"All hail, the court of Apenvale!' the crier for King George announces. He had met us at the city limits and guided us to the castle.

Its gray stonework rose magnificently above the city. Our caravan had spotted it miles back and Gwen gasped at its sheer size. She sweetly accepted my apology for being a boor without even allowing me explain the matter. "No need. If you feel you have to keep it from me, then I won't insist on it. I just want you to know I'm here for you if you need me."

I watch the peasants on either side of the street bow. Their eyes darken as Rhodenheim's assemblage passes. What is that emotion in their eyes? Fear? Anger? The iron gates swing open and we enter the castle's courtyard. Again, the crier announces our arrival. "All hail the court of Aspenvale!" Stable boys and kitchen maids bow quickly and hurry back to their work.

Those in the caravan that form the higher ranks dismount and walk up the steps of the castle. Being the princess's companion, my position is lady-in-waiting; therefore, I am considered as part of the court. The servants part ways with us and I watch Gwen sneak a glance back at Jack as he leads several horses into the stables.

"Greetings! How did you fare on your journey?" A tall, rather hefty man with thick untamed eyebrows approaches us. His regal clothing and crown prove that he is King George, but I am caught off guard by his appearance. Had he been wearing different apparel, I would have thought him a blacksmith! Our assemblage pays due obeisance, bowing and curtsying low.

Prince Eric steps forward. "Your majesty, we are honored by your gracious invitation. I cannot duly express the full gratitude of neither my father nor me."

King George grins and replies, "No, the honor is mine! It is wonderful to finally meet my dear Selina's future groom."

As if on cue, the princess begins to descend the stairs. Her wavy chestnut hair flows around her shoulders and her delicate are, in every way, regal, contrasting her father. In a stunning forest green gown with gold trim, she appears as the embodiment of the goddess Venus. "Hello." Her voice is confident as she curtsies.

"Ahh. Here she is. Prince Eric, this is my daughter, Princess Selina."

Eric bows again and grasps her extended hand. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Princess Selina." he says with a gentle kiss to her hand.

She blushes. "The pleasure is all mine, your highness."

"Please, call me Eric"

She flashes a smile. "Selina."

My stomach drops. I can't compete with her even if I wanted to. She has am aura about her that almost makes her divine. Already, I notice the expressions on each of the men's faces in our assemblage. Her beauty is incomparable. Jealousy creeps into my thoughts but I try to push it away.

After all the formal introductions are made, Guinevere and I are led to our room. The ornate details throughout the castle show the richness of Rhodenheim.

Gwen flings herself on to her queen-sized bed once the servant leaves the room. "I'm exhausted! Do you mind if I rest a while?"

"Not at all. I wish to find the sword training room and train for a bit, though. Is it all right if I notify Andrew to keep watch for a while?"

She nods her head sleepily, dozing off. I settle my things on a small cot in the far corner of the room and slip into a tunic with a leather belt and tight breeches underneath. I grab up my scimitar. Dear Castra.

Unsheathing it, I look at it affectionately. One of the seven legendary weapons passed down through the centuries, each weapon is said to hold great power and can only be handled by those with equal power. As the stories tell, these seven weapons were the weapons used by the heroes who molded Aspenvale's history. I whispered their names- Castra, Scitus, Litera, Victor, Latro, Intrepidus, and Eximius. Their very names evoked faith in the hearts of the citizens of Aspenvale.

My scimitar is said to have been the scimitar of Sir Wilmington who defended the nation from barbarians, month after month until the barbarians ceased to come. I run my finger along the curve of its blade. I couldn't have chosen a better weapon. King Eric gave it to me on my thirteenth birthday.

"Train carefully with Castra." he said. "It is an honor to be thought of with the skill to use such a weapon. I know you will use it well to protect Guinevere and yourself. "

"But why give it to me?" I questioned.

He gazed off in the distance. "Because I feel you must have it."

That cryptic answer spurred me to master the use of Castra. Now, it is just as much a part of me as my arm.

I stride down the hallway, making my way to the training room. I pass Andrew and with a nod, he heads towards Gwen's room. Entering the training room, the clash of swords greet me. Smiling, I think to myself, "This is home."

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What is your favorite tv show from when you were a kid?

Teen Titans! Am I the only one who was in love with Robin and wanted to push Starfire out the door???!! Lol!

Dedicated to GraceLovesGilbertBlythe, my fellow Anne lover!

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