Chapter 22: The King's Not Bad

knock knock

“Alfred, are you decent? Father wants to see you” the Princess yells at the door of the room I was placed in.

The bath here wasn’t bad, but they’ve had an attendant suction cupped to me, she even tried to wash my back.

Princess Sylvie leads me to a small drawing room where her father is sitting. I really hope this goes quickly.

I enter before placing my hand across my chest and bowing deeply.

“It’s a great honor to be here Your Majesty” I say while keeping my eyes and head slightly down.

“I think you’re right Sylvie, Count Pruss drilled etiquette into his boy. Alfred, lift your head, you’ve done me a great service” the King says cheerfully.

“You honor me” I say before lifting my head.

Father didn’t teach me much, but Shayna could be a drill sergeant.

“I must express my thanks, Alfred. When my daughter was targeted in class you confronted the enemy and drew their attention to allow her a chance to escape. You wouldn’t have been taken or injured if you hadn’t acted” the King says with a sad smile.

“Your Majesty, Princess Sylvie is Sante royalty and a dear classmate. I believe anyone would have done the same” I reply, trying my hardest to seem humble so I can avoid the spotlight.

“Ah, but in fear no one else did what you did, that takes strength beyond your years. Count Pruss will beam with pride when he hears” the King says, this time with a bright smile.

“Oh, um, was word already sent to father?” I ask awkwardly.

“No information about the kidnapping has been released thus far. Some know there was an incident at the academy, and classes are cancelled for the rest of the week, but that is all. Let us discuss that in a moment, I have a few questions I would like answered” the King says.

“Of course, Your Majesty” I say with another bow.

“Sylvie and Eric say an older man came out of the mountains and rescued you, but you were the only one who saw him. Could you please explain what my daughter and Eric missed?” the King asks with curious eyes.

“Yes, your majesty. We were riding in the back of a carriage when a commotion started outside. In the next moment, something crashed into our carriage and broke it. Princess Sylvie and Eric seemed to faint or have been struck by debris from the impact. I rolled out of the carriage and saw an older gentleman with grey hair and black clothes fighting fiercely with the knights. I was able to remove my bindings with a sword from one of the fallen knights” I start explaining.

“Sylvie said she woke up under the rubble of the carriage, but could you tell me more about the older gentleman? How did he fight? And did he say anything to you?” the King asks while looking at me intently.

“Yes, Your Majesty, his fighting style was unique, to say the least. He moved faster than I’ve ever seen a knight move, it was difficult to follow with my eyes. And he didn’t seem to land completely on the ground as he fought. Perhaps he used an advanced wind magic to maneuver himself as he fought” I explain.

“Once he had dispatched the knights who took us, he asked if I was alright, then bent over and held his back saying it hurt and he needed to go home..” I add, and the King raises his eyebrows.

“Hmm, I see, that matches the reporting of other knights who have received his aid. Did he say anything else? Such as how he knew you were taken?” the King asks.

“I’m afraid not, Your Majesty, though I wonder how much he knew..” I say, trailing off to bait in a question.

“What do you mean Alfred?” the King asks with squinted eyes.

“The man’s combat ability was incredible. If he knew we were in the carriage, I believe he could’ve dispatched the knights without harming it. And I don’t believe the Alarian knights would’ve harmed the carriage they were holding hostages in” I explain.

“It’s as you say, that detail doesn’t make sense. Unless a frightened horse caused the damage.. hmm.. our knights will investigate the carriages and try to learn more. I apologize for asking so many questions after the day you’ve had” the King says regretfully.

“I’m happy to be of use, Your Majesty” I say with a light bow.

“That was all I wanted to ask. But you mentioned informing your father earlier – did you want to pen a letter and explain things in your own words instead of having the castle send a messenger?” the King asks.

“That’s not my intention, Your Majesty. My mother loves her children dearly, and as such, she tends to worry. If possible, I’d like as little information about my involvement to reach my family as possible..” I say with another bow, and the King starts to laugh.

“Aha, a child worrying about his parents’ sanity, you’re a kind boy Alfred” he says, “I’m afraid your involvement on school grounds cannot be kept a secret since there were so many witnesses, but beyond that, your involvement can be kept private” the King adds, drawing Princess Sylvie's ire.

“Father, Alfred led us through a treacherous forest infested with predators in the dead of night and brought us back safely. We can’t ignore such a thing” Princess Sylvie protests.

“Sylvie dear, I don’t intend on ignoring it, but it would be best for the kingdom if your kidnapping never made it past the walls of Sante before you were brought to safety. That story would align perfectly with Alfred’s wishes, and I’m sure you can convince Duren’s son to say the same” the King says, “but Alfred’s deeds deserve recompense. Is there anything you want or are in need of?” he asks.

“I am humbled at the offer, Your Majesty, but life at the academy has suited me well. I can’t think of anything I lack. If you would find it acceptable, please lend aid when my father and his territory may be in need of it” I ask with my deepest bow yet.

“My, you are fond of your family and their lands. It’s admirable, but that’s not quite sufficient. Sylvie tells me you’re a dedicated hunter and cook in your spare time. I will be sending you the best hunting gear and finest spices we have in the kingdom. Please use them well” the King says with a nod.

“I humbly accept, Your Majesty” I answer.

“Alright, I’ve kept you long enough, and I’m sure you’re tired. You’re welcome to stay at the palace if you’d like, but I won’t stop you from returning to your dorm if you wish” the King says while watching my reaction closely.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I’d like to return to my dorm. I had prepared a meal to cook after classes, and I’m greatly looking forward to it..” I say.

“Ah, a cook indeed, you’re free to leave. Sylvie dear, please assign a knight to escort him back. The boy has accepted enough danger for one day, let us return him safely” the King replies with a bright smile.

“Yes father, Alfred, please follow me” Princess Sylvie says.

I’m escorted through a long hallway, then several flights of stairs before Princess Sylvie stops and turns to me.

“Alfred.. there’s not a doubt in my mind that you’ve hesitated to spend time with me and felt unease at my presence..” she says, staring so deeply into my eyes that my soul feels naked, “despite that, you placed yourself in significant danger to protect me and escort me home. Please accept my thanks” the Princess says before bowing deeply.

“Princess, please don’t bow to me, I did what was natural and nothing else” I reply calmly, but a bead of sweat rolls down my neck.

“What you did naturally helped me and hurt you..” she says meekly.

“Would it help if I said I only acted because I knew Eric would get himself killed trying to help you? He was the first friend I made at the academy..” I say.

I would’ve let them take your ass if he didn’t wake up..

“Aha, yes, that helps a little, even if it’s a lie” she chuckles and wipes at her teary eyes, “now come, the knights are through here. Quickly, before I feel like crying again” she adds.

The knight that escorts me back to the academy looks like he could eat me, and the healer they had see to me when I arrived did a good job too. It is the royal palace, I guess it’s filled with the best talent.

That thing about the prepared meal for when I got home was bullshit, I’m just allergic to royalty. Maybe Sylvie and Eric will get married and drop out? He did lead her away from the school. It was directly into enemy hands, but still, it was a great effort.

I flop onto my duck feather topped bed and think hard, there’s something I should be considering..

Right, I need a test subject for the weird healing magic I saw this morning. I was able to put Princess Sylvie and Eric to sleep, but I haven’t tested the rest of it. I wonder if Jen would let me experiment on her for money.. yea that sounds wrong.

I’ll kidnap a bandit and mess with his brain a bit, that’ll work. But I’m tired, yawwwwwn goodnight.