Chapter 2

I left the stands as quickly as possible. Flags in the distance caught my eye but I took little notice. As soon as the prizes were awarded by the announcer I took off, not bothering to say goodbye to anyone. Running to the stables, I hoped to seek comfort from the last piece I had of my father. I wanted to be won by an honorable knight more than anything. It had been a childhood dream, but also a promise. I hadn't prepared for it to be this swift. I grabbed a brush and got to work on Dusk's coat. It was therapeutic and calming. I could get lost in taking care of Dusk and let all my thoughts crash down on me. I would brush out my frustrations and it would make Dusk more beautiful than he already was. it was the place i was left alone to my thoughts, that is until a man cleared his throat, invading my safe place. Dusk nickered as I turned around to face the man that scattered my emotions. Sir Hunter was leaning against the stall door with his arms crossed, free of his battle armor. He was in simple clothing. Black pants, a loose black shirt and leather boots.

"I hope you weren't going to leave before I had a chance to say goodbye." His voice utterly melted me inside. Get a hold of yourself Evangaline. He's just a man. You can do this, just start talking to him. I scolded myself.

"No Sir Hunter. I just live on my own and there is much work to be done. I just simply was preparing to leave as soon as possible."

"Ah, I see. May I ride with you to your home? I'd love to escort you, that is, if you don't mind."

I froze. What exactly was he implying? Dusk nudged me with his head, it was almost as if he were telling me he approved.

"Yes of course you may. I would very much enjoy your company." I smiled and then turned to finish brushing my stallion.

"Here let me help you. You're brushing him wrong." Before I could respond, Hunter was standing behind me and placed his hand over mine. He guided the brush along Dusk's side. He started talking after a moment of silence and a strange sort of intimacy. "You have to press against the brush to fully get out the dirt. That and you have to brush with his pelt, not against it. You'll just irritate him and he won't be as friendly." We stood together like this, brushing my horse, for half an hour.

When Dusk's coat gleamed, I turned and came nose to nose with my champion. "I, um...I… think he's ready for the saddle now," I stammered nervously.

"I'll get it for you." Hunter grabbed the saddle I had placed on the door to the stall. He placed it gently on Dusk's back and connected the straps that went under my stallions belly and across his chest. I coaxed Dusk into his bridle using a sugar cube. Dusk put his nose to my forehead and I laughed at his velvet touch. I looked up to see my knight watching me with a smile. Blushing, I turned my face away.

"You can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat a horse." He said simply.

"Yes indeed. Dusk here is an incredible horse. I don't know what I'd do without him."

"What type of horse is he? I've never seen anything like him."

"It's kind of a long story." I was very bad at dodging questions.

"Funny, People always say that and it never turns out to be a very long story. Plus I've got time." He smiled and sat down on a bale of straw.

"Well, my father gave him to me as a colt four years ago. He captured Dusk from a place I've never heard of. My father told me his breed is called a Friesian. 'It's a noble beast little Eva, Treat him with respect and in turn he'll never leave you' my father told me when I first received Dusk. My father used to lecture me like that every time I went to see Dusk. He always told me that respect is earned and I must care for my horse until he respects me, then maybe that respect will turn into love. I spent all my free time his Dusk. My father was right. Dusk has saved my life more times than I care to count. My Father died before he could see how well my horse takes care of me." Dusk nickered again and rubbed his head along my back.

"I think you've definitely earned his love. Your father sounds like a great and noble man. One day you'll have to tell me how he died. Did he teach you what you know about a man's honor?" The black knight's voice had gone softer. Almost sympathetic.

I looked into his eyes then. They captured me in a daze. I've never seen eyes as blue as his was. How could a man I barely knew make me feel like I'd known him all my life?

"Yes, in fact he taught me to have the same honor. My family is the next in line to the throne. My mother died giving birth to me and the Queen can't bear children. Should the King die, I am the only heir and will assume my position as Queen. My Father wanted me to be honorable, honest, just, and kind. He wanted the kingdom to know a great ruler and fashioned me into one. He died three years ago. His dying wish was that I am to wait until my 18th birthday to marry. This and that I use my judgment to decide if a man is honorable or not. If I decide he is then I may grant my favor. Only the men who have been given a favor, can ask for my hand. I have honored his wishes thus far. My 18th birthday is in six months" After the words left my mouth I instantly regretted them. He didn't need to know all of my father's wishes. Why am I such an idiot?

Hunter was about to speak when Sir Henry rushed in.

"Lady Evangaline! A messenger was sent here bearing a message for you. He brings terrible news!" Henry spoke breathlessly

"I don't have time to wait for the messenger, quickly give me the message yourself." I showed a calm demeanor but inside my stomach churned with worry and my mind buzzed with questions. What is this terrible news?

"There has been a storm on the castle! The king and queen have been murdered. Your presence is requested immediately. You are to choose a knight to accompany you and leave at once. The military advisors wait for your arrival. Make haste!"

Before the green knight was finished with his message, I mounted Dusk and stared down at the two men. "Sir Hunter, I wish you to escort me to the castle. We leave immediately."

Hunter nodded and left the stall. A few moments later he met me at the entrance to the stable atop his beautiful white mare. I reached down and patted Dusk's neck. "Alright dusk." I whispered in his ear. " I need you to ride like the wind to my uncle's castle. I am needed to assume my role." Dusk's ears flicked back and forth in understanding. Hunter trotted his horse alongside mine until we reached the main road that ran near the arena.

I called one word "Wind!" before I pressed my body against Dusk's back. My stallion charged down the road like a bat out of hell. my skirt billowed angrily against my legs from the wind built up by Dusk's speed. I trusted fully to take me where I needed to go. Dusk raced faster and faster through the hills on the winding road. I could hear Hunter's horse struggling to keep up, I couldn't help but laugh quietly. No other horse could come close to the speeds Dusk could reach.

An hour had passed before Dusk slowed to a walk a mile away from the castle. My poor stallion was drenched in sweat. I stroked his neck in gratitude. I let him walk as slowly as he wanted to while we waited for my knight. Hunter arrived not 15 minutes later on a horsed that looked like it had run its last run. I laughed and hopped to the ground, leading Dusk slowly but surely to the gates.

"How on earth did he go that fast for so long? I can't believe how lucky you are!" Hunter exclaimed, completely awestruck

"He's my boy. He knew it was urgent that I make it here as fast as possible. He can just move at incredible speeds. Sometimes even I wonder how he does it. My father said that when he found Dusk, a witch infused the magic of wind into his legs and lungs. Dusk can just run."

Too soon we came upon to gates and my destiny. Guards walked up and greeted us.

"Good afternoon travelers. State your name and your purpose here. If we like your answer, we'll let you through." The first man said cockily, eyeing me hungrily. My face distorted in disgust at the guard.

"Good Sirs. I am Princess Evangaline. You should know my business here." Their faces paled as they quickly saluted me and knelt on the ground.

"My apologies your majesty. Please the general waits for your council. Take the knight with you up to the castle. We will tend to your horses."

"Please rise. This is not necessary. I wish to care for my own horse if you don't mind. No one but me or my knight may go near him without my say so. Lead us to the stables."

"As you wish," they said together. They averted their eyes from me at all costs. it was considerably more comfortable than being eyed like I was a buffet and the guard a starving man.

I followed the guards into the now devastated city. When I was a girl I remembered playing in the shining roads and alleyways. I'd never seen something so beautiful, looking at it now you would never have guessed. Buildings were burned, the streets were empty and littered with garbage. cobblestones were torn from the streets and rubble was scattered from wooden market places. A few people were trying to clean up and put things in order. Artisans had their goods scattered on the ground. They knelt over their destroyed work sobbing and trying to salvage what could be salvaged. There was no more sounds of playing and laughter. Everywhere you walked you heard crying and moaning of what was lost. It tore apart my heart.

"Sir Hunter, take my horse to the stables and make sure he's fed." Absent mindedly handing over the reins.

"Evangaline?" My black knight asked me questioningly.

"Meet me back here. I'll be fine." I said as I walked over to a little girl struggling with a basket full of fruit. I knelt beside her and smiled. She was terrified at first but relaxed when she saw my clothes. She calmly put the basket down on the ground. It fell over on its side spilling its contents onto the street. She stared at her bare and filthy feet in defeat.

"Hello, what's your name?" I asked gently. She looked up at me with big, sad, brown eyes.

"I'm...I'm…. My name is Hope." Her eyes filled with tears. Wiping them away with my thumb I grabbed the basket she was struggling with and set it upright, beginning to fill it back up with the fruit that rolled out.

"It's okay. I'm Evangaline. How about I carry the basket and you lead me to where it needs to go." The little girl nodded and took my free hand after I picked up the fruit basket. Hope led me to a humble home around the corner. The stone on the outside was charred and the door was missing. She led me through her home to the dining room. A woman sat in the middle of the room with her head bowed, weeping. Hope ran over and placed her hands on the woman's eyes. I assumed it was her mother and Hope was trying to physically stop the woman's tears. I smiled at her kindness.

In a calm voice I said "Excuse me, I found Hope struggling in the street so I helped her bring this to you." I placed the basket at the woman's knees. She looked up and gasped when she saw me.

"Oh princess! Thank you! I am eternally grateful." She threw herself at my feet.

"Please, there is no need for this. I grant help freely to those who need it. I must go attend to more people and my new duties. If there is anything more you need, do not be afraid to ask for me or help from any of the guards. I will do what I can to restore this city." I bent down and helped to woman and Hope to their feet. Kissing both of them on the cheek, I departed back to the streets. An hour later my black knight found me repairing a street shop for flowers. I helped as many people as I could restore buildings, clean the streets, and reorganizing shops and homes. The people were extremely grateful and only when they asked for my name did they realize who I was. They always threw themselves at my feet and pledged undying gratitude. I always assured them my help was free and I would return later to continue the rebuilding.

"Princess!" Sir Hunter called.

"Shall we continue to the castle then?" I asked but my thoughts were still on the destroyed city. I picked up a brush and started scrubbing away the ashes on the side of a building. There was so much still to do. So much to do. Hunter took away the brush and made me face him.

"Maybe you should rest Eva. You have certainly done enough today." He was worried but what he said caused a strike of anger that burned through my body.

"How can you say that?" I accused. "I will rest when I collapse and can't move anymore. This city is in ruin and there is so much that needs doing. So much I still need to do! These poor people, nobody is bothering to help one another. It breaks my heart."

I turned on the guards next, "You two! I want all the soldiers and guards that don't have highly important duties to start helping these poor people. Everyone that isn't guarding the gate or castle need to be on the streets."

The guards looked at me with measured disgust. "Surely there is better use of our highly trained soldiers your highness." One said.

I folded my arms across my chest and glared at them. "I can't think of a more honorable job for our fine men. There is nothing more important than helping the people that make this city great. A kingdom is only great when it's people are thriving. In fact you two will pass the word along and then will start doing service. Start setting an example. Is that clear?"

"Yes ma'am." they said together.

"Crystal I hope!"

They glumly led us up to the castle. "Why are there no men left with a sense of honor or duty? These soldiers are going to get a rude awakening and they better learn quick." I muttered to myself. Hunter chuckled at my tirade but remained aloof.

The castle loomed over the destroyed city. It was elaborate and intimidating, striking fear into any foreigner that gazed upon its glorious power. I had only been there once before as a little girl, though I don't remember it being quite so frightening. Perhaps it is because I now have to live in its embrace, ruling the country I grew up in. It did have a certain alluring beauty to its' cream colored stones and black borders and doors. Looking at it now, it is quite a wonder that anyone could storm the castle and kill the king and queen. At least not without inside help or advanced technology.

The interior was golden. Everywhere I looked, the polished color glittered in my eyes. Unique tapestry from faraway places hung delicately on the walls. Empty armor statues of silver guarded and protected the hallways. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminating the castle with candlelight. Weapons of all shapes and sizes were displayed in every hallway, which Sir Hunter looked at appreciatively. The king's collection was extensive. I found it incredible that no tapestry or weapon was the same. Some of the weapons came in doubles but other than that, they were different variations of hundreds of blades and torture devices. We passed a grand staircase and several others that led to different rooms in the castle. I opened several doors that led to libraries and bedrooms. We came across a dining room that was large enough for the entire kingdom to dine comfortably in. My palace was nice but it paled in comparison to this. It was beyond anything I remember seeing and I was sure to get lost in the intricate hallways. It would definitely take exploring to get even an idea of where I was headed.

The guards led us expertly through the castle to the council room. The room had a large round table in the center with chairs placed evenly around it. Looking at it closer as we walked up to the open door, I realized it was King Arthur's round table that he used in Camelot during his reign. Men were already waiting for me and sitting comfortably, making useless small talk. When I entered the men stood up and bowed deeply and reverently to me. I bowed my head in recognition. Two chairs were left empty for Sir Hunter and myself. My black knight pulled out my chair as I sat gracefully. Indicating the others to do the same, I watched the councilmen. All were in their 30's and 40's, muscular, and riddled with scars from their many battles. They all remained silent as I took in their appearance.

"Who wishes to address me first?" My question amplified across the silent room, leaving an undesirable echo.

"Princess, if you don't mind. I wish to speak my thoughts first. I am Sir Jonathon, security adviser and right hand man to the deceased king." A burly man with a long black beard addressed me confidently.

"Very well. What is it that you have to share?" I spoke calmly but I didn't trust this man. Something about him made my stomach clench in disgust. He made my skin crawl.

"No offence my lady, but you are just a girl. I've no doubt that you'll make a fine leader, just later in your life. This, and the fact that you're a woman. This kingdom needs a man. A man that can fight. A man who will make the sacrifices needed to lead this empire. You are no such person."

I raised my eyebrow and laughed at him. He knew not what I was capable of nor did he know all my extensive training.

"Obviously you lack some sense Jonathon. First of all, you've just insulted your acting queen. Secondly, your flippant tone aggravates me. Before we continue, I want all of you to meet me at the battle training arena. Assuming you have one. After you meet me there I have something to show you, then we may continue to address each other appropriately. Do not ask questions. Just bring your swords and shields to the arena." I rose from my chair and left the room with Sir Hunter at my heels.

I asked one of the guards to lead us to our rooms. The Black Knight followed like a shadow.

"What are you trying to accomplish?" He asked.

"Well I guess you'll have to discover my dealings like everyone else. When I show it to you. I wish to change and freshen up. This mud and stagnant water has ruined my gown. Guard my door for me please." I hated how arrogant I sounded when I spoke of my gown. I would soil it again in a heartbeat if I chose to relive the day. I simply meant that I needed to change into my battle gear.

"Of course, Evangaline."

I left my knight just outside my door. My rage fueled my actions. A Queen should never be addressed in such a way. I am not a person to be underestimated. A lesson they will quickly learn.