Snippet #2389448

Nikolas stared at Matilda, confused. The swan was as feral of a beast as any, and frankly, the fact the she had calmed it so quickly was frightening. She had a sense of authority he would never understand, something Sebastien ingrained into all of the princesses from a young age. They were royalty and they sure did exude the prestige expected from them. He remembered faintly staring up from the salty docks as a young child, the calm breeze casting over his face staring high up at the castle, wondering what was up there -- who was up there. He stepped forward, about to speak and somehow justify his case. The princess spoke.

"Come, I shall tend to both your wounds," Nikolas could have melted there, sensing the sincerity in her eyes. He would have given up his sword, his shield, placed them down to be picked up by another. All he wanted was some semblance of stability, a life where your best friend was not constantly at risk of dying in combat, or where you werenot always fearful whether or not you would make it back to your sister in time for her birthday. He gulped, still embarrassed, bowing his head.

"Of course, milady, I. . . apologize for this," he followed her, stopping at Gregoir first before leaving.

"I have a lot to explain to you Gregoir, perhaps we should integrate swans in Caldomaa's beastiary sections?" he grinned, ignoring the pain in his nose.

Gregoir raised an eyebrow, "You don't need to explain nothin' sir, just have a good time," a smile perked up on the side of his lip, subtly gesturing to the princess, walking away.

"I'll handle things here," Gregoir finished.

Nikolas smiled, "Aye ser," he said, nodding his way before following after the princess.

Nikolas caught up to her, walking by her side. His mind had reached a dead-end, and he didn't know what words to say or jive to play that could possibly salvage the awkwardness of his fight with the swan. He spoke the most prominent thing that came to his mind.

"You look wonderful as always princess," he complimented, wriggling his nose, trying to ignore the pain.