Her Knight
988 Words
ISLA's POV
"Kill me?"
Lord Cassian nodded once.
"Yes, Your Highness."
I felt my chest tightening.
"I... I do not know, I explained feebly. "I haven't even done anything."
The eyes of Lady Mirelle were a little softened, and her voice was official.
"This is not personal. This is politics."
I swallowed hard.
I do not want this, I said, choking. "I never wanted any of this. I do not want to die, because of a crown I did not request.
There was a moment of silence about the table.
Then Lord Cassian spoke, firm.
Princess Isla... you are no longer merely a woman who has her own wishes.
My throat tightened.
"You are the queen."
The word made my stomach turn.
Lord Cassian continued.
Your life is no longer yours only. It belongs to the kingdom."
I stared at Adrian, with panic in my eyes.
"This is insane," I whispered.
Adrian's voice was quiet. "I know."
Lady Mirelle leaned forward.
"You must remain calm," she said. "You will be protected. The number of palace guards will be doubled. Security of the council will be increased.
but even in your chambers, Lord Cassian, there are walls not always, said he.
I frowned slightly, confused.
"What does that mean?"
Lord Cassian's voice lowered.
Personal protection will be granted to you to be on the safe side always.
I held my breath.
Lady Mirelle nodded once.
You would be made a knight.
"A knight?" I repeated slowly.
Lord Cassian shook his head, as though it were the most natural thing of all.
"Yes, Your Highness."
I blinked. "Who is he?"
Lady Mirelle gave a quick glance to Lord Cassian, and then replied.
He will soon be with you, she said. The security department of the imperial council is still in their final examinations.
"Assessments?" I asked. "What kind of assessments?"
Lord Cassian sat back a little.
"Background checks. Loyalty tests. Combat verification. Psychological evaluation."
My stomach twisted.
So what you are telling me is that you are giving me a stranger to escort me because rebels can attempt to kill me?
Not a stranger indeed, Lady Mirelle answered. It is a knight placed by the imperial authority.
I frowned deeply. And what is the meaning of this knight?
Lord Cassian's voice was firm.
At all times he will be with you.
"At all times?" I echoed, my voice rising.
Lady Mirelle went on like someone who was reading a paper.
He will bring you about the palace. Stand outside your chambers. Travel with you. Protect you. He will also have the duty of tasting your food before you consume it so that no one poisons you.
I stared at them in disbelief.
"Taste my food?" I repeated.
"Yes," Lord Cassian said. It is a standard procedure in the case of a credible threat.
My chest tightened.
The room felt suffocating.
I now rose straight up, and my hands were trembling.
"I don't want a knight," I said.
The voice of Lord Cassian became colder.
This, Your Highness, is something that can not be compromised.
"It should be!" I snapped.
"Watch your tone, Princess." Lord Cassian warned.
Adrian jumped out of his seat and his voice broke the silence.
"That is enough."
Everyone turned toward him.
He stared at Lord Cassian.
Less than a day my sister has been home, said he tightly. She has been told that she must rule, and may be assassinated, and now you are telling her that she must receive a knight with whom she has never had an interview.
The features of Lord Cassian could not be read.
"It is protocol."
Adrian stepped forward.
"She is scared," he said firmly. and she will not be addressed as an object.
The lips of Lady Mirelle were slightly compressed.
We have no disrespect to your Grace.
Adrian looked at me, and his voice grew soft.
Isla, I know you do not like it, he said to himself. I know it feels wrong. But pray... do you have them watch you.
I gulped and my eyes stung.
I turned my head, and panting.
I stiffened my neck to a nod after a long hesitation.
"Fine," I muttered. "I'll take the knight."
Lord Cassian threw back his head.
"A wise decision."
I would have liked to hurl something at him.
Dinner was soon concluded.
Adrian was walking beside me, when we went out of the hall.
"Come," he said gently. "Let's go to my quarters."
I trailed him down more silent passages till we came to a warm sitting room.
The instant the doors were closed, I breathed in a shaky manner.
"I hate this," I whispered.
Adrian filled me a glass of water, and gave me one.
"Drink," he said.
I held it in shaking hands.
I opened my mouth to say something but before I could say a word I heard a knock on the door.
Your Grace, a maid panted. A member of the council wants to see you and Princess Isla at once.
Adrian frowned.
"Now?"
"Yes, sir. It is urgent."
Adrian tightened his face.
"Come," he said to me.
I felt my stomach tighten once more as we rushed through the palace followed by the maid.
We were ushered into my throne room.
Lord Cassian was standing erect already.
He turned as we entered.
"Your Grace. Your Highness."
Adrian stepped forward.
"What is it?"
Lord Cassian's voice was low.
The knight has come sooner than expected.
I blinked.
"Tonight?" I asked.
"Yes," he replied.
Adrian's brows furrowed.
"Bring him in."
The doors opened once more before I could act on it.
A soldier intervened, first of all, and followed by a tall figure.
The man moved slowly onwards.
My breath caught.
My entire body froze.
Because I knew that face.
I knew that posture.
I knew those eyes.
The appointed knight...
Was the same man I had seen at the bar.
My one-night stand.
- Writer
