A/N: For those waiting for my updates, I finally got my groove back so expect my stories to be updated soon. Thanks to you all for sticking with my madness!
Sam was quiet on the ride home as Mercedes kept imagining what her life would be like with a husband. Sam didn't know whether he should be angry or relieved that Mercedes doesn't seem to notice his annoyance at the subject. Mercedes was only stopped from her chattering when their horse suddenly halted in front of her small cottage. Sam leapt down and soon reached for Mercedes to help her down the stallion.
"I started on a rabbit stew this morning. It should be done by now are you staying for supper?" Mercedes turned to Sam as he was about to mount back up the horse.
Sam internally jumped for joy thinking that Mercedes hasn't totally forgotten him after all.
"You know I can't say no to your cooking!" Sam smiled as he led his horse to the side of the house.
"We both know there are only two things you never say no to. One is free food and two the chance to annoy me." Mercedes chuckled as she entered her humble home.
Sam shook his head knowing that Mercedes was absolutely right, but what she failed to understand is that he can never say no to free food only if it's from her. Sam tied the horse to the side of the cottage and gave his horse some hay and water. He soon walked in the cottage to follow Mercedes. The first thing that hit him was the delicious aroma of the stew cooking by the fireplace. Sam felt himself already salivating for the meal but was knocked out by the cold draft that made him shiver. Sam looked in the small cottage not finding the source until he looked up to the ceiling.
"You do know you have a big hole on your roof?" Sam asked pointing to the obvious gap on the cottage's thatch roof.
"I'm still saving some money to get it fixed. Don't worry it'll be covered up hopefully in a fortnight." Mercedes answered coolly.
"Uhmmm… how about freezing to death in a fortnight?" Sam retorted.
"Don't be so dramatic. I cover it up with hay before I go to bed; it just gets blown away when the wind picks up. Besides it's almost Summer so the nights aren't as bad. I just needed to wrap myself in extra blankets." Mercedes replied as she scooped the stew in the bowls she's holding.
"Why not borrow some money from your dowry?" Sam suggested rather annoyed as he sat down in Mercedes' small wooden table.
Mercedes placed the bowl in front of Sam narrowing her eyes at her friend as if trying to understand if he's really serious.
"What? You have money, why not use it? Your health and safety for sure is more important than getting a husband." Sam said before scooping a spoonful of stew in to his mouth.
Mercedes shook her head in disbelief as she broke the bread and handed the larger piece to Sam.
"Don't give me the silent treatment. I'm sure that hole has been there for more than a week because that's the last time I've visited you and why didn't you tell me?" Sam was getting upset that Mercedes didn't ask him for help.
"Just stop it right there! One I didn't ask you for help because I know that you had important knight duties you needed to attend to. Two it hasn't been a week and I've already asked the palace for extra chores so that I can have a little extra for some home improvements. And three; I will not touch my dowry because finding a husband would solve all my problems." Mercedes iterated.
"Is that all you think about? Finding a man and marrying him?" Sam pouted as he found it hard to hide his emotion.
Mercedes saw the 11 year old selfish, arrogant Sam she met 7 years ago and laughed heartily. Sam didn't find it amusing as he stopped eating and crossed his arms.
"Poor Samuel. I'm sorry but you won't get your way acting like a spoilt 11 year old. But since you are so adamant about it, why don't you fix my roof when you have the time. I'll make those sweet breads you like as payment?" Mercedes tried to lighten the mood.
Sam appeared to be unmoved by Mercedes' offer and refused to look at her. Mercedes knew what would get to Sam and just to stop his childishness, she played the guilt card.
"Fine! Then let me freeze to death or worse get attacked by wild animals at night. No one would miss a servant anyway; just promise me that when I die that you would plant daisies on my grave." Sam knew what Mercedes was aiming for and hated himself for not having a stronger will to not fall for it.
"I'll fix it tomorrow, I don't have Knight training or duties tomorrow so by the time you get home your roof will be fixed." Mercedes squealed in delight which made Sam smile.
He loved it when he makes Mercedes happy and hearing her joy is music to his ears.
"I'll make the sweet bread tonight so you can eat it while you work." Mercedes reached across the table to give Sam a big hug before sitting back down and finishing her supper.
Sam left the small cottage in euphoria having already forgotten their time with the matchmaker. Sam entered the palace gates and was soon approached by his manservant.
"Sire, the king wishes to see you in the throne room immediately." Sam nodded not noticing the urgency in his manservant's voice.
Sam walked leisurely to the throne room and was rudely taken out of his reverie as the guards announced his presence to his majesties.
"Samuel." The queen excitedly approached her son.
"Mother?" Sam asked slightly confused from his mother's reaction.
"Ah Samuel. Good that you're back. Your mother and I have some important things to discuss with you." The king started which made Sam slightly skeptic.
"Can this not wait 'til morning?" Sam asked.
"Why wait when everyone's here already.' The king denied Sam's request.
Sam nodded to the king as compliance.
"My son, your mother and I have thought about the future of our kingdom and you being our sole heir are the kingdom's future." Sam didn't like the direction of where their conversation was going but kept silent, not wanting to offend his father the king.
"I found your mother quite late in my life and although we're thankful for giving our kingdom an heir, we thought maybe if we found each other sooner then we might have more heirs." Sam definitely didn't like where their conversation was heading as the king smiled lovingly to his queen.
"What exactly are you trying to imply father?" Sam interrupted his parents.
The king coughed as the couple hid their embarrassment at being called out by their son. They can't help how much they love each other and can only wish their son find what they have.
"Yes, well what your mother and I was trying to tell you is that starting next week we will be holding a ball in the palace once a week for the whole month. All maidens from all corners of our kingdom as well as neighboring kingdom will be invited. It will be a chance for you to meet all of them and choose your wife and future queen." The king smiled at his son.
Sam stood frozen on the spot unable to fathom what was actually being said to him. The queen's smile soon vanished as she watched her son look in horror as if the king has sentenced him to death.
"Samuel, please say something!" The queen asked concerned for her son.
"You can't be seriously trying to marry me off to a stranger?" Sam finally found his voice and replied in a slightly loud tone.
"Do not raise your voice on us, we are your parents as well as the king and queen." The king responded and was about to charge at their son only to be held back by the queen.
"Please your majesty, I'm sure the prince meant nothing by it. He is clearly in shock having only heard it today." The queen reasoned with her husband.
The king's demeanor soon softened at his wife's words and turned back to their son.
"We are not trying to marry you off to a stranger. We just want you to have the chance to meet all the eligible maidens out there and hopefully you find somebody that makes your heart skip a beat. If you do find her then the decision when to marry is up to you." The king explained.
"The decision is up to me?" Sam confirmed.
"Yes of course. We wouldn't dare dream to force a loveless marriage on you. We are lucky to have found each other and we only want for you what we have." The king kissed the queen's hand which made the queen's cheeks turn a slight shade of pink.
Something inside Sam clicked and he needed to ask.
"Any maiden at the ball?" Sam confirmed.
"Yes. Any maiden." The king replied with a hint of confusion.
"I have some conditions. I will agree to this if and only if you agree with my conditions." Sam demanded.
"Now see here, I don't know what ideas you have trying to demand when we have not forced you to do anything. But I suggest you change your tone if you wish for us to grant you any sort of request." The king reprimanded his son.
"Father, I just want it in my own terms if I am to look for the one I would marry." Sam explained.
"Just hear him out. We can decide afterwards if he has any irrational demands." The queen placed a hand on the king's hand as she gestured for her son to continue.
Sam winked at his mother before continuing with his demands.
Mercedes hurriedly walked to work. She was running a bit later than usual as she made sure she left food for Sam while he fixed her roof. Mercedes was surprised to see everyone outside gathering around a messenger from the palace instead of inside the dining area having breakfast. Mercedes quickly neared the crowd wanting to hear what was being announced.
"The palace will be taking a list for those who want to sign up and earn some extra wage. Once you have signed up for work, you will need to go to the palace tomorrow after your current work to help in the palace preparations. Also tomorrow the palace would choose servers for the banquet, only those that look presentable will be chosen. That is all!" The messenger ended the announcement.
The people started queuing up to sign up and Mercedes followed suit. She didn't hear the entire announcement but hearing the extra wage was good enough for her. While at the back of the queue, Mercedes couldn't help her curiosity and finally asked her friend.
"What are we signing up for again Mariane? I didn't hear the first bit." Mercedes asked the red haired girl in front of her.
"The palace is holding a ball at the end of every week for the entire month. It's supposed to be for the King and Queen's 25th Anniversary. Everyone in court is invited as well as neighboring kingdoms." Mariane explained to Mercedes.
"I'm sure it'll be an amazing event." Mercedes smiled finally knowing the reason behind the grand preparation.
"Events! They say this will be the grandest anywhere ever." Mariane excitedly told Mercedes.
Mercedes smiled knowing how their monarch is the epitome of couples in love. They ruled with equality and both are fair and just to their people. It warmed Mercedes' heart that after 25 years they still love each other so much that they wanted to share it with everyone. Mercedes knew she has to be at that ball just so she can witness herself what everyone has been talking about.
Sam brought some of the palace workers to Mercedes' tiny cottage knowing she would be gone by now and quickly ordered them what needs to be done to the house. While the men started working, Sam went inside and examined other things that needed fixing. Sam stopped by the small wooden table and saw a small meal covered. He also noticed a note underneath an upside down cup. Sam lifted the note to read and immediately felt guilty.
"Everyone, I don't need your help after all. You may go back to the palace; I will finish the repairs myself." Sam announced.
Everyone stood dumbfounded as they stared blankly at their prince. Sam rubbed his temples knowing his servants wouldn't understand.
"I order you to go back to the palace. Leave. Now!" Sam commanded.
Everyone were brought out of their trance and quickly gathered their things to leave.
"But your highness, do you know how to fix a roof?" One brave servant finally asked what everyone was thinking.
Everyone gasped and stopped as they heard the question addressed to the prince. Sam knew nothing about repairs, it was somewhat taught during his knight training but never paid enough attention. He thought himself bright enough to figure it out when the need arises, but now that it has, he has no idea where or how to start. He didn't want his servants to know that he has no idea what he's doing but he also didn't want to do a poor job on it.
"Honestly I don't, but if you give me instructions I'm sure I'll figure it out." Sam responded humbly.
"Your highness, if you don't mind we can stay and assist you." The brave servant offered.
Sam smiled at the offer and nodded in agreement. By midday all repairs were done and they've even stocked up Mercedes with firewood. Sam let the workers feast on his lunch as he ate the meager meal Mercedes prepared for him like it was the best feast he ever had. Sam read the note one more time and smiled wide.
I made lunch for you. I hope it helps to get you through after the hard labor. Thank you so much for helping. I'm sure I'll be sleeping comfortably tonight knowing you cared enough to want to fix a broken roof for a commoner.
As soon as lunch was finished, the servants made their way back to the palace while Sam made his way to the Palace farm.
Mercedes was lost in thought as she swept the stable floor. She was busy trying to think if she had any decent clothes to wear for tomorrow. She needed to be a server at the palace ball and the only way she can guarantee that was to be presentable enough to pass as a palace servant. Mercedes looked at her clothes and saw the material covered in dirt and grime, no one in the right mind would put her in the palace kitchen looking like she does now let alone a palace server. She quickly started sweeping again as she thought some more. Sam knew exactly where he would find Mercedes as he made his way to the stables. As soon as he entered the stables, there she was sweeping. Sam noticed the serious look on Mercedes' face and wondered what she could be thinking. Sam slowly walked towards Mercedes and got curious when she continued sweeping the same spot. Sam looked at how intent she looked from her thinking, but being the prankster that he was, decided that he should surprise Mercedes out of her thoughts. Sam quickly wrapped his arms around Mercedes' waist, ignoring the electricity that ran through his body with their usual contact and spun her around. Mercedes screamed in shock and started hitting whoever it was that got hold of her.
"Ouch!" Sam rubbed his head after he placed Mercedes down.
"Samuel!" Mercedes said as she gasped for air from the initial shock.
"Serves you right for scaring me!" Mercedes added when she finally got her breathing to normal.
"Well I didn't think you would try to bludgeon me to death with a broom." Sam grimaced as he felt a sore spot.
Mercedes immediately felt bad as she watched Sam wince in pain.
"Have a seat, I'll be right back." Mercedes pulled Sam to a stool at the corner of the stable as she tore a piece of cloth from her skirt and ran out.
Mercedes made her way to the well and got some cool water to soak the cloth in. She then brought the cooled cloth and made her way back to Sam.
"Here, let me." Mercedes placed the cooled cloth on the sore spot on Sam's head.
Sam felt a slight relief as he felt the coolness on his head.
"I hope that you've learned your lesson never to surprise a girl with a broom." Mercedes stated trying to lighten the mood.
"That I have!" Sam smiled.
Once Sam felt a little better, Mercedes picked up her broom and continued sweeping the stable floors.
"I've finished your roof and thanks for lunch!" Sam told Mercedes as he held the cloth on his head.
"You're fast! If I had known sooner I would have hired you for all my home repairs." Mercedes giggled as she swept.
"You know I don't work cheap, so this is an exception." Sam teased.
"Oh I believe you. I used the dried meat and cheese I was saving for my birthday as your payment." Mercedes replied as she put down the broom and picked up the brush to start brushing the horses in the stable.
"You didn't have to do that!" Sam immediately felt guilty.
Mercedes was already inside one of the stalls and even though she couldn't see Sam, the sullen tone he had, made her realize he felt guilty.
"Hush! It was a small price to pay and if things go well this month I think I can finally have some home improvements and a small feast for my birthday." Mercedes told Sam as she brushed the horse's mane.
"What do you mean?" Sam felt his heart speed up as he thought of Mercedes getting married this month.
"Haven't you heard? The palace is having masked balls at the end of every week for the entire month. I just signed up and hopefully if I get chosen as a palace server the extra wage would be enough to use for repairs." Mercedes explained and Sam finally let out the breath he was holding.
Sam frowned, thinking about the real purpose of the ball.
"Well, I may have to stay up all night to repair my dress, but I think it'll be all worth it. I just want to be able to finally see the royal family. I heard the king and queen are the most gracious monarchs in all the kingdoms. You know I want what they have. I want to find somebody that 25 years from now I'm still madly in love with. Don't you think people like that are the luckiest people alive?" Mercedes rambled as she went through stalls after stalls brushing each stallion.
Sam knew that despite the questions posed by Mercedes that he didn't need to reply to any of them as Mercedes usually answers her own questions as she rambled. Sam loved listening to Mercedes talk; her voice is so melodic that it calms him down just hearing her.
"Don't you have anything else to do today? You know like protect the citizens or rescue damsels?" Mercedes finally asked as she finished brushing the last stallion in the stables.
"I've already helped a damsel today and now I'm talking to her." Sam teased.
"Very funny. Don't your family wonder where you go when you're not on patrol?" Mercedes curiously asked.
"They don't question my whereabouts in the daytime as long as I'm home for supper. My parents are strict when it comes to family meals, but I get free pass when I'm on duty. They know the kingdom's safety comes first." Sam answered honestly.
"Your parents must be real patriots for wanting their only son to serve the kingdom; I would be the same if I have a son. I know my son would never be a knight, but I guess I want for him to love the kingdom and the people in it enough to want to serve and protect them. I'd worry for him all the time, but knowing he wants what's best for other people I'd truly support him." Sam smiled thinking that Mercedes said exactly what he felt.
He knew that it was required for the prince to become a knight, but his dedication to what he does is not expected of him. He loved their people as much as his parents does and he would move mountains to protect them from harm.
"My parents feel exactly as you do. They worry a lot, but they know I only want what's best for our kingdom." Sam replied and Mercedes gave him a warm smile.
"That you do! I told you anything is possible as long as you put your heart in everything you do. See I wasn't wrong about you having a heart." Mercedes teased as she wiped her hands on her dress after putting away the brush.
Sam helped Mercedes finish up her chores and was rewarded with another piece of sweet bread that Mercedes brought along with her to eat in the afternoon. The two sat comfortably under a shade talking about anything and everything that crosses their minds. Once they were done eating; Mercedes and Sam made their way back to the manor. Sam; to get his horse and leave and Mercedes; to ask if there are more chores for her to do. As soon as they arrived at the manor Sam and Mercedes bid each other farewell. Sam soon mounted his steed and sped away from the royal farm. Mercedes made her way to the back of the mansion to look for the farm's steward only to be stopped by Kurt.
"Good afternoon Kurt!" Mercedes smiled as she paused to greet the young master.
"Mercedes! Just the person I wanted to see." Kurt beamed as he rushed to Mercedes' side.
"Do you need me to do anything for you?" Mercedes asked.
"Oh nothing of that sort, I just wanted to catch up with you. I haven't seen you all day!" Kurt started chatting as he led Mercedes to the front of the manor.
"Nothing much to catch up with really, except for the fact I enlisted myself to help out at the masked ball the palace will be holding. I really hope I get to see the majesties up close." Mercedes narrated to Kurt.
"Really? That's wonderful, I hope to see you there as well. About the ball, I'm sure Samuel will be there as well." Kurt nudged Mercedes as if to imply something.
"I'm sure he will be, after all everyone in court is invited." Mercedes responded quite confused with Kurt's actions.
"I'm just saying, Samuel will be there probably dancing will courtiers and nobles from all over. I wouldn't want you to feel left out... not being able to dance with your best friend is what I meant." Kurt quickly recovered with a smirk on his face as he saw Mercedes' expression change.
"Well you're the only one who knows that I consider him my best friend and you also know that nobles and commoners aren't suppose to socialize. Besides I'll be too busy working and I'm not sure if I'll be serving at the banquet to feel left out." Mercedes sadly smiled for Kurt.
"I'm sure you'll be at the banquet, you're a shoe in for the palace!" Kurt winked at Mercedes.
"Thanks Kurt, I really hope so." Mercedes half smiled at Kurt.
"Don't fret so much about it Mercy. If it's any consolation I know Samuel would only want to dance with you." Mercedes lit up as she heard Kurt but quickly reprimanded herself for thinking of such things.
"What one wants and what people deem appropriate are two completely separate and at the same time related matter. I know where I'm suppose to be and what is expected of me, I just wish Samuel knows his place as well. He won't lose anything but I on the other hand will lose everything." Mercedes patted Kurt's arm before leaving to go back to the back of the manor.
"Things can change Mercedes, just don't doubt yourself." Kurt said half shouting to make sure the retreating Mercedes could hear.
Mercedes heard what Kurt said and chose to ignore the nagging feeling she finally let surface. She's in love with her best friend Samuel and as much as she tries to deny it, she also wishes things were different and that they weren't who they are. Mercedes felt her cheeks wet, not realizing that tears have started to fall. She quickly wiped the remnants from her face before entering the back door to the kitchen.