Kapitel 9: Chapter 7
The next morning, I wake up feeling good. Then I remember the previous night's occurrences and my good mood is dampened. I start to get ready for the day but immediately stop and groan when I recall what the prince said. I get back into bed and stare at the ceiling, angry at myself.
I hear a knock at the door and get up to answer it. I open the door to find the prince standing there. Bowing, I say, "Good morning, your highness."
He doesn't reply but just walks into the room. Suddenly, I feel self conscious about myself. I haven't brushed my hair or washed up. The only thing I've done is throw on a white shirt over some breeches, but even that I haven't tucked in. He turns to face me and I look at him.
"I take it you remember my orders from yesterday," he says in a tired voice.
I nod my head sheepishly.
"Well, I've changed my mind. Maybe I could use your help."
Immediately my mood changes.
"Oh thank you!" I say excitedly.
Without thinking, I grab a brush and start combing my hair. He clears his throat and I stop embarrassed.
"On one condition," he starts. "You yourself may not participate in any activities. After all, you've already done enough damage to your arm. You may continue and I will see you at breakfast."
He leaves the room and I immediately start getting ready.
At breakfast, I walk over and sit next to a surprised Zander.
"I thought you weren't allowed to come out today," he says in a surprised tone.
"He changes his mind I guess," I reply with a shrug.
We finish eating and head out to the training grounds where we are working on our swordsmanship again. When we get there, I'm surprised to see a little boy standing next to the prince. He can't be more than ten and looks a lot like his father.
The prince gives his instructions to everyone and then heads over to me.
"Iris, meet Samuel my little brother," the prince says.
"Hi Samuel," I say with a little wave.
"So you're Iris," he says quickly. "My father and brother talk about you a lot. Can you really beat Ashton? Did you really shoot through an arrow? I'm sorry my brother hurt you."
I laugh at his enthusiasm and remember when I was like this. Although, I'm a little surprised at how much the prince has said about me.
The prince also laughs and then says to me, "I brought Samuel along because I thought he might like a sword lesson or two from you."
"Really?" Samuel pipes up.
"Yes really," the prince says grinning at his younger brother.
This sight makes me a little sad. Being an only child, I've never experienced a strong relationship with a brother or sister.
While the prince goes one way, Samuel and I go the other way. I'm glad to see that he has his own training sword because the other ones are much too large for him. I begin by showing him the basic stance. He catches in quickly and after showing him a few moves, he's practically ready for anything. We take a break after a couple of hours. The prince walks over to us.
"So did you learn anything?" He asks while tussling Samuel's hair.
"You're right!" He says excitedly. "Iris is the best sword fighter !"
I smirk at him and grin. "Best sword fighter ever, huh?"
"Um... Yeah about that," the prince says sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head.
Everyone heads back to the castle for lunch. Samuel follows me to where I sit.
"Hey Ashton!" He yells. "Come and sit over here!"
The prince heads over to us and sits next to his brother. Our lunch today consists of a hunk of ham and potatoes. Everyone but Samuel eats in silence. It seems to me that this ten year old never stops talking. Then he addresses me.
"So Iris, are you in love with anybody?"
Zander and The prince both try to hold in their laughs as I blush and answer Samuel. "No I am not, Samuel. Why do you ask?"
"I don't know. I guess I was just wondering."
That awkward moment aside, he begins rambling on and on again.
Finally, the prince stands up and everyone follows him out. Samuel and I take the rear.
"You know, Ashton isn't in love with anyone either," Samuel says innocently.
I laugh and ask, "What are you trying to say?"
"You and Ashton would be perfect together!"
"I don't think so kid," I say while tussling his hair.
We make it back to the training grounds where Samuel and I continue our lessons. Every once in awhile, the prince comes and checks on us. One of these times, Samuel asks, "Will you two fight together?"
We both respond at the same time.
"Yes."
"No."
"Why not?" I ask.
"You're still injured!" He argues.
Sighing, I have to agree with him and tell Samuel no. When it starts to get dark, I realize just how exhausted I am. We all head back for dinner.
When we all enter the dining hall, we are all shocked to see the king sitting at one of the tables. Immediately, everyone, except for the prince and Samuel, bows.
"Rise my friends!" The king says in a jolly voice. "I have some announcements to make. In two days, it is the prince's birthday. I'm sure most of you have noticed how busy everyone has been. I know that you have only been training a couple of days, but tomorrow, you are going to prepare yourselves for the celebration."
A murmur goes through the crowd. Everyone is excited except for the few that hate dressing up for parties.
"The day after that, you will also not train but attend the party for the prince. I hope that you all will enjoy this. Now eat for I'm sure you are all starving."
Everyone hustles to their seats and eat. Samuel and the prince take a seat next to Zander and I again. Samuel begins the conversation as usual.
"So where are from Iris?"
I chuckle at the boy's curiosity and say, "I'm from Balboa."
"Where's that?"
"It's not too far from here. My family and I live in the mountains next to a beautiful lake."
He changes the topic. "So where did you get your necklace? I really like it."
My hand immediately darts to my necklace protectively. "Someone special gave it to me," I say somewhat somberly.
"But I thought you said that you weren't in love with anyone."
The prince who sees my discomfort in this topic says, "That's enough for tonight. Mother is probably waiting for you."
With that, we all say goodbye to Samuel and he heads off. I also decide to say goodnight before I get emotional.
When I'm in my room, I quickly get ready for bed and eagerly jump underneath the blankets. Excited for tomorrow, I let sleep overcome me.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein