A/N: Thank You EVERYONE!!!!! You are so appreciated! This chapter is not my favorite but I was having limited inspiration and I wanted to update as soon as possible, so…you got this.

Chapter Four

Love at first (or second?) sight

I awoke the next morning to find that Aeron had already left to patrol the streets. So I stretched and dragged myself from the blankets, scratching at the unshaven stubble on my chin. Peering out the door, I decided that today an extra cloak would be a useful thing to have. As the rain poured, I pulled on a loose shirt, a pair of breeches and my scuffed black boots. After splashing water on my face I proceeded to open the door, step out into the downpour, and get very wet.

I was soon at the castle, which still looked lovely despite the dreary gray clouds hanging like – Well like dreary gray clouds. I gathered my courage and squelched up the steps.

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It turned out that the King only saw people at specific times but I was invited to stay until after dinner. I figured I might as well get a free meal while I was here.

At dinner I sat at the long table feeling uncomfortable surrounded by all these fine lords and ladies. I concentrated on food on my plate. It wasn't the plain fare of bread and cheese I was used to but instead an assortment of strange things such as quail eggs, a pig with an apple in its mouth, jellied eels and marzipan castles. Although I must admit, the marzipan castle was quite an accomplishment.

Tired of looking at the food I glanced up and met the gaze of a young woman sitting at the King's table. I noticed the eleven other girls sitting next to her and put two and two (or in this case one and eleven) together. This was not any young women but one of the twelve princesses! I realized I was staring at the young woman and every one of the sisters was staring back. I felt a blush creep up my face and I quickly turned away but not after sneaking one final glance at the green-eyed beauty.

After dinner, I made my way to the throne room. I entered only to find that all twelve of the princesses sat next to the King in identical chairs. I kept an eye on the eldest princess which I concluded she must be by the fact that she sat closest to the King. When I knelt in front of the King I could have sworn she smiled, it was a shy hesitant smile but a smile none the less.

"Rise, soldier."

I looked up in surprise.

The King snorted at my obvious amazement. "Its not that hard to figure out. A young man in traveling clothes – I looked down reflexively – and a cynical world-weary look in his eyes. What else could you be?"

I cleared my throat. "Well sir…"

"Majesty!" Hissed a nearby servant.

"Huh? Oh! Right, uh, Majesty"

The King looked amused. "Go on."

"Right, well, Majesty, I had heard that you were giving soldiers land up in the North."

The King frowned. "You do know what they have up there, don't you?"

"Yes, Majesty."

"And you still would take it?"

"If you will give it."

The King shifted on his throne and a glint appeared in his eye. "What if I gave you an estate and a title all your own?"

I was instantly wary. People don't give you more than you ask for unless they want something in return. "That would be nice but why would you do that?"

The King looked slightly guilty. "Well, perhaps you may want to stay at the castle for a few days…" He glanced at the princesses.

I followed his gaze to the twelve beautiful maids and realized what he was asking. "Oh, no!" I blurted out.

The King looked desperate. "Its not as though you're actually officially doing any thing!"

"You want me to find out why the princesses slippers are worn out during the night." I said bluntly.

"Well, yes."

I sighed. "And I'm not official so I can't get my head chopped off."

The King looked uncomfortable. "Yes."

A movement at the corner of my eye prompted me to look up. The eldest princess — I must learn her name…— had made a sudden gesture at her fathers last words. I stared into her eyes puzzling out the emotions there. Was it fear, hope, or possibly anger? I couldn't quite make it out.

"Well?" The King sat anxiously awaiting my reply.

I opened my mouth to say that I would rather walk up the tallest mountain barefoot and without food and water than stay a few days with twelve giggling princesses. However, as I stood there, gazing into emerald cat-eyes, I heard myself say "Of course."

And I'm still not sure why.

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Aaaahh!!!! Sorry that it took so long! : ( I hope you forgive me… Thank you to all my wonderful reviewers and (of course) to my coolest of all cool beta-reader….Kassi of Pirate's swoop! I'm trying to get all my finals done but don't worry I will update before next Tuesday. Unless something goes horribly wrong…