Jousting Tournament

"Princess Beatrice, you're looking radiant today!" Lady Van Clyde complimented her.

Lady Van Clyde had been a dear friend to her mother.

"Thank you, Lady Van Clyde, and for attending the festivities on such short notice."

"Her majesty has naught to do, but ask and I shall be of service. I have always been quite fond of you." She smiled warmly, which made the princess smile.

Lady Van Clyde knelt beside her throne and whispered. "Your mother was very dear friend. If you ever need anything, please let me be of assistance to you." She kissed the princesses hand which rested on the armrest of the throne.

She got up, curtsied and went to her seat.

Princess Beatrice looked forward towards the arena. The crowd cheered as the newly appointed Royal Jester stood on a nearby wooden box. Cupping both of his hands around his mouth and started speaking as loudly as he could.

"Hear ye, hear ye, let the jousting tournament, begin." The crowd roared applause and it made the princess far more excited to see the spectacle the Prince had planned for her. "On my left, we have the mighty and victorious Prince William."

Prince William gallantly rode up and down the arena, exhibiting his strength and agility on his noble steed. The crowd cheered him on. When he got to Princess Beatrice he stopped his steed, and got down. He bowed low to her. She didn't know what to expect.

"You may rise, Your Royal Highness." Her eyes sparkled in the sunlight.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I wonder if I could have the honor of dedicating today's victory to you."

He was the picture of nobility, she thought.

He was also sweet. He was thinking of her always he had said. She looked down not expecting him to say this aloud. She stood up then walked over to him.

She removed her golden bracelet that her mother had gifted her and gave it to him, placing it in the palm of his right hand. He looked down at the gift, knowing it symbolized much more than the victory he would find today. He smiled.

"Thank you, for your favor."

He lit up.

She did as well.

She walked back to her seat and sat down, straightening her dress as she did the Jester continued, " And the opponent! The one to dare to challenge the mighty and victorious. The gallant and strong, Gregory!"

Gregory was a well known favorite knight of the people. He was kind, handsome and always loyal. He had been friends with William for two years now. The crowd went wild. The cheering and applause magnifying it.

Prince William waited on his horse on the opposite side of the arena, in position for battle. The anticipation created a buzz in the air. It was strong. This was what the people wanted to see. The crowd continued to cheer vigorously for a few more minutes until it died down. Where was Gregory?

She started looking around at her surroundings. She saw it first. She thought it was a hallucination until Clancy looked in the same direction and exclaimed, "Who in Jesus name is that!"

Princess Beatrice saw a beautiful black horse with blood red eyes. She had never seen this horse before or any other like it. Atop, it sat a knight, who if stood up would have easily been taller than 6'8. His armor was all black. No one could see his eyes. He didn't look human. It was a ghost conjured up by the demon king, the princess thought to herself, but she couldn't let anyone know she had any idea about what was currently taking place.

Maybe her mother had been right about jousting...