Disclaimer: I don't own any Sly Cooper characters; they belong to Sucker Punch Productions/Sanzaru Games.
Claimer: I own all of my original characters.
I would consider this a story that acts as both a one shot and a prequel to my Galleth story I posted so long ago. Updates have been slow for the simply fact of my lack of drive to write. But, I did feel the urge to post this. As for the stories I already have started, I may not update them for a while and I may end up abandoning them to start over and fix what I have, or rid myself of them entirely. I haven't completely decided yet, but again I did feel the want to upload this story. So, with all of that being said, I hope you will please read, review, and let me know what you think! Thanks so much!
Under Thy Care
Nottinghamshire, England 1450 A.D.
Thunder rumbled in the distance and a lick of lightening struck past the stained glass of the nearby windows. After the flash, the sky returned to its blacked color and I was once again surrounded by the darkness of the castle walls. A few short candles were lit in various places, giving very soft illumination to the area. I quickly, yet silently, trotted along the thick carpet; trying to desperately make my way to the back of the castle without being caught, for I was already late. The Knights of the Cooper Order, who strictly and obediently protected our king and his family, had living quarters in the rear of the giant castle where we not only lived, but trained and stored our armor when the hand crafted suits weren't in use. Breathily heavily, I pressed myself against the cold stones of the wall, slipping into the shadows as our King, Hector VII, waddled as quickly as he could past me. King Hector was truly a vile man who showed no mercy to his subjects in the kingdom, which were mostly peasants. With heavy taxing, fierce guards patrolling the city, and the all around poor conditions he allowed them to live in, he had been considered the worst king England has had in a century.
No matter how cruel he was to his subjects, or his family, it was my duty to protect and serve him. But tonight was different and I was running late for my ceremonial duties. I stuck to the shadows, waiting for the horribly obese raccoon to get around me before I continued sprinting to my quarters to slip into my armor and make it to the ceremony in the great hall before the process began. A few moments passed before the tireless ruler rounded a corner and away from me. Once the man was out of range, I sprinted down the corridor. Thankfully I knew my way around the castle, having lived and trained here for most of my life to become the knight I had just recently become. With silence and fineness, I managed to slip inside my quarters.
Tonight's ceremony was the crowning moment for the king's daughter, Princess Katherine. She wasn't assuming the throne or any title of the sort, but she was assuming a higher role in the family. Her mother, the queen, was with child and expected to give birth anytime in the next fortnight. With the king, and even the entire kingdom, hoping for a son to assume the throne after King Hector passes, Katherine would be allowed to assume the title of 'Lady Katherine'. The ceremony certainly wasn't crowd worthy, but because our king loved to put on his lavish ceremonial robes, he would never miss the opportunity to put them on for an event.
As for my part in the ceremony, I was to assume the role as protector of the king's daughter. Once a man was deemed a knight in the Cooper Order, which had been established almost a century ago, he was then assigned to a member of the royal family. In my case, the royal family I served only consisted of three members and an unborn child. Because both the king and queen were already protected by friends and fellow members in the order, I was endowed to watch over the young princess. I had never met the third member of the royal family, but I had seen her in very brief snippets in my time growing up on the grounds. I didn't know much about her to be honest, only that she was under the constant watch of her mother and was never allowed to leave to castle. Being the only heir to the throne, the king was extremely aware of her every move, but now that there was the possibility of a son, he was allowing her to become more of an adult…with a constant and loyal servant to watch over her.
With great speed, I adorned myself in my newly forged armor. My boots, chainmail, breast and shoulder plating, and my helmet all fit like a glove. I quickly sheathed my sword in my belt and headed from my quarters. In mere moments I had changed into my armor and was quickly darting in the back corridors of the castle; hoping I could make it to the great hall in time for the ceremony to begin. If I were to show up late on my first night of being charged with the princess, I would certainly find my head on the execution block in the morning. Even though this is the most important moment in my knighthood yet, I did have a reason for being so late on such an important date. As cruel as the king was, I felt some duty to the people of the village as both a knight and a Cooper. I, Sir Galleth Cooper, was not only a knife, but a thief as well. I was a thief of honor however; only stealing from the overbearing, wealthy, and elite wealthy that ran the village; including the king himself. The items and money I stole from the corrupt men of the land went straight to the people of the village, hoping it would somehow ease the burden of the king's taxes.
"Hurry thy pace Galleth." I muttered to myself as I hurried down the dimly lit corridors. I tried to keep the clinking of my armor to a minimum, not wanting to alert anyone of my tardiness to the ceremony and give the king any reason to do away with me. I slid to a stop outside of the doors to the main hall. Inside I could hear the king's loud voice bellowing throughout the room, going on in the ceremony about his daughter. I carefully opened the lock on the door, sliding inside with ease and without drawing attention. I slipped between the mass of other knights, taking my place seamlessly beside my mentor, Sir Henry, who gave me a rather disapproving glare.
"We shall discuss this at a later time, Galleth." he whispered harshly. I lowered my head, feeling his disappointment, and focused on the ending ceremony ahead of me.
At the king's throne, Hector stood with a delicately crafted, white gold tiara laced with jewels in his grasp. Seated before him, on her knees with a bowed head, was his daughter. Her back was to me, so I was unable to see her face. Katherine Bandicoot was someone I had only caught glimpses of. Maybe the flick of her tail, her silhouette against the walls of the castle, and maybe a soft paw closing a door. But I had never seen her in her entirety or her face. I can never recall hearing her voice and was frankly uncertain if she favored her father or her mother. I wouldn't know if she was soft spoken and kind, like my queen, or harsh, brutal, and spoiled, like my king. I knew nothing of this young soul and I was about to be charged with her up keep and answering to her every call.
The king placed the delicate crown upon his daughters head and stepped away from her. As his daughter rose to her feet, everyone else went to their knees to show respect for our superior. With my head bowed, I was still unable to gaze upon the face of the princess. Now that the ceremony was over, the other knights of the order would leave, with the exception of myself, and I would offer my servitude to the princess in front of her father. Once that was completed, she would be in my care. With a clap of paws, the king ordered the knights to leave the room and return to their quarters before calling me forward. I rose to my feet, adjusting my armor before marching to the king on his throne. The obese raccoon seated himself in his throne, grabbing a goblet of wine in the process, and huffed. I kneeled before the king, ready to offer my life to his daughters protection.
"My king," I started, "I, Sir Galleth Cooper, member of the Knights of-"
"Save thy breath, my knight," the king barked, "There is no need for formalities why we are alone. Return my daughter to her chambers and leave me be for the remainder of the evening. Thine work will begin in the morn. Both of thee shall leave my presence immediately." With a flick of his broad paw, he waved us away.
"Yes, your Majesty." I said to him before standing. With another bow of my head I left his presence, following the slender princess ahead of me. I gave a soft trot to grab the door for the young woman. She slipped quickly through the door to the private corridor that housed the chambers of the royal family. With the door firmly closed behind us, I was finally able to gaze upon the lady of the castle.
Lady Katherine Bandicoot was, in one word, beautiful. Thin and petite, she appeared to be made of the finest porcelain. Her features were well defined, but soft around the edges and surrounded by the softest, greyest fur I had ever seen with the reddest of lips. Her long, raven hair was pulled high upon her head with her crown nestled softly in her curls. After taking in her features, I quickly remembered who I was going upon and corrected myself. I once again fell to my knees with a bow of my head.
"Milady," I said quickly, "I beg thee to forgive me, I was foolish to not-" Before I could finish, Katherine's soft voice cut me off.
"Tis alright, Sir Knight. Thou hast nothing to beg my forgiveness for. Thou hast done nothing wrong." Still kneeling, I looked up to the raccoon, my eyes gazing into her deep, rich orbs.
"Thou may stand, if thou wishes," I nodded, returning to my feet. Katherine stood straight, her paws folded neatly against her soft, golden dress.
"I thank thee, Milady." she blushed softly, briefly avoiding my gaze until she regained her composure.
"Well, my Sir Knight, may I have thou name? Father neglected to tell me and, well, I would much like to address thee by the correct name."
"Galleth, your Majesty. Galleth Cooper." she nodded quickly, learning my name.
"Sir Galleth Cooper," my name flowed from her crimson lips with ease, "I am grateful to be in thine care." her smile was soft and warm, the complete opposite of her father's icy, hateful scowl.
"And tis an honor to serve the lady of the castle." she giggled, quickly shielding the lovely sound with a paw.
"The lady," she repeated, "I hast never been addressed as a lady before. It may take time to become accustomed to the title."
"Tis a glorious title for thee, Milady. I'm sure it will fit thee well." she bowed as thanks and tucked a soft curl behind her ear.
"Shall I escort thee to thy chambers, Lady Katherine?" she nodded softly before I offered my arm to her. Her gentle paws grasped my arm lightly, almost hesitantly.
"Is everything alright, Madame?" her gaze quickly turned to mine as she stumbled for words.
"Why yes," she eventually spoke, "I just…tis nothing, Sir Galleth. I am just feeling fatigued. I would just wish to return to my chambers." I bowed to her request and started to escort her down the long, winding hallway. We strolled slowly in the dark light, being careful to not take a wrong turn in the maze of a castle. We passed through a corridor with many windows that gazed upon the gardens, when the sun was shining, of course. But at night, the hallway was dark and damp. A flash of lightening shot across the sky, briefly illuminating our pathway and made the princess jump. She glanced outside the windows as we strolled by them before turning her soft gaze to me once more.
"Sir Galleth," she spoke quietly, "Tomorrow, if the weather is faring, dost thou think we could stroll through the gardens? I hast never been in them and have always wish to walk through the beautiful flowers."
"Of course, Milady. We may do whatever thy heart desires. Tis no need to ask me, Lady Katherine, I am at your service." she nodded before we continued the escort.
"Yes," she said with furred eyebrows, "you're right. Forgive me, Sir Galleth. I hast not grown accustomed to giving orders. Father is the one who would normally determine how I shall spend each day."
"Take thine time, Lady Katherine. I am certain that in time thou shalt find thy confidence in giving orders." she nodded slowly, not exactly in the happiest form, but nodded.
A few moments later, we arrived at the entrance to Lady Katherine's bed chambers and we would soon part ways. Katherine released my arm, quickly smoothing her dress over with her palms before opening the door. She turned to me before entering and wished me a goodnight. I replied to her with a small bow and stayed at the door until she had entered and shut the heavy oak surface. I sighed deeply to myself as I left the entrance to her room and headed towards my barracks. It had been a stressful evening, having to be sure I wasn't late to the most important ceremony I'd ever face, praying that Katherine was nothing like her father, and now remembering the lecture I'd have to face from Sir Henry for being late. I had know as a child that becoming a knight would be stressful, yet rewarding, but this certainly wasn't what I had in mind.
I pulled my helmet from my head and ran my fingers through my short hair as I finally entered my living quarters. I placed said helmet, and the bulk of my armor, on the dummy in the corner and sat on my cot. My dwelling was in the end of the barracks, giving me a bit of privacy from my fellow knights coming in and out throughout the entirety of the day. With a tired sigh, I stretched out on my humble bed, staring at the ceiling as my fingers pushed and prodded the itchy hay back inside the cloth on which I lay. The barracks for the Knights of the Cooper Order were nothing when compared to the sleeping quarters for the king's royal guards. We were destined to sleep in the back of the castle on hay cots, surrounded by cold and damp stone with a single candle for illumination. The royal guards however, were each given a room within the heart of the castle with soft bed, thick wool blankets to sleep under and a goose feather pillow to rest their heads on. Half a century ago, my Knights were the ones within the castle to keep watch and sleep in peace for the night. However, when King Hector came to power nearly twenty-five years ago, a mere two years before my own birth, he replaced the Knights of the Cooper Order with his own personalized guards who took our place. We were thankfully still employed in the castle, but were give conditions that weren't fit to house the village sheep, let alone valiant and hard working knights.
As a young boy, I had grown up on my father's stories of the glory and valor a knight in the castle high upon the hills of Nottinghamshire. He himself was a knight in he order and when I was old enough, I would begin my training; which I did. Exactly how I did so wasn't the way I had expected. Mother had died when I was a mere babe and was raised by father. However, when I had first begun my training to become a squire, he had perished in the battle to defend the castle from the enemies of the king. Being a young lad with no father, I became the apprentice of a fellow knight in the Order who would raise me in his image and teach me the ways of being a knight. My old friend, Sir Henry, was charged with the order of not only raising and training me, but being the watcher of the Queen, Isabel, and her newborn daughter; who I was now in charge of watching over.
"Sir Galleth," Henry's voice snapped me from my thoughts, "I request a talk with thee." I sat up from my cot, offering a seat to the aging knight. With the raise of his paw, Sir Henry Williams denied my request and stood at the end of my cot, placing a foot on the edge for leverage. The greying wolf ran his fingers through his beard before finally speaking.
"The stunt thou pulled this evening was quite a risky one, Galleth. Going out and stealing on the very night Lady Katherine was crowned and placed in thine care. Dost thou realize that if thou had been caught coming in late then they head would be resting not eh executioners block in a mere hours?"
"I was very aware of my actions, Henry. I made sure that no other man saw me in the corridors and I managed to return to the Lady's ceremony before our king called for me."
"Galleth, my boy," he said with a sigh, "Thou must be more accountable for thine actions. Thou art no longer a quire, thou art a knight. There is a higher sense of responsibility that now rests upon thine shoulders and a very life had now ben place in thine's grasp. Thou cannot frolic around now that Lady Katherine is under thine protection."
"I do indeed realize this, Sir Henry, and I will give m life to protect the princess."
"Indeed thy will. If thou messes up then not only will you be punished by the king, but I shall as well, considering I have trained thee." I nodded, realizing that what he said was true.
"Now," he said as he seated himself upon the end of my bed, "there are a few things about Princess Katherine that thou must know."
"Do tell," I said as I turned to face him.
"To begin, I hast been in charge of the queen and her daughter for many years now, before I took thee under my wing. Thou must understand that the princess is a kind, gentle soul who hast been sheltered her entire life. Katherine has never know the joy of having a true friend, other than her maids, and is a naive young woman who knows not much about the outside world and how to survive. Tis your duty to protect this delicate flower from the dangers of the outside world. Including any danger she may find within thyself."
"I beg your pardon, Henry, but I dost not believe I am comprehending." he leaned forward, his voice low and gravely.
"Tis no secret, Galleth, that thou has been known to frolic around with the scullery maids of the castle." I was taken back by his statement, despite the truth behind them.
"Sir Henry, I would never-" he simply raised a paw to silence me.
"I know thou would never indulge your needs with the princess, but thou must realize that no matter what, things can always be said against thee. If thou makes even the simplest of mistakes, all the princess would have to do is claim that thou hast done something horrid and thy neck shall face the block. Dost thou understand?"
"Aye, I understand."
"Very well," he claimed as he stood, "Not that the princess would do such a thing. I hast known her since she was a swaddling babe; she is too kind to do so. I am also very certain that she will indeed make a fine ruler one day."
"Well maybe the queen will produce a male and the young princess will have no need to take her father's throne." Henry sighed, running his fingers over his mustache again.
"Do not get thy hopes up, Galleth. T'would be a miracle if the queen could do so." I furred my brows at him.
"A miracle, Sir Henry?" he nodded slowly, a grim look upon his face.
"Let us face the facts Galleth," he whispered, "our queen hast been with child eight times now, not including the child she is with now. Queen Isabel and King Hector only have one child; Katherine. All of the others hast either been stillborn or our dear queen hast lost the babe halfway through her term. The likelihood Katherine will have a young brother, or sister, is about as likely of happening as it would be for me to become Merlin the Sorcerer. Our princess will indeed take the throne with the time comes and it is thees responsibility to make sure she is ready." he walked to the threshold of my bed chambers, "Now get sleep, Sir Galleth Cooper, thou hast a long day ahead of thee."
"Sir Henry!" I called after the aging wolf, who ducking his head back inside my room, "The princess wishes to venture into yonder gardens in the morn; t'would this be acceptable to do so?"
"Well of course! Heaven knows the poor girl needs to escape this dank castle. She hast never stepped foot from this place, it would do her good." I nodded as he left before stretching back out on my cot, ready to slip into slumber.
The following morning, I readied myself in my armor and stopped outside the door of Lady Katherine. The clock tower in the village, which could be heard from the castle, had just sounded the time for nine; the standard time the royal family left their chambers. With a brisk knock on her door, I alerted the princess to my presence outside her chambers. Mere moments later, the door cracked open and the soft face of the princess appeared. I bowed my head as she left her quarters and lifted my head only the sound of her door closing filled my ears.
"Milady," I said as we started strolling from her chambers, "Did thou sleep well?" she glanced up to me with a brief nod.
"Indeed I did, Sir Galleth. And did thou do the same?" with a small smile I answered.
"Aye. Dost thou still wish to see the gardens this fine morning, or shall thee prefer to visit the great hall for a meal."
"Oh, I hast already enjoyed my meal. I wake each morn before the sun rises and tend to my morning needs, including a meal. But I do thank thee for thy considerations. But I do wish to visit the gardens, if thou will allow it."
"Dear princess, thou dost not need to ask for permission. I am at thy service, remember?" she shook her head and scoffed.
"Do forgive me, I will need to grow accustomed to my need for authority." I stepped in front of her and opened the door, allowing her to, for the first time, step inside the gardens of the outside world. I heard her gasp as I closed the door behind us. I turned to the young princess and found myself smiling as she looked around her at the flowers and crisp, blue sky.
"Such beauty," she whispered as she lifted a delicate finger to touch the blossom of a small daisy, "yet such a small object to be contained inside."
"Thou hast never visited the gardens, Milady?" I asked her once she shifted her gaze to another plant.
"Oh, no. Father would never allow me. I was to stay inside the castle, away from the dangers of the outside world. But, now that mother is expecting any day, he hast allow me to have more freedom. As long as thou is with me, of course."
"Well, I promise thee that I shall always be thy side and will never let anything nor anyone harm thee." she smiled, a small blush forming as she roamed the outdoor garden.
"Would thee also wish to explore the meadow today as well, Milady?" she turned to me, lightly confused.
"The meadow? I wasn't aware there was one on the grounds."
"But of course! The meadow is where the horses graze, the vegetables are grown, where the flowers come from…tis just over yonder hill." I pointed to the crest of a nearby hill.
"May we?" she asked cautiously. I smiled, walking next to her before picking a morning glory from a stem.
"As you wish, Lady Katherine," I handed her the flower and she took it with a slight tilt of her head, "But thou shall need this as a payment."
"A payment?" I offered my arm to her and she took it gracefully.
"Thou shall see, Princess." we strolled casually from the gardens towards the far side of the castle.
Our walk was slow, as Katherine took her time taking in the scenery of the rolling green pastures of the castle grounds. She still held the flower in her grasp, curious as to why she would need the small flower. Again, the fair maiden gasped again as we approached the horse stables. I took her to the gates, where a special white horse lazily hung its head over the gate. Katherine was cautious, hesitant to approach the gentle creatures.
"Hast thou never seen a horse before, Lady Katherine?" she shook her head slowly, her crown glinting in the sunlight.
"Well, not this close at least. I often watch mother and Sir Henry gallop along these grounds from the window, but I hast never been so close to one."
"Well, if though wishes to visit the meadow, thou shalt need to ride one."
"Ride a horse?" she almost shouted. I nodded, motioning for her to step closer.
"Indeed. Ride a horse. But, thou hast no need for worry. I shall ride with thee, slowly, and make sure thou art safe. But before we do so, thou must meet thy mighty steed." I could see she was hesitant still.
"Milady?" I offered my paw to her and she placed her delicate, slender hand in the palm of my gloved one. Slowly, I brought her paw to the muzzle of the horse, placing it gently upon the steed. I released her paw and she slowly drug her paw along the nose of the horse.
"Such a gentle creature," she murmured, "Dost thou have much experience on a horse, Sir Galleth?"
"I do," I said as I trapped the reigns, "I have ridden a horse for as long as I can remember. Tis a simply task, all thy have to do is hold on."
"I hast always dreamed of riding the fields upon a horse," she said softly, almost a whisper.
"Then why don't thou start now?" she stroked the nose of the horse, again and again.
"Only if thou shalt teach me." I smiled as well and agreed.
"Now, thou must offer thy mighty steed with a gift before thou can ride it." I gave her a wink as she help up her morning glory. I nodded and directed her on what to do next.
"Now, held out thy paw," she did as I directed and I grasped it gently. I slowly inched her paw forward toward the mouth of the horse. She was lightly apprehensive, but when the horse gently pulled the flower from her grasp, she was ecstatic. She giggled as the horse munched on the flower and snorted softly.
"Sir Galleth, doth the horse have a name?" she asked as I had started preparing a second horse for the journey.
"Well," I started as the second horse slowly sauntered from the stable, "the other knights and I tend to just call them by their stable number. For this one," I pointed to the one I had, "is two and thine is one. Simple." she scoffed as I took the reigns of her horse and started leading him out.
"One and two? Well, call them what thy wishes but I insist that all creatures have proper names such as you and I."
"Shall thee wish to name him, Milady?" I asked as I roped the two horses together so they would not stray away.
"I shall have to think of a name, Sir Galleth." I turned to her and offered to help her mount the horse.
"Take thy time, Milady, take thy time." I took her grasp in my own and instructed her to take the reigns of the horse. She did so and I knelt to the ground, offering my paw to her. Gingerly, she placed her foot in my grasp and I slowly hoisted her into the saddle. Once she was secure, I mounted my own horse and we started our trot to the meadow. Katherine clutched the reigns tightly, fearing she would fall, but once she became accustomed to the swaying of the saddle, she began to relax and enjoy the ride.
"Lady Katherine," I called to her after a long moment of silence, "art thou alright? Thou hast been quiet since we left the stables."
"Oh," she said as if she was snapped from a trance, "I am alright. I just…I just hope that we can have other days such as this." I slowed the trotting of the horses.
"We can have them whenever thou wishes, your Majesty. Why dost thou think they will be no more?"
"Oh Sir Galleth I must be honest with thee, tis mother. Last night, after thee left me in my quarters, mother started bleeding. We were up for most of the night, but to no avail," her eyes watered as she spoke, "The queen hast lost the baby."
"My dear princess, thou hast my deepest regrets and sincerity." Sir Henry was correct, there would be no baby.
"Thank thee, Sir Galleth," she said, "and I have sympathy for mother, but father dost not know yet. Mother remains locked away in her chamber. And I fear that when he doth discover the baby is lost, I fear that he will lock me away again. I know, this seems selfish, but I hast spent my entire life locked away in the castle…and I do not wish to stay locked away again. I fear also that I shall be discharged from thy care. And if I may say, even though I hast only been under thy watch for a single moon, I hast grown to enjoy thine company." My company? The princess of the castle hast already grown to enjoy my company? The maiden as fair as porcelain hast already made that decision?
"Milady, I hast the deepest sincerity for thy loss, but I feel confident that thy father will allow thee to remain in my care. However, if he does restrict thee to the castle, then I swear that I shall make every day of thine life as best as it can be." she gave a soft smile again, tucking a raven curl behind her ear.
The sun was high in the sky by the time we reached the meadow. I helped the princess dismount her horse and I tied the two to a nearby tree. I turned and chuckled when I noticed Katherine giving long, flowing twirls in the grass; her dress swooping through the warm air with ease. She was free from the restrictions of the castle, her father, her royal duties; she was free. As she spun and reached down to brush the grass along her finger tips, the sound of her melodious voice filled the meadow. A soft, light hearted song came from the young princess and she eventually came to a stop at the base of the tree the where the horses were mounted.
"Sir Galleth, may I confess something to thee?" she asked as she smoothed out her dress and offered me a seat beside her.
"Why of course, Milady, thou may tell me anything your heart desires."
"Well, I must admit that I was quite reluctant about yesterday. I was unsure about being assigned to a knight. I hast seen the way Sir Henry treats my mother; with respect and dignity, the way she should be treated. But I feared that I would not be as fortunate. I fear that I would be assigned to one of the dreadful guards my father put all his faith in. But, I must admit that once I met thee, and saw that thou came from the Cooper Order, I was overfilled with joy. The Knights of the Cooper Order are truly the only knights that art honest and true; thou art a true knight, Sir Galleth. I am glad to be in thy care; I trust thee." I was astounded. I honestly expected the princess to be stubborn, stuck up, and rude, but she was the opposite. She was kind, sweet, beautiful…a pleasure to have as the princess.
"Tis a true honor for thy words, Princess Katherine. Thou art too kind to me." she smiled and softly stroked the grass beneath her.
"Honestly, Sir Galleth, considering our circumstances," she glanced up to me, "with me being under thy care, thou may just call me Katherine, if thy wishes."
"T'would be a great honor, Milady, but I do feel that I must hold my values close, and only address thee by thy titles." she gave another smile and nodded.
"Thou art indeed a true gentleman, my brave Sir Knight, and I shall respect thy decision. Although my offer shall always stand." I gave a bow of my head to the princess in gratitude and we continued to sit beneath the tree, enjoying the sunny, warm afternoon.
I assisted Lady Katherine in mounting her horse once more so we may return to the castle. We strode together as the sun started to set, Katherine humming softly to herself.
"Where dost though wish to go tomorrow, dear Princess?" she paused, thinking to herself.
"I am unsure. I hast heard talk of rain tomorrow, so I was thinking of touring the castle. After all, I do tend to only reside in one wing. Maybe we could visit the upper levels."
'Tis an area I hast never ventured to. I hast never had to reason to be there." she looked to me, gripping her reigns.
"Then we surely must visit there! Tis quite nice. Filled with the crests, crowns, and other artifacts of past kings."
"Now, Milady, I do not with to force thee to a place thou dost not wish to go. Tis thine word on where we shall visit."
"Then I do insist we visit, Sir Galleth. I am in charge of thee, after all." she gave me a small wink and smile and I returned hers as well.
"Shall thee join me for dinner?" she asked. As a knight, I would never be allow to eat with the royal family.
"I could only be there to guard thee, Princess." she sighed, realizing this truth.
"Indeed, but maybe thou may guard the table, and we may then visit the gardens again; watch the moon before I must retire to my chambers and thee to thy quarters?"
"Sounds like a glorious idea, Lady Katherine of Nottinghamshire. I would be honored to do so." she smiled, straightening her posture on her horse.
"Then full speed ahead, Sir Galleth!" she shouted with a beautifully white smile.
"As thou wishes, Milady." with a flick of the reigns, our horses started galloping back to the castle. With the wind in my face and a smile crossing Katherine's lips, I felt in my heart that we would indeed make a terrific team.