Part 5
“Princess, the king is coming to see you…�
“my father?� Pan asked, looking up from her studies.
“no, the other king…� her maid informed, holding back a giggle. She nearly couldn’t help herself when he announced himself earlier at the door the princess’s chambers.
“May I stop for today?� Princess Pan asked, turning to her tutor.
“you may,� she replied, “you’ve worked hard enough.�
Pan squealed, hugging her tutor, “Nuna help me find a dress….�
“what’s wrong with that one?� her tutor asked
“well he’s already seen it once today,� Pan explained, “the other day I heard the servants down by the kitchen say that to keep a man interested you must undress a lot….so I figure I should air out all my clothes and change them a lot because it seems men like that….�
Nuna gasped, turning pink, “you heard that in the kitchen? Oh lord…�
He tutor chocked, suppressing a laugh, “so I take it you like the king?�
Pan’s smile grew, her eyes shining, “certainly, he’s handsome enough.�
“is that all?� her tutor prompted.
“well, what else?� Pan asked, not understanding where this was going.
“well, a man and especially a king, should carry a little more than a good countenance to be worthy of a princess,� her tutor explained, “he should have ambition, he should have love but most of all he should be just and firm in equality.�
Pan paused, thinking, “well I’ve only just met him but I’m sure he’s all those things….�
Her tutor sighed at her naivety, “well then, by all means, hurry to change your dress…�
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“that’s a nice dress princess, it compliments you well…�
Pan coyly glanced down at herself, another trick she learned from eaves dropping on the maids. They said you should always be humble in a response to man’s compliment, it makes them feel better. “thank you,� she replied, “so how do you like our lands?�
“from what I’ve seen,� Cee replied, looking out into the Yasamuri fields, “it’s a beautiful vastness, stretching far into the horizon. Your buildings and stock are well maintained, your soldiers competent, your father’s done a good job…�
Pan grinned from ear to ear, nothing made her happier than hearing another talk of her mother and father, “thank you your highness, I can receive no higher compliment.�
“So what about yourself?� Cee asked, as they got off their horses by the castle courtyard, “I hear you are still studying.�
“yes,� Pan nodded, letting him help her down from her snow white horse, “I’m beginning my studies…I’ve completed all of my court and etiquette training but father reckons I should delve deeper into politics and history now that its coming time for my coronation…that’s why he’s hired me a new tutor…�
“oh,� Cee replied, “that’s good to hear, so you’re not crowned yet?�
She shook her head, “no, as you’ve probably already heard, I’m not directly part of the Kongying bloodline, my grandmother was The king’s aunt so although I hold some lineage of the Kongying dynasty, I originally have a different surname, that is until he king and queen adopted me…I’ve been grateful and for the most part, the Yasamurian population has received me well but some reckon that the queen should try to borne a real heir…the argument has gone on for many years whether or not to officially coronate me and crown me princess and finally they’ve reached an agreement…actually it happened right before you arrived, I don’t know the terms of the agreement, all I know is that the council has decided to coronate me and legitimize my claim to the throne…�
“that’s good to hear, a country is not stable without an heir, I’m sure you would make a great queen when it comes your time to rule…�
“thank you,� she said again, surprised. No one has ever taken the time to consider her feelings about this; everyone just took it for granted that she agreed to be heir. Well, no one except her tutor who had strong beliefs about women and a woman’s right to rule. She always encouraged pan to learn as much as possible. But King Cee’s assurance also propelled her confidence.
“well, I’ve got to get back,� Pan said, “dusk is setting and I’d like to change for dinner…�
Cee nodded, “I’ll take the horses to the stable…�
“you don’t have to, the stable boys are probably off at dinner but I can just call one to come do it…�
He shook his head, “its alright, I’ve worked with horses my entire life…I don’t want to bother the workers, I can do it…�
“you are sure?� Pan asked, unsure.
He nodded, “yes, I’d like the chance to explore your stables anyhow..�
She nodded, “I will see you at dinner then.�
He bowed slightly, “until then…�
She turned to leave, smiling for some reason.
Cee made his way to the stables, pulling both horses with him. Upon arrival both animals relaxed, realizing their familiar environment. Cee found their stables next to each other and led them in, coaxing them softly. And then he heard it, soft muffled talking. Who would be here at his hour? He thought, most servants were off at dinner and so was the members of the court.
Stealthily he tip toed down the stables, towards the end, coming closer to the muffled sounds. Using his height he peered over the stable that the talking was coming from and discovered something he wasn’t expecting.
One was a horse, the darkest shade of midnight, adorned by a glorious jet black mane with one pure streak of red. He’s only ever heard of this breed of horses in stories…This was the most aggressive breed of horse and hardest to break…but what was most amazing wasn’t the horse, but the woman stroking its mane.
She was….well beautiful in a breath taking way, her soft brown hair still visible in the setting light. She was brushing the animal’s hair with her fingers, talking to him like a companion. He was surprised the animal didn’t kick her or struggle.
He could feel his breath sucked out of his chest, his voice lodged in his throat. There was something about her that stole away his ability to think and function correctly…he wanted to get closer…and discover who she was…
