Glory of God: The True Story of 595
Chapter 8: The Silly Princess
LUCYS BEDTIME STORY: "Why can't mommy tell me about the silly princess daddy?" Lucy asked again not completely understanding. "Mommy needs to spend time with your brother too Lego. He needs her as much as you do." He tried to explain in a way Lucy would understand. "That makes since daddy, JJ did find the squirt guns." Jack chuckled at his daughter's innocent comment. "Yes he did, your mother wasn't all that happy with him." Lucy smiled coyly, as if she helped find the water guns. Letting it go Jack chuckled, that's my girl he thought. "We have church tomorrow so listen closely." Jack told his daughter. "Okay daddy, I'm ready for my story. I want to know what Princess Thera did." Lucy said excitedly holding Thor all tucked in and comfy. She looked at Jack with her big hazel eyes waiting patiently.
"Princess Thera, try this delicacy. We call it Jell-o." Natasha suggested with a giggle. Her other two sisters Inara and Sabine (A/N1) were eating their favorite colored jell-o giggling even more. "Jell-o, I've never heard of it. My realm does not have such a food." Thera said holding the wobbly gelatin. "How did you know I like the color blue?" she asked tasting the new food with a strong hint of wine. Sabine smiled getting another piece then answered. "...your light blue dress Princess Thera."
The other sister, Inara whispered into Natasha's ear getting a wide grin in return. "Princess Thera, do you like to swim?" asked Natasha with a chestier cat smile. "Yes, I do love to swim. We have a small pond back at Castle Cheyenne I swim in all the time." she answered excited at the idea of washing off their trail dust as Sir Jonah says. "Come with us then. We have a crystal clear pond not far away." Sabine said standing up as her sisters did the same. "I should tell Jonah...I mean Sir Jonah where I'm going." Thera replied looking over her shoulder at the handsome knight. "Where's you're since of adventure, the men won't miss us while they talk of conquests and battles." Inara dared the princess looking at the knight herself. Thinking about it Thera agreed hoping that Jonah would come looking for her, maybe see her in a different light. "Let's bring the Jell-0 too, it tastes good." Thera said as the four women snuck off for the swimming hole.
"Daddy, what are the Duke's daughters and Princess Thera going to swim in? Do they have swim suits under their dresses?" Lucy asked her father. Jack hadn't thought this far ahead and his daughter found a plot hole. Lucy was sometimes too smart for her own good. Proving once again she was a going to be a progeny. "You'll have to keep listening to find out Lego." He answered hoping she'd buy his explanation. "Okay daddy, if they don't have swim suits it'll be just like bath time." she said innocently. Pushing a strand of hair out of her eyes Jack smiled widely. "Your right Lucy, it would be like bath time. Shall I continue?" he asked. "Continue daddy, Thor wants to hear more too." She said yawning a bit.
Not far away the knight, Sir Jonah stood wearing his leathers instead of the armor. His steadfast friend and Paladin Tor both talked with Duke Morcant not paying full attention to the women. One of King Carters scribes, Karlan, sat nearby writing about the group's journey into the kingdom. The journey was one of peace along with report of the state of the kingdom. The king's hope was by sending his lovely daughter out as emissary it would keep the realm united. Duke Morcant expressed the desire of stronger relations between Knaresborrough (A/N2) and Kings Seat of power.
"Sir Jonah, perhaps you could take my eldest daughter Sabine as a wife. Maybe even Paladin Tor and Scribe Karlan could each take one of my other daughters. Make our bond stronger in times of need." The Duke suggested waving his hand over to where they were previously sitting. "Duke Morcant, your offer is gracious. However your daughters should have a say in who they wed." Tor replied politely. "The better question is where did your daughters go with Princess Thera Duke Morcant?" Jonah asked scanning the area for the princess not finding her. "Oh dear, I was afraid of this." The duke said with a worried look. "What are you afraid of what Duke Morcant?" Jonah asked taking a step closer making the man step back. "They were eating our local treat, Jell-O. We mix it with colorful wines that can make people drunk. My sincere apologies Sir Jonah, I assure you Princess Thera is no danger." The duke insisted intimidated by the knight's glare.
"Then you should know where they wandered off too Duke Morcant. King Carter will be most upset if any harm comes to the princess. I'll be displeased for him!" Jonah said in a low unforgiving tone. "Indeed, so shall I." Tor added making the duke more nervous. "Karl, come hither." Jonah ordered getting the scribes attention. "Sir Jonah, please understand my daughters don't always act irresponsible." He pleaded. "Let's start with where they have taken princess? Then we'll address their actions." Jonah stated as Karlan arrived. "How can I be of assistance Sir Jonah?" he asked looking between the duke and knight. "You will assist in finding the princess once the duke tells us where to look." Jonah said not taking his eyes off Duke Morcant. Karlan looked around not seeing the princess or the duke's daughters.
"There are three ponds nearby that my daughters like to swim in at night." The duke said pointing in the general directions. "...would your daughters not taken bathing outfits to swim in Duke Morcant." Tor asked the obvious question. "My daughters sometimes forget their bathing outfits...on purpose." Morcant answered eyes looking down not wanting to see the anger in the paladin or knights eyes. "Three of your men will accompany Tor, Karl and I Duke Morcant. Pray that no man lays eyes on the princess without her clothing. Now go fetch three men that will head my warning." The knight then turned to his two companions with an unreadable face. "Karlan and Tor, once the elder's men arrive, search for the princess. Yell out if you find her and take your cloak to cover Princess Thera if needed." He ordered leading the two where their belongings were at. The knight picked up his heavy coat in case it was needed.
"Sir Jonah, these men will help you search for the princess and head your warning." Duke Morcant said bowing down in respect along with his men. "Blondie, lead Tor to eastern pond." Jonah ordered pointing to long haired man. "...Curly, lead Karlan to the northern pond." He said to the redheaded man. "Baldy we'll search the western pond. Let's move people." The three pairs of men left to go in search of the princess leaving the duke to his thoughts. "My daughters will never get married if they keep this up." Morcant said out loud shaking his head.
The three pairs of men entered the forest each holding a torch to light their way. Karlan and Curly went north not saying a word in hopes of hearing the women. Karlan took in the scenery in his usual curiosity wondering what they would find along the way. Blondie lead Tor towards the north western pond asking the paladin questions about his adventures annoying him greatly. Baldy, he just powered through the forest not caring if the knight kept up. The duke interrupted an important discussion with his wife. Should they get a dog or cat, a question that was life altering? Now instead he was looking for a pampered princess.
"Curly, is it true there's strange creatures that roam these lands. The story you told is of great interest to me." Karlan asked keeping a look out for anything and everything. These travels have proved to be eye opening. The sheltered life he had back at the castle was no more. "The stories are more for the kids, warnings of coming out here alone. The wolves are large and violent hence the long bow I carry. What do you use for defense Scribe Karlan?" asked the short curly haired man. "I use my short sword and dagger. Still getting used the short sword though. Being a king's scribe I never expected to venture out into the kingdom." Karlan responded honestly. "One must experience new things in order to grow. Now be quiet, we must not make too much noise. The night creatures get to curious for their own good." Curly said ending the conversation.
"Tor, do you think I could become paladin like you. I'm big, strong and know how to live off the land." Blondie asked one of his many questions. "To become a paladin one must know when to be quiet and when to speak. Skill and perception will keep you alive where strength keeps one ready to push through the battle. Not all people will be honest therefore you must see a person for who they truly are." Tor spoke while scanning the area. "Is that why you choose to follow Sir Jonah, does he have those qualities of leader?" Blondie asked coming to a bend in the trail that had a short path to the pond. "Indeed!" Tor answered hearing water in the distance.
Jonah observed the man leading him. Baldy appeared to be in deep thought, not entirely focused at the task at hand. "Baldy, be advised the princesses safety is in the balance. What clouds your mind?" Jonah asked giving a warning to the man. The man stopped then turned around to face the Knight. "Sir Jonah, I mean no disrespect. This...adventure interrupted an important discussion with my wife. Your princess is not in physical danger. The dukes daughters do not follow rules well. Whoever becomes their husband will have to tame them like you would horse." Baldy explained then went back to leading the knight down the path. "The princess is in danger of being led astray then, is that what you're saying." He asked the young bald man. "That is what I'm saying Sir Jonah. Their beauty is alluring but it comes with a cost." Baldy answered then spoke again. "You are a man of wisdom and many travels. May I ask you a question?" Jonah knew that baldly was telling the truth about the dukes daughters, their behavior said it all. "You may ask Baldy." He replied. "My wife and I are having our first child soon, which is better to have. I say a dog, she says cat." Baldy asked stopping to look at the knight directly. "Definitely get a dog. However if you want a happy wife get both." Jonah answered knowing from experience. "You are truly wise as the duke says." Baldy replied continuing down the trail.
"The dukes daughters and Princess are not here. Lead me down the quickest path to the next pond Blondie." Tor ordered with urgency. "This path will lead us to the middle pond, perhaps we'll join with Curly and your scribe friend." The man said starting down the path at walking run. Perhaps if he proved his worthiness the paladin would be open to allowing him to join their group. "Lead the way post haste Blondie." Tor ordered following the youthful and promising man.
"I do not hear the sisters or your princess Sir Jonah. They are not known for being quiet when eating Jell-O...or quiet in general." Baldy stated as they turned the corner bringing the pond into view. "That I believe Baldy, the only time they were silent is when their father spoke." Both men gazed on the moon light pond seeing no sign of the women. "Come this way, that path will lead us to the middle pond. Curly and your scribe will be there before us." Baldy spoke immediately moving in the last ponds direction. "We find the princess in good health I will personally vouch to King Carter for you. He will graciously provide you with a hunting dog from his personnel breeder." Jonah promised. "That will be a great honor Sir Jonah." Baldy replied as they ran down the path.
"Sabine, look someone approaches!"Natasha said as she was about to jump into the pond. Her modified slip showing more than her father would like. Inara had on a similar slip popping up out of the water noticing the torches as well. The princess was floating on her back eating the last of the Jell-O hearing part of the conversation. "Princess Thera, we must get dressed before the men find us." Sabine said swimming up to her. "What men, I thought we were alone out here?" Thera replied flipping around seeing the torches in the distance. "I can't let Jonah see me like this, it'd be un-ladylike." Sabine gave her a funny look. "You have a full slip on. I'm sure your knight has seen you dressed as such." Sabine replied as they swam for the small beach. Her sisters were getting dressed while keeping watch on the approaching torches. Their father had warned them many a time not be so careless. "He's not my knight, Jonah and I are friends. He's also my protector." Thera retorted coming up to the beach. "So you don't mind if Sir Jonah see's me as I am dressed." Sabine asked looking for an answer. Thera shot her a dirty look as they ran towards their dresses. "I thought so Princess Thera, lay your claim before someone like me does." Sabine warned getting dressed in a hurry. "Where is my dress, it was right here?" Thera asked in a worried tone as Sabine pulled her dress on quickly. "Don't worry about it; we got to go before we're found!" Natasha said pulling Thera into the forest. Thera followed anyway knowing this wouldn't end well. Inara lead the way still while holding her bundled up dress.
Curly and Karlan arrived at the pond just missing the women. The women had slipped into the forest quietly heading back to the village. "They were just here Karlan, must have seen our torches." Curly said pointing at the foot prints on the beach. "Why would they leave? We are no threat to them...are we?" asked Karlan. "The duke's daughters often act as if this is a game of 'Hide & Seek'. When we are sent retrieve them they are usually easy to find." Curly said with a sigh. "What is different this time around?" Karlan inquired spotting a light blue fabric under a bush. "This time they have another player, namely Princess Thera." Curly answered walking the beach looking for tracks. "There's Princess Theras dress, under the bush." The scribe said going over to it. "This is not good at all. Sir Jonah will not be pleased." He said folding it up with a worried look. "Given that her dress is the only left behind I'll bet Inara hid as a joke. She did that to Sabine once, not that her sister cared. Duke Morcant however did." Curly explained finding the women's foot prints leading into the forest via a smaller trail. The sound of two men approaching from the west, torches ablaze got their attention. "Tell me that's not Princess Thera's dress?" Jonah bellowed walking towards the two men.
"Sir Jonah, it is Princess Thera's dress, it was under that bush. The women must have seen our torches and left." Karlan answered holding up the blue dress. "Did you find her undergarments as well?" he asked hoping they didn't. Thera was young and a little bit rebellious, but not foolish. "We did not find any undergarments Sir Jonah." Curly added knowing that the duke's daughters were going to be in trouble, trouble their father couldn't protect them from.
Curly and Tor arrived joining the other men."Good timing Tor my friend. The women have departed having sighted our torches. Princess Thera is wearing her slip still." Jonah said letting Tor know that the threatened action won't be needed. "That is most fortunate for Duke Morcant people. What are your orders my friend?" Tor asked scanning the area. "Baldy, what path did the women take back to the village?" Jonah asked trusting the man because of his honesty. All eyes went to him as he looked for the women's tracks. "This way Sir Jonah, this path leads to barn were your horses are housed." Baldy answered looking at everyone.
Coming to a decision Jonah spoke. "Baldy and I will follow this path to the barn. The rest of you take this path back to the village. Tor, if the sisters arrive with Princess Thera before we do detain them. Karlan, you help the princess become presentable." He ordered not pleased one bit.
"Daddy, the knight is mad, isn't he?" Lucy asked looking back wide eyed. "Yes, he is not pleased with the sister's actions." Jack answered. "Will they get a spanking or made to stand in the corner like you make me and JJ?" she asked not liking it when she had too; Thor never had got punished though even if it was his idea Lucy thought to herself. "They just might, we'll have to wait and see." Jack replied patting her head.
"...Sir Jonah how do you intend to punish Duke Morcants daughters?" Baldy asked knowing they deserve to be punished but not severely. "I have a few ideas, ones that will make them reconsider acting more like ladies than teenagers." He responded following Baldy down the path. "May I make a suggestion before you decide?" Baldy asked grinning widely.
Inara stopped before entering the clearing behind the barn. Looking back at the other three women to make sure they were there once again. "Why are we stopping?" Thera asked from the back looking around Sabine. "Shh, we are on the edge of the village Princess. We don't want to alert the guards to our presence." Natasha said looking back at Thera. "Is the knight or Tor in the court yard?" Sabine asked feeling bold from eating too much Jell-O. Thera gave Sabine a dirty look contemplating just walking out into the open but reconsidered, the effects of the Jell-O getting to her as well. Inara looked at Natasha then to Sabine. "We need to get Princess Thera hidden in the barn so can bring her dry clothing." Inara said forming a plan in head. Natasha caught on quickly like usual, Sabine however didn't catch on right away. "Sabine, we need a distraction." Natasha said looking at her older sister. "Why am I always the distraction?" Sabine whined throwing he hands up. Thera found this amusing only because she didn't have sisters, just her older brother Mariek. "Because you are the best dancer, also the guards like watching you." Inara responded motioning for Sabine to walk out."Fine, next time you can do it Inara." Sabine retorted readjusting her dress before getting all the men's attention.
Lucy giggled as she imagined Sabine dancing around in the courtyard without music. "What's do you think is funny Lego?" Jack asked his little girl. "Everyone knows you can't dance without music daddy." She answered like stating a fact. "Why is that?" he inquired. Getting a serious look Lucy replied. "...because you wouldn't know which type of dance to do?" Jack smiled not being surprised with her logic.
Tor and the rest of the men arrived noticing a group of guards standing around. Curly and Blondie knew immediately what was going on; Sabine was dancing again letting her shoulder length hair flow in the wind. "Make way men, Paladin Tor is coming through" Karlan bellowed alerting the guards. Curly and Blondie were sent to retrieve Duke Morcant, his presence not being optional. The guards moved apart coming to attention as Sabine froze in place knowing the paladin was approaching. Curtseying before the knight's friend she waited to be addressed.
"Sabine, daughter of Duke Morcant, where is Princess Thera and your sisters?" he asked in a serious tone. The guards looked on not daring interfere in the kings business. "Paladin Tor, Princess Thera is in yonder barn. My sisters are bringing her dry clothing so she is presentable to Sir Jonah." Sabine answered honestly still feeling the effects of the Jell-O. "Do speak the truth or seek to distract me to buy time?" Tor questioned not completely believing the young women. "Sabine, it would be wise not to lie so be truthful." Karlan warned stepping forward. "Truthful I am Paladin Tor, Scribe Karlan. We meant no harm." she replied still curtseying. "Take us to the princess; we shall see if you are being truthful." Tor ordered.
Natasha opened the barn door slightly keeping watch for Inara; she should have been back by now. Princess Thera was getting cold from wearing the wet slip. Pacing around Thera berated herself for not telling Jonah of their plans. He'd be disappointed with her now. "Princess Thera, my sister is almost here with towels and dry clothing." Natasha informed the princess.
Inara entered the barn as Natasha closed the door behind her. "Here is dry clothing Princess Thera along with some towels. We will wait over here while you change." Inara said with an apologetic face. "Thank you Inara, Natasha...I appreciate the help." Thera replied moving over to the side for privacy. "Please forgive us for our behavior Princess Thera. We sometimes enjoy the single life more than we should." Inara said while standing watch. "Why do you fear getting married? My father and mother love each other dearly." Thera asked while changing. "The same reason you aren't married yet. We want to marry for love, not alliances." Natasha answered honestly. "I can understand that, my brother wants me to marry his friend, Prince Peter." Thera replied thinking about a certain knight. A knock at the door got all the women's attention.
"Inara, it's me. Paladin Tor, Scribe Karlan and Sir Jonah are with me." Sabine said through the barn door. All three women's faces drained of color. Natasha opened the door allowing all three to enter. "Where is Princess Thera?" Jonah asked getting straight to the point. "Over here Sir Jonah." A weak voice said from the corner of the barn. "Your father is waiting for the three of you. Karlan escort Duke Morcants daughters to their house and stay there until I arrive. Tor, stand guard outside while I speak with Princess Thera." Jonah ordered. "No one shall enter Sir Jonah." Tor replied then closed the door.
"Please don't be mad at me Jonah; I know I should've told you of our plans." Thera pleaded from around the corner covering herself. "May I approach Thera?" he asked in a soft voice. "I'm not fully dressed Jonah. I just have my undergarment on." She said embarrassed feeling un-lady like. "Continue to dress, I'll talk." Jonah answered making her feel better. "Were you in any danger Thera? I would hate myself if any harm came to you." he said sincerely. Thinking before answering she replied. "No Jonah, they wouldn't put me in harm's way. We were just being foolish women wanting to push boundaries. I'm sorry if I worried you." Thera said putting her dress on. "Boundaries can be pushed too far, especially out here. They should've had more respect for you Princess! I cannot let this pass." Jonah responded watching her walk out in a red dress that matched her fiery attitude at times. "Would you help me lace up my dress?" she asked turning around for Jonah to see. He approached gingerly doing as asked. "Be lenient on them Jonah. We talked and all they want is to have some say in their lives, just like I do." Thera answered turning to face Jonah. "I am not of royal blood Thera. My love for you is stronger than my sword..." he replied holding the princess tightly in his arms. "Jonah, my love...If I were given a choice of loving you or being a princess...I'd choose you." she answered laying her head on his shoulder. "I will be lenient on Duke Morcants daughters. Give them a choice of who to marry, all good men. That will be their punishment." Jonah said looking Thera in the eyes then kissing her softly. They shared another stolen moment that had many hollow promises.
-Next Day 12 Noon-
"What fate have you decided for my daughter's actions Sir Jonah? I hope you will be fair in your judgment." Duke Morcant said bowing before the Princess and Knight. Paladin Tor along with Scribe Karlan stood off to the right in full support of the Jonah and Thera. Inara, Natasha and Sabine looked worried that their lives were about to end. That was partly due to their fathers fears; the rest was simply over active imaginations. The villagers had also gathered around to see for themselves what kind of judgment King Carter's daughter and Knight was going to pass down.
"Princess Thera explained to me why you snuck off to the swimming hole. That the three of you are free spirits, women that want to get married but have some say in whom you marry. Acting out as you did was not wise or respectful of Princess Thera. Even if Princess Thera followed you willingly, I can't let this pass." He spoke eying each woman pointedly. Sabine looked down expecting the worse; she wouldn't be marrying the knight. Probably the Scribe Karlan, he wasn't un-attractive, just not exciting as a paladin or knight. Inara and Natasha had similar thoughts as well.
"While I am not innocent either I did not act as my father would prefer. He will not be happy with my behavior." Thera said being honest and sincere. "With that in mind we discussed what punishment would be suitable and just." The crowd held their breath taking in what Princess Thera and Sir Jonah had spoken. "The three of you will make the journey to Castle Cheyenne in three weeks. There you will meet with Sir Steve Rogers, a knight. Earl Siler, the Royal Armor. Then there's Captain Reynolds of King Carters Navy, one of you will be rebellious as you but a good man nonetheless. You'll spend a month getting to know these men one of which will become your husband. They will have the same amount of freedom as you so choose wisely." Jonah said looking at Duke Morcant. His daughters let out a breath of relief knowing that they had some say in their future. "Sir Jonah and Princess Thera, I thank you for being fair. We will arrive at Castle Cheyenne in three weeks to meet these fine men you speak of. King Carter will have our loyalty until the end of time." Duke Morcant replied happily. His daughters would be wed to good men. His wished to ally to the king were answered as well. Turning to his people he spoke. "We will now another have a feast in the honor Princess Thera and Sir Jonah. Let's be merry my people, there's going to be three weddings." The people went about preparing while Duke Morcant hugged his daughters happy they were spared a harsh punishment as were they.
Thera and Jonah looked at each other happily knowing that they could be celebrating together in the open and not the shadows. However they both knew returning to Castle Cheyenne they'd have to hide their love for one another unless something changed. But for now they could dance in each other's arms without any worries.
The End
"Thank you daddy, I hope the Knight and Princess find their happily ever after." Lucy said slowly closing her eyes falling asleep. Looking at his precious daughter he softly replied "They found their happily ever after and then some."
AN1: I'm using some of my favorite TV/Movie characters as extras. You'll probably figure things our fair quickly.
AN2: Knaresborrough is located on the River Nidd in North Yorkshire, England. The village is mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086 as Chenaresburg meaning Cenheards fortress.
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