The Troll's Trove Ch. 07

Chapter 7 - Prince Charming

J

orn's boots tapped out a rapid cadence as he raced down the stairs. Blue sky showed overhead while teal pennants rippled in the modest wind.

Blackrock's knights already filled the bailey. Stable hands rushed to and fro to relieve men of their mounts.

King Trygg was at the foot of the stair. Jorn took up his position opposite of Guard Sven.

"Is she ready?" King Trygg said, in clipped notes. "Did you find my wife?"

"Queen Elva was in the Princess's chambers, Sire. The Queen said she and Princess Adalayd would be along shortly."

"They'd better hurry. They'll miss their chance to size up Prince Eluf."

Jorn wasn't sure what the point was. The fiery Princess had all but announced she wouldn't marry Blackrock's Prince. Jorn knew his king well enough to know Trygg would never force it. Freyja be praised.

A gentle hand upon his shoulder startled Jorn. Queen Elva nudged him aside to take her place beside her husband. Princess Adalayd trailed more slowly.

As she passed, the Princess picked her gaze off the hem of her skirts for a quick glance at him and his heart paused. Her eyes were big, round and liquid like low-hanging rainclouds.

It'll be okay, Adalayd. A week. Then they'll be gone, then I promise— He wasn't sure what he could promise.

Princess Adalayd took her place one step below him. Her gown was sleeveless and her tawny hair had been piled atop her head. With her head hanging, her neck, her back and her freckled shoulders were exposed mere hand-spans away. Her scent made Jorn ache.

Steel-clad wheels clattered upon cobbles drawing Jorn's attention back to the scene unfolding before him. Two clarions trumpeted King Magnar's arrival. Four raven-black draft horses drew his carriage up to the foot of the stair.

A footman leapt from the carriage and hurried to let down the step. Whitewall's royal family let out a collective gasp as a broken faced, one-eyed Turls stepped down. The monster ignored the royals and moved to one side of the carriage door.

Trygg pushed Jorn back into position with one hand. He hadn't been aware he'd forced his way forward. Jorn gave ground and a heartbeat later a clarion sounded. Blackrock's men snapped to attention. There was a clap of boots behind him and Jorn knew that an equal number of Whitewall's men had done the same.

"I present you," Turls called, "the Lord Knight of the Stonetower, Lord of Overlook, His Royal Majesty, King Magnar Haakon, Sovran Ruler of Blackrock!"

Tall, corded with muscle, heavy beard, salt and pepper hair and face seemingly carved from basalt, King Magnar stepped forth.

"And traveling with him, First Knight of Stonetower, His Grace, Prince Eluf Haakon Heir to Blackrock."

Prince Eluf stepped from the carriage. His cobalt eyes alighted upon the Princess. He shoved his Sire aside, bypassed Whitewall's Royal Couple and went to a knee before Adalayd. His lips hovered over her hand.

Prince Eluf's eyes rose to meet Ada's. He rotated her hand and kissed her wrist. His lips lingered.

Princess Adalayd sucked in a sharp breath. A roseate tide drown the cinnamon dusting of freckles upon her pale flesh. Jorn's knuckles ached where they banded the haft of his spear.