Up until King Elbrick mentioned his daughter was missing, Stephen was ready to escape the first chance he got. Now, however, he realized that his position may not be all that bad. First off, his parents were wizards here. Well, a wizard and a witch, to be precise. So maybe Stephen had magic as well? Second, the King was ordering Stephen to serve him, which meant the King wanted him to save his daughter. What did Kings normally do for heroes who saved their daughters in the stories Stephen had watched and read?

Stephen blushed slightly, and the King took notice.

“Did I say something vulgar?” King Elbrick raised an eyebrow towards Stephen, but the boy wasn’t so sure it was an amused gesture.

Stephen shook his head, “No, erm, your majesty. I think it’s just exhaustion.”

King Elbrick nodded, “Yes, the magic that brought you here does that, though most people with an affinity for magic aren’t affected.”

Stephen was suddenly very nervous, what if he didn’t have magic? In fact, what was magic, in this world?

The King took another swig of his wine, then set the cup down hard. His voice boomed with authority as he announced, “That shall be all for today. For now, you’re to go to your quarters. It was prepared for you as soon as we sensed your approach, about three weeks ago, I’d say.”

Stephen’s blood cooled, “I beg your pardon?”

King Elbrick looked annoyed, “I do not repeat myself.”

“You said you first knew I was coming three weeks ago?”

“Well, of course, it may have felt like a moment for you, but teleportation magic is not so simple.” King Elbrick looked at Stephen like he was a dumb child, so Stephen just shook his head. It was demeaning, Stephen thought, but if he wanted to learn anything else, he’d have to play along for now.

“Of course, my apologies.” Stephen decided he didn’t like this king. He simply hoped that the king would treat him like a hero, in due time. Maybe he’d rally the people against him or something when Stephen succeeded in his quest.

The magical knights' loud hollow legs jarred Stephen to his senses as his chair slid backward away from the table.

“Time for you to get some rest, you’ll begin training in the morning. Meet with the Court Wizard first thing in the morning. You will find him in the library on the second floor, East Wing.”

With that, Stephen was led from the room by the knights. Their feet marched along with floor with an unnatural pace, going Chunk Chunk Chunk. Stephen tried his best to keep up, every time he fell back he was pushed along by another knight behind him.

“So much for being treated like a hero,” Stephen muttered. His excitement for getting involved in a ‘Save the Princess’ situation was quickly deteriorating into ‘I wanna get back at the king.’

The knights brought Stephen to the opposite side of the castle on the ground floor. He passed a few doors until they reached the end of the hall, stopping at a door to the left. The hollow magical suit of armor in front knocked on the door. The knocked again when he didn’t get a response. Then again.

The suit of armor tapped a finger impatiently on his side, creating a pattern of Clinks which progressively grew louder. Finally, the door opened, and a flustered maid greeted the knights.

“I’m sorry, Kate spilled the vase earlier and I sent her away. I was cleaning the mess until now.”

The knight made no motion that indicated he listened to the maid. As soon as she opened the door, the knights all turned in unison and marched away. The maid watched them with a worried expression,

“Oh, I wish they would just…” The maid’s voice trailed, then she turned to Stephen, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Young Master Stephen. I hope I’m right when I say you look like a friendly face.”

Stephen tried very hard not to stare. The maid standing before him was nearly as striking to Stephen as his mother was to his father’s coworkers. The maid was tall, around 5’11”, with rich, thick brown hair that rested in a braided tail over her right shoulder. Stephen found his thoughts wandering as his eyes fell to the maid’s full-figured…

“I’ll show you around the place,” The maid announced, turning so quickly her uniform twirled gracefully around her legs. She showed Stephen the enormous, soft bed that was buried under several coordinated sheets and blankets; the immaculate dresser and wardrobe stuffed with expensive-looking suits and tunics; the adorable side table with a blossoming mix of tulips and daisies; and finally the glossy coffee table draped under a silken cloth.

It was incredible, Stephen thought as he took in the scenery outside the towering windows. There was even a hedge maze, surrounded by an ocean of flowers – every color dotted the grassy hills. A rim of mountains, clouded in a misty haze far, far in the horizon, separated the setting sunlight into blades of deep purple and orange.

“It’s amazing,” Stephen said with a sign. The maid stepped up beside him. Stephen felt his eyes wander from the landscape.

The maid just nodded, she was used to the view; and she was also no stranger to wandering gazes. It’d been a long time, the maid thought, but it was a shame he was so young. Maybe she’d have a better chance, the maid thought as she smiled.

Stephen saw the smile and quickly turned, embarrassed, Did she notice?

“I’m sorry to say it’s time to turn in,” The maid reached up with one arm and pulled a cord. Heavy silk curtains slid closed. As soon as the sunlight was blocked off, the room was lit by several candles placed around the room.

The maid turned to Stephen, “I will leave you to rest. Breakfast will arrive in the morning and I'll introduce you to the maid who will be taking care of you during your stay.”

Stephen couldn’t help the disappointed tone in his voice, “Oh, you won’t be in charge of me?”

The maid smiled, a twinkle of candlelight in her eyes, “No, not usually, at least. My apprentice, Kate, will take good care of you, I promise.”

The maid turned to leave, but she stopped just before she closed the door and turned once more, “Forgive my rudeness, my name is Isabelle. I grew up with your parents, you know. I knew them very well.”

Stephen’s jaw dropped open. If Isabelle knew his parents, let alone grew up with them, then she couldn’t be younger than…

Isabelle smiled, “Goodnight, Stephen Cray.”

The door shut, and Stephen was left on his own. As Isabelle left Stephen’s room behind, she felt excitement bubble up in her chest; excitement, and just a little bit of dread.