Chapter 324: Choice

The fresh breeze of the night caressed the princess' face and made her beautiful blonde hair flutter softly. From the tall balcony she stood on, she looked at the sea below, each gentle wave sending up foam that quickly disappeared from the shore.

The winds from the southern seas made the edges of her white gown dance in time with the twinkling stars above.

The sea of stars shining in myriad colors, accompanied by the song of the waves, used to calm her nerves.  But on this particular night, she did not find the serenity she sought.

In her hands, she held a wooden box with such a delicate grip. Even with a glance, it was clear the box was made with great craftsmanship, with beautiful, carved vines and leaf patterns.

"It's… It has been more than a year, why do I suddenly remember you again…?"

The princess held the box as if it was a treasure. It was a memento she kept since the incident that night, the incident that cost her a friend and chained her with regret ever since.

That boy had been her friend for so long, and that night, she threw it all with an unthinkably painful deed that plagued the back of her mind even now.

The princess let her fingers touch the wooden box, feeling each bump and ridge before pressing down on a certain spot. The box popped open, showing a figurine of a girl who looked just like her.

The wooden box was just a little toy, but it was enough to turn around the princess' frown into a small chuckle. It was a reminder of the good were the times they spent together.

It was said you would only realize how important someone was when they were no longer in your life, and now, the princess felt the words rang truer than ever.

"Emery…" She touched the figurine, feeling the care that was put into each detail. "Why are you haunting my memories now? Was it because of your unjust death?"

The moment was suddenly interrupted by a noise from outside her room. She placed the box in her room's bedside table and stopped a maid walking down the halls to ask what just happened.

The maid explained the court physician was just visiting the king's room and the round of medications for the day had just been administered. She closed the door to her room and ran towards her father's room.

She opened the door to the king's royal chamber and found her father sitting down propped up by pillows. His expression was one of peaceful half-slumber.

The princess walked closer and sat next to him before asking in a whisper.

"Is it your chest again, father?"

The king's eyes fluttered open and he smiled at his daughter. "It's nothing of concern, my dear… this is just what being old is."

King Richard the Lioness, he was a great knight who led the kingdom to so many victories back when he was young. But now just like everyone else, age had ravaged his body and his battles continued in the form of fighting the myriad sicknesses that periodically ravaged his body.

Gwen pulled the blanket over her father's body. It was a chilly night, and some warmth would provide comfort.

"Ah, my beautiful daughter, you are so perfect… The man who will marry you one day will become the luckiest man on Earth…"

Gwen shook her head slowly. "Maybe not that lucky, considering he will have you as a father in law and you can't even listen to your own daughter. This is not the first time the court physician told you to rest and it's certainly not the first time I told you to rest, either."

"Ahahaha, my dear daughter… Yes, yes, you are always right…"

The two enjoyed their bonding moment in silence. Gwen, not knowing what to do, simply caressed her father's hand. After a few minutes, the king slowly spoke up.

"I like what you have done in the event, daughter, and I can see what you are trying to do… But, though those squires are important, it's more important to appease the nobles…"

Gwen's expression turned sour for a bit, but she decided to settle with a long sigh.

"Father, you know I will disagree, but please, we should not debate about this again."

"Yes, I understand, my daughter, but we should do what we must. I am afraid they will come for you like hungry wolves when I am not here."

Gwen could understand what her father meant clearly. The moment the king passed away, all of those false, power-hungry nobles would bicker and tear each other out for a little more taste of the addicting power.

"If only our kingdom had its own strong forces, we would never need to worry about those nobles and about our borders… The death of Sir Bagdemagus only made everything even worse."

Thinking about strong forces, Gwen reminded about the certain rumor she heard

"Father, I heard you have been trying to recruit a wizard for the court, is there any pro- "

"Hah!" The king shouted, his anger made him gasp for breath, forcing Gwen to calm him down. "That was all Fantumar's work! You know how I feel about magic, and that said wizard even has the nerve to reject my invite! Huh! never ask me about it again!"

Instantly, Gwen felt guilty and she quickly apologized.

The king gasped for breath, in, out, in, out, until he finally calmed down.

"My daughter… All I wish for is someone suitable you can marry, so I can feel at peace sooner. As long as you are safe, I want nothing else."

"Father, please do not worry about that." Gwen shook her head. "You don't need to look for anyone or anything, I have a plan for that."

Gwen's words made the king smile with joy in spite of the pain, as if he just heard the news of a rare event. So far, in the last few years, the princess had been rejecting all the suitors he attempted to set up with her.

"Who was it that you chose, daughter? Was it Prince Edward of the Cantiaci?"

"No, father, I have a plan, let me deal with it. For now, please just rest. Nothing would make me happier than your health, father." Gwen turned away.

That was not enough to dissuade the king out of his joy and he kept on questioning her.

"Don't tell me you are choosing that Fantumar boy? I thought you hated him-… Ah, no, that can't be it. You must be looking for someone within Lioness, but not him… Ha!" The king's eyes glinted with mischief. "Was it the young man from today? He's very talented, and definitely much good looking compare to that Abe boy... I can see why you want him"

Gwen gave a small smile and asked in exasperation. "Father, you sure really are too excited about this."

"Don't keep this poor old man guessing, my dear daughter… Tell me."

She looked away. Though she had said she had a plan, she herself was not sure and she only said that in an attempt to make her father worry a little bit less. "Father, I'm still not sure of my choice. Let me see what happens when I see him next week."

The king realized who she was talking about and smiled. "Next week? Don't tell me You mean him? you agree then daughter? You are full of surprises, just like your mother."

"No, no… Father, my mother chose a simple squire, as for me… I have to think about what is best for my people, and for that, he will be the best choice… The prince of Logress himself, Arthur Pendragon."