Page 32 of Quest for her Knights
Chapter thirteen
Elora
“Are you sure I look okay?” I ask Arrow for the third time, nervously smoothing down my long skirt.
“Yes, Princess, you look perfect,” he says, offering a warm smile. He doesn’t touch me, just gestures to where I should walk. I glance up at the massive estate in front of me, then roll my shoulders back, take a deep breath, and step forward.
We’d spent five nights in the forest before arriving at the Carlington Estate. Thankfully, I hadn’t suffered any more insomnia, as Arrow and Blaze had taken it upon themselves to help me fall asleep each night since I confessed my exhaustion.
It’s shocking what a little sleep can do for your mental state. I felt so much more like myself, even managing to shorten a few of my dresses along the way. But Ranger made it very clear I needed to wear the longer ones when meeting the lords. He’s the expertin propriety, so I decided to listen. I didn’t want to make a poor first impression on my potential future husbands.
Besides, Ranger is the leader of our little group, even if he irritates me sometimes. Like every time I start having a real conversation with one of the others, he suddenly finds a task for them, leaving me alone.
It’s not just that I want company, I’m genuinely curious about them. Blaze has a thing for herbs. He’s always foraging when we stop, and he makes me a new tea blend every night.
Arrow is true to his name. He’s always crafting bows and arrows around the campfire, and it’s mesmerizing to watch. Draven, meanwhile, polishes his many, many weapons each evening, despite not having used any. He reminds me of a secret assassin: quiet, deadly, and waiting to strike.
And then there’s Ranger. He keeps himself slightly apart from the others, though it’s clear he cares about them, especially his brother. It feels like something’s weighing on him, keeping him from relaxing, though I’ve no idea what it is.
“Greetings, and welcome to Carlington Estate,” a warm male voice calls. I glance up the stone steps to see an older man standing in the open doorway.
“Thank you. This is Princess Elora Silverthorn of the North,” Ranger says, gesturing toward me. My instinct is to curtsy, but I know this man isn’t one of the lords, so I offer a friendly smile instead.
“It’s nice to meetyou...”
“Oh goodness! My apologies, Princess!” the man says, his eyes wide as he bows deeply. “I am Edger, the manager of the household.” I’d have to ask my knights later what that meant, but I assumed he helps run the estate’s daily operations.
“It’s nice to meet you, Edger. This is Ranger, my head knight.”
“Ahem, guard,” Blaze coughs into his fist.
“Right—erm, my head guard. And this is Blaze, Arrow, and Draven, my other… guards.” I try not to grin. I wasn’t sure why, but I liked calling them knights more.
“Welcome to you all. Please, come in. I’ll have your luggage brought in and your horses tended to,” he says, motioning us inside.
“Thank you, that’s very kind.”
“Of course, Your Highness. Are you hungry? The lords just sat down for lunch and would be delighted for you to join them.”
“Oh, yes, that would be lovely, thank you.”
As I walk up the steps, my eyes meet Ranger’s. He gives me a small smile and a nod, a subtle signal that I’m doing everything right.
My knights surround me as Edger leads us through the grand estate. When we reach a set of large double doors, he pauses.
“If you’ll wait a moment, I’ll announce you,” he says, ducking inside.
“Announce me?” I whisper to Blaze, who stands beside me.
“Yes, people are always formally announced when meeting royalty or lords,” he replies.
“Hmm,” I murmur, turning back to the door as Edger’s loud voice booms out.
“Your lordships, I present Her Royal Highness, Princess Elora Silverthorn of the North, and her royal guards.”
I try not to smirk at the title. No part of mefeelslike a princess, it’s like acting in some elaborate role-playing game.
“Head up, Princess,” Ranger whispers, stepping into the room ahead of me to ensure it’s safe. After a moment, he beckons me in. I square my shoulders and walk through the doors.
