You step out of the carriage. Inkwell castle, your new home. You've come at the behest of the royal Princess, Princess Shiori. She has personally asked for you, the captain of the Novelknights to attend to her needs at Inkwell. You've known Princess Shiori for quite a while, and are always indulging her in her whims, due to your relationship as childhood friends, so you can't say no to her. Likewise, she showers you with favors. Your position as captain being one of those. Though it would be no hesitation to say that you're definitely qualified, or would that be that being Shiori's knight is all the motivation you needed to dedicate yourself to the job. It doesn't matter, all that does matter is that you've arrived at your new home.
Turning around, you offer your hand to the other esteemed person inside the carriage. Of course, it's the Princess. She refused to travel with anyone but you, and her excited rambling over your new home, and the things you could look forward to in the future with her filled your travels through the countryside. It made what would be a solemn journey quite lively indeed. But it also meant you had to be on your guard, and not only from bandits and ne'er-do-wells who wished her harm. The Princess was known as a bit of a tease, or perhaps only you knew her as such. She'd fluster you from time to time, saying the most outrageous of things that would get a rise out of you. You swore that she would do it on purpose, but she'd play it off as nothing but coincidence, or double down and accuse you of having a dirty mind. She truly did play unfair.
Taking the dainty hand that now rested in yours, you help her down the few stairs to reach ground. Once she was safely on land, Princess Shiori spun around in the most adorable manner and raised her hands, as if to emphasize the castle in the background. "Welcome home, Novelknight." Shiori said, her smile as radiant as the setting sun that acted as a backdrop for the scene. "Welcome home to Inkwell castle." You felt a warmth run through your body the likes of which you had never felt before. You were going to be comfortable here. As the Princess had said, you were home.
Seemingly abandoning all grace, Princess Shiori's face filled with a mischievous grin. What was she up to? She walked up to you, grabbing you by the hand, dragging you closer to the large castle doors. Once you reached the courtyard, she stopped. "Okay, close your eyes, close your eyes." She was up to one of her tricks again. You knew that when she got like this, it was best to play along, but also to remember not to indulge her too much. You figure that just closing your eyes couldn't hurt and follow your orders. A moment later you feel your left arm rise, and a warm softness at your side. Your eyes shoot open to investigate what has happened and you find that Princess Shiori has taken your arm, linking it with hers and is at your side. "Close your eyes silly," she pouted, puffing up one cheek slightly. " I'm going to guide you through the castle, come on. Close your eyes."
You obey once more and she starts off, walking you through the castle, guiding you. You're not sure where you're going, you've never been to Inkwell after all. But Princess Shiori is with you and just that alone makes you feel at peace and safe. She keeps reassuring you that it's just a few more steps, just a little longer. You walk in silence. The only sounds you can hear is light breathing coming from both of you, and the sound of your combined footsteps. Then, without warning, Princess Shiori lets go of your arm. "Keep your eyes closed." She warns, pre-empting your urge to open them to survey the situation. You do as you were told as you hear a few sounds at close distance. You're sure that Princess Shiori is scurrying around the room as you hear her move near and far. "Okay, open them."
You open your eyes, taking a second or two to adjust to the light of the room after being in relative darkness for the few minutes it took to travel here and when you do, that's when you see her. Clad in cloak, crown and holding her royal scepter. It's Princess Shiori. As if blessed by the heavens, she radiates a calming glow coming from the large stained glass windows behind her. Knowing the Princess from such a young age, it's not often that you think of her as befitting her station, as being the one who will someday rule these lands. But in that moment, you remember the vow you took many moons ago. The vow to protect her till your dying breath and you once more etch that vow into your heart, as you do with her appearance before you. This is your Princess. This is your world.
