As I continued to ride towards the city, I slowed Juniper down to a trot when the road became busier. Carriages and people
wandered in and out towards the main city gates.
I never understood why we as a family did not stay at our castle that was within the city. We lived predominantly at the
castle just on the outskirts. Granted it was surrounded by the woods and a vast river. I hated how we were away from our
people. How could we truly be the royal family if we did not live nearby and see how our people lived?
For the most part, the castle in the city was used for major events. Mostly the funeral of a royal, wedding of another, or a
coronation. Norok would be wed there and then we would return to our home to celebrate shortly after.
This week however, the castle was being set up for the festival and the jousting tournament. I had suggested it was best the
event be put within the grounds, as it was large enough. It also meant the people of our city could come along and join in. They
could see the fun and cheer for their favourite knight or lord.
The guards stationed at the city gates bowed low as they saw my arrival with Marcus just behind me. Each castle horse’s
saddle was engraved with our families crest, something for us to be spotted with.
“Good afternoon, your highness,” one of the guards said.
He was handsome, young, and clearly new to his post. Guards very rarely addressed me. Mostly they stayed silent unless
they were spoken to. It was a nice change.
Smiling at him as I rode by, I heard the smack from his superior and part of me wanted to turn around and express my
annoyance at him being scolded. Unfortunately, I had things to do and more important places to be.
Firstly, I needed to attend the final meeting to discuss the finishing touches for the tournament, and discuss the prize for the
winner. I was thinking it could be a dinner with the king and a special granted request.
Well, a request within reason Father said. Mother said there should be a runner up prize and decided that I would host the
runner up, and if Father didn’t like the winner, Norok would dine with them instead.
Clearly, she was going to use my tournament as a way to find me a husband. Granted, I was also using it for my own
reasons, but she didn’t know that.
Dismounting my horse as I arrived at the committee house, Marcus took Juniper's reins and tied both horses to the post
outside.
“Shall I wait here for you, your highness?” he asked.
“I am sure the horses will be fine. Go and grab a drink or something. I will be safe here.”
He hesitated at first but knew I would stand my ground if he refused. Instead of arguing he bowed and headed across the
street to one of the many taverns within the city as I walked through the doors of the committee house.
“Ah, your highness, welcome! So lovely to see you,” Matthew, the head of special events, said in greeting.