Chapter 4: Chapter 2
Today is the day that I am leaving. I stare out the window as I watch the servants pack the carriage. Inside, my heart is beating fast, and thoughts are running through my head. Rummaging through my closet, I cannot decide what to wear. I've never really cared about what to wear, but today I'm fretting over everything. Should I wear a nicer dress because I am a lady entering the prince's presence, or should I dress like those who will be around me in breeches and a white shirt? I decide to go with the nicer dress. It is a deep blue with white stitching. My mother made it for me.
As I walk throughout the house, looking at things so that I remember them, I begin to regret my decision. The laces of my corset begin to feel too tight and I don't like being unable to move in case I were to be attacked.
Outside, my mother and I exchange tearful goodbyes. I know I said goodbye to Caleb yesterday, but I still can't help but feel disappointed that he's not here. Instinctively, my fingers clutch the necklace around my neck. Finally, I say goodbye to my father. He hugs me tightly and whispers in my ear, "I love you."
"I love you too," I whisper back.
As I step into the carriage, I can't look back at my family for I fear that I will lose it and change my mind.
After only an hour or two, I get bored. My mother gave me some embroidery to work on, but I've never liked doing it. It just cramps up my neck and makes my fingers and eyes tired. Instead, my fingers play with the arrow on my necklace as I stare out the window, trying to take my mind off of how nervous I am. Finally, I stop the carriage so that I can get out and stretch my legs.
As I'm walking around, I suddenly hear an arrow whiz past me. I then hear a sickening thunk as it lands in the driver's chest. Immediately I take action. I grab one of the horses as quickly as possible and begin riding away, praying that the bandits don't have that great of aim.
After riding for about an hour, I stop and look back. It doesn't seem as if anyone tried to pursue me. I lead my horse over to the stream and give him a drink. Then I continue on my way. Unfortunately for me, the journey takes about two days. Why do we live so far away?
Eventually I have to stop my horse. I lead him through the tall grass to a small stream. We both drink our own share. While my thirst is quenched, my stomach is not satisfied. I can feel it grumble as I sadly think about the food that was packed in the carriage. Unable to do anything about it, I lie my head down on the soft grass and stare up into the sky. Through the branches, I can see hundreds of twinkling stars. They give me company and I fall asleep.
The next day goes smoothly. My stomach is still cramping from hunger, but that uncomfortable pang is extinguished as I near the village. The view of the castle always takes my breath away. I ignore the hustle and bustle around me and just stare. The grayish castle looms in the distance. It's many towers and size overwhelming. When I get closer, I look down at my clothes in dismay. The dress is torn and tattered. To my horror, I can see parts of my underclothes peeking through torn seams. Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do about it. I leave my horse behind and walk the rest of the distance so that I can take everything in.
As I approach the castle gate, one of the guards standing there asks me, "Who are you and what is your business at the castle?"
"My name is Iris Beaumont. I am the daughter of Henry Beaumont. My carriage was overthrown by bandits," I respond.
Their faces quickly changed as I stated my name. "So you're the girl who thinks she's just as good as us men," one of them says with a smirk.
"If you don't mind, the prince is expecting me," I say impatiently.
They open the gates reluctantly and a servant takes me to the place where the prince is waiting.
I enter a room with tall ceilings and chandeliers. It's even more beautiful than I imagined. But my awe quickly disappears and turns into fear as I see the prince staring at me from the other size of the room. I approach him and bow. I'm surprised. He's a lot younger and more handsome than I expected. He looks only a few years older than me despite his muscles and stature.
"Rise," he says in a stern voice.
I stand up straight and look at him. His eyes are a startling emerald green color. "My guards sent word that your carriage was overthrown by bandits. Is that correct?" He inquires.
"Yes, your highness," I reply.
"And you took a horse and ran away as fast as possible?"
"Yes, your highness."
"Coward," he says.
My face burns red with anger but I manage to control myself and bow my head silently. The doors suddenly burst open and in walks the king. I quickly drop to the ground in a deep curtsy. But he walks over to me and embraces me. Startled, I don't know what to do. I see the prince smirking at my face as I am trapped in the king's embrace. Finally he lets go and says, "Welcome!"
"Thank you, your majesty," I reply.
He crosses over and sits down in his seat. "I hope you traveled well," he says.
"We ran into some bandits along the way. They killed the man accompanying me," I say.
"And you managed to get here safely even though you were alone? What bravery! Aren't I right my son?"
It was my turn to smirk at the prince as the king said this. I watch as his face turned red. "Yes father," he says through gritted teeth.
"Why don't you show lady Iris around the palace and take her to her quarters," the king says.
Without saying a word, the prince motions for me to follow him and swiftly begins walking away. I curtsy once more towards the king and hurry after the prince.
We are walking along a corridor that is adorned with beautiful tapestries when the prince says, "I do not know why my father is treating you so well. After all, you are not a lady, you are a knight in training."
I reply by saying, "Why am I a knight in training? Any other man can become a knight if he wishes, but I must go through a whole training process!"
"First of all, all of my men have to go through a training process. You just have to prove that you're worth the time training. Second of all, girls are weak and emotional," he states. "We have to make sure that you'll be able to handle life without having servants or a shoulder to cry on. And frankly, I'm not sure that you'll be able to succeed."
At this I begin to burn with anger again and shut my mouth for fear of what I might say. He shows me around the castle for a while until we finally come across my room.
"I sent some servants to give you clothes since yours were lost," he says. I simply nod my head in reply and enter the room. "Because you are a girl, you will live separately from the men," the prince continues as he follows me into the room.
"Thank you for everything," I somehow manage to say. Although, I'm still burning with anger from his previous comments.
"Dinner will be served soon. A maid will alert you when it's ready. You don't want to be late," he replies and walks out swiftly.
I look around at the small room which has one desk, a bed, and a dresser in the corner. There is one window looking out into the garden and a closet on one wall. I walk over to the dresser to change out of my tattered dress. Inside, I find many pairs of breeches, undergarments, and simple white shirts. The closet contains a few dresses and a couple of pairs of shoes.
I throw on a pair of plain black pants, a white shirt, and some new boots. Throwing my hair up into a braid, I begin to get nervous. I feel more comfortable now, but I dread leaving this room to go meet the others. What will they think of me? Will become their enemy? With these questions in mind, I walk out of the room to what awaits me.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone