Chapter 1: The Royal Rebuke

Princess Cara hummed a cheerful little tune as she twirled a stray lock of honey-blonde hair around her finger. Just yesterday, she’d been the picture of dutiful royal engagement, politely nodding at Lord Beaumont’s tedious tales of his prize-winning turnips. Today, however, the turnips felt a world away, replaced by the memory of fiery orange hair and a gaze that could melt glaciers – or at least, Cara’s resolve regarding eligible bachelors.

Her father, King Theron, however, did not share her buoyant mood. He sat behind his large oak desk, the morning sun glinting off his thinning, grey-streaked hair, his brow furrowed like a freshly ploughed field. The summons had been… swift. And the silence since Cara’s arrival had been thick enough to spread on toast.

Finally, the King cleared his throat, the sound echoing in the spacious study. “Cara,” he began, his voice a low rumble, “your recent… declarations have caused a certain… stir.”

Cara perched on the edge of a velvet armchair, her bright blue eyes wide and seemingly innocent. “Declarations, Papa? I’ve made so many lovely declarations lately! My fondness for the royal corgis, my unwavering support for afternoon tea…”

The King sighed, a sound that spoke volumes of years spent raising a spirited daughter. “I am referring, Cara, to your rather public dismissal of Lord Harrington – a perfectly respectable suitor, I might add – in favor of… Knight Seraphina.”

A smile bloomed on Cara’s face, as radiant as the morning sun. “Oh, Seraphina! Yes, well, Lord Harrington’s conversation did tend to… meander. Like a lost sheep in a very large field. Seraphina, on the other hand, is wonderfully direct. And her biceps! Have you seen them, Papa?”

King Theron rubbed his temples. “I have seen them, Cara. Seraphina is an excellent knight, a credit to our military. But a… romantic interest? This is highly irregular.”

“But Papa,” Cara protested, her voice laced with playful indignation, “love knows no rank! Besides, Seraphina is simply… captivating. The way she wields her sword, the unwavering focus in her emerald eyes, even that little furrow in her brow when she’s concentrating – it’s all terribly romantic!”

“Romantic?” The King’s voice rose slightly. “Cara, she looks like she hasn’t smiled since she was a babe in arms!”

“Oh, but when she does smile,” Cara said dreamily, clasping her hands together, “it’s like the sun breaking through the clouds after a long storm. Rare, perhaps, but utterly breathtaking.”

The King leaned back in his chair, a flicker of amusement battling with his paternal exasperation. “And what, pray tell, does this paragon of stoicism think of your… affections?”

“Well,” Cara said, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks, “she hasn’t exactly declared undying love in return. But she hasn’t run screaming either! In fact, when I… well, when I mentioned my newfound appreciation for strong, silent types, she merely nodded. A very firm nod, mind you.”

“A firm nod,” the King repeated flatly. “Cara, a firm nod from Seraphina could mean anything from agreement to a silent threat against anyone who dares to steal her training dummies.”

“Oh, Papa, you wound me!” Cara exclaimed, feigning offense. “Seraphina is not some heartless automaton! She has… layers. Like a very well-armored onion.”

“And you intend to peel back these layers, do you?” the King asked, a hint of a smile finally playing on his lips.

“With gusto!” Cara declared, jumping to her feet. “Besides, Papa, you always said I needed to be more decisive. Well, I’ve decided! Seraphina is the one for me.”

The King sighed again, this time with a touch more resignation. “And what of poor Lord Harrington and his turnips?”

“Oh, I’m sure he’ll find someone who appreciates root vegetables more,” Cara said airily. “Perhaps a particularly discerning rabbit.”

Before the King could formulate a response, a booming voice echoed from the hallway. “Your Majesty! Princess! Knight Seraphina requests an audience!”

Cara’s eyes widened, and she shot a triumphant grin at her father. “Speak of the devil! Or, in this case, the incredibly attractive, sword-wielding angel!”

The King simply shook his head, a chuckle escaping his lips. “This is going to be a long reign, isn’t it?”

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