Chereads / Aqew / Chapter 13 - 13

Chapter 13 - 13

They glance over at you but don't pay you any further attention. They start talking about tournaments, and one of the nobleman asks a question you know the answer to.

They look at you, surprised, almost as if they'd forgotten you were there.

The nobleman continues to talk to you about tournaments, and after they find out that you're the squire to Sir Robert, others start taking interest in the conversation. Out of all the topics they discuss, this is one you know quite a bit about. They're all impressed by your knowledge, and several of them ask you to give them advice on betting or training men for the tournaments.

Eventually, they go back to their original conversation regarding trade and noble squabbles, and you're soon removed from the conversation, but it seems like you made a good impression.

Ah, I'm sorry, I have not introduced myself. I am Prince Rolin from the Kingdom of Liza. We live in the icy mountains northwest of your Kingdom."

It is a cold, desolate place…but it's also beautiful. During summer, when the ice melts, you can see the sky so clearly, and at night the stars are so bright. We also have a variety of rare creatures you would not normally find elsewhere. It's a popular spot for huntsmen and trophy collectors." He pulls at his tunic uncomfortably. "We also do not have to wear such strange clothing as this. Rather impractical, if you ask me.

You talk for some time about various topics until he eventually spots a noble he needs to talk to. "Anyway, it was nice talking to you." He frowns. "Oh, I didn't catch your name."

"It's Dorn Blackburn."

He nods. "A pleasure to meet you, Dorn. Perhaps we'll meet again." He walks off.

The man puts his hand down and regains his composure. Princess Hannah quickly turns her shock into a laugh. "That's right, you wouldn't dream of laying a hand on me. One word, and my father would have you in the stocks, or something even worse."

She begins to leave. Angrily, Sir Cuthvell says, "I suppose he would…but how do you think he would react if he knew your little secret?"

Princess Hannah stops for a second, then continues walking as if nothing was said. Lord Cuthvell laughs and returns to the feast a few seconds later. You sit down on a stone bench, wondering what that was all about. After some time passes, you decide to return to the feast too.

You begin to walk over to the Princess, and several people watch you. Sir Robert jumps up and grabs you by the arm. "Dorn, are you lost? You must have not seen me waving over there. Please…come sit next to me." He emphasizes the words 'please' and 'me.'

You take a seat next to Sir Robert. He's already biting into a turkey leg when you get there. He glances over at you. "So, how did it go?"

You look back at him. "How did what go?"

He stretches his arm out. "The feast; what did you think?"

Sir Robert laughs. "Well, don't worry too much. Most of your time will be spent with me training and attending tournaments. This will probably be the last feast we have in a while, so you might as well enjoy it while you can."

Sir Robert talks a bit more until they bring out more wine, then he quickly focuses his attention on getting his cup filled.