Chapter 3
______
The next day, Eriol stood rigidly behind the Princess as suitors came to offer their tributes. He shifted restlessly from foot to foot. The princess too, seemed uncomfortable. He looked about, unsure if his job was really necessary, when suddenly, the 30th suitor that day came in. He was a swaggering gentleman, approximately 3 or 4 years older than the princess herself. Blond hair tied back in a neat ponytail, he bowed low, and grinned at the princess. She didn't grin back, but Evila did. She smiled, proudly.
" May I present," Evila looked at the king," My nephew. The Prince of Tortesie. Ghaen Dae."
He gave the king his most syrupy smile.
" Good evening, fellow monarchs." He bowed roguishly.
The queen frowned at his display, but the King merely smiled and welcomed the boy.
" Ah, and this must be the ravishing Princess Tomoyo."
He made as if to step closer, but Eriol stood in his way.
" Move no closer." Eriol murmured.
" Sir knight." The king was about to reprimand Eriol, when the queen
cleared her throat.
" Sir, you will approach my daughter no closer."
The man looked at Tomoyo for a moment, than humbled and backed off. Eriol watched Tomoyo relax back into her seat. But, her fingers were still clutching the arm hard.
" Prince Dae travels all the way from Tortesie to seek Tomoyo's hand."
" I..." Tomoyo began then blinked at Ghaen.
" Sir!"
Eriol had drawn his dagger and pointing it at Dae, made a great show of leaning forward.
" Listen to me, man, and listen well. I see such vulgar action before the princess again, and you'll lose more than a few fingers."
The Prince gave a look of innocent puzzlement.
" Why, sir. Whatever do you mean? I don't have a clue as to what you are implying."
" Sir knight! Calm yourself!" King Trenston looked up in horror.
" I wasn't born yesterday." Eriol continued quietly, then turned to the king," You need not worry. I bare no lingering hostilities to this young man. He is in no danger. For now."
" I believe the young Prince has excited all of us quite enough." The queen murmured. " Come, Tomoyo, Sir Eriol. We shall retire to the dining room, that the king may interview suitors in peace."
King Trenston smiled at his wife feeling a weight lifted from his nerves. But, in fact, Queen Darmea's intention was to remove her daughter from the sight of that horrible Ghaen Dae. As soon as they parted to the dining room, Queen Darmea pulled her daughter aside.
" I am old daughter, and I am not as strong as I once was. But, my wits and my senses are still sharp, and I tell you, that he is not one you should meddle with."
" Who? Father?"
" No."
" Eriol?"
" No. That 'Prince'. Ghaen he calls himself." She took Eriol, and in a very unqueenly manner, pulled his face very close so she could whisper something to him.
" Swear, on your grave, that you will keep my daughter AWAY from that 'monster'. Do you understand? Whether it be my husband, myself, or the High King himself that you disobey in the future, find whatever means possible to keep them apart. I want nothing to do with him. Swear it!"
" I believe, Highness, that I can easily accomplish such a task." Eriol murmured.
" Good. My husband does not always have the sharpness normally flattering of a king, and I feel it will be more YOUR task, then his, to choose a proper suitor."
Eriol blinked, and began to protest, but a look from the queen silenced him.
" I still have some questions of you, but I feel you are trustworthy enough to undertake this task. I have little power, else I would be assisting my husband in this endeavor. For now, I leave it to you. Make inquiries where you see fit, but stay small. A display like today's, though admirable, will side you out of my husband's favor."
Eriol watched breath-taken as the queen parted their company with that final warning. She was amazingly intuitive. It's a wonder the king could last a day without her, much less the four weeks she'd been absent. Suddenly, he remembered his promise, and turned to Tomoyo with a bow.
" Shall I accompany you back to your room?"
" No."
Eriol was a bit stung by her pertness, until she continued.
" I wish to take a turn around the town, instead."
Eriol nodded, and made as if to get the carriage, but Tomoyo stopped him.
" Let's go by horse instead."