Rey POV

Once the crowd subsided and the Prince finally entered the castle after waving and blowing kisses at the ladies as he was sitting on his horse, Cordelia and I entered back into the castle.

"Took him long enough." I spoke as Cordelia just chuckled.

"I guess the prince really has gotten handsome but I don't know if I could say the same for his height." She spoke out softly for only me to here as we both looked at his height once more.

Once the Prince came back into view he was quite short for a king's son.

A few inches off from being considered tall.

He looked like a sissy to me and not very bright.

Again the man in black came into view, giving a glance my way ever so often.

I was beginning to think he was interested in me or instead thought me odd for some reason.

"Welcome my son! Glad to see you home safe and sound!" King Derick said as his voice boomed throughout the royal court.

All that were present were those who accompanied the prince, king, queen, and the royal courts.

"Nice to be home father." He bowed to one knee once he had near-reached his parents' throne.

The prince's eyes glanced over to his side to see the young royal court ladies.

He winked and they swooned.

I only rolled my eyes in disgust and made sure not to look the prince's way.

I looked up again after hearing a small sound of weeping.

The queen seemed so happy to see her son alive and kicking that she almost threw herself toward her son on an embrace as she wept.

I felt embarrassed for her after she did such a straightforward act in public.

It was a bit too forthright for her as a queen but she did what she did and it couldn't be undone.

"Get up from there! You must stay composed. Yes we're both overjoyed are son is here, but that doesn't cause to make such a scene that you've just displayed. Now get up Meredith." The king whispered firmly at his queen.

The queen stood straight again as she returned to her seat after saying her last words to her son who was all the well surprised at what she just did as well.

As the king spoke the queen only started weeping a little again over happiness while blowing her nose here and there with her handkerchief.

"Now we must celebrate your return and have a grand feast!" As he said that the musicians started to play music and shouts of joy were heard throughout the crowd.

"May I be excused until the supper begins. I want to change into better attire." I said to Cordelia.

Cordelia nodded. "Go, go. And make sure you look your best sweetheart." She said with a gentle smile on her face.

I then quickly made my way to my quarters.

I freshened up a bit, calming my nerves.

I then put on a turquoise gown outlined with gold.

My hair was down with a braided crown.

I was now ready for the celebration.

As I journeyed to the celebration I ran into a man of stern and broad structure.

In honestly, it hurt to bump into such a tall and muscled man. I rubbed my nose for a few moments before looking at the figure I had accidentally collided with.

The lights from the celebration just a few feet away from us illuminated his back.

Still, it was too dark to see much as I could only make out nothing but small gestures to the man.

"Sorry it is quite dark. I was unable to see you."

"Your quite alright." His voice seemed to be very sincere as he spoke to me.

"Excuse me but I have somewhere to be."

"That way?"

As he pointed behind him and turned just a few inches to where I could make out his dark hair and clothing.

And then I realized...

It was the same dark-clothed man from before.

"It's you." I said softly not meaning to actually say it aloud.

"Pardon Malady?"

"Ah-nothing. Nothing at all. Sorry but you'll have to excuse me." He let me pass as I made my way to Cordelia.

"Who was that man you were with?" Cordelia asked me quite curious.

I was reluctant to speak of it.

"I don't know...he was someone I happened to bump into. I couldn't make out who he was from the lack of light over there."

She only continued to drink her cranberry beverage as I stayed beside her having small talk about the current celebration going on.

Later the music came into play for dancing as others cleared the way.

Couples came in coming in sync with the music as they danced.

"Seems we have a lively bunch this evening." Cordelia said as I wondered around with my eyes to see the dancing going on.

"They look like they are enjoying themselves." I commented unaware of what I just inquired.

"What? Would you like to dance as well? I won't stop you."

I looked at her in gratitude.

"Are you sure?"

"Go on my dear. I can be alone for a few minutes, it won't kill me sweetheart."

"Thank you." I said smiling at her as I went on to try and find a partner to dance with.

As if fate was being humorous the same gentlemen from before was walking my way.

I knew he was going to offer a dance.

I did want to dance. Just not with him.

I tried to turn the other way but the short stout of a Prince looked my way and also started to come towards me.

Now I had to choose within a matter of moments.

I decided, with great regret either way, to give my attention to the dark haired man decked in black clothing.

"May I have this dance?" He spoke soothingly as I nodded.

I did not speak a word, not until he did.

Or maybe I'd speak nothing at all.

My gown swayed every which way we danced, him guiding me as I let him lead.

"I noticed the Prince was looking to dance with you? Would you have preferred him? He seemed quite eager, like a prowling lion."

I chucked and smiled at his comment, that was all so true.

"Not a chance. He has many ladies to choose from anyways."

"What could it be, to why you think he is so distasteful?"

"I don't think him as such, at least not specifically so. He's just not my type."

"How so?" He said as he gave me a twirl before continuing the dance.

"He is too short of a man. He lacks height for a King's son. As well as how he behaves; nothing like a King's son should act." I whispered hoping others would not hear.

In my surprise he seemed to chuckle a little with his doe like eyes looking at me in amusement.

"He lacks height, yes but what about his appearance. Do you think him attractive?"

"I will not say. I do not base my likings on appearance only, it is the way a person acts as well as behaves."

"Interesting. So what about any other man?"

"Why are we talking about men. Why do you care to know about what I think about people? Isn't he your friend or something?"

"No. I am his personal guard and captain of his guard as well. I had been appointed the position during his time at my home land for his studies and what not. Though I do protect him he can be quite the handful. But he is no friend of mine. Just someone I came to know."

"I see."

"Don't you care to know what I think of him? Even a bit curious?"

"Should I?"

"I don't know. It's whatever you think."

I gave in to his persistence to this conversation even though I knew very well what he was doing.

He was trying to get me to say what I thought. But I wasn't going to be fooled easily by his shifty way of speaking.

"What do you think of him?" I asked.

"Some of his skills are like that of a noble, with his swordsmanship and politics acquired...but without his true sense of what a future king should be...He is just a boy playing prince. A child with a sword who falls in love with every lass and lady he sets his eyes on."

"Does that mean I have bewitched his eyes as other ladies and lasses do? Will he be planning to come my way?" I asked quite honestly.

I wouldn't know what to do if that odd prince ever approached me like he did other ladies.

It was quite off-putting.

"If it makes you uncomfortable, I will make sure he does not come even within five feet of you." He smiles gently at me like the summers day.

But I did not let my heart swoon at his kindness.

Even though this dark haired man that appeared before me was more princely than the actually prince I knew not a thing about him...for all I know he could've been in a relationship with a women and just happened to come alone to this castle in place of just doing his duty as a Royal knight should.

He could also just have a friendly nature. Maybe even talking to any women he can wrap his finger around.

So in caution, I kept a watchful eye and cautious nature even toward him.

Because if it was one thing men did, it was that they never told their full story...at least not straight off the bat.

As the last song faded away, returning to the evening's talk of the celebration, we parted ways.

I curtsied toward the man.

"I enjoyed the dance. Thank you kind Sir."

"No, thank you M'lady." He kissed my hand abruptly as I couldn't help but be lost for words.

He then disappeared into the crowd as I shook off my shock to return to Cordelia's side.

"So whom did you dance with?"

"I'd rather not say. It was just a dance anyways. Is it alright if I retire for the evening. I feel a bit faint."

"Of course you may. Goodnight Rey my dear."

"Goodnight to you as well mother."

I returned to my quarters thinking about why the man had kissed my hand.

We knew each other as strangers and yet he treated me as if he knew me. Even if it was out of being polite...I felt as if that gesture of his meant more.

Treating me as more than just a stranger...
He should have never dared do such a thing.

For some reason it upset me. But I also felt as if I should have been happy about this.

I was at odds with myself.

Fighting for what I did not want. What I was very uncertain of.

How fate mocks me.