THE APPLE INCIDENT
295 Words
Chapter 1
There were rules in the Kingdom of Elvaria — noble daughters didn’t climb apple trees, shout at palace guards, or steal royal horses for joyrides.
But Princess Arabelle did all three before noon.
She wasn’t what the court expected of a future queen. Where other noble ladies practiced curtsies and embroidery, Arabelle practiced her aim — with apples. And today, her target was Sir Cedric’s helmet.
Thunk!
The unsuspecting knight jerked, the apple rolling dramatically to his feet as a few squires snickered from the stables.
"Your Highness!" Cedric shouted up the tree. "That’s the fourth one today!"is
Arabelle grinned, legs swinging from a sturdy branch. "Maybe you should stop wearing that ridiculous helmet. It makes too easy a target."
Below her, Lady Meridith gasped. “Princess Arabelle! That is hardly fitting behavior for someone of your station.”
"Exactly why I’m up here and not stuck at another suitor’s tea party," she muttered under her breath.
But before she could toss a fifth apple, a deep, unfamiliar voice interrupted her mischief.
“Should I be worried about stray fruit, or is this just how royalty says hello in Elvaria?”
Startled, Arabelle turned—and nearly fell out of the tree. Standing at the garden gate, in polished boots and travel-worn royal blue, was the most annoyingly handsome man she’d ever seen.
Prince Darius of Westmoor.
Arabelle rolled her eyes and muttered, “Great. Another royal peacock.”
He bowed. “I brought peace offerings and a letter of alliance. I wasn't expecting to be greeted with artillery.”
“You’ll survive,” she called down sweetly. “Just don’t stand too still.”
And with that, she dropped the last apple, this time missing on purpose.
Mostly.
To be continued....
- Writer
