've done well. I believe you will succeed."

  "That would only be because of you," I replied with a smile in return.

  "Nonsense. You could have managed without me. But enough of that. You should return home. Nightfall approaches, and you will want to look your best for tonight's occasion."

  I acknowledged his words with a nod and embraced him before saying goodbye. I then turned to gather my belongings and depart.

  I informed my parents—without divulging more than necessary—that there was an important occasion I had to attend tonight, and I needed to look my best. Whatever thoughts they had about the 'occasion', they had no objection to my going.

  My mother, likely assuming this 'event' involved a man, instructed the servants to prepare a bath and search my wardrobe for something suitable. After a quick dinner in my bedchamber, I enjoyed the warm, fragrant water, grateful for the moment of calm. As I soaked, I reflected on my choices. Did I truly understand what I was getting into? What had motivated me to pursue this path?

  Yet, I arrived at the same conclusion as before.

  This was for my father.

  I held no regrets about my decisions thus far or what I was about to do right under my parents' noses. A small thrill of defiance coursed through me, but it quickly faded, replaced by the weight of my deepest fears. If my parents discovered my secret, I would face dire consequences. In their eyes, I would have utterly failed, in every manner, to be the daughter they envisioned.

  After my bath, the servants adorned me in a stunning emerald green dress and arranged my long, dark brown hair in an elegant style. By the time I was ready, night had fallen, and the city glowed with torches. Before leaving Nero Manor, I visited the stable to see my dear friend, Palomar, whom I'd had since I was fourteen.

  He was my one, unconditional friend.

  I found him grazing in the pasture. His black coat nearly vanished into the night, save for the distinctive white star on his forehead and his white socks.

  As I approached the fence, he lifted his head, ears perked with curiosity. I called his name softly, and he neighed in recognition. He trotted over, joy radiating from him as he reached the fence. I gently touched his face, whispering, "How have you been, boy?"

  He snorted in response, lowering his head to sniff my hand through the fence.

  I laughed. "You know I've brought something for you." His muzzle followed the apple clutched in my hand over the fence, where I gave it to him. As he chewed, I stroked his mane.

  Soon, we shall leave this place.

  A wish—one that had been in my heart for many years, but until now it hadn't seemed possible. I glanced up at the sky. The moon journeyed through the dark, a canvas dotted with countless stars.

  It was time to go.

  Steeling myself for what lay ahead, I said my farewell to Palomar and headed to the castle. Not for the first time, I wondered if this was actually a good idea at all.

  As I neared the city's edge, I noticed the streets were quiet. Most of the city-folk were at home, sheltering for the night, and only the distant barking of dogs broke the silence. The cobblestone road winding through the city gleamed from the recent rain, and dark clouds loomed above, promising that more would come.

  I walked in the silence for awhile. Then, I heard the distinct sounds of hooves approaching—clip clop, clip clop. Turning, I saw a knight riding a red roan horse. A wide white stripe stretched from its forehead to its pink, dotted nose.

  Normally, I would have dismissed a soldier with a brief glance, but this knight captured my attention. His armor set him apart from the soldiers I had seen in Windsor. The gold trim along his helmet and the edges of his armor suggested nobility or a connection to someone of high status. Even the design of his helmet reminded me of those from Tarione, which struck me as peculiar.

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  The closer he came, the more I felt his gaze on me. This wasn't a simple glance; it was the kind of look that suggested he found something striking about my appearance. I focused ahead, trying to ignore the sound of his horse's hooves drawing nearer. As he rode past, his eyes lingered on me, though he eventually turned to face the path ahead.

  Now that he was closer, I noticed a sword at his side. It's design was unique and seemed oddly familiar, but I couldn't place why. I frowned to myself until three knee-length, wine-red cloths hanging from his waist caught my eyes. They boasted golden embroidery, and at their center, a golden fluer-de-lis gleamed. The insignia was unmistakable.

  He served the king.

  Suddenly, he halted his horse and turned to me, bowing his head slightly. I walked on, perplexed. Just as I was about to pass, he spoke in a gentle tone, revealing his youth. "Good lady, to where do you walk?"

  I paused and curtsied, adhering to etiquette while still puzzling over his strange behavior. "To the castle, sir."

  He nodded knowingly, as if he had anticipated my reply.

  "Should you wish, I could escort you there. I am bound for the castle myself."

  The castle felt miles away, and my dress was not growing any lighter. His offer seemed reasonable. "If it is no trouble to you, sir," I replied.

  "Not at all, my lady."

  He took his foot off the stirrup, shifted back in the saddle and extended a gauntleted hand toward me. I gathered my emerald skirts with one hand and took his with the other. He helped me mount, positioning me in front of him, his arms encircling me to control the reins. The closeness felt strange, yet I trusted my instincts, which assured me he meant no harm.

  Once I settled, he clicked his tongue, prompting his horse to snort and move forward once again.

  The journey sped by as I admired the city surrounding me, the horse trotting steadily toward the great white castle with red shingled towers in the distance. As we approached, the low murmur of many voices grew louder. A sizeable crowd had gathered by the castle's lowered portcullis. The scene was a mix of men, a greater number of women, and guards. It seemed that the guards were sorting through the women and only allowing some to pass through a door-sized gate beside the lowered portcullis.

  The women formed a diverse crowd. They varied in height and build, some elegantly dressed while others appeared to be wearing nothing but rags.

  I felt bewildered. Mr. Orin had warned me that many women would be trying for the position of Princess Meriana's maid, a clever distraction devised by the king to hide his true intentions. Yet, I had not anticipated such a large crowd. Clearly, I had underestimated Princess Meriana's popularity in Centinali.

  My escort rode into the crowd. People moved aside like water parting around a stone. Women hissed and shrieked. I studied the women. It was a challenge to discern who aspired to be a protector and who did not. Instead of riding straight for the gate by the castle's white stone bridge, my escort veered right, toward another knight who was standing along the far wall near the smaller gate.

  This knight, lacking a helmet, appeared to be in his forties. He was dark-skinned, with lean features and closely cropped hair. A longsword hung at his side.

  My escort halted beside him and raised his voice above the voices of the crowd. "Are they going to open the gate?"

  The dark-skinned knight shook his head, eyes darting to the other guards near the gate. "No," he replied, his voice deep and steady. He gestured toward the restless crowd. "They are sorting through the crowd. It appears many ladies fancy a peek into the royal estate."

  Then, his gaze shifted to me, curiosity evident in his expression. "Who might that woman be?" he inquired, looking back at my escort.

  "She was on her way here. I offered her a ride," my escort explained simply.

  A subtle smile flickered across the dark-skinned knight's face, though he masked it well. He approached the horse and extended his hand. "Come down, miss. I'll ensure you pass through the gate safely."

  I took his hand, allowing him to assist me down. I turned to my escort, and curtsied. "You have my thanks," I said.

  The knight regarded me closely before bowing his head. He then shifted his attention to the dark-skinned Knight. "I shall see you presently," he stated, turning his horse to navigate once again through the crowd. I watched him go, curiosity bubbling within me, before looking back at the dark-skinned knight.

  "I assume you are here to try for the post?" he asked. His wording was strange, as if it had two meanings. I suspected that it did, and nodded in response. A knowing look spread across his face as he gestured toward the small door-sized gate.

  I approached the indicated gate, where several women in elaborate gowns were waiting. He opened the gate and gave us directions on where to go once we crossed the bridge. I thanked him and stepped through the gate, my heart racing with anticipation.

  I soon found myself walking down the castle's beautiful stone and white marble bridge, a marvel of architecture. It led to a wooden drawbridge spanning over the last quarter of the large moat, whose water-filled depths shimmered in the moonlight. Beyond the drawbridge lay the inner defensive wall. I passed beneath a grand stone arch and entered the castle's vast courtyard.

  Torches lit the courtyard, their light dancing off the water that erupted from a stone fountain at the center. Plants and hedges circled around it, following alongside the various stone paths. My gaze settled on a grand set of wooden doors across from me. Two knights in chainmail and wine-red surcoats with a white unicorn head embroidered over their breasts stood before them, engaged in conversation. A small wooden table stood next to the knight on the right. Wine red banners hung beside the doors, featuring a white unicorn head above a golden fleur-de-lis.

  As I approached, the knights straightened, bowing their heads respectfully. "Good Evening, lady. What brings you here?" the knight on my left inquired.

  I hesitated, recalling Mr. Orin's words.

  "An Honorable Lady's Maid, sir," I replied.

  They glanced at one another, then at me. The other knight nodded. He reached for a piece of parchment on the table, dipping his quill into the ink. "May I have your name?" he asked, his tone serious.

  There's no turning back now.

  I squared my shoulders. "The Honorable Roseti Caranara Semnia."

  The knight noted it, replacing the quill in the ink jar. He gestured toward the door behind him, which his companion opened with a slight bow.

  "Thank you. Please proceed and enter the first door to your right. Choose any available chair or cushion and wait until you are called."

  I nodded in understanding and stepped through the wooden door. It closed behind me with a solid, muted thud. What waited before me was breathtaking, leaving me momentarily frozen, even though it was not the first time I had beheld this sight.

  Four grand chandeliers hung from the ceiling of a narrow hallway, leading to a wide open, large room with a lofty ceiling. White plastered walls decorated with painted designs surrounded me while the floor sparkled with a mixture of white marble and local sandstone. I walked through this setting as if caught in a dream, turning right at the first open door, just as the knight had instructed.

  Inside, I found an expansive area. It appeared to have once served as a dining room, yet all the formal tables and seating had vanished. Instead, countless wooden chairs filled the space. Some of the seating came in the form of cushions stuffed with goose feathers, which were scattered across the floor.

  I approached a chair tucked into the corner of the room and settled into it. Women began to fill the space, bustling in and finding their places on chairs or cushions, their chatter buzzing with excitement. Time slipped by, and soon the room brimmed with women of all ages wearing fine gowns.

  Then, the two knights who had taken my name entered through the wooden door, halting in front of all. One knight whistled sharply, cutting through the noise. Instantly, silence fell.

  "Thank you," one knight announced. "You will each be called forward to perform certain tasks. If you cannot carry out these tasks you will be asked to leave. When only a few remain, the king will select whom will serve Princess Meriana." With that, they exited, leaving an air of tension hanging.

  Moments later, they returned, unfurling a long scroll.

  One knight cleared his throat. "Evina Rewin!"

  The room held its breath. A woman, perhaps not much older than me, stood from her chair and approached the front. They departed through the door once more.

  This pattern continued to repeat itself. I lost track of time, as women exited one by one. I felt a knot of anxiety in my stomach as I waited for my name to be called, the space around me growing emptier and lonelier.

  Eventually, only four of us remained, including myself, when the knights re-entered the room, the scroll now tightly wound so that only several inches of the parchment remained visible. One knight shouted, "Roseti Caranara Semnia!"

  I jumped at the sound of my name. I rose from my chair, my limbs trembling with anticipation, and weaved around the vacant seats toward the knights who watched me intently. The knight with the scroll inclined his head as he neatly furled the scroll again.

  "Please, follow me," he said.

  I nodded, a mix of anticipation and anxiety coursing through me.

  These next few minutes would decide whether I had failed, or triumphed.