When I reached the gate, two guards stood before it__tall men in polished armor, their faces half-hidden beneath their helmet. They both bowed as I approached, though one quickly stepped forward, blocking my path.
"You can't go in," he said firmly.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "And why is that?"
In truth, I had half-expected this. The Church had been patient enough, allowing me to wander the courtyards and towers freely, but the Sanctum Knights' quarters? I knew that would be where their generosity ended. Still, I had to ask, if only for formality's sake.
"Only knights are permitted beyond this point," he replied.
I rolled my eyes inwardly.
Then my gaze drifted past them toward the trees across the bridge __ and there it was again. That same Entity, still and silent, waiting as if it knew I'd come.
I drew in a slow breath, turning back to the guard, right now the sensible thing to do would be to turn around quietly and avoid a scene. But sensible has never been my strongest trait, especially when curiosity's got its claws in me.
And right now… it definitely has.
I really don't like doing this, but desperate times call for royal measures. If they're stopping me, perhaps it's only because they don't know who I am.
Slowly, I untied my scarf and pulled it off, letting my red hair fall free. The reaction was instant. Both knights stiffened, taken aback for a moment, then stepped back with hurried bows.
"Apologies, Your Highness, we hadn't realized it was you," one said.
A faint smile tugged at my lips. Now they are talking. Perhaps my title was not so useless after all.
I gave a modest nod and stepped forward with regal grace. "That's quite all right," I said sweetly. "You're only doing your duty."
But before I could take another step, two long spears crossed before me, creating an unspoken line I wasn't meant to cross
I blinked, staring at the blades mere inches from my chest.
"Forgive us, Your Highness," the other said. "But you still cannot enter."
I folded my arms. Marvelous. I unveil my royal birthright, deliver my finest display of poise, summoning all the grace of a princess, and still they bar me as though I were a beggar who come to steal Bread, How gloriously fitting Elowen.
I heaved a deep sigh, biting my bottom lip as I tried to steady my rising frustration. So, my authority only stretches as far as the castle walls, I thought grimly. My gaze drifted once more toward the figure, but the moment I looked, it was gone. Vanished.
Even the knights before me followed my direction of sight, turning to glance behind, not sure about what i kept gazing at, yet they saw nothing.
I couldn't understand why I felt so drawn to that presence. Perhaps it was my relentless curiosity for the unknown… or perhaps maybe because it reminded me of the mysterious knight who had come to my rescue that night. Still, I couldn't shake the strange pull, nor the question burning quietly inside me. Why am I so eager to find him?
Another sigh slipped from my lips. 'I'll be back', I promised myself silently, turning away at last. My steps were slow, heavy with disappointment and fatigue, just then a familiar sight caught my eye__the royal guard from the castle, Sir Aldric.
He appeared to be searching for something among the knights' training grounds. The moment I recognized him, warmth spread through me like sunlight. At last, one of my own.
"Sire Aldric!" I called, half-running towards him, though I tried to maintain a lady's grace in my stride.
At the sound of my voice, he turned at once and began striding toward me, leaving behind a young knight who was still gesturing helpfully toward the tower. So he was looking for me.
"My lady," he greeted, bowing slightly as he reached me. His sharp eyes swept over me from head to toe, as though checking for any injury.
Sir Aldric had been by my father's side since I was a child. He was like family to me, stern when he needed to be, protective always, I still remembered how he used to lift me onto his shoulders so I could watch the royal parades, Or how he'd let me hold his sword hilt for a moment just to feel brave, he always tells me that bravery wasn't in never falling, but in always standing again.
To me, he had always felt less like one of my father's guards and more like an uncle, steady, kind, and impossible to truly lie to, seeing him always reminds me of my father.
"Sire Aldric," I said, and before he could speak further, I asked, "My father—how is he?" I asked, worry thick in my voice as the urge to cry crept up again. Lately, it feels like tears find me too easily, perhaps it's the result of what had been happening lately. I tried to steady myself, but the thought of my father's safety alone was enough to undo me.
"Is he alright?" I pressed, unable to hold back.
"He is," Aldric replied simply, his voice steady as always. He laid a gentle hand on my shoulder, and somehow that small gesture quieted the storm inside me. There was no hesitation in his eyes, no shadow of uncertainty. For the first time, I truly believed it.
People had told me before that my father was fine, but hearing it from Aldric__my father's most trusted knight, was as close as hearing it from the King himself.
"Actually," Aldric said after a pause, sliding a hand into the inner fold of his tunic, "I've come bearing your father's message."
My eyes followed the motion of his hand, curious, just then he drew forth a folded parchment and held it out to me.
"A letter from His Majesty, your father." He said,
I took it carefully. The handwriting upon the seal was unmistakable his.
"He requested that i check on you," He continued, his gaze sweeping over me, still searching for any sign of harm. His own face bore the marks of battle__faint bruises along his jaw, a shallow cut near his brow, dust clinging to his armor. He looked like a seasoned knight who had seen too much war and slept too little.
It struck me then, how he worried for me without a thought for his own wounds. He'd always been that way__loyal first, human second. The sight stirred something heavy in my chest.
"I'm all right," I said quietly, though my voice wavered a little. I tugged down the hem of my sleeve to hide the mark on my wrist, hoping he wouldn't notice.
He held my gaze for a moment longer, then gave a single, relieved nod. I could hear the breath he released__small, but genuine.
"Tell me," I said, "what is happening at the capital?"
"The enemy has been driven out," he replied. "We are now rebuilding the castle and tending to the wounded."
I nodded slowly, but the question that lingered in my chest pressed forward
"But__" I began "why has my father not come himself?" I asked quickly. "If he worries so much for me, why has he not visited?"
For a brief moment, hesitation flickered in his eyes and i Caught that, before he answered,
"His Majesty insisted on remaining to oversee the restoration himself," he said carefully. "He believes his duty lies there until order is fully restored."
I studied him for a moment but said nothing. I wanted to believe him, and perhaps I did, more because it came directly from him.
My eyes fell again upon the letter in my palm and then I looked back up at Aldric. My next words trembled slightly as they left my lips.
"What of my maid, Victoria? And my governess, Idella?" I asked. I tried to sound composed, but the knot in my throat betrayed me. I knew how wars worked, protection was always reserved for nobles and soldiers. Servants often became names whispered in prayers and never heard again.
I looked up at him with hopeful eyes, silently praying for good news. And if it were bad… I almost wished he'd lie, just this once. My breath caught as he parted his lips to speak.
"They are both safe, Princess," he said at last. Relief washed over me so suddenly that I nearly stumbled.
He Continued "The King gave strict orders that your maid and governess be found and protected during the siege. He knew you would be worried."
A soft, shaky breath escaped me, and before I knew it, tears had begun to trail down my cheeks__though a small smile tugged at my lips. Of course my father would think of them. Of me. He had always cared for every small thing that concerned me. Truly, I have been blessed with the most steadfast of fathers, and I will never cease to be grateful for that.
"I must take my leave now," Sir Aldric said after a pause. "The King awaits my return."
I nodded in understanding, though my heart ached to see him go. He turned, offering one last glance over his shoulder.
"May the Light guide your journey, Sir Aldric," I called after him, lifting a hand in blessing.
He smiled, bowed once more, and walked off into the distance until the wind itself seemed to swallow his form. I stood there for a moment, silent, as the soft breeze played with my veil and sent strands of my hair dancing.
When at last he was gone, I looked down at the letter in my palm, the seal of my father glinting faintly on the paper. My heart thudded as i broke the seal, unfolded it, and began to read.
The King's Letter
My dearest Elowen,
If this letter finds you, then know that my heart rests easier. I trust that the cathedral walls have kept you safe, and that the priests have treated you with kindness, though I imagine your curiosity has already tested their patience more than once.
I write to assure you that I am well. The enemy's attack has been repelled, and though our city bears scars, our spirit does not. I remain here in the capital to oversee the rebuilding myself, for I cannot bring myself to rest until I have restored what was lost.
I made certain that your maid and governess are brought to safety at once as I imagined you would ask after them before anything else, do not worry they unharmed.
The Cathedral remains the one place untouched by the chaos beyond our walls. To know you are within its sanctum grants me a strength greater than any sword at my side, therefore do not burden your heart with fear, my daughter, I know you doubt much of what the Cathedral preaches'
I furrowed, 'he knew?' I taught, as i continued reading
'but for my sake, and for the kingdom's, I ask that you listen and learn, have Faith and one day, you shall see the wisdom in it.
You are your mother's grace and my resolve made flesh. Hold to both, and you shall never be lost.
May the dawn watch over you.
By my hand, Maeric, your Father and King.