The Knights of Castle Lux got an A for showmanship, I’d give them that. Like a scene from an epic movie I would’ve loved, banners flapped proudly in the breeze as they made their way to us. They rode up in a loose formation, but the discipline in their ranks was unmistakable. Their numbers had to be topping fifty easily.
The banner I couldn’t quite make out before was clear now. A simple golden sun, not quite identical to my birthmark, but similar enough that goose bumps rose on my arms, was woven into a cream colored background. Despite the simplicity of the design, it seemed appropriate and regal. It wasn’t flashy or extravagant, but the Knights who rode beneath the colors did so proudly. I could feel it.
It wasn’t that annoying, unbearable, entitled type of pride, this was far different from that. I could see it on their faces that every soul here felt honored to ride beneath those colors.
I stepped out to the side a little, but still kept partially behind Liam. About 20 yards shy of us, the procession halted. I noticed a man sitting atop a fine horse the color of buckskin with a mane like corn silks and a matching tail.
I gasped when I spotted the golden crown encrusted with rubies and emeralds that rested on his head. “Is that a…I mean is that the…Is he the King?”
Liam looked back over his shoulder at me with a strange expression on his face and nodded.
“Holy crap.” I responded and Liam’s eyes widened in response, then the corner of one side of his mouth pulled up slightly before he faced forward again. I’d never been in the presence of royalty before. The closest I’d ever come was reading tabloid headlines about the royal family in England in line at the supermarket. I felt like I should bow or something, but I was too shocked to move.
The King dismounted, as did the two knights to either side of him, but I scarcely noticed that. The King had my attention and I studied him like there would be a test on him later.
The crown was nestled into his chestnut colored curls peppered with gray, that fell to just above his ears. He had a handsome face with laugh lines that were present in the smile he was aiming at me. He was tall and just beginning to lean toward stocky. The skin at the corners of his bright hazel eyes crinkled with his smile. A cream colored cloak was draped around his shoulders over a matching tunic, both outlined with thick, gold stitching, that bore the same sun emblem from the banners. Thin discs, like the ones on Liam’s belt circled his waist, only they were golden. Simple brown pants and boots completed his ensemble.
Out of my peripheral vision, I noticed Liam kneel. I looked to him and he was on one knee, head bowed and he uttered a single word. “Sire.”
I looked back to the King and back at Liam, then feel awkwardly to my knees and bowed my head as well. The King was moving quickly toward me and my heart leaped into my throat. I was sure I was in trouble, I hadn’t done the bowing thing correctly I was certain. Maybe that was a capital offense here.
I didn’t dare look up. “I’m sorry, I know I didn’t do that right.” I said to the ground. The words came out in a rush, but the ground was very understanding. Liam turned his head slightly to me and gave me a very reserved, but knowing smile…like he was in on a joke I wasn’t.
The King crouched down in front of me and spoke so low only Liam and I could hear. “Sweet girl, you do not bow to me.” He said in a rich baritone.
I looked up at him from beneath my lashes and a disarming smile warmed his face. I responded with a tentative smile of my own. “Why not?” I said, my tone low to match his.
He took a deep breath and his smile saddened a little. “You are as beautiful as your mother. I always knew you would be.” I could barely hear what he said next for my own pulse pounding in my ears. “You are the Princess of Avenlore, but more than that, you are my daughter.”