The Tale of a Princess and her Knight

Chapter 2

Edgard's father, the previous King, trained him much younger because by the time his mother had him, he was well into old age and ready to pass the title down.

Cordelia will be the first female heir to rule the kingdom in ages. The last female heir was little over a hundred years ago as every Queen after had males. Starting her at the normal age, making her socialize with other nobles would make them get used to dealing with her instead of Edgard.

All the Nobles already love the Princess but they see her as someone who is young and naive, not someone who needs the respect and be viewed seriously. Therefore, the training begins young.

It's been a month since Nicolas became Cordelia's guard and nothing has changed. Cordelia still didn't want a guard while Nicolas didn't want to be someone's personal guard. Currently, Cordelia is in the royal library reading about the previous rulers before her father. Her birthday is a few days away and she wants to get a head start on studying.

During her time studying, she hasn't been at the hill since she's been busying herself with studying what she can. She was mainly the first and so far only Queen that had ruled the kingdom. During her reign, she didn't marry right away as her parents' passing was the reason she became crowned as ruling monarch.

Married at twenty-four, had a child at twenty-five and achieved everything she stood for. She was the reason they had so many allies and a large kingdom. The kingdom had so many enemies and it took one person to make them allies.

During the time Cordelia had poured herself in her studying, Nicolas stayed out of the library, standing by the entrance. He hasn't seen the inside as he wasn't allowed in the library with a lot of royal journals, kept throughout the years.

In the journals was kept what each royal did in their time ruling. The first Queen's journal was a story told time and time again as she loved the power she held over her people but she was also beloved. In the library, there were portraits of previous rulers and the first Queen's portrait stood out at her. Back straight, head turned looking to the left as everyone else was looking to their right, hair down in wavy curls, an elaborate dress and a crown that has been worn by only Kings until her. She had high cheekbones, eyes that demand respect and poise that had an elegant yet firm air to it.

The crown was customized to her taste so it doesn't look like the rest but is told that it is. Her customized crown is the one used for each King after as no one wanted to change what the first female Queen ruler made. In the journal, she is pictured as a wild card, taking nothing from other nobles and having a way with words. Her husband, the crown Prince, was the third prince in his own kingdom as most sought out those titles when having an only child.

After hours of silence from the Princess, she finally speaks. "Hey, guard puppy," she starts. Cordelia started calling Nicolas guard puppy since he resembles a puppy in so many ways. He does as he is told, stays several feet behind and only speaks when spoken to.

After their fight, her rules for him went out the window. She was still angry at him as he was with her, but during this past month, she's been tolerating his existence. Peeking his head into the library, their eyes meet.

As she moves her finger in a come here motion, Nicolas enters the library. Looking around, he was in awe at everything. Rows and rows of shelves, some rows having a moving ladder and an upstairs area with more shelves full of books. The library would be a heaven for all the book lovers in the kingdom.

"Yes Princess?" He asked as soon as he came close to her. Motioning for him to put out his arms, she started piling books on top of his outstretched arms. "I'm going to bring these to my chamber. The dinner bell is going to be ringing soon and I need to keep studying." It was a partial truth, they had hours before the dinner bell would ring. Cordelia just wanted to get out of the dusty smelling library and be somewhere that isn't there.

With a silent agreement from Nicolas, they headed out of the library, up the stairs and towards her chambers. He was only carrying five small books since she did most of her reading in the library. All she had left was to read about how to govern, manage and basic etiquette of how to act while ruling. Those books are small because the current reigning monarch, being her father, would teach most of this to the heir anyway.

Sitting down at the chair that's in front of the window with a table between two chairs, Cordelia motions for Nicolas to put the books on the table. "Please tell the head maid I'll be taking my dinner in my room. I need to focus on what I have left to read."

"Yes, Princess. Anything else?" Was Nicolas' response. He's gotten used to speaking to her in a certain way that makes him seem like he cares. It didn't take much for him to know how to do that.

"Yes, actually," she starts to say, with a smile on her lips. "Stand outside of my door to guard me. Tell the head maid I wish to have tea while I read as well." She can see right through his own act but she allows it to go on. As long as they're not openingly fighting, it's enough to pretend to be civil with each other.

"Yes Princess." Was his only reply as he exited her chambers. Going down the stairs and towards the kitchen, Nicolas went to search for Cordelia's head maid. There's two head maids in the palace, one for the King and one for the Princess. Having one per person puts a lot less stress on them as they work; this was Cordelia's mothers idea and everyone loved it.

No one talks about the late Queen anymore, it was a sad day for everyone in the kingdom as she was beloved by everyone. After her passing, it took two years of mourning before it was business as usual.

"Hey," Nicolas says, stopping a maid. "Have you seen the Princess' head maid?" Nodding quickly, she points further into the kitchen. With a low thank you, he quickly maneuvers in the direction pointed out. "Mireum!" Nicolas yells, trying to get her attention. By the time he got to her, she was telling another maid what to do. Pausing in her directions, Mireum looks over at the young guard. "Ah, Nicolas! What can I help you with?"

"Princess Cordelia wants her dinner in her chamber tonight. She's going to be busy studying." Nodding at his words, Mireum speaks. “Anything else, Nicolas? I’ll let Kyler know about the Princess so King Edgard knows.”

“Yes, actually. She wants tea as she studies.” Turning around, she yells at the other maids to prepare the tea immediately. “Alright, I’ll be up with the tea in a few moments.”

With a nod, Nicolas turns on his heels and leaves the kitchen. Going towards the staircase, up the stairs and towards Cordelia’s chambers, a knock sounds. Inside the chamber, Cordelia has read two books in the absence of Nicolas. Closing her book while placing her thumb inside the book to use as a bookmark, she places it down on her lap.

“Come in, Nicolas.” At her words, he peeks his head through the door. “Mireum will be here shortly, Princess. She’s informing Kyler about your meal being taken inside your chamber tonight.”

“Alright. You’re dismissed, stay outside of my room until needed again.” Was her only reply as she went back to reading. Cordelia wanted to get the reading out of the way quickly as she wants the hands-on experience as soon as she becomes of age.

Without much acknowledgement, Nicolas shuts the door as he retracts his head from the doorway. All of their interaction thus far has been strictly business; a need to know basis. The two tolerate each other and hardly talk to each other; all conversations are of Cordelia needing something.

Another knock sounds as Cordelia finishes off her third book. Placing the book in the finished pile, Mireum enters along with another maid the Princess doesn’t recognize. While still holding the platter with a tea cup and kettle filled with tea and a small container matching the set with cubes of sugar inside, the older woman curtsies. The younger, unknown maid looks over and quickly mimics Mireum’s actions.

With a bowed head from both of the ladies, Mireum is the first to speak. “I have your tea that you requested, Your Highness.” Standing up from the chair, Cordelia walks towards the two ladies. “Raise up. Thank you, Mireum.” With a slight nod, Mireum rises from her curtsy along with the young maid.

Mireum is looking past the Princess, right at the wall as the maid rises up from her curtsy as well. Walking towards the table that is next to the one covered in books, she places the tray down and pours a cup of tea.

“Who is with you today, Mireum?” Cordelia inquires, “A new maid?” This came as a surprise as the palace doesn’t hire many new staff. The current staff at the palace have been working there for generations and never left.

“Yes, Princess. This is Erin, She’s going to be shadowing me for a few days and then shadowing Kyler until we know where to put her.” Was Mireum’s response.

“Very well. Erin,” Cordelia turns and looks at the young lady. She’s older than her but looks about Nicolas’ age. Without waiting for a response, she continues to speak. “I wish you luck on your training. Mireum, please inform me on how she does while with you. If she does decently, I’ll request from father for her to be under you and serve me.”

“Will do, Your Highness.” Mireum says just as Erin speaks for the first time. “Thank you, Your Highness. I will do my best.” With a deep curtsy from both ladies, they exit the room.

Erin glances over at Nicolas, a small smile rising from her. At first glance, Erin liked how Nicolas looked and knew he would be a decent guy. Despite being young still, Erin grew up knowing how to go up in the world and she knew Nicolas would help her.

Erin immediately caught the eye of Nicolas, in his eyes, she was beautiful. Giving an unnoticeable smile in return, Erin’s eyes lit up as she noticed it. “Erin! Hurry up! We have work to do!” Came Mireum’s voice, snapping Erin from whatever trance she ended up in.

“I’m coming, miss!” Her head immediately went ahead of her as she rushed off in the direction of Mireum’s voice. It seemed like love at first sight with Nicolas and Erin. Something about her catches his eye and same with her.

Inside, Cordelia is sipping her tea, reading the very last book. It’s been hours since she came inside to her chambers and started reading. Shortly after Mireum and Erin left, they came back with her meal. Inside of her chamber, she has a table just for taking meals and that’s where the two ladies set the meal.

“Nicolas,” Cordelia starts, getting his attention from outside the door. “Yes, Your Highness?” was his response. “Come in here and take the books back to the library, please. I’m finished with them. There’s a special door going into the library, ask Mireum to show you.” Nodding, he enters her chambers and gathers the books. “Good puppy.” Teased the Princess. Nicolas doesn’t respond as he ignores her.

With a small huff from Cordelia, Nicolas leaves the room with the books, going in search of Mireum. Asking around, he was told she was in the kitchen. Heading there with the books in hand, he asks around for Mireum for the second time today.

Finally seeing her, he calls out for her. “Mireum!” He starts, getting her attention. “The Princess told me you’d know where the secret door is for the library?” Motioning towards the books in hand, she nods. “Yes, I just showed Erin the door. I’ll have her escort you there and back. Give me one moment.” Turning around, she calls out to Erin.

In a split second, Erin was right in front of Mireum. “Yes, ma’am?” She asks while taking a quick glance over at Nicolas. He was handsome in her eyes, all she could ask for. He also had a position close to the royal family and that’s all she truly wanted. “Show Nicolas here where the library doors are. The ones I just showed you.”

With a quick nod, Erin grabbed onto Nicolas’ arm and dragged him away. “You guard the Princess?” It was more of a statement than a question, but was still said as a question. Erin was trying to make small talk, catch his attention with her voice.

“Yes, I do guard Princess Cordelia.” Was his only response. Erin internally swoons at his voice. It was deep but smooth sounding. She could listen to him talk all day. With a small hum from Erin, she lets go of Nicolas’ arm.

“What made you start working for the palace?” It was a question out of genuine curiosity. With her beauty, she could have gotten married to a decently well off noble when older and didn’t have to work.

“My parents are not part of the noble families, my father is the only one working beside me and he picks up work wherever he can.” Erin was visibly uncomfortable with the topic. She hasn’t talked about her family with anyone else, not even her friends from the neighborhood.

Her family likes to pretend they are wealthy with a big house they are struggling to afford, expensive clothes they can hardly buy, and lavish furniture that goes on a tab. Every month, Erin’s father gambles on the street or in bars in hope he wins big. Every time he gambled, though, he always lost.

“It’s okay,” Nicolas starts. “You don’t have to talk about them. We all have our family secrets, right?” With a small smile towards Erin, she felt her heart thump.

“We do,” she answers, smiling back. To Erin, Nicolas was a nice, decent boy. For a split second, she forgot what she really came here to do.

It was silent between the two after that, all the way to the door. From the kitchen, the pair went into the main hall and through a door that was hidden inside the staircase. At first glance, you’d never know it was there. There wasn’t even a seam where the door was, it looked like a whole wall.

From the secret entrance, they went behind the kitchen, dining room, up a slope that leads to the second floor, behind a few empty bedrooms and finally; behind the library. It took them a good portion of an hour to get there.

From behind the library, Erin opened another door that wouldn’t have been noticed, just like the first door they entered. The opened door led between two bookshelves with a cart in front. Placing the book on the cart, they both turned around and started their trek back.

Going behind the few empty bedrooms, down the slope leading back to the first floor, dining room, kitchen and finally to the entrance they entered that started the adventure. “Thank you, Erin. For showing me this secret passageway.” Nicolas says with a smile. Erin did something she didn’t know would happen, she blushed.

“You’re welcome, Nicolas. I better go back before Mireum gets angry at me. You’ve heard her yell a few times I’m sure.” With a nod from Nicolas, Erin rushes off towards the kitchen. Going back up the stairs towards Cordelia’s chambers.

Tapping lightly on the door, it signaled Nicolas was back and standing outside her door. Inside of her chambers, Cordelia is eating her meal while holding a book in the opposite hand. She’s reading another book that she asked a maid to fetch for her as she brought her meal in.

Leaving her dishes on the table, she places the finished book next to the dishes. Night has fallen and Nicolas already left the door to go into his own chambers across the way. Cordelia was the only one who was awake in the whole castle as she was trying to finish the book before tomorrow came.

The servants and maids were bustling around, trying to decorate the entire castle. Today was Princess Cordelia’s Eleventh birthday as a few days have already passed. During the past few days, Cordelia has been getting fitted for her dress and ready to start training to take over the kingdom.

Some people say eleven is too early to start training for such a thing but it truly isn’t. Childhood is the best time to shape the future leaders and teach them the important stuff. As soon as Cordelia turns sixteen is when she’ll be busy with suitors for who she’ll marry in the following two years. For the kingdom, It’s easier for a coronation and wedding to be held on the same day instead of different days as the being who is marrying into the family will have to be crowned Prince consort or Princess consort.

Currently, Cordelia is in her chamber getting her dress on and hair done. It’s the birthday where she’ll be introduced formally to the noble families. She never got the reason why, she has five more years before any of them can officially court her or be a suitor.

Whatever the reason for this strange tradition, she still goes with it. As soon as the sun is at its lowest point without being completely dark outside, the party starts. All parties such as these start as soon as the sun starts setting, illuminating the sky in an array of colors.

As she walks out of her bed chamber towards the stairwell, Cordelia’s presence is announced. “Now entering Princess Cordelia Kokakhan and her guarding knight in training, Nicolas Thioni.” A loud, booming voice sounds from the front corner of the stairwell.

Going down the stairs elegantly, as if she’s older than her age, Cordelia enters the party with Nicolas trailing behind her. The nobles in the party parted like the red sea for the royal Princess. Halfway through the stairs, Cordelia trips over the front of her dress and not so gracefully tumbled down a few steps before stopping herself.

The crowd that watched her, even the King, tried not to laugh watching the Princess tumble down the stairs from tripping over her dress. Nicolas quickly ran down the stairs as she tumbled in an attempt to catch her but failed, only to crouched down at her side. “Are you okay, Princess?” He whispered, making sure no one heard him but only her.

With a nod from Cordelia, he helps her up allowing her to hook her arm with his for support. Nicolas gave the Princess a once over, quickly taking her body in trying to search for any injuries, cuts or bruises. When none was shown, not even a speck of blood, he inwardly smiled to himself.

“Thank you, Nicolas.” Cordelia said in a small, meek whisper, as if she’s trying not to cry. She was beyond embarrassed for tripping and taking a tumble down the stairs. She wanted to make an impression but it obviously failed. If she made an entrance that was graceful, she thought the nobles would be by her side easier. She doesn’t realize she’s still young as she’s going to be trained to take over the kingdom.

The announcer clears his throat and continues to announce all who have come to the party. Seven Princes who are eligible to marry Cordelia in the future showed up. Jackson Nakai, Aiden Lanua, Kierce Vizea, Theo Crabru, Luis Masla, Julian Keniai and Kye Dianrisu. All seven Princes don’t catch her eye, even as a young child.

Cordelia’s father has secretly made all seven Princes her first seven dances. As the night went on she realized that Jackson wasn’t as graceful as he should have been, Aiden had two left feet while dancing, Kierce kept talking about himself the whole dance, Theo was a gentleman and an amazing dancer but he kept apologizing for mistakes even she didn’t notice. Luis kept wailing, making it known he didn’t want to dance while Kye was the only perfect dance partner she had the entire time.

Kye took the lead, as he should during the dances, didn’t complain and kept asking her questions and only talking about himself when it was necessary. She liked the company of Kye and her father saw that from his throne in the front of the ballroom. Several noblewomen came up to him, asking for a dance but each time he politely declined. He knew they were just after his favor, affection and the title they would have if married to him. He already met his soulmate, the one he wanted for the rest of his life, even if she’s now dead.

Nicolas stayed in the back, watching the Princess dance with other royals. At times he found himself trying not to laugh at how they danced with her. To him, it was comical and from her face, she thought so too. Cordelia took a few looks at him, as if wishing he would save her. She didn’t know of the feeling she had with Nicolas. When he helped her after she fell, she felt even more embarrassment and butterflies in her stomach.

No one told her what these feelings meant, she knew she shouldn’t be feeling them with her guard though. She hated him, right? She started to even question if what she felt was actually anger so she turned those feelings to anger. She’s still young, she had time to figure out what that feeling was.

After hours of dancing, conversing and meeting other royal families, the feat finally began. “Pardon me, everyone,” the announcer started to say as a maid ran away, going through another set of doors, gaining the attention of everyone in the room. “The feast shall be starting soon. Please start to go to the door opposite from where I’m standing in the dining hall.”

Everyone started bustling into the dining hall as the announcement was being made. The King and Princess were already sitting down at the head table along with all the nobles in their kingdom. Behind the Princess stood Nicolas, watching whatever was in front of him.

The chair next to her stayed empty, even as everyone took their seats. The chair was reserved for Nicolas as he is to eat as well. He stayed behind Cordelia until everyone was seated then sat down. An array of maids came out of the door that was behind King Edgard. Each maid placed a plate full of an array of food in front of each person, going to every table.

The dining hall they’re currently eating at is different from the dining hall they normally use. The formal dining room is large enough to be a second ballroom with tables scattered all around. The front tables are for the royals from different kingdoms while the other tables are meant for other nobles from those kingdoms.

Erin places a plate in front of Nicolas, giving him a glance as he gives her a small, friendly smile. She blushed and scurried away, not giving him a second look. Cordelia saw this interaction and inwardly huffed, another feeling that she didn’t know overcame her. What is this feeling? She didn’t know and she didn’t want to know. She was afraid of what these feelings could actually mean.

Hours went by while everyone conversed and ate. Erin couldn’t keep from blushing while being around Nicolas. She only knew him for a couple days and she felt something inside of her stirring. He was more handsome than the other boys her age and more mature. He knew what he wanted in his life and it showed, the others don’t know what they want in their life and that bothers her a bit.

As Erin retreated back to the kitchen, Nicolas ignored her. He wasn’t interested in her and it showed, yet he knew she had feelings for him. He couldn’t reciprocate those feelings back. They’re still young children, they have years before they have to figure that part of their life out.

Nicolas noticed the look on Cordelia’s face and quickly looked down at his plate, not wanting to stir any trouble between them during the party. He knew this isn’t the time nor place for them to be fighting.

The feast ends and everyone wanders back to the ballroom slowly. Some stay in the dining room to continue their conversations while others want to dance for the rest of the night. During this time, Cordelia decided to sneak her way out of the castle and to her special spot; the hill.

Nicolas followed her as she ran all the way there, ditching her flats on her way there. To prevent her feet from being cut up even more, he picked up each shoe as she ditched them. Cordelia would rather run without any shoes on her feet as she feels she’s faster that way.

Laying down on the hill, she began to speak to him. “Nicolas, will you still be by my side in a few years?” Cordelia hesitates for a couple moments then continues. “Even when I turn eighteen and become Queen, will you stay by my side?” She doesn’t know where this is coming from, these words just flowed freely from her mouth.

He took a moment to respond, not knowing what to actually say to this sudden change. She’s not showing any anger towards him or hostility which is new to him. Why the sudden change? Did something change between them that he didn’t know of? Is she thinking about asking the King for a new guard or getting a new guard when she’s Queen?

So many questions that he doesn’t know the answer to and he doesn’t want to ask those questions. As Nicolas takes a while to answer, Cordelia feels something inside of her tighten up. It feels like the time her father took away something from her because she wasn’t being good. No, it felt worse than that day.

She was about to speak, to tell him not to worry about answering the question when he finally spoke. He knew what he had to say; the truth. He wanted to tell her the truth with no lies. He still didn't know where the question came from, but he knew what to tell her. "Princess," he starts, "I'll stay by your side as long as you need me at your service. You can be Queen, married and with children and I'll stay by your side. My duty to you is to protect and serve you to the best of my capabilities. I’ll be at your side until the day you no longer need me by your side or want me. I am only to serve you and only you. Use me as you wish for I am at your disposal.”

To his words, she tried not to tear up. No, she shouldn’t cry at her guard professing his loyalty to her. This isn’t the time to get emotional. Trying to suppress her desire to cry, she replies. “Thank you, Nicolas. I’ll keep your words in mind. Please continue to guard me throughout my life. I need someone with your amount of loyalty by my side.”

Her voice failed her as her words were shaky and was noticeable she was trying not to cry. Nicolas noticed as such but didn’t say anything. It was best for him to ignore the shakiness of her voice. With a silent but understanding agreement between the two, they head back to the party.

The party was still in full swing when they got back. As the two came back, Cordelia went up the stairs, straight to her bed chambers. She was tired and she needed sleep. Tomorrow starts her days of training to take over and she needs her rest to function. Nicolas informed the King about the Princess going to her bed chambers for sleep. With a dismissing gesture, Nicolas went to his own bed chambers.

With the permission of the King, Nicolas starts his official training tomorrow morning while Cordelia is being taught the basics on how to rule. Edgard believed the sooner he started training, the sooner he'll be able to protect his precious daughter. He also knew Nicolas wouldn't have anything to do during this time so he made the schedule where while Cordelia is being taught, he's being trained.

The Princess slept while the party continued on. Edgard didn't allow the Princess' disappearance to end the party as there's a ton of people left. The party went well into the night, going into the morning hours.