The Knight’s Grace
The radiant afternoon sun poured it’s light on the capital of Lordonia, the cheering of the joyous crowd rushing across the kingdom’s beautiful landscape. Today was momentous, for both the kingdom and its people; however, there was one person who was ever more excited. Of course, it was the prince of Lordonia; for he was taking his first bride: The White Rose of Andraya.
She was the most beautiful princess in all the land. Her eyes were a pale blue, her hair a soft teal. The tiara that adorned her head housed multiple azure sapphires; her lips were blood red. The dress hung from around her shoulders and from the corset around her stomach: its pale cerulean matched her hair. A deep blue teardrop pendent hung from a chain around her neck.
Trembling, she stepped through the crowded streets, the path ahead lined with screaming and cheering citizens. Confetti floated all around her along with the screeching of the people. She grasped her own hand tightly, the sun beating down on her back, reflecting of the pearlescent blue dress that cascaded down from her shoulders. This was no prince she had dreamed of marrying, but life was not like her dreams. She breathed in deeply, feeling nauseous right down to the pit of her stomach.
Darkness fell over her, and the cheers were now muffled in distance.
“M’lady, may I provide thee with an escort?”
A knight: clad in worn armour adorned with a flowing crimson cape. His eyes were hidden by the dull silver helmet with a T-shape visor so that he may see; one of his shoulder plates was significantly larger than the other; It was heavily dented.
“M’lady?” His cape was held out over her, protecting her from the encore of endless cheer whilst his great-shield was lifted above his head, protecting her from the burning gaze of the sun’s eye. He awaited an answer patiently, walking down the path alongside her.
“Uh-Yes. Thank you noble knight, that would be most appreciated. May I ask your name?” Even with the weight of his gauntlets, and that density of that shield, he never once faltered or lowered either, keeping the shade over his soon-to-be-queen, keeping her hidden from the people’s joyous screeching.
“I do not have one M’lady.” He bowed his head slightly in shame, but stayed straight as he walked alongside her.
“That’s truly awful. Grace. Red Grace.”
“Red Grace?” He questioned, titling his head.
“Your new name, should you accept it.”
He took a second to ponder it, before nodding his head, the heavy clinking of his armour audible.
“I like it. Thank you, your highness.”
“Not yet, kind knight. Amelia. My name is Amelia.” She smiled lightly, with a hint of sadness, as they moved closer to the cathedral.
“A wonderful name for a most beautiful rose. Do not worry about the wedding Amelia, t’is just politics.” She wondered if he was speaking out of line, but she did not care to report him; in fact, she liked it, someone who could speak their thoughts without consequence.
“Shall I see you around Lordonia?”
“You will see me in the castle, and perhaps in town. I hope to serve you well, my princess.”
“And I you, Red Grace.”
He moved his cape to cover her more like a cloak as they stepped up the steps, his shield now lowered to his side. He walked her to the extravagant cathedral doors. Amelia turned to face her knight.
“I must bid thee a farewell, Amelia.”
“Goodbye, Sir knight.”
“Thank you, but I am no sir. Enjoy your wedding.” He said with a bow, before turning on his heel and making his way back into the sea of people.
“Will you not attend!?” She shouted after him, but he had already vanished. She sighed, the sun shines in her eyes, the crowd’s screaming filled her ears; she waved off the crowd, felt the sun’s burning gaze for a couple more seconds, and entered the cathedral.
The image is what I took my idea from. Hope you enjoyed! 😀
