The Knight Revealed

“Your Highness, the sitting of the guests—the position of each ambassador must show his rank. The ceremonial procession." A voice behind us made Rowan and me stop in our tracks, and soon in the distance came an elder approaching us.

Rowan made a slight bow to the man and looked at me. We will see your knight later, smooth, smooth," he said to halt the conversation. "For now, focus on the evening. Before the supper with our confederate kingdoms, there is much to be ready for.

I scowled a little and nodded my head. Not of this; there was no arguing with him. In some way, Rowan was grounding despite the presence of the councilor who insisted on the matter. He walked slowly with me, the elders following, murmuring instructions, reminders, and little suggestions.

“You will be standing here,” one of them said, in a place where there was a great archway. “Speak low, and speak with authority. Eye contact should be maintained when answering questions, but be polite. Dance; do not think so much about the steps; think more about presence.”

I attempted to memorize it and did the movements in my mind as they were correcting me—the way my head was bent, the way my chin was tilted, and the way my words were spoken. At first, I stumbled. My nerves failed, my hands shook, and my words stuck in my throat. However, gradually, under the silent stimulation of Rowan and the cautious instruction of the elders, I started to fit.

The time flew by unknowingly. The sun went down on the horizon, filling the palace with golden and rose light. My rooms were a tornado of dressing: hair twisted into wreaths, make-up put on in a manner that called no attention to itself, a gown of rich sapphire that clung to my figure without leaving it bare, and gloves that came up to my elbows. The crown had not been seen, and that ceremony was many hours off.

As dinnertime came, I walked into the great hall, and my heart was racing. Chandeliers glittered overhead, and the light was reflected upon the polished marble floors. The nobles, dignitaries, and royalties of allied kingdoms interacted and engaged in polite dialogues, bowing and shaking hands. There was a dense atmosphere of anticipation and faint tension.

I walked between the guests as I was asked, and my steps were not that natural; my smile was practiced but natural enough to conceal my inner world. Rowan was standing by me, a silent rock in the tempest of new faces and inquisitive eyes.

At the moment of my speech I came on, with hands clenched loosely. My voice shook initially, but I was able to calm it down.

“Ladies and gentlemen, guests, friends,” I started, bowing my head. “I have not seen Valeon in a long time, but I am coming back with a feeling of duty and purpose. I am pleased to serve our kingdom and collaborate with all of you to achieve prosperity, stability, and unity. I value your devotion and encouragement and wish that one day, we will be great.”

Polite applause followed. I made a second bow and took a minute's rest before I retreated to the side of Rowan.

The remainder of the evening was spent indistinctly through talk, toasts, and laughter. However, after the night had gone on, I realized something that left me feeling uncomfortable and twisting my stomach. Princes, one or two of them, were overtly toying with me, leaning over, murmuring compliments, asking me to dance, and making attempts to please me in manners that seemed too personal for a person with whom I had little or no acquaintance.

I had to smile, nod, and laugh in a polite manner, but I was tense inside.

Finally, I found a reprieve. I bowed out gracefully and went back to the side of Rowan, trying to calm down.

“They are flirting with me,” I said, a feeble effort at humor.

Rowan smiled, though bitterly, and his eyes were hard. "You should get used to it. These, at least, are the prospective husbands, as far as they are concerned.”

I frowned, shaking my head. Rowan I am not interested in these men. I can't... I can't pretend to be."

He touched me on the shoulder, strong and confident. "The council must never know. For now, you play along. After the dinner we will discuss solutions.

I nodded unwillingly, thankful that he understood yet afraid that I had to act like that. The rest of the dinner went off without any trouble, but my thoughts were with the shade of anxiety the princes had left behind them.

At last, the dinner came to an end. Visitors started walking away with the servants of the palace. The hall that had been busy became silent.

Rowan looked to me with an inexpressible expression, but with an expression of anticipation. "It's time," he said.

My stomach clenched. "Time for...?"

He smiled faintly. "Your knight. He has arrived."

I hesitated, struck between surprise and fear. Possible thoughts flashed through my mind: Who was this man? Would he be lanky, tough, and threatening? Somebody whom I should be able to trust with my life and yet respect?

A maid now came out practically at once, sliding rocket-like over the hall. She curtly bowed, then spoke. Your Highness, the knight is called and is waiting on you.

I breathed deeply and got myself straight as Rowan leaned his head. The seconds passed, and with each stroke of the clock they seemed immeasurably long.

 Then, the door opened.

Some man entered the hall and moved with the calmness and accuracy of one who had been bred in the high school to hold the center of attention. He stood perfectly, and his shoulders were as squared as possible, and his movements were determined yet flowing. The dress of the royal guard was his, and he wore armor over a plain uniform, and his boots were polished to a mirror finish, his gloves immaculate.

The silence was broken by the voice of Rowan. This is your personal knight, Cassian. He will act in your service and keep you safe and secure.

I swiveled around and looked at him, and I was unable to breathe.

It couldn't be.

My heart sank, and my head exploded.

It was him.

The man I had encountered in a club a few days before. The one-night stand that I had hoped to never see again.

And now... he was my knight.