Xander Dale

"Let me introduce to the person whom my daughter had fallen head over heal for....."

The last sentence made almost all the young men's jaw drop to the floor. The princess, who never even looked at someone no matter how handsom or influential he is had fallen in love with someone. That too a commoner by the King's explanation. Indignation were clear at those young noblemen's faces who were rejected by the Princess.

"Williams.....", the King gestured, and a tall, handsome and a sturdy looking young man stepped forward and stood next to the King.

The aura and the posture he had was not less than that of any King. Many who had known about the princess and her group of friends applauded loudly, but many who looked indignant and jealous were staring daggers at him.

"Let me introduce my Son in law. Williams Morgan. Grandson of Elizabeth and sir. John Morgan of Green town."

Williams bowed his head elegantly with a warm smile.

Before the King could continue, a commotion broke down. A group of young, handsome young men stepped forward, bowed to the king and started talking.

"Your Majesty, beg your pardon for interrupting, but we are somewhat unhappy with the choice of the the man, you had made for our Princess. One of the young man said.

"Exactly your highness, any one of us, who are from one of the great, influential and wealthiest families are well matched for our princess." One more person spoke.

"How can we know that, this person is capable of handling himself in a difficult situation let alone take care of our princess?"

"What qualification does he had to marry our princess?"

"What ability is he having to protect our princess or what support can he provide for the kingdom in dire need?"

One after another, everyone spoke for almost ten minutes.

The King was about to loose his temper when Williams touched the King's arm and smiled softly.

When Bella started to speak with indignation on Williams behalf, he put his hand on her shoulder and smiled warmly and shook his head calming her.

The King was surprised to see how calm Williams was and felt proud of his daughter's selection.

"Is there something that can make everyone here accept that I am worthy of the princess?" William asked to those who were standing with defiance infront of them.

There was a sinister smile on all the faces.

A bulky young man, looked like the leader of the group came forward." I changed you to a duel. If you win against me, the strongest man of our generation, We will accept that you are worthy. If you loose, your Majesty, Princess Bella should marry me. The most capable one."

"And who you might be?" Williams asked with a puzzled expression. But his curious question made the ladies on the stage giggle and other boys smirk.

This stoked the anger of the bulky man by a couple of notch.

"I am Xander Dale. Son of Duke Roger Dale of Horrington City."

Murmurs and whispers started to circulate around the banquet hall.

The name Xander Dale was well known in the Kingdom for his strength, boldness and his cunning nature.

But the smile on Williams face did not wavered. He looked at Harry who sighed and steeped forward knowing fully that Williams doesn't want to waste his time engaging in an unnecessary fight with someone who is honestly asking for a beating.

Xander looked at Harry with a suspicious look. Before Harry could even open his mouth, Xander spoke " What? Will you be fighting me instead of that coward? Old man, it's better you stay behind your master unless you want me to kick your ass. "

Gasps were heard across the hall. Even the King and the Queen were having a shocked look on their face. Williams sighed and looked at Xander with pitty. But, Harry grinned devilishly.

"So young man. Are you sure that, you can kick my ass?" Harry wanted to take a step forward but Williams held him back. "Master Harry you don't need to act for this."

"Master Harry..... The Master Harry. Grandmaster Harry." The words circulated in the entire banquet hall.

"Oh no, Xander insulterd Grandmaster Harry....." everyone who were behind Xander took a couple of steps back in shere panic and fear.

Duke Roger Dale scurried forward and bowed deeply to the King and then to Harry. "Grandmaster Harry, please don't take my son's words seriously. He is just heartbroken and is speaking nonsense. I beg your forgiveness. "

"It's alright duke Dale, I was about to persuade your son not to face my disciple. Alas, I hope he would be in a single piece after the duel." The room fell silent.