Reflect - Snow White Retold

Part 4

FOUR

At this early hour, Father's court would have been empty, but King Artorius evidently rose early, and everyone knew it. Xylander wished he'd known it, as he craned his neck over the crowd to the throne on the dais. Yes, there was a man sitting on it, who surely must be the king.

"All of the women wear veils here!" Guinevere hissed, looking stricken.

Xylander shrugged. What did it matter if she covered her hair or not?

The party of merchants currently petitioning the King bowed and moved out of the way.

Xylander straightened. There they were – Artorius' famous knights. Each clad in a different surcoat, emblazoned with the symbols that were as legendary as the men themselves. He'd heard they stood as equals in Artorius' court, but every group had a leader, the first among equals, and the first among them was the man wearing an azure surcoat, emblazoned with a sword in either silver or white – it was hard to tell at this distance.

"I'll go speak to the herald, so he can announce you," Xylander said, squeezing inside the crowded hall. He might not be dressed in his princely best, but the sword on his hip proclaimed he was wealthier than most of the peasants hoping to be heard today, and the crowd parted for him.

He took his time scanning the court, taking in as much as he could, before giving Guinevere's name to the herald. Then he hurried back to her.

"The King is old, older than Father," he murmured in her ear. "Guin, I don't think he wants a bride. We may have to go somewhere else."

"Where would you have me go? No, Lander, Castrum is strong enough to withstand an attack, even from Father's armies. I'm not leaving here." From the set of her chin, he knew it would be futile arguing with her.

An idea came to him. "If he refuses you, ask to marry one of his knights. They are all of noble blood, and any one of them will protect you with his life." Xylander grasped her arm. "You will be much happier with some handsome knight than a white-haired old king, Guin."

She shook him off. "Don't be daft. Father betrothed me to the King, or tried to, and I will honour his offer. Just because a man is handsome doesn't make him a good husband."

Xylander tried again. "Yes, but – "

"Her Royal Highness, Princess Guinevere of Flamand," the herald boomed.

Xylander's heart sank.