I threw myself back onto my horse, and started to trot back to the castle with Daniel beside me. "Daniel, When we get back to the castle, I want to speak with you Privately. Understood?",I raised my voice. His facial expression was scarce, I thought it was funny, but I couldn't laugh nor smile. "Understood, My Lady.",he stuttered.
The rest of the ride was quiet and cold. The night grew as the daytime faded. We reached the stables, and the stable boy took my horse into the stables. I looked up into the night sky, and it was so beautiful. The stars... there were so many bright stars.
"It's so beautiful.",I muttered underneath my breathe. "Indeed, your majesty.",Daniel agreed, but he wasn't even looking at the stars.
Daniel was amazed by Astrid's beauty underneath the Starry Night Sky. Astrid looked back down from the sky and stared at Daniel. She smiled and walked away.
I entered the castle and a messenger came up to me and handed me a letter from my mother.
"Dearest Astrid,
Please meet me in your father's chambers, he has taken ill, and I fear he won't last long... he needs you and so do I.
Your Mother"
I dropped the letter and rushed to my Father's side. I was filled with fear of losing my father, and so soon. Was it wrong of me to keep his illness from everyone? I tripped and fell, I bursted into tears. My eyesight went blurry from crying and this man came up to me offering to help me up. His voice was sweet and gentle, his hands were smooth and Kallisted, his scent was fresh and sweet, he felt warm. Who was he? He walked with me to my father's room. He held me up while I was crying, I wiped my tears and walked into the room, not taking a look at the man's face. My father was lying in his bed while mom sat there holding his hand. She looked over to me and said, "Darling... the physician said he has been sick for two months now, and that there is nothing we can do to save him..." my mother started crying and I walked over to comfort her. My father looked pale, and sweaty. I couldn't sit there and watch him die, he isn't allowed to leave me just yet. Why is this happening? I cried, too. Losing someone you care deeply about is the worst feeling in the world. "Mother... I'm sorry to do this, but I need to speak with him alone...", I stuttered. Mother nodded her head and left the room, leaving my father and I alone. His eyes slightly opening when I held his hand. He coughed and said, "Astrid... please be strong when I'm gone... this kingdom needs you... now more than ever... I want you to have this...", he took off his necklace and handed it to me. "You will need this when you feel weak or alone... I want you to look at this necklace as a promise I've made to you... to always look after you... to always keep you safe... and to always help you when you need it the most...",he muttered. "Thank you father... but I don't want you to go... I wanted to tell you so much, but I'm afraid I don't have enough time... I just want to stay by your side... please father don't leave me here alone...",I cried. He started coughing constantly then he said, "my dear... if you want to tell me something, then tell me... I won't be able to do anything about anything now that I'm almost dead."
"Dad! Er... father... I saved Klara's Son's life and everyone cheered for me and then they bowed, screaming all hail the future queen! It was so amazing! Then there is Daniel... I don't know what's wrong with me though... he is a royal guard, yet, he makes me feel so warm inside... sorry father! I know I can't be with a royal guard... father?",I told him. He looked like he was sleeping, but he was cold and lifeless... "FATHER!!! NO SOMEBODY HELP HIM!!!", I cried. And then, he was gone.