“Princess, if Prince Morgan is the one that you desire and the feeling is mutual between you two, then you should pursue your happiness with him. Actually, I am relieved that you chose Prince Morgan over the other two that I invited. I favor him over the other two men myself,” said the King.
“Sir, I was going to ask your permission to see the Princess, I just didn’t get to it yet,” said Prince Morgan.
“Morgan, you have mine and the Queens’s permission and blessings. My daughter has shown good judgment as usual and I am very pleased she has chosen you. I presume that you have a desire to have her hand in marriage and will be able to provide for her in your Kingdom of Caledon,” said the King.
“She has won my heart your highness, I care for her deeply. As far as Caledon is concerned, the people there will love her just as they do here in the Rose Kingdom. I am sure of that. She will be respected and live the live she deserves to have,” said Prince Morgan.
Princess Wildheart smiled contently at Prince Morgan. She had gotten what she truly wanted which made her very happy. A Princess should always have her way, especially on her birthday. It was expected and the right way for things to be in her mind.
“You have chosen a path to happiness Princess. We can make a formal announcement at a later time when the current crisis is averted,” said the King.
“I love you father, you’re the best,” said Princess Wildheart
“Congratulations to you both!”
The King then shook Prince Morgan’s hand and gave Princess Wildheart a hug.
“I’ll inform your mother of your decision Princess,” he said smiling and walking out of the room.
Duke had his arm around Pricilla and they were both smiling. They congratulated their friends and were delighted to see them finally together.
“That was a heartwarming moment to watch Princess. Pricilla and I feel the same way about each other,” said Duke, giving Pricilla a kiss.
“Pricilla knows what she wants Duke,“ smiled Princess Wildheart.
“Things have worked out great and I am happy we can spend more time together now,” said Morgan, giving the Princess a kiss.
“Princess Wildheart is my sister and I will never stop loving her. When I met Duke my whole world changed after he came into my heart,” she said, kissing Duke.
“Well, don’t leave me out.” said Duke. “Prince Morgan and I have wandered far and wide. I could not have asked for a better friend. He and I will always be close friends. He knows he can count on me to be there if he ever needs anything,” said Duke, bowing to the Prince. “The biggest surprise of my life was meeting Pricilla. From the very first moment I saw her standing there, my heart skipped a beat. I am sure that she is the only woman for me,” said Duke, giving Pricilla a kiss.
“Somehow it appears that the stars in the heavens have aligned to draw us all together. We can go into the future with the ones we love,” said Pricilla.
The four of them stayed and talked for a while before Princess Wildheart and Pricilla decided to retire to their bedchambers. The young men watched the girls as they walked out of the ballroom.
“Well, it appears we have found our place in the world,” said Duke.
“I agree and it feels good Duke. I would have never figured on this to happen to us as we traveled around. It must be fate I guess,” said Prince Morgan.
“Yea, I agree, we are very lucky men. This Kingdom has bestowed its magic on the two of us. I meant what I said, I’ll always have your back Morgan,” said Duke.
“I appreciate that Duke. I will always have your back also my friend. Let's take turns on watch, so the other can get some sleep in between watches. I’ll take the first watch,” said Prince Morgan.
“Ok, wake me when it’s my turn,” said Duke.
TEN
Prince Morgan and Duke went into the large hall which hosted the doors to the bed chambers of the royal family and Pricilla. Duke found a padded bench to rest on while Prince Morgan began the first watch. Both men were well armed in case something happened.
The castle was quiet at night. Most candles were out and it was mostly dark. There was not much movement on this clear cool night as everyone slept well until morning.
Duke and Prince Morgan were up at first light, they had gotten enough rest to feel energized and ready for the day. Princess Wildheart and Pricilla also woke up early and entered the hallway where Prince Morgan and Duke were standing and talking.
“That was a long night. I missed you so much Morgan,” said Princess Wildheart, running up to give him a hug and kiss.
Duke walked over to Pricilla and gave her and hug and kiss.
“We should all have something to eat and then go into the courtyard to see what is going on outside,” said Prince Morgan.
The girls got dressed and joined the men for some food in the dining hall. After a nice meal the four of them went outside into the castle courtyard. The vendors and merchants were just opening their shops. A quick glance around showed the castle guard was alert and in place. The castle soldiers were guarding the gate and courtyard. Everything was quiet and peaceful.
“I wonder how your brothers are doing,” said Prince Morgan.
“Very well I suppose, those three could take on an army by themselves,” replied Princess Wildheart.
“I believe you Princess. They seem very capable as I learned from the events,” said Prince Morgan.
“Well I am sure they could use my sword by their side also,” smiled the Princess.
“You have a sword Princess?”
Princess Wildheart laughed.
“Of course I have a sword. I know how to use it very well. Pricilla has one too,”
“I would have never thought someone as beautiful as you could swordfight. Just unbelievable, I love it though,” smiled Prince Morgan.
“Oh, so you thought I was too much of a girl to be weapon trained? Now you know better. If you are good today perhaps I may show you my sword,” said the Princess smiling.
The four of them continued walking around the courtyard browsing through the merchants and vendors items. An old woman had a cart full of amulets, bracelets and rings. They stopped to examine her items. Prince Morgan spotted a nice gold amulet with a blue stone embedded in it.
“What kind of stone is this?”
“That stone is special, a blue diamond. It’s a very rare stone. I got it from a shop in Estella. I was told that the amulet was called “The Amulet of Protection.” The wearer cannot be harmed by an enemy,” said the woman.
“It’s so beautiful,” said Princess Wildheart looking at it closely.
Prince Morgan asked the woman how much money she wanted for the item.
“Thirty gold sir,” said the woman.
“I’ll take it, a very nice item,” said Prince Morgan, paying the gold to the women.
Prince Morgan took the amulet and turned to Princess Wildheart.
“Princess this amulet deserves to be with someone who is as beautiful as it is. My gift to you dear,” he said, putting the amulet around her neck and giving her a kiss.
“Thank you,” she said as her head still reeled from the kiss. “I will wear it always and never take it off because you gave it to me and I love you,” she said.
Prince Morgan smiled. “One more thing, my bracelet, I want you to have it also Princess, it once belonged to my mother.”
Prince Morgan put the bracelet on her wrist as she smiled contently “It’s wonderful, I will treasure it always,” smiled the Princess.
“When you wear it think about how much I love you,” said Prince Morgan.
“I will wear it as a reminder of our eternal love for each other,” said the Princess, giving him a kiss.
Of course Duke wanted to give Pricilla a gift. She had been eyeing an emerald ring with a matching necklace and bracelet.
“How much are you asking for the matching set of jewelry here?”
“One hundred fifty gold sir,” she replied.
; “I would like to buy it for this lovely lady I have on my arm here,” smiled Duke.
“Oh Duke! I love you so much. No one has ever given me anything so beautiful. You are too good to me, I feel like a Princess,” she said.
“Pretty girls like you need some things to cherish Pricilla,” said Duke. “Get used to that feeling because you are my girl now and nothing is too good for you.”
The four of them continued on shopping through various merchants, each pair holding hands while walking. There was a fruit stand so all of them got an apple to enjoy. The four of them were standing there talking and eating their apples when a commotion arose near the front gates. A rider was approaching, coming real fast into the castle courtyard. A crowd gathered around the rider when he stopped inside the courtyard. Prince Morgan and the others rushed over to see what was going on.
“That’s my brother’s horse!”
Princess Wildheart ran over to her brother who was slumped in the saddle of his enormous horse. He had a wound in his side and was bleeding. “He’s hurt! Hurry and get him off his horse!”
Duke and Prince Morgan lifted him down from the horse and laid him on the ground.
Prince Morgan lifted his head from the ground. “Who did this? What happened? Someone get a cart for this man!”
The wounded brother began to speak.
“My brothers they are….” he said, passing out before he could tell anyone what had happened.
A man brought up a small hand cart and they put Princess Wildhearts brother on it and took him inside the castle to care for him. Once inside they placed him on a small table just inside the castle entry.
Princess Wildheart called for her father the King who came running with the Queen over to the table. Prince Morgan explained that he asked what had happened but the young Prince passed out before he could tell them anything. He had mentioned his brothers but no details of what may have happened to them at all.
“Summon the healer immediately. This wound needs attention,” ordered the King.
“Don’t die my son,” cried the Queen as she held his hand.
The healer was there in almost an instant. He examined, cleaned and dressed the wound. Everyone watched the healer work on the young Prince and hoped for the best.
“He will be just fine. He has lost a lot of blood which is to be expected with this type of wound. I believe he will heal and regain his strength in a few days. This is a flesh wound we need to keep it clean so it will heal. It may be a while before he can fight again but he will not die from this wound. Get him in bed for now and make sure he eats and drinks. With plenty of rest he will be just fine,” said the healer who then walked away.
The King commanded two of the guards to take his son up to his bed chamber and put him in bed. They put him on a board and hauled him up the stairs as the Queen followed behind them. The King then turned to another nearby guard who stood erect and silent.
“I want two paladin guards stationed outside his bed chamber. Double the entire castle guard and bring me my sword right away,” he said.
Princess Wildheart issued her own command to the guards. “Bring my sword also! No one will harm my brother and get away with it!”
Pricilla chimed in and told them to get her sword and bring it to her.
“Your majesty, I know you are very angry and want to find out what happened to your sons. I admire your fighting spirit sir. You are truly a King of men! I respectfully suggest that you remain here at the castle to command your defenses and guard your family. Prince Morgan and I will serve you well and find out what has happened to your sons. We will ensure justice in your name for the culprits who have caused this tragedy,“ said Duke.
A castle guard came up with the swords belonging to the King and the girls. Each armed themselves with their own weapons.
“What you have suggested is wise Duke. I know you and Morgan will take care of this as you have proven to be capable and trustworthy. I will do as you have suggested. Come with me to the weapons room and I will show you a map outlining the routes my sons took to the outpost,” he said.
“You go nowhere without us and our swords! We don’t back down from a fight, especially when family is concerned,” said Princess Wildheart, pulling her sword.
Pricilla pulled her sword and crossed it with Princess Wildhearts.
“We will fight together Princess,” said Pricilla.
The King then turned to Prince Morgan, who was watching the two girls.
“Don’t try to argue with these girls about going with you. It will do no good.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less of them sir, they both have wild hearts you know,” said Prince Morgan smiling.
“Very well Morgan we will now go look at those maps,” said the King, walking toward the weapons room.
Princess Wildheart grabbed Prince Morgan’s arm.
“We will change from our gowns and meet you in the weapons room,” said Princess Wildheart, giving him a kiss before she and Pricilla went the other way.
The men stood by a table looking at a map the King had rolled out detailing the Kingdom. It was much larger than Prince Morgan and Duke had thought. The brothers had tried to journey to a remote outpost on the southern edge of the Kingdom. The King pointed out the best route to take and explained the possible dangers they might encounter along the way. The three of them discussed it and felt comfortable with the route they chose.
“Of course if my son came back this morning, he only made it about half way there. It is a full day’s ride to that outpost, two days ride if you stop and rest for the night along the way,” said the King.
“They were probably ambushed would be my guess sir,” said Duke.
“Morgan you should know that I will hold you responsible for my Wildhearted daughter’s safety. Do not let any harm befall her. As much as I respect and like you two, I will hold you both accountable for the girl’s safety. I would also expect you both to behave as gentlemen regarding their virtue, plenty of time for that after a wedding. Try to curb your passion and romance and focus on finding out what has happened to my sons,” said the King.
Prince Morgan and Duke agreed to his terms and proclaimed how honored they were to be trusted with such an important mission in the name of the King.
Princess Wildheart and Pricilla entered the room. They had changed from the Princess gowns into new clothes. Princess Wildheart had put on some brown leather pants with a white blouse and leather vest. She had leather arm bands and black leather boots. Her beautiful long hair pulled back into a ponytail. Pricilla now had on black leather pants with a white blouse. She was wearing brown leather boots and vest. Each had their swords sheathed on a belt around the waist. They looked ready for adventure.
“Let's get to it, someone will be getting a taste of my blade for their next meal,” said Princess Wildheart.
They all bid the King farewell and went over to the stables to get their horses. The Queen walked over to the window where the King was watching the four of them walking toward the stable.
“Don’t worry dear, your daughter can take care of herself,” she said.
“I know that, after all she takes after her mother,” said the King with a smile.
“Let's just hope that the two gentlemen are as good as I believe them to be,” said the King
“I have faith in them, they will all be fine. I know this in my heart,” said the Queen, giving the King a hug.
A messenger entered the room where the King and Queen were gazing out the window.
“Excuse me your highness, your son has wakened and is asking for you,” he said bowing.
The King and Queen rushed over to their wounded son’s bed chamber where they found him sitting up in bed and awake.
“Father I must tell you what has happened,” he said.
“Take your time son and tell me what you know.” said the King.
“My brothers and I were in front leading the army of one hundred men. We had been traveling the trai
l in the black forest when we came under attack from all sides. It was a force of Barbarians, I would guess to be two hundred men. Everyone fought bravely, killing and wounding many of the enemy. Eventually the overwhelming number of them thinned our army. We had lost many soldiers and knew we could not be victorious. My brothers and I tried to retreat but some of the Barbarians managed to cut us off and capture my brothers. I was wounded when I galloped away in an attempt to escape. I alone managed to escape. My brothers and a handful of soldiers were all that was alive when I left them. I must go and rescue them right away,” he said.
The Prince tried to sit up and get out of the bed to save his brothers. The King managed to get him to calm down again.
“Easy son, your sister and Pricilla along with Prince Morgan and Duke are preparing to go and look for your brothers. You must rest and heal yourself to fight another day,” said the King.
“Father they are over matched. It will be a disaster,” protested the brother.
“Don’t worry about anything. Prince Morgan and Duke can handle themselves. Both are clever and can take care of things. I will warn them of the known dangers. Now you get some rest and get better,” said the King.
The King sent for a runner to bring back Prince Morgan and Princess Wildheart. He and the Princess returned to see what the King had called them in for. Duke and Pricilla stayed at the stable. The King explained the situation and offered some troops to help them.
“It would be nice for us all to have the extra men if we have to fight. I believe we should consider that we have a better chance going alone. There would be less chance to be discovered if we have a smaller group. I am hoping we can find the Princes alive and sneak them out without being seen by the Barbarians,” said Prince Morgan.
“Well let’s give your idea a try then. I hold you responsible for everyone’s safety Morgan,” said the king.
“Don’t worry father, we can do this,” said Princess Wildheart.
ELEVEN
Duke and Pricilla were waiting at the stables for the others to return.
The Legend of Princess Wildheart Page 7
