7 Chapter 6

"Ash! There you are," the queen cries out. "Goodness, did you even try to look halfway decent? Didn't the maid do your hair? It's a mess."

Next to her, Ash's father chuckles. "Marina, leave the boy alone. He looks fine. We're not trying to sell the princess a statue."

Ash sends him a grateful look and leans over to kiss his mother on the cheek before taking his seat. "When are they coming?"

"Any moment now," his father replies anxiously. "You're pushing your limits coming in so late."

Bowing his head in apology, Ash turns to face the entrance of the throne room. He can hear footsteps, and a moment later, a guard signals that the royal family of Iliana has arrived. Immediately, Ash straightens up. Despite not having the slightest interest in Iliana's princess, he still finds himself a little nervous.

The doors slam open with a bang and the royal announcer calls out, "Introducing His Majesty, King Eldridge the Third of Iliana; Her Majesty, Queen Ceridwen of Iliana; and their daughter, Princess Cecily of Iliana."

Ash watches them enter, his gaze immediately focusing on the princess. It was almost impossible not to. She was enchantingly beautiful, almost as though she were out of a fairy tale. Glossy ebony curls fall in perfect waves, framing her features. As she walks forward, she looks up to meet his eyes, and Ash nearly flinches. There was something about her piercing gaze that made him feel like she could see right through him.

Unlike most people, she doesn't look away. She holds his attention, and Ash barely notices when his father stands to welcome her family.

The princess's lips tilt up into a smile. Not a shy, timid smile, but a daring one. As though she were challenging him to look away first.

He answers with a smile of his own, his pride not allowing him to step down.

At last, the girl looks away, only to answer one of his mother's questions. "I can't wait to learn about Ayacia. I've heard so many wonderful things," she says. Unsurprisingly, Cecily's voice matched her looks. It was soft and lilting, the words falling like tinkling bells.

Next to him, the queen smiles. "Perhaps our Ash could show you around."

Cecily looks over at him again, and Ash can't help but silently curse his mother out. "I'd enjoy that," the princess replies.

Forcing a smile, Ash nods. "I'd be happy to do so."

Ash's mother claps her hands lightly. "Well, that's settled then. The servants will guide you to your rooms. Please don't hesitate to tell us if they're not to your satisfaction."

"I'm sure they'll be lovely," the queen of Iliana says softly. "Thank you for your hospitality."

The royal family pivots and walks out, guards trailing behind them.

As soon as the door shuts, Ash lets out a long pent up breath that he didn't know he was holding.

"So, what did you think?" Ash's mother asks eagerly. "Cecily seems so polite. What a nice, young girl."

"She's-" Ash hesitates for a moment. "She seems alright."

The king claps a hand on his shoulder. "Wonderful. Hopefully, you'll get to know her more. Try to get more chances to talk to her. Understood?"

Ash nods.

His father softens a little. "Give her a chance, okay? I'm not saying you have to marry her, but you really do need to marry soon. We need an alliance. Iliana is a good country. They're a bit more accepting of mages, sure, but they have a good king."

A good king.

Ash had yet to hear his father call him that. Would he be a king that his people would be proud of? Or would he make a mess of it all?

"Ash?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Ash looks up at the king. "Yes?"

"Make sure you keep your head clear," his father reprimands.

"Sorry."

His mother sighs. "What are you thinking about, Ash? You've been unfocused this entire conversation."

He gives her a weak smile. "Just thinking about the princess," he lies.

The queen places a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Sweetie, don't worry so much. She's just like any other girl. Talk to her. You're a wonderful boy. She'll like you. Why don't you go get some rest before the banquet tonight?"

Ash takes the escape gratefully. Bowing his head, he stands and moves to his waiting guard.

Lance takes pity on him and doesn't say a word as the two make their way back to his rooms.

As he reaches for the door handle, Ash glances back at his guard. "Lance?"

"Yes, Your Highness?"

Cringing at the title, he asks, "Do you think I'll make a good king?"

"I don't think it's my place to say that," Lance responds uncomfortably. "I'm your guard and you're my prince."

Ash knew that he would say that, but he couldn't help letting out a sigh of frustration. "Then, let's make this a conversation between friends. One where you're not my guard and I'm not your prince."

Lance studies him, his expression guarded. "Then as one friend to another, I'll have to say that you'll make a fair king. You're kind and smart. But you have a lot to learn about your kingdom. I do believe that one day, you'll make a good king."

"That's your honest opinion?" Ash asks, his mind mulling over Lance's words.

"Yes, Your Highness." His guard hesitates for a second. "And as a friend, may I ask what brought you to ask this question?"

"Just something my father said," Ash replies quietly.

Lance sighs. "For what it's worth, I'm proud to serve you."

A bubble of warmth grows in Ash's chest, and he feels the urge to start crying. "Thank you, Lance. I'm glad that you're here."

"As am I." Lance smiles. "Now, go get ready for the banquet tonight. You know how your mother gets."

Ash nods, watching as his guard turns away.

For what it's worth, I'm proud to serve you.

It was worth a lot.