My Broken Knight

Chapter 8: An Act

-Grace-

He was tall—remarkably so. Not as towering as my father, but he definitely overshadowed Lord Edward, who was no small man himself. His broad build spoke of a real fighter, and his dark brown hair and sharp features were complemented by a small scar on his cheek.

But it was his eyes that intrigued me the most: gray, yet seemingly lifeless, as if the person behind them wasn’t entirely present. I had never seen eyes like that before. They fascinated me, not just for their color but for the way they seemed to observe and hide something at the same time.

Though I had always been curious, I wasn’t about to try to unravel this mystery. I needed him gone—immediately. I made my intentions clear, but as my father and Lord Edward left, it became evident that he wasn’t in any rush to leave.

“So,” I said, “don’t think I’ll make this easy for you.”

“I didn’t expect you to, Your Highness,” he replied.

“Good, because I won’t.”

I wasn’t usually rude, and I didn’t mistreat anyone, royal or not, but I had to maintain this façade to drive him away. I moved slowly to a couch set a bit farther away and sat down, keeping my gaze fixed on him. Will turned slightly to face me, watching intently.

“What is my father paying you?” I asked bluntly.

He looked momentarily surprised by my directness but quickly composed himself.

“Land and a title,” he answered honestly.

I had expected that, as a knight, he would avoid answering such a question directly. I thought he might respond with something like, “It is my honor to protect you,” or “I’m loyal to the king, and his wish is my command.”

I studied him for a few seconds, feeling puzzled. He seemed to notice my confusion, so I quickly composed myself and crossed my arms in a defensive posture.

“I see,” I replied. “And do you understand what your duty is?”

“To protect you,” he answered.

“From whom?”

“Everyone who wishes you harm... including yourself.”

Once again, his answer was straightforward. He wasn’t like the knights I was accustomed to. He didn’t seem concerned about his choice of words, as long as his responses were brief.

“Do you know why I’m included?” I inquired.

“You were upset by some news.”

“Some news? I’m to marry an old man.”

“Yes, I heard. A king.”

“An old man,” I corrected.

“He is still a king,” he said.

He didn’t seem intimidated by my title. Either he was overconfident or simply had nothing to fear. For some reason, this intrigued me.

“Let us set some rules,” I retorted.

“Princess, I’m hired by your father. I don’t believe you can set the rules.”

“Rule number one!” I said, holding up a finger. “You do not enter my room without permission—from me. Not from my father. Me.”

“Princess, I’m to watch over you at all times.”

“No! Rule number two!”

I could tell I was clearly irritating him. His eyes briefly wandered to the ceiling, though he did it very discreetly.

“When I have lessons, I want you to wait outside. Just like when I have visitors. You are not to be in the same room as me!”

“Princess—”

“Rule number three!”

I enjoyed knowing how much I was getting under his skin. Maybe a little too much.

“When we walk around, I want you to stay five feet away from me. Understand? I don’t want a second shadow. I want to move freely without feeling like I’m being watched.”

“Your father—”

“Rule number four,” I cut in, holding up four fingers. “I expect you to do everything I say. Whether I want you to jump up and down or carry something for me.”

Suddenly, a small smile spread across his lips, and it confused me. How was this funny? I was making unreasonable demands that I knew he couldn’t fulfill.

“Is something funny?” I inquired.

He shook his head slowly. “Not at all, princess.”

“You were smiling,” I pointed out.

“I was just thinking about something amusing.”

“Are you saying you weren’t even listening to me?” I demanded.

“Of course I was.”

“Then repeat what I said.”

He sighed deeply before shaking his head.

“I could,” he groaned, “but we both know your father wants me around all the time to ensure your safety until the wedding. I can’t uphold any of these rules.”

“You will have to,” I said, adopting a spoiled tone.

“I cannot, and since your father is the king, I will follow his commands.”

“Of course you will,” I said mockingly. “You’re his loyal knight!”

He narrowed his eyes at me. What? Had I somehow offended him? His gaze was suddenly unsettling, like his gray eyes were piercing through me, making me shift uneasily in my seat.

Unable to endure it any longer, I stood abruptly. “I want to visit a friend,” I informed him.

“It’s already getting late, princess,” he protested. “I don’t think—”

“Now.” I walked past him, ignoring his objections. I knew I was being unreasonable. I hated it, but I needed to push him so far that he would want to leave. Only by being extreme enough might I make my father change his mind.

I walked quickly, feeling him right behind me, his intense gaze almost burning into my back. Despite the distraction, I had to stay focused on my goal.

“Can you keep up?” I taunted.

He didn’t answer, and when I stopped to look back, I saw he had halted right behind me. I groaned in irritation. I had hoped he might have kept his distance, but no—I’d ended up with a second shadow.

“Great,” I mumbled before continuing on my way.

He followed closely, as dutifully as any knight would.

“Tell me,” I inquired, “what made you so special that my father thought you were good enough to guard his most precious child?”

“Lord Edward recommended me,” he replied.

“And why does Lord Edward find you so special?”

We walked in silence for a while as we made our way to the stables. When we finally arrived, and he still hadn’t answered, I turned to face him again.

“Well?”

“His son was supposed to be the one guarding you,” he said.

“That doesn’t explain why you’re here.”

“He died,” he told me, and I immediately regretted pushing him.

I saw the pain in his eyes. Had he known Lord Edward’s son personally? It seemed likely. Why else would he be here?

“Apparently, his son had spoken highly of me,” he continued. “So, they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

“Land and title,” I said mockingly. “Who could refuse that?”

He didn’t respond, but I wasn’t particularly interested in his answer. I walked over to a young servant boy and asked him to prepare my horse and Sir Will’s.