"Princess, please. Don't do this." When Chase had heard Shelby's declaration, he was automatically against it. Just as Lady Morgan had been. "Please, be reasonable."

"Chase," Shelby said, "You're beginning to sound like Lady Morgan."

Chase rolled his head and tried not to let his frustration show, "Well then perhaps Lady Morgan is wiser than either of us gave her credit for."

Shelby walked into the armory, and glanced at every weapon and shield there was. So many times she and Chase had sparred in this one hall (much to the dismay of Lady Morgan). But if Shelby was going to save the prince, she was going to need a sturdy weapon at her side.

"Shelby, please, just lis-"

"Sir Chase," Shelby said, "How long have you known me?"

Chase took a deep breath. He had known her his whole life, they had practically grown up together. When Chase was learning to use his sword, Shelby was there. When Chase was up, practicing his swordsmanship, and telling tales of how he'd be the next great hero, Shelby was always there to listen. Truth be told, Shelby was his greatest confidant, and his greatest supporter.

"All my life my lady,"

"Then you know that once I've made up my mind, I won't change it." Shelby grabbed a sword and lightly swung it. Her skills in combat were impressive, but would they be enough to keep her safe?

"If you insist on doing this my lady, then I must insist on accompanying you. I and sir Riley shall-"

"No," Shelby said, her voice more forceful than she had wanted it to be. She took hold of a scabbard and sheathed her weapon. "You and Sir Riley must stay here to keep the kingdom safe."

"That doesn't matter," Chase said.

"Of course it matters. You two are the kingdom's best knights and-"

"And you're the kingdom's princess." And remembering his warrior's creed, Chase knelt down on his knee and bowed his head, "And according to the laws of the kingdom, my duty is to my princess, as is Sir Riley's. If her majesty is off to face danger, then she will have our swords by her side."

Shelby looked down at Sir Chase, his countenance more steeled than she had ever seen it. Not even during his own knighting, had he looked so committed. Chase was a flirt, but more than anything, he was a knight who dedicated himself to his cause. No matter the cost.

"Alright," Shelby said.

He rose, "Splendid. I shall summon Sir Riley, and we shall be off."


Shelby walked back to where Sir Ivan rested. He sat up to bow, but Shelby gently pushed him back down.

"There is no need for such formalities," Shelby said. She had already switched her ripped dress for chainmail and a sheathed sword. But there was one more thing she needed, "Can you tell me where Prince Tyler was taken? A specific point in the forest, or perhaps a place close to it?" It wasn't much, but a little information about where the prince was last seen would yield accurate results, well, that's what Lady Morgan had told her (after she had tried in vain to dissuade the Princess's decision.)

Sir Ivan tilted his head back, "I-I remember there was a stream we past…and then we moved…" he closed his eyes and tried to recall, "The east…yes…it was the east."

Shelby smiled, "Then it is the east we shall go."

"Not without me my lady," Ivan said. "He is my prince, and it is my duty to protect him."

"You," Shelby said pointing, "Are not in any position to do anything except rest and recover. You needn't worry brave knight, Prince Tyler will be safe," She bent down and smiled, "You have my word, for whatever it is worth."

Sir Ivan smiled, "The word of any maiden is one I trust above all else."

"Then all you need worry of is your own strength."


Waiting at exit of the kingdom, with horses and more supplies than even an army needed, was Sir Ivan, the head of the castle guard, and Sir Chase, the greatest swordsman in the entire kingdom.

"My lady," Sir Riley said with a curt bow, "Are we ready to begin our quest?"

Shelby took hold of her sword, afraid it might fall from her side. She was many things, a princess, a fighter, a leader to her people…and now, an adventure. But most importantly, she was someone who kept her word.

"Yes," she said, "Let us be off."