The messenger sent by Earl McArler had delivered the good news to the palace that both the Prince and Princess were well and alive. The king sighed with relief and Princess Nataliya shed some tears of happiness. Meanwhile, the two fan groups of Prince Edgar and Princess Sam who were at a word war with each other now made peace hearing that both were alive.
Many courtiers and Palace maids assembled to watch the scheduled return of the Prince and the Princess.
They cheered happily when their carriage arrived.
Prince Edgar got down and turned to help the Princess out. But when the princess got down all those who assembled gasped. Their tomboy princess who was only ever seen in men's clothes now wore a dress and looked like a proper princess!
Princess Nataliya who had been waiting for them came down to the running and threw herself into Sam's arms.
"My Sam!" she cried.
"I am alright. Sorry for worrying you." Sam assured her.
Princess Nataliya collected herself and turned to Prince Edgar.
She asked him whether he was alright.
"I'm quite alright. But it would be better if the princess is immediately attended to by the court physician" said he.
****
Prince Edgar attended the evening royal court session with the aim to describe their encounter with the rebels and to discuss the overall situation with his majesty. But he found the palace officials and ministers immersed in a different subject matter. They were discussing princess Sam's recklessness.
"Your majesty!" said one of the important ministers. "The Princess acted on her own whim, without proper discussion in court, and not only did she bring shame to your majesty's name but also endangered the life of our Crown Prince."
"Yes, we realize that the Princess has crossed the line this time" King Korbe nodded in agreement.
"We are thinking of giving her a suitable punishment."
Somehow Prince Edgar did not like the way the discussion was going.
"Your majesty, if I may be allowed to speak," Prince Edgar got up and everyone fell silent. "The Princess must-have in all probability underestimated the situation. She only acted with the interest of her country in mind. Also, my involvement in it was by my own choice and with your majesty's permission."
Another minister got up, "Let us not forget that this action of the Princess
resulted in the death of some of our soldiers."
"It is most abominable that the Princess who only comes once a year is taking matters into her own hands." Said another.
"What if the Prince had lost his life. Our relations with the Keirland kingdom would turn bitter."
"Alright.." said King Korbe" We shall sentence her to three months in prison."
With this, the court grew quiet.
It became obvious to Edgar that the Princess was hated by many. As the Princess of the country, Sam had the right to mobilize a small number of soldiers to settle small disturbances. But her ignorance regarding the scale of this particular disturbance was not her fault alone. The General who allowed soldiers to accompany her could have advised her but did not do so. It could be that the officials had foreseen this outcome and still kept quiet.
"Your majesty I request you to reconsider." It was the second time that the Prince was voicing his protest, so the nobles and ministers began to wonder. Wasn't the Prince being too soft?
"The Princess was clearly in the dark about the strength of the rebels. But she gave her all not to tarnish your name. She even risked her life to protect mine and got injured in the process. Please consider all this your majesty."
"As the future crown Prince has especially requested it, I shall reduce the sentence to two months in prison. She shall also lose her rights as Princess to handle military and other affairs of the country until further orders." King Korbe gave the final word and the court was dismissed.
Meanwhile, princess Sam was narrating the happenings to her sister.
"This time I've done it" she sighed. "I wonder what sentence father would give me."
Princess Nataliya patted her sister's head. "Your leg is injured. Maybe he shall wait until you have recovered?"
Sam looked at her injury. The pain had disappeared somewhat but.. she still had to try hard to not think about those dead soldiers.
What should she do to get rid of the pain of regret?
When some of the Palace officials arrived and announced her sentence, Princess Sam got up, stretched herself, and got ready to follow them to prison.
"Visit me sometimes," she said winking at her sister.