Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 29: A Talented Knight

Chapter 29: A Talented Knight

Aideen slowly opened her eyes and took a few moments to focus.

’I can’t believe I fell asleep while riding a coach...’

The rhythmic rocking of the carriage along with the distant howling of the wind created a soothing lullaby that managed to lull the princess to sleep–something she could never do before because she was always anxious about every single trip she had to take.

This time, however, she was at ease. She was certain of her destination as well as the fact that no matter what, she will not be alone and will always be protected.

"Did you sleep well, Your Highness? You woke up just in time, we are arriving at the Capital."

Sir Stanis’s voice and the mention of the Capital finally helped Aideen to wake up completely.

She moved closer to the carriage door and slid the window glass sideways, allowing the cold autumn air to fill the warmth inside the coach.

The princess took a deep breath and closed her eyes again, focusing her attention on the sounds that were so desperate to seep inside the carriage along with the wind.

Aideen recognized it right away because everything about the Capital was now different. Compared to the mysterious stillness of the Northern lands, the city was basking in a sonorous sea of sounds created by the strong life force that persisted, ignoring the relentless flow of time.

’Even when the weather is getting colder with each passing day, the Capital never calms down. I haven’t spent much time in the North but I must admit, I am already feeling homesick. Have I... managed to find my home there in such a short time?’

The word ’home’ made the princess smile involuntarily. Even the mere idea of such a notion was foreign to her and yet, for a reason unknown even to her, she had already linked it with the icy walls of Duke Valentine’s castle.

Unfortunately, that pleasant feeling did not last long. Aideen’s illusions shattered the moment the horses’ hooves stepped on the well-tended, smooth stone road leading to the Royal Palace.

’We are finally here, in the place that I was forced to call home.’

As the carriage stopped in front of the Royal Quarters, someone opened the door from the outside and the lady immediately knew who it was – Duke Tillian Valentine himself. His somewhat unique, musky scent mixed with the subtle hints of leather and myrrh, enveloped the princess when the sudden gust of wind sneaked inside the coach through the opened door.

Tillian helped Aideen get off the carriage in the most careful manner, and the moment her feet touched the ground, the man adjusted Aideen’s coat, and asked,

"Was the journey here pleasant, Your Highness? You do not look exhausted which pleases me greatly."

The sound of the duke’s voice lit up a small spark inside Aideen’s chest. Perhaps she had already gotten used to it just like she had to The North, but it was now obvious – his low voice was now as comforting as the ominous howling of the northern winds.

"Yes, Your Grace, the journey was not tiresome. I was able to get some rest because I knew I could rely on Sir Stanis’s protection."

Stanis, who was now standing behind the lady, scratched the back of his head rather awkwardly and shrugged his shoulders, offering Tillian an embarrassed smile.

"You are too kind, Your Highness."

"Are you going to stay until morning Stanis? You can have this time off and go see your old buddies."

The duke’s assistant shook his head and replied,

"Thank you, Your Grace, but I think it would be better if I go back to the castle right away. Although I trust the Raven Knights, with both of us here, I feel rather uncomfortable."

Tillian acknowledged Stanis’s determination with a nod, then tapped his knight on the shoulder, and said,

"Thank you for your hard work, Sir Stanis."

Stanis jumped back inside the carriage which departed right away, and as the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses’ hooves finally disappeared, Aideen turned to Tilian, and said,

"Sir Stanis seems like a very trustworthy and hardworking person. Would you mind telling me more about him? Since he is your second in command, I feel like I simply must know more about the man whom you regard so highly."

The duke raised his eyebrows – he did not expect the princess to take an interest in his subordinates, yet, at the same time, he was pleased to see that she was getting comfortable around new people and wanted to know more about her new surroundings.

"Let’s see..."

Tillian placed Aideen’s hand on top of his arm and started walking, slowly guiding her towards the Palace, resuming his story about the man called Stanis Nygard,

"Lord Stanis came to The North when he was twenty years old. He was already a very skillful knight then. He was born in the house of Baron Matheo Nygard, who was a struggling nobleman due to the debt placed on him by his wife’s family.

Eventually, Matheo went completely broke and lost his title which, as a result, prevented Stanis from joining the knighthood because, as you know, only men of noble status can be officially knighted.

But even that did not stop Stanis from achieving his dream of becoming a knight. He continued to train without rest and his hard work paid off. When he turned seventeen, the Royal Order Of Knights announced an open competition for commoners who wanted to join their ranks.

There could be only one winner who would be granted the prestigious title of the Royal Knight, and Stanis emerged as the triumphant contender who seized this coveted honor."

Tillian concluded his short story and looked at Aideen whose shining eyes were widened in astonishment.

"Wow... What an admirable determination! Sir Stanis must be a truly talented man!"

The duke could not help but release a soft chuckle – the princess’s genuine fascination was just that lovely.

"Yes, Sir Stanis is indeed the most talented warrior I know. Well, I guess not anymore, after all, during our sparring sessions, I am the one favored by Lady Victory."