Chapter Three

"Princess Amanita!" the announcer shouted as she walked into the kings hall. "She has returned!"

Everyone smiled at her. She smiled back and walked up to the king. She curtsied lowly and he held out a weak hand to her. "Hello father."

"Amanita," he gently squeezed her hand. "It's good to have you back." he frowned as he looked for Sir Basil. "Where is Sir Basil? I was told that you had gone ridding with him."

"I had. However,….I find I that we were interrupted. He should arrive soon, if, by any fortune, momentarily."

"Where is he?"

she forced the smile from her lips. "Walking."

Everyone gasped and her father's eyes widened. "Walking? What happened?"

"He lost his horse. But don't worry," She said as she walked over to her nearby harp. "he should be here soon."

"Amanita."

"Now father," she said strumming her harp. "calm down. It isn't good for you."

her father frowned at her, but she saw the smile in his eyes as she began to sing and play. She was afraid her mind strayed back to Erik. She couldn't get her mind off those blue eyes and that kiss. She knew she'd remember it long after she was a hundred and could no longer remember her own name.

When is sometime? How many days until sometime? For my dreams make it clear, that my lover is near. And he ought to be here about sometime. Who is someone? Who is this wonderful someone? Oh, I'm keeping my heartstrings in tune, and hoping that sometime is soon.

"Your majesty!" Sir basil strode in the room looking very tired and thirsty. "I demand your knights ride after a man in black who rode away with the princess."

"I am here." She stated.

"Forgive me. sire, this man turned my horses loose and stole my purse!"

Darkness filled his eyes. "I shall have my men on him at once."

"no sire, please!" she begged. "he did nothing wrong."

"nonsense!" basil said as he stepped forward. "she's merely covering up that she was abducted by this…this man."

"he was more so a man than you." She said giving him a level gaze. He squirmed, knowing what she was referring to. "Father, his horse was tired and I didn't want to press him by forcing the poor animal to move faster."

The king nodded, "that I understand. But I cannot condone his actions." His eyes narrowed as the saw the blood on her hand. He took it gently. "nor, can I condone him marking a woman of royal blood."

She froze and clenched her fist together.

Basil walked up and his face froze. "sire, this is the mark of the Black….Arrow. the most notorious outlaw."

Her heart sank, somehow in the back of her mind she knew he was an outlaw. But never had the Black Arrow crossed her mind.

"he said you would know the mark." She smiled, trying not to let him see her disappointment at the news. "And he also asked me to give you a message. He said, that he regard me as…a friend, and if he hears of you acting unseemly towards me, that you will regret it."

Basil grew pale as everyone muttered.

"what does he mean by unseemly?" her lady-in-waiting, Hagar asked.

She flushed, "sir basil…shall we say was not in control of his actions in his feeble attempts to woe me." The king's eyes narrowed. "The Black Arrow turned the horses free and escorted me home. He made no improper moves and was respectful towards me." She turned to the kings. "so father, I beg you, don't send your men out after him. And speak not a word to Sir Basil, for the Black Arrow's reprimand was indeed enough."

The king hesitated. But something in her eyes must have convinced him. "I shall bow to your desire." he looked so pale and tired. "I shall retire now."

"I shall be there soon father."

He shook his head, "no. you've no need to sing again, you must be tired."

"nay father." She smiled. "I'm not tired, I'm happy. Give me but half past to freshen up and I'll be there."

Half an hour later she entered the kings chamber. Her harp was there, waiting for her. She played it and finished the plaintive, love song that Sir Basil had rudely interrupted.

Who is someone? Who is this wonderful someone? Oh, I'm keeping my heartstrings in tune and hoping that sometime is soon. Oh, I'm hoping that sometime is soon.

She stood up quietly and tiptoed towards the door. she reached for the handle when her supposedly sleeping father spoke. "you're in love with him."

She sighed and turned towards him. "no Father. I have only just met him."

"there's a light in your eyes, I've never seen before." He smiled. "maybe you'll see him again."

"nay father." The sadness crept into her voice, almost without her knowing it. "now that I know he's a wanted man, he probably won't dare to come close enough to see me again. It won't happen."

"Amanita." Her father sighed. "I hate to remind you, but, you must wed a rich man, our country is going to die. It's dying all ready. You are our only hope. And I cannot grant your hand to an outlaw." Tears filled her eyes almost immediately at those words. "I'm sorry my dear. It really cannot be helped."

She nodded and walked into her room. She let down her hair and began brushing it. a flicker, behind her made her hesitate in her actions. She looked around, but saw nothing in the darkened shadows. She turned back to the mirror and heard her door lock. Frowning, she stood up and walked towards the door. Suddenly, a hand was clapped over her mouth and a strong arm pulled her against the wall!

The song is called 'When is sometime' from 'Conneticut yankee in King Arthur's court' starring Bing Crosby and Rhonda Flemming.