Getting up and wiping away the dirt, the two boys looked deeply at each other, neither wanting to break the other's gaze. Finally, behind them, they heard Antos clapping loudly.
"That was quite good, my princes, but since this ended in a draw, I think it's time we call it a day. It was a good battle, but I would say you two are quite evenly matched."
With a quick glance at his uncle, Niles said, "I knocked him down first, so I'm saying I won that."
"What? You were on the floor first! What are you even saying?" Arrius responded quickly.
"Enough from you two! It's time to get cleaned up. You're all dirty, and they have a feast being held tonight. All the lords of Mardon are coming to celebrate Prince Arrius's arrival. Now hurry!"
Niles and Arrius both retreated to their chambers. Arrius still needed help finding his, even though he had been shown where it was during his tour.
As the events of the battle faded, it was getting close to the time for the feast celebrating Prince Arrius's arrival.
Speaking to Ser Ferick, Arrius said, "The castle is beautiful. It's quite different seeing this many open windows in the North; they're always closed to keep the cold air out. But I won't lie, I quite like it."
"Yes, you'll get used to that as time passes, my prince. I promise you'll grow to love it. I did when I traveled through Mardon, especially when there were beautiful ladies to see outside the window," Ferick said with a cheeky smile.
"That's another thing I'll mention: I haven't seen many 'beautiful women' here." None truly hold up to Lyara, Arrius thought. I can't seem to get her off my mind. I miss her long, wavy pitch-black hair and her beautiful blue eyes. I really do hope I see her again soon.
"Trust me you'll see some soon enough there are beautiful women all over the world. But my prince I'm going to continue talking to the rest of the knights here. Introduce yourself, Arrius. It won't hurt to make friends while you're so far from home; it's better than having no one to speak to."
"Fine, fine, I'll look for some people my age. I promise You go have fun, please, Ser Ferick."
With a wine glass in hand, Arrius strolled through the hall, looking for anyone interesting to speak to. Some of the lords approached him, but he wasn't interested in their conversations and always claimed he had somewhere to go.
Glancing over to the royal table, where he was seated with the rest of the royal family, he noticed the princess who had arrived late, sitting next to her mother. She had long blonde hair and blue eyes, and she looked almost his age if not a little but older. What better than to speak to her?
"Hello, my lady. I haven't met you yet. I'm Prince Arrius of the North. What might your name be?" Arrius spoke holding out for her hand.
"I'm Princess Iris. I've heard of you, and the people don't exaggerate your handsomeness."
"Why, thank you, Princess! I thought I would come over and ask if I may have your hand for this dance."
After glancing at her mother, she accepted and held her hand out to Prince Arrius. Approaching the dance floor, Arrius couldn't help but catch Niles's eye, who looked greatly annoyed. But what does it matter to me if he's mad?
"So, my princess, why didn't I see you earlier? King Niles did say you had some other arrangements but it would have been nice to see you."
"I was preoccupied with some things with my other ladies, so I couldn't make it to your welcoming, and I'm greatly sorry for that."
"It's quite okay. I completely understand; no need to worry. Things come up. But I must ask: is your brother Niles always angry? We kinda already got into quite the fight."
"Yes, I can see that by the big bruise you have on your cheek. He can be quite troublesome, my twin brother." Twin brother? Arrius thought to himself.
"I had no idea you and he were twins. I would never guess by how nice and pleasing to look at you are," Arrius said with a charming smile, hoping she wouldn't be offended by his compliment.
"That was quite nice of you, my prince. But so far, how are you enjoying the city and the surrounding area?"
"Very lovely! The people are super nice, and the weather in the North is quite cold all the time, which I have no problem with, of course. But it can be quite chilly. It's my home, and I would never want to be anywhere else. I will say, though, I do miss my family quite a lot. It sucks that I can't see them for some time, but hopefully soon I will be able to."
"That's amazing to hear you are enjoying it here! I know my parents were really excited to have you come down to study and learn in Mardon. The people here have only heard great things about the crown prince of the North—how he's gallant, strong, and kind to everyone they see. And I heard that you were able to keep up with my brother Niles; he's quite good with the sword, so that's always amazing to hear."
"You flatter me, Princess. Your words are too kind. I can't say all of that is true; I can be quite stubborn."
"Oh, is that true? I thought maybe you would be the only man who is handsome and perfect all around."
"Princess, are you hitting on me right now?" Arrius said with a laugh and a smile toward Iris.
"And so what if I was? Does it bother you, Prince, that a young, beautiful lady is flirting? Has something like this never happened to you before?"
"No, it's not that. It's just that no one has ever been this direct with me. It's something quite new to me, but that's not to say I don't like it."
"It'll take a lot more than just some flirting to win me over. Not only that, you just got here. Is it your goal to make all the men in my family mad at you on your first day?"
Looking over, Arrius could see both the king and Prince Niles wearing displeased expressions—more so Niles than the king. But one thought nagged at Arrius: Where could the crown prince be? He had just realized he hadn't seen him this entire time.