Kingdoms

9

would the princess of the kingdom of Brone be doing, sleeping on the floor outside of the walls of the castle?" He whispered to himself. " And all by herself." he said im a long suffering manner. Her eyes shot open as soon as the words left his mouth as though she had heard him. She arched a brow as though in curiosity before passing a hand over her eyes, then peered up at him with deep brown eyes. "Hello." Was all she said, but she could have been singing to him. Her voice was sweet and was music to his ears. He mentally pinched himself for his fanciful thoughts. He was a warrior, he reminded himself, not a poet. " Good day your highness." He could have sworn he saw her wince at his words. "Are you lost?" Her brows shot up at his question and her expression quickly calmed. "No, I am not." And he didn't miss that hint of bite in her words, he tilted his head, mildly amused. Ignoring his small jest, She got up without much fuss and dusted at her skirts, before turning in the direction of the castle. "If you'll excuse me." She added, a bit more mildly. "Milady?" "Yes?" She answered, turning on her heels to face him. "May I escort you to the castle?" If the question shocked her, she didn't show it, her countenance was one that radiated royalty. He marvelled at her ability to keep a cool head at the request of a stranger asking to escort her to the castle. But they weren't strangers- deep within they both it- and this wasn't merely just a request of accompanying the princess to the castle, but was wise enough, to keep his thoughts to himself. "I'd like to speak to the king." He added, as a way of explanation. "The king." she murmured, " Do you have an appointment?" "No. But it is of utmost urgency that I speak to him, soon would be good, if you can help me manage that." She seemed to consider his words before nodding her regal head, at least that was how it seemed to him. "Follow me then, I'll see what I can do for you," she looked at him and added, "but I make no promises." Then turning on her heels, led forth the way toward the castle gates, with him following behind her. ~~~~ "Milady! Milady! You were outside the walls? All by yourself? How did you get out? And for the life of me! who is this man?" Said Ànemos, the chief of the king's guards in hysterics. He grew so pink with every word, Hannah had to wonder that he didn't turn purple next and simply faint. But she did feel guilty. He was older than the other guards and tended to be paternal towards her. He truly cared for her, and she hated to worry him. If it weren'