A Dragons Favor

The aroma of freshly roasted pheasant filled my nose. Long tables filled the dining hall with every kind of food imaginable. There was roasted pheasant, bread rolls, vegetables of every kind, pies, cakes, puddings even some things I couldn't identify. The king had spared no expense for tonight's feast. I, like many of the servants, roamed about refilling goblets with wine. I've never seen such gluttony, these men acted as though they were starving. Little did they know of actual famine, should they wander the streets of the city they would see exactly how the king treated his actual subjects. I was very fortunate to be sheltered in the castle.

Clink Clink

The sound of silverware against a golden goblet filled the dining hall.

"Settle down everyone!" The king roared, his voice sending chills down my spine.

"Thank you all for coming to join us on such a momentous occasion! As you know my daughter Flora has come of marrying age, this will provide quite an opportunity for one of you! Tonight eat and rest well for tomorrow begins the competition for her hand in marriage and with it half my kingdom!"

A cheer rose from the hall, there were so many drunken men a few had forgotten their place and started chasing chamber maids through the halls. I truly dread who would become the princesses husband.

Glancing around I saw my chance to escape and snuck away. Once outside I drew a sharp breath, the crisp fall air was quite a contrast to the musky heat of the dining hall. I couldn't wait until all of this was over and things would go back to normal. Making my way to the horse stables I felt someone watching me. Whipping around I frantically looked for whomever was stalking me, but saw no one. It had to be my imagination afterall I would be severely punished if I was caught not attending our guests.

Upon entering the stables I grabbed a small bucket of oats, it had been a while since I visited the stables I hope mothers horse wouldn't be too angry. I chuckle, imagining a horse holding a grudge. An excited whinny filled my ears as I approached the correct stall, Silvermane. She was such a beautiful horse with a grey coat speckled with white spots, her silver mane glistened in the moonlight.

"Hi 'ole girl, you hungry? I promise soon I'll take you out things have been, er..A little crazy" I sighed.

The wisdom in her eyes told me she understood exactly what I was speaking about.

"You know she can't understand you, right?"

A slight yelp escaped my lips as I whipped around.

"Eric! You scared me to death!"

A fat, freckled face man covered in filth stepped from the shadows

"Escaping your duties are we?"

"I just needed some air..."

"Suppose his majesty were to find out..."

"You wouldn't!" I glared at him.

"Of all the nerve!" I shuddered and stormed past him.

"You'll be mine soon enough girl!" He sneered as I strode past.

He was why I never go to the stables anymore, he was at least three times my age and simply disgusting. The only thing worse than his appearance was his personality, A man only set out for his own pleasure. I sighed as I neared the castle again, I know I shouldn't be picky with my suitor choices seeing that I only had the one but, I'd rather die an old maid than submit to him.

I glanced around the dining hall for the princess, it was late, time to get her off to bed so she's rested for tomorrow's events. I spot her by the stairs tapping her shoes with her arms crossed.

"Where have you been?!" she hissed.

"I, uh...well..."

"Nevermind! I'm off to bed, go draw me a bath I reek of wine and men!"

"Yes m'lady."

I can tell shes gonna be insufferable these next few days, perhaps she'll receive a new servant upon her engagement and I will be free of her. Wishful thinking I suppose.

"Your bath m'lady"

"Finally! Now leave my sight, I wish to be alone."

"Goodnight, your highness."