The Blessing Of You

Chapter 2.1

Cassandriana

He was gorgeous. The Prince was the most amazing person I had ever met. The second I had seen him, a sizzle of excitement had run through my stomach and I never really managed to draw my attention away from him. He made me laugh, more than anyone I knew, especially only having met again a few moments before. We surprisingly shared a lot in common although him being a man allowed him to do most of the things my father merely allowed me to do out of love. Our parents had allowed him to show me around the castle, pointing out important portraits as we went and then take me to my room. Their castle was beautiful, all white stones and red carpet runners, each picture frame gold or a beautiful stained wood. There were lots of large windows and a number of sky lights around and some walkways that were open to the elements.

“If I had thought, I would have ordered a ball or something to see if you can dance.” he said. We had spoken formally when around the palace staff, but when we were alone like this, walking through the corridors, we spoke as we would with our families and staff on a daily basis.

“I can't dance. I can fight with a sword, ride horses and shoot arrows, but not dance” I said.

“I highly doubt that. I bet you would show up all the other girls.” He said twirling me around.

“I don't think so.” I said, laughing. “So are many other Princesses coming?”

“My father said that there should be 7, including yourself, as we didn’t invite all of the kingdoms, not all of them have sons. But either way, I won't be looking at them.” he said, looking at me strangely. “Your eyes are beautiful.”

I looked down, feeling heat rise in my cheeks. “I take after my mother.” I replied shyly.

“Of course,” he said, turning the corner of the corridor. One of my father's guards stood outside the doors to 3 rooms along the corridors, two of which were closed. We walked up to the only open door. “This is your room, Princess.” The Prince said, he took my hand and kissed it in a farewell. “I shall see you at dinner.”

“I look forward to it.” I replied, dipping slightly in a courtesy and disappeared into the room.

I spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking my belongings and reading a book about the creatures living in every kingdom. Nymphs in Gloriat and Venolia, fairies and pixies in Holloway and Deston, elves and fairies in Thoris and Afreda and werewolves in Meldino. Werewolves are my least favorite of all the races. They have an exceptional sense of smell, incredible speed and can change into wolves with long, sharp claws and fangs. They are capable of killing anything and everything, and live in the kingdom next to this one. Also, they killed my mother. They killed her because she was part, but no one knows that other than me, my father and my brother. The Queen of Deston 150 years ago, my grandmother, had also been killed by werewolves for her father being a human. The people of our 7 kingdoms don't like humans, after they attacked our lands 5 times in the last 200 years. They haven't come back in 20 of those years after my father and King Lawrance scared them off. I liked to keep my knowledge about the kingdoms fresh in my mind for the sole purpose of remembering who everyone was. I had once witnessed a princess attend a ball in our palace and not know who one Queen was and insulted her greatly.

There was a knock at the door, bringing me back to the present.

“Enter.” I said loudly, rising to my feet, putting my book down.

“My Lady, dinner is being served. If you will, please grace your father and your host with your presence at their table.” The servant requested, bowing as he did.

“Thank you, sir. I will follow most swiftly.” I replied.

I joined my father at the table of Halton and was seated across from Prince Aiden next to our father's. On either side of us were our siblings in age order, Ceally on my side, Lilliana, Drakub, Rhoswen, Felix, Taliha and Zarland were on Aiden‘s side.

“Princess Cassandriana, my son has offered to show you our great city, if you wish.” The Great King said.

“That is a generous offer, Your Grace. I would be honoured.” I replied.

“We shall go tomorrow at midday.” The Prince said.

“No, you are to receive guests in the early afternoon son, you shall go in the morning at 9 and return at midday.” The King said.

“As you wish father.” Aiden said. The King nodded. We ate with much chatter from then on, the two Kings still catching up on years missed, Ceally talking with the younger royals and me and Aiden discussing and debating the importance of shoes weird as it seems. After dinner I returned to my chambers and had a bath, washing my hair and braiding it again. I slept well thinking about the next morning.

I woke to the humm of my hand maiden.

“Clarisse, what time is it?” I asked.

“7 o'clock my lady.” She said with a courtesy.

“Can you help me dress please?” I asked, getting out of bed.

“Of course, my lady. I think the dark blue dress with the big silver belt would be suited for your outing with the Prince.” She offered.

“Thank you, Clarisse. I think that will be perfect.” I put on the soft dress, and she braided my hair intricately to keep it out of the way. There was a knock on the door at quarter to 9.

“Come in.” I said. A tall man in armour came into the room.

“Prince Aiden has requested me to come and see if you are ready to leave.” said the servant lady.

“I am indeed ready.” I said.

“Your horse is waiting for you in the courtyard, your Grace.”

“My Lady will do fine, sir.” I said.

“Yes my Lady.” she said bowing. “This way, if you please.” I followed her down to the courtyard where the Prince and our horses were waiting. When he saw me, he walked over and kissed my hand.

“Princess Cassandriana, I wish to show you only one thing today,” he said. “Which, I think and hope, you will find beautiful.”

“I would be honoured to see anything you wish me to see, Prince Aiden.” he walked me over to my horse and stood by while I mounted my horse. He did the same and we began our journey.