Prince Tangent walked through the trading areas mainly looking at clothing. He loved to dress in fine clothing and always looked like a Prince. He was a ladies’ man and flirted with any women he came in contact with as he wondered through the merchants.
Prince Darksoul was over at the Inn drinking and eating. Not real friendly, he would buy drinks for enough people to gather a small group. Then he would boast to them about his various exploits and wealth. Most were stories about how cruel and dominating he had been towards others in the past. His stories always ended with a big laugh from him as he relived the misfortune that had come upon someone else by his hands. Another round of fine ale for the group of listeners encouraged Prince Darksoul to continue on with his yarns and tales.
The three brothers of the Princess were inside the castle dining hall discussing matters of the Kingdom’s military power and security for the upcoming festival. They ran most of the Kingdom’s defenses and held responsibility for outlying lands and outposts. The King had very little involvement in these matters since he had such fine sons to attend to them. The three Princes were capable and made intelligent decisions to keep the Kingdom secure and protected.
The King and Queen were out in the garden enjoying time together and discussing the Festival and Princess Wildheart. Pleased with the way things were going so far, they felt proud. The happiness of Princess Wildheart would be the main concern for them both. Official planners and organizers took care of any details for events such as this, leaving them free to enjoy themselves.
Eventually with business concluded, Prince Morgan and Duke made their way to the Tavern. It was very busy and active while everyone enjoyed the ale and food there. Prince Tangent was inside along the three Prince brothers of Princess Wildheart who had concluded discussions regarding security and military.
Prince Morgan and Duke found a nice small table on one side of the large room to sit. They both ordered up some ale and roasted turkey legs. The items were delivered to them by one of the Tavern Maids who was friendly and welcoming. It had been a long journey and some fresh food and drink were welcomed by them both.
Prince Tangent sat at another table nearby and was just drinking his ale, having already eaten. Prince Tangent noticed Prince Morgan and Duke and thought they looked like good fellows. He rose and walked over to their table and introduced himself. The three exchanged greetings and Prince Morgan invited Prince Tangent to join them at the table. Prince Tangent was happy to meet some new friends and took advantage of the invitation. Prince Tangent told them about his Kingdom and how he enjoyed designing buildings and weapons. He was an engineer at heart. Duke asked him about designing some armor for him and Prince Morgan, Prince Tangent proudly stated he would enjoy doing that very much. The three of them discussed Princess Wildheart. Prince Tangent told them he was there to meet her and hopefully gain her hand in marriage. He explained that he had never met or seen her but had heard she was very beautiful. Prince Tangent needed a wife for a future Queen since his own mother, the Queen, had passed and his father, the King was now becoming old and weak. The three of them also discussed weapons and discovered that Prince Tangent was renowned for his sword skills.
Nearby them sat Prince Darksoul who continued telling stories to a group of locals. He was as usual bragging all about himself. When the Tavern maid brought him fresh ale, he grabbed her and wouldn’t let her go. He and the other men at the table laughed as she was almost in tears trying to escape his clutches. Prince Tangent took notice of this behavior and excused himself from the table. He walked over to Prince Darksouls’ table and asked Prince Darksoul in a polite manner to let the woman go. Prince Darksoul released the woman and turned his attention to Prince Tangent. Prince Morgan and Duke watched as the two Princes introduced themselves to each other. Prince Darksoul told Prince Tangent that he was here to marry Princess Wildheart and understood that Prince Tangent was his only competition. Prince Darksoul explained that he needed a Queen as a trophy for his castle and knew he would be leaving with Princess Wildheart. He believed that he would be the chosen one since he always got what he wanted in one way or another. Prince Tangent then turned and walked back over to the table with Prince Morgan and Duke. It was agreed upon by the three of them that Prince Darksoul would be a troublemaker. Prince Tangent asked Duke and Prince Morgan if they had intended to stay for the festival and compete in the games. Prince Morgan informed Prince Tangent that they had not yet decided about participating in the games but were considering doing so. They would be staying for the festival and may join in the competition at the games.
Princess Wildheart went to join Pricilla in her room. Pricilla was her best friend and was about a year younger than Princess Wildheart. The two of them had been best friends as long as they could remember and were not often apart from each other. Pricilla had been dropped off at the castle by her parents when she was very young. Her parents were extremely poor and felt that a life of servitude at the castle would be better for her than poverty and starvation they faced daily. The Queen immediately took her in and treated her as part of the family. Pricilla is not a Princess but she has one for a best friend. She considers the King and Queen her parents. The King and Queen consider and treat her as their own daughter although Pricilla is not entitled to any royal benefits. Pricilla and Princess Wildheart were discussing the upcoming events. They were both excited about Princess Wildheart getting married and all the festivities surrounding that event. Pricilla had confessed from her heart to Princess Wildheart that she was worried about being left behind when the Princess married. Once the Princess got married they would not be as close as they are now and this made Pricilla insecure and afraid. Princess Wildheart told Pricilla that she would be coming with her after the wedding and that they would always be best friends. That was all Pricilla needed to hear, she felt great joy knowing that she was not going to be left behind. Both of them needed each other for the same reasons and could not imagine being separated for any length of time.
Meanwhile back over in the Tavern, Prince Tangent, Prince Morgan and Duke continued their conversation about the upcoming Festival. Princess Wildheart’s three brothers, the Princes walked in and grabbed a table near them. The brothers were also talking about the upcoming games at the festival and which of them would be winning each of the events. Each of the brothers had champion skills in the areas needed to win the various events. The locals all believed the three Princes would win every event. The three Princes believed the same way. The only question being which brother would win what event.
Prince Morgan asked Prince Tangent about the three brothers. He explained to Prince Morgan that they were the three Princes of the Kingdom. Prince Tangent had already met the three brothers when he arrived. He walked over to their table and asked if they would like to join them in drinks. They agreed and the six of them pushed the tables together and made introductions to each other. The six of them now sat together and enjoyed ale and conversation together.
Not far away Prince Darksoul was getting fairly drunk. He was getting louder and louder. His behavior was getting more obnoxious and annoying. A small beggar boy made his way into the Tavern. He eventually came over to Prince Darksoul and asked him for a handout. All that the boy wanted was maybe a slice of bread or a coin to buy some food with. Prince Darksoul had no tolerance for children and got angry, shoving the boy to the ground. Then he struck the boy across the back with his cane to teach him a lesson. The young boy began crying with the pain from the beating. Prince Darksoul shouted at the boy to get out of the Tavern and not ever come back inside or near him again.
Prince Morgan saw the whole thing and immediately got up and went over to the boy. He stood him up and asked him if he was ok. The boy who was still crying nodded his head yes and said he was fine. Prince Morgan gave the boy a small gold coin and told him to go to the market and by food for himself. The boy ran out of the Tavern with his little gold coin. Then Prince Morgan turned his attention to Prince Darksoul.
“Why would you shove and strike a young boy like that Prince? “ Prince Morgan asked.
“What business is it of yours what I do? You should tend to your own business and not be concerned what I do dimwit,” said Prince Darksoul.
Prince Morgan punched him in the face with no hesitation which knocked Prince Darksoul from his chair to the floor on his back. He was knocked out cold. Prince Morgan then grabbed the cane that Prince Darksoul had struck the boy with and snapped it in half. He tossed the broken cane on the floor next to Prince Darksoul. Prince Morgan had no patience for bullies like Prince Darksoul. Prince Morgan then returned to his table to rejoin the others.
The three Princes told Prince Morgan that he had done the right thing. They all continued drinking and conversing as if nothing had happened. The Tavern Maid brought over a fresh round of ale for the men. The drinks were free, courtesy of the King who had come into the Tavern just in time to see the whole thing. The men raised their cups toasting “Long live the King!” as the King walked over to join them. Duke gave the King his chair and grabbed another to pull up to the table for himself. Introductions were made as Prince Darksoul stumbled to his feet and out the front door mumbling. Duke asked the King about his daughters name and the King explained to him that the Queen had been Wildhearted in her day. With three older brothers he knew his daughter would be just like her mom. The King insisted that Duke and Prince Morgan join in the celebrations after the games honoring Princess Wildheart. Prince Morgan and Duke both were excited and honored to be invited by the King and gladly accepted the invitation. The King asked Prince Morgan and Duke where they were from and the others listened as Prince Morgan explained his journey from his Kingdom in search of his lost sword. The King complemented Prince Morgan for standing up for the beggar boy and asked him why he chose to punch Prince Darksoul. Prince Morgan explained that Prince Darksoul was rude and did not give proper respect to him when he spoke with him about the boy. The three brothers added that Prince Morgan was first to respond but any one of them would have done the same thing since Prince Darksoul was drunk and being obnoxious. Prince Tangent spoke up saying that from the stories he overheard Prince Darksoul telling others he felt Prince Darksoul was a troublemaker. Conversations continued for a while then Prince Morgan and Duke excused themselves from the table and left the Tavern. They told the King and other Princes that they were honored and pleased to meet them. Prince Morgan and Duke felt they had drank enough already and wanted to get some fresh air outside.
THREE
As the two friends walked into the castle courtyard outside the Tavern they discussed the Royal family and Prince Darksoul. They walked toward the markets and Duke said he wanted to go check out the merchant’s wares. Prince Morgan said he was tired of sitting and would go for a walk and catch up with Duke later.
Prince Morgan wandered outside the main castle gates and down a narrow woodland path to one side of the castle. He was enjoying the natural scenery the castle was nestled in. It kind of reminded him of his own Kingdom with all the beauty of nature around him. While walking he came upon a small game trail that led into the wooded area near the castle and decided to explore. Soon he came upon a clear spring fed pool of water. The pool was fresh and inviting on this nice warm day. Prince Morgan decided to strip down and go for a swim. He jumped in the water and found it was cool but refreshing. He swam for a while then got out and redressed himself. It was a nice relaxing swim and he enjoyed the clean fresh feeling he now had. Now refreshed he began walking back up the small game trail toward the main path.
Princess Wildheart and Pricilla were also coming in the opposite direction on the same small game trail. The two of them had left the castle and were intent on relaxation and reflection near the spring pool. They would often go there to clear their thoughts and enjoy private conversations. The three of them met on the narrow path and stopped. Princess Wildheart had never seen this handsome man before.
“Hello! Who are you? I don’t recall seeing you around here before,” said the Princess.
“Hello, I am Prince Morgan,” he said.
The two girls looked at each other and smiled. This must be one of my Prince callers, thought Princess Wildheart.
“I am Princess Wildheart and this is my friend Pricilla,” said Princess Wildheart. “What brings you here Prince Morgan?”
“I was just out for a walk and discovered a beautiful spring fed pond over there,” he said, pointing at the pond.
“Oh, I know it well, I often come here myself,” said Princess Wildheart.
Princess Wildheart thought Prince Morgan was very handsome. Many women in his own Kingdom would like to be married to him of course but he was too busy to trouble with marriage at this time. Prince Morgan was confident but stunned by the beauty of the young Princess Wildheart, he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was so beautiful! Her voice captivated him, her smile, her eyes and every little thing about her just engaged him in a way he hadn’t experienced before. The most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
“You’re the one to be courted for marriage,” said Prince Morgan. “You’re just as beautiful as I had heard Princess. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Who is your friend?”
“Thank you. This is Pricilla, she lives in the castle with the Royal family,” said Princess Wildheart.
“Pleased to meet you also Pricilla,” said Prince Morgan.
“I am glad you have come to call on me Prince Morgan. You are very handsome and I look forward to spending some time with you,” said Princess Wildheart.
“Oh, my apologies Princess, I am a Prince, however I was not one of the suitors your father invited to meet you. I was just passing through in my travels with my friend Duke when I discovered the news about your coming of age and the surrounding festivities,”
Princess Wildheart smiled. “I am a Princess Sir and I can spend time with whoever I please to. I noticed your bracelet Prince, it’s very lovely. May I see it?”
She smiled and reached out to the Prince.
“Oh, sure you can,” said Prince Morgan, removing the bracelet and handing it over to her for inspection.
She examined the bracelet closely and thought it was a very fine piece of jewelry.
“So nice, I think I may want it for myself!”
Princess Wildheart giggled and looked at Pricilla. Pricilla had been just standing there smiling. She knew by the way Princess Wildheart was acting that she liked Prince Morgan very much.
“Well, I might consider giving you the bracelet, for now though, give it back to me,” said Prince Morgan smiling.
“No, I think I want it for myself! You wouldn’t deny a Princess would you?”
Prince Morgan laughed. “Give it back Princess,” he said, with his hand out.
“Come get it if you want it back so bad,” said Princess Wildheart, teasing the Prince.
She ran off laughing with his bracelet and went behind a large tree. Prince Morgan followed and was trying to grab his bracelet but she kept it just out of his reach. The Princess laughed every time he tried to grab the bracelet and failed. Prince Morgan finally got hold of Princess Wildheart and held her arms up pinning her back against the tree. Both of them were laughing. The two just stood there for a moment, each smiling and looking into the others eyes. Somehow, both were thinking the same thought and they closed their eyes and kissed.
“Sorry Princess, I felt drawn to you,” said Prince Morgan.
“Don’t be sorry Prince, I’m not, I liked it,” said Princess Wildheart.
She kissed the Prince again. Pricilla just stood there with her hands over her mouth. She was astonished but very excited in seeing the whole thing take place. She knew that Princess Wildheart had met the man of her destiny.
“Here’s your bracelet Prince, I must go now,” said Princess Wildheart.
She handed the Prince the bracelet and she and Pricilla turned to walk back toward the castle. Prince Morgan put the bracelet back on and watched the two girls walk away, never taking
his eyes off the Princess. She looked back at him over her shoulder once and was smiling.
“Wow Princess! That was some kiss you two had! He is so handsome,” said Pricilla.
“He is the one for me Pricilla. I can feel it in my heart. That man will become my husband,” said Princess Wildheart.
The two of them giggled and talked about the kiss and Prince Morgan all the way back to the castle. It had been an exciting turn of events for Princess Wildheart.
Prince Morgan just stood there where she had left him, stunned with as big grin on his face. His mind was racing with thought. “Princess Wildheart, who would have thought and she is so beautiful! Looks like the contest will have three Princes now.” He started walking back toward the castle the same way he had come. “I must tell Duke right away! I really want this girl!”
Prince Morgan made his way back through the castle gates and located Duke over by the fruit vendors. He excitedly told Duke everything.
“Wow,” said Duke. “She sure has enchanted you Morgan,”
“I know! I don’t know why it happened but she has stolen my heart. I have never, ever felt this way before,” said Prince Morgan. “I will do whatever it takes for me to win her heart and marry her Duke.”
“I’m happy for you Morgan. I believe you will get what you want. You’re considering marriage to her? It must be the real thing then,” said Duke.
“Yes, I believe she would make a perfect wife for me. Believe me Duke, I had no plans to get married. After meeting Princess Wildheart I am convinced that we are destined to be together Duke.”
“Destiny is a powerful force Morgan. No way to stop it from happening or understand why it occurs. You could do worse than to follow your heart.”
The Legend of Princess Wildheart Page 2