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The rapid sound of Nicholas' boots rang inside the silent corridor. Was he too late?
Could the Princess be...
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Approximately an hour before, after receiving an urgent request to check on the princess, the Knight dropped all his belongings and hurriedly rushed back to the Palace.
'Is m'lady in danger? Could the enemies have gotten to her? I need to go. I need to go protect the princess!' These were the thoughts that continuously rung inside his head during his horseback ride.
Nicholas imagined the Palace to have been invaded by the opposing army's forces but was surprised by the complete opposite of his fantasies. It was empty. It was quiet. Nicholas didn't like this and so he made a quick move of his feet and entered the Palace. Aiming for the room that was situated on the farthest part of the corridor of the third floor's west wing.
Princess Skye's Bedroom.
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Cut to the present and we see the Knight standing right before his lady's room. Her big blue door stands out from the other standard brown ones. And the princess' hand-crafted signboard that adorns itself on the door, with the words "Welcome!!!" written on it in giant letters.
For a brief moment, Nicholas felt a sense of relief by simply looking at the door. But whether that relief will expand or vanish... all depends on a simple knock.
Nicholas took a deep breath and knocked on the door... There was no response. He knocked twice, thrice, and many more times, but never got a response.
"M'lady, are you in there? It's me, Nicholas."
Still no response. At this point, anxiety had filled the Knight's brain. He wonders that, if the princess isn't responding to him... could she be...? No. There's no way. If the princess had died during the battles then their sacrifices would have been for nothing. After all, he made a promise to her...
"Forgive my rudeness, m'lady, but I'm coming in."
Nicholas peeked open the door and looked for any signs of casualties. None so far, but he did notice that the princess wasn't on her bed. Neither were her stuffed animals and plushies. Nicholas gulped. After mustering the courage to fully open the door, he stepped in; making sure he properly close it as well.
Entering the princess' room felt like being transported to another dimension. Polished, clean walls that are accentuated by the sunlight that pours through the pink, velvet curtains; creating a soft pink hue around it.
The room was as messy as always. Opened books lying on the floor, pieces of paper scattered around the vicinity, short pencils and dried-out pens could be seen everywhere, and unwashed teacups that were constantly refilled by the maids as per his lady's request.
Nicholas hadn't seen this view in a while and it almost feels nostalgic, in a sense. However, he shouldn't be reminiscing at a time like this. He needs to confirm his lady's safety. And as if she had heard his inner thoughts, a soft snoring could be heard coming from the couch.
The Knight walked towards it and lo and behold, the girl he was looking for was right there; surrounded by her stuffed animals. Soundly sleeping her days away in a peaceful bliss. Her petite figure huddled together as she hugs her legs close to herself. The slow rise and fall of her chest accompanied by a tiny smile completely washed away every bit of negativity he held earlier.
She was alive. Safe and secure.
Nicholas was about to leave the room, knowing that his duty is over here, but was abruptly paused by the princess' soft groggy voice.
"Is someone there...?"
The Knight swiftly turned around; placing his left hand across his chest and his right hand behind him. As per the Royal Knight's Protocol, he was supposed to state his name and his purpose when presented in front of a noble. But seeing the princess' awakened state reflecting the same look of surprise as his very own had left him stunned.
"Nick!? Is that you? Oh, have you completed the super long task you told me about three months ago? Is that why you're here?"
Has it really been three months since the war started? As the battle goes on, Nicholas eventually lost track of the days. But it seems that the princess has been counting. A surge of guilt had arisen within him. He knows that the princess doesn't have many friends due to her eccentric and unladylike behaviour, but she was still treasured by everyone in the Palace. Himself included.
"Nick? Are you listening?"
"Huh– Ah, right. Commanding Captain and Official Strategist of the Royal Gardenia Chivalry, Nicholas Park, is at your disposal. I was sent here by His Majesty to check in on you, m'lady."
Skye tilted her head in a condescending manner, "That's Princess Skye to you, Nick."
"And that's Sir Nicholas to you, m'lady."
The two continued to menacingly stare at each other, before breaking into synchronised laughter. It's only been a few minutes since he entered this room, yet this small moment managed to lift the tension off his shoulders and allowed him to relax for a moment.
"Oh, right!" The girl turned to him, "The maids have been really busy recently, so I learnt how to brew my own tea while you were away! Care to join me for a cup? I wanna have a nice long talk about your recent adventures. Tell me how it went, alright?"
Adventure... That was the excuse he told Skye when he was appointed to set out for war. His Majesty had told everyone to keep it a secret from his daughter or else she'll be highly against the idea.
Nicholas turned to Skye, who was fixing up her room and putting the plushies back on her bed, "M'lady."
"Hm?"
"I'm afraid I can't stay here for too long. Your father, His Majesty, only told me to come to check on you, that's all. I must go back to my–"
"If it's father then I'm sure he'll allow you to stay if I ask!"
"But–"
"...do you really have to go so soon?"
Oh... Now he gets it. She must've been lonely this entire time. I mean, the people who work and live in the Palace love having the Princess around in their everyday life. She brings a bundle of joy, energy and mischief wherever she goes. No one realised that it goes the other way as well. Being around the kind and accepting staff members has brought colours to her life as well.
But the day most people had to leave the Palace for the battlefield not only changed their world...but hers as well.
Nicholas sighed. To Skye, it seemed like he was annoyed at her persistence, but in reality, the Knight is just torn between the choice of staying or leaving.
Skye clutched the hem of her dress, "Um, if you have to go then–"
"I'll stay."
Forgive me.
Upon hearing his words, the girl exploded in euphoria, "You will!? Alright! No take backsies, kay?~"
Just this once.
Nicholas chuckled at her cute response, "Alright. But not too long, okay? I don't want your father to find out that I've been slacking off drinking tea with his daughter."
Please, let me have this moment.
"Oh! I was told by the servants to never open the curtains, but since there's a guest, they'll probably let it slide just this once!~
You probably already know this, but my room has the best view in this whole Palace! It's almost as if you can see the whole world from here! "
As Skye reached out to open the curtains, a hand stopped her from doing so. Shocked, she turned around to see the Knight's pensive expression.
Nicholas didn't want her to see what was happening outside. No matter what. He needed to make an excuse for her quickly.
"It's okay, m'lady. We don't have to open the curtains," C'mon make an excuse, "I usually have mine closed, so I'd prefer it this way, haha..."
Dumbass, what was that!?
"Hmm, alright. If you say so..." Skye reluctantly let go, but Nicholas didn't. She stepped away from her window and moved towards her desk, "I'll brew the tea, so you can have a seat. Don't worry, it won't take too long."
Nicholas nodded and silently took a seat. He wondered if he could properly enjoy this impromptu tea party with the princess, considering that the front lines are still going on right now. He was sure the princess was getting suspicious about the situation, but as per the King's orders, she needs to be in the dark until it all ends.
The princess' pure ignorance and naivete was something everyone adored. And maybe, just for a mere second, Nicholas could forget about the raging war outside. Those sharp swords clanging with each other, the heartbreaking cries of those soldiers; then, would he be able to find the moment of peace he dreamt of this whole time?
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