The Cursed Princess and the Black Knight chapter 1/6

Summary: Kumari is a princess living with a curse and the Black Knight might be the key to curing her. If her father allows it anyway. (Cover art.)

I do own these characters. Please, do not use them without my permission.

The Cursed Princess and the Black Knight

By: SL Kassidy (StarvingLunatic)

1: Curse

Princess Kumari could hardly hold in a gasp as she left the castle for the first time in her life. It was dark as they made their way from the palace, down the winding roads of Vasya. The city was asleep already, so there was no bustle like she was used to seeing from the high towers of the castle. Still, this was incredible. She could only imagine what it was like during the day, full of life and movement.

It took a while, but they made it to the city’s main gate and then they were out into the world. She could make out the open fields before her, so close now. It was so different being on the ground and seeing the expanse of the countryside rather than the view from the highest tower of the castle. The air even smelled different out here, even though she was stuck in a carriage. Still, she marveled at what she would see, especially as night turned to day and they passed farmland and houses. She could hear children giggling at times if she strained her poor ears enough. Then, the sun began to set again.

The journey probably would have gone faster if she could ride a horse, but that was too much for her. She tired too easily and her body was much too delicate, but that would change after tonight. Father had found a cure for her. Well, Bembe the prophet, a soothsayer he hired found a cure.

They had heard this before, but Father was optimistic. She was not sure what made him so certain about Bembe, but he tended to be that way with anyone who swore they could cure Kumari. Bembe claimed he had a vision that allowed him to see the steps she needed to take to lift her curse, but he was not the first and probably would not be the last. She was not sure what she was meant to do, but the trip was for her own good. She would take it just because Bembe was the first soothsayer to suggest Kumari needed to leave the palace to be cured. She had done her best not to show excitement when Bembe made that proposal. She did not want to do anything that might change her father’s mind.

“Are you sure this is the only way?” she heard Father demand. He was very cautious about Kumari leaving the safety of the castle. The safety of her little corner of the palace. She really did not want to go back there anytime soon.

Her father was outside of the carriage, on horseback like the rest of their small party. The soothsayer was probably next to him, so they could discuss her curse and the cure. She hoped they stayed close, so she could listen in. She did not know much about this potential cure.

“I promise you this will put your child on the road to lifting the curse,” Bembe replied in a low voice. He spoke like one would expect a soothsayer, with a reptilian hiss. She had never actually glimpsed upon his face as he always wore a hood, which she could appreciate. She also always wore a hood. It served a dual purpose. It protected her sensitive skin and eyes from the sun, but also kept any who might see her from witnessing her cursed features. It would not do for people to know the King’s only child was grotesque and disfigured by a horrible curse.

Father continued on. “We can’t just leave her here alone. Bandits will tear her apart.”

“As long as she follows my directions, she will be fine.”

Why do I need to be left alone?Not that it mattered, as she would follow Bomb’s orders as best she could. She would do whatever it took to lift the curse. She would do whatever she could to feel sunlight on her face and not have it burn, not cause her skin to peel or crack or flake off. She would give anything to stand up straight.

“I need her to be more than fine. This trip better be all you say it is,” Father growled at Bembe.

Bembe was silent. He seemed quite confident in himself, but he was not the first magic-user to be confident and then turn out to be very wrong. But, Kumari would hope for the best right now. It was not his fault she was cursed and he was only trying to help.

The ride was long and rocky. Each shake of the carriage rattled her bones. She held in a wince and just enjoyed the passing fields, lit up by the starry sky. She got to watch the sun come up once more, rising from behind tall, green trees. She had never seen so many trees up close before. These were the forests she read about, had only seen pictures of them or caught glimpses from the top of the palace. They were much more grandiose in real life. Soon, though, night was upon them again.

Her father never came to check on her and only Bembe made sure she ate. She was used to that. In the castle, she only had two handmaidens to tend to her, one blind and the other mute. Neither of them were allowed on this journey. None of the guards or soldiers were allowed to look upon her lest they spread rumors (or the truth) that the Princess of the great Kingdom of Kiritan was cursed. Or worse, a monster.

Whispers already went through the palace, and probably the city of Vasya, about Kumari. It was impossible that no one had ever seen her bent form, hunched around the palace. She had been cursed for far too long. She was not entirely sure what her father told the people of their princess. Sometimes, she was allowed to join him at a function for a moment, just to be seen, but always with her head down, her hood up, and she had to leave within minutes, more because she got tired than anything else.

The carriage halted. She glanced out of the window. It was night and they were in the middle of the woods. Fireflies fluttered all around. She took a moment and just breathed everything in. The air was so much different from the stuffy rooms in the palace or even the garden she was allowed to wander. There were so many smells she could not even identify. It was eerily quiet, though.

The carriage door eased open and her father waved her out. She stood and a brown, bony hand reached inside to help her down. She accepted Bembe’s assistance and almost stumbled as her foot touched down on uneven ground.

“Careful, Highness. You are much taller than I. I would have no success in catching you,” he said with a chuckle that turned into a wheezing cough.

She hardly knew how to react to his casual conversation. “Thank you.” For all of her height, though, she could not stand up straight to show it off. Her back always hurt and she did not have the strength to stand all the way up.

“Don’t thank me yet. You have to make it up that hill.” He pointed behind her to a hill towering over the tree line.

“To the top?” Her bones ached just thinking about it. Beyond the hike up, seeing how close all of the trees were, bottoms covered by brush. There were probably rocks all over. One trip could be the end of her with how easily her body bruised.

“Yes. The hill is a sacred place. Perfect for the start of this ritual.”

She nodded, having been through plenty of rituals in her short life. At eighteen, she felt eighty. Sometimes because of the curse and other times because of everything she went through to get rid of the curse. This was not even her first hike for a ritual, even though the other hikes tended to involve stairs or long halls in the palace. They were always tough.

“You can do this,” Father said to her.

Kumari had no choice but to do it. It was not like her father would allow her to turn back. She would not want to turn back. She needed to be free of this curse. It was not fair that she was cursed.

“Can we get some light?” Father called and lanterns were lit. The guards handed them to Father and Bembe. The guards stayed behind.

The walk to the top of the hill was grueling. Kumari wished she had a walking stick like Bembe to help her to the top, but it was her legs. Her two, tired, aching legs. She had been sitting too long.

It was a warm night, which was never good for Kumari, and she was drenched in sweat. Any time a branch brushed up against her, even with her clothing protecting her, she could feel her skin rising up with a welt. Her knees ached, the skin on her feet scraped off, building in her shoes until her feet were rubbed raw. Each step was harder to breathe and halfway up her vision faded in and out, making it difficult to follow Bembe and her father. Every bit of her burned with exhaustion as she struggled to stay behind them, doing her best to watch their steps to avoid obstacles. She was ready to collapse by the time they got to the top.

“We have to light a small fire here at the top,” Bembe said.

Kumari watched as Bembe made a circle with his walking stick and built a small fire. He pulled a pouch from his cloak’s sleeve. From the pouch, he sprinkled powder into the fire. There was a white flash over the flames and noticeable white smoke drifted into the star-lit sky.

“Breathe in the smoke,” Bembe told Kumari. She wasted no time listening. The smoke scorched her insides and she did her best not to cough. Bembe moved around her.

Bembe jabbed his walking stick into the ground and began chanting under his breath, speaking another language. Having studied some magic, as books were her grand escape, Kumari could pick out some words, but the whole thing made no sense to her. Incantations always seemed like random phrases put together to her, as if every translation was a poor translation.

Next came the runes painted on Kumari’s cheeks and forehead. Flecks of her skin slid away with his sharp fingers. Then he threw his hands up and a moonbeam shot down, striking her in the chest. For a moment, her body was cool, which was nice. Usually, her body was uncomfortably hot and that returned all too soon for her.

“Highness, to start you on the path to the cure for your curse, listen carefully and heed my words,” Bembe said. She nodded, not like she had a choice. “A traveler will come by night and greet you. You are to greet them back. Take the food offered, but only eat three items offered. When the light dances on the ground, offer a hand, and if taken, this is your betrothed. Your beloved will carry you home, first by the front, then by the side, and then at the back. A true love’s kiss will cure the curse, but only in the light of day after this love has been proven.”

She gasped. In the light of day? No one would ever kiss her if they could see her face, covered in scales like a fish and always cut or bruised. She barely wanted to look at her face. She managed to keep in a tear. She would never be cured of this curse at this rate. Why couldn’t he just have another potion like every other magic user who’s shown up to pretend to cure me?

“Stand strong, my dear daughter. Surely his plan will work out,” her father said, his voice quivering. He had gone through as many of these as she did, but managed to hold onto hope. She could not bring herself to feel that anymore.

She nodded and then she was alone. She had to do it alone. Always alone.

She sat down by the fire with her legs straight out, turning her eyes to the sky. She busied herself naming the constellations and remembering her favorite stories about them. Orion was particularly interesting to her. She liked the stories of him befriending the wild goddess Artemis. The idea of running free through the woods with a friend always enchanted her.

An odd shock raced through her and she glanced down the hill. The fireflies fluttered about, but there seemed to be something more. It was like a flickering shadow, looming large through the trees. An animal? Worse, a monster? The fireflies parted, as if fleeing the silhouette. Then, it seemed to swim through the darkness up the hill. She tensed as it got closer, but thankfully the full moon allowed her to gather that this was not a monster approaching her, but a person. Was it friend or foe? She had heard of bandits roaming roads and woods, ready to do harm to those who crossed their paths.

“Lo! Do you need aid?” a rough voice called. It was deep, scratchy, but somehow clear and commanding, like someone who was used to being followed or else.

“Hello. I’m fine,” she replied.

The person paused. “A maidan? Or a spirit out to deceive me?” There was amusement in the gravelly voice.

The person broke the trees and she could see why they were amused that she might be a spirit. A knight, but dressed in dark armor, like the night itself. The Black Knight. Kumari’s heart stopped.

She had heard terrible tales of this wicked black knight. He had slain a hundred men in battle in a neighboring kingdom for simply disrespecting him. He helped witches gather dangerous ingredients to poison towns. He assisted dark lords in kidnapping maidens and forcing the maidens to submit. He was the worst person to come upon her on this night. He was even said to be immortal.

“So, fair maiden, tempting spirit, or mischievous fae?” the knight asked with his helmet still in place, muffling his voice somewhat.

Kumari steeled herself. This foul beast could not do be worse than this curse. “Would you believe me if I said fae?” It was the most dangerous of the three choices.

There was a chuckle, deep and rich. “I could believe it from the way the moonlight shimmers around you, but we both know no fae would ever admit it.”

“Perhaps a spirit then?”

Another laugh. “Unfortunately, not enough to be rid of me. Do you need aid? It’s dangerous here at night.”

“I’m waiting for someone.”

The knight nodded, but it was very hard to tell with the black helmet on. “Then, perhaps I’ll rest here for a while.”

Kumari yelped. “You don’t have to!”

The knight dropped down, several feet between them. The armor clanged all the way down and the knight grunted on impact with the ground. “I need rest, anyway. This seems like a good spot, if you don’t mind.”

“And if I do?”

“I won’t say a word. I’ll be gone by the time your secret lover gets here.”

“I am not meeting a lover!” The nerve! Of course, Bembe did say this person would be my true love if I took his hand when offered. She did not want to think about that. She only wanted to be cured, so she could live her life.

The knight snickered. “Really? Why else would you be in such a dangerous place all alone?”

“I told you I’m waiting for someone, but not a lover.”

“Okay.”

And that was it. The brute did nothing except sit quietly. Kumari was the one who broke the silence. Her stomach more specifically. It grumbled loudly. She groaned and curled into herself, hurting her stomach, but fighting off hunger for the moment.

“You like nuts?”

Kumari glared at this exceptionally rude knight. “Excuse me?”

“Nuts. I’ve got a bag of mixed nuts that might help your stomach.”

Oh. “I’m fine.”

“Here.” A large hand shoved into her shoulder, holding a small bag. “Take it.”

Kumari opened her mouth to object, but her stomach growled again. The world lost focus. She needed to eat. So, she took the bag and had a handful of pecans, walnuts, and almonds before trying to hand it back. The Black Knight refused.

“You can have it. I’ve got jerky. I don’t know if you’ll want some of that,” the knight said.

“Why, is it enchanted?”

“No, but it’s made from a roc and I don’t know how you feel about eating monster birds.”

“A roc? Did you fight it?”

“Wasn’t much of a fight. I chucked a spear into its mouth and that was kind of the end.” The knight shrugged.

Kumari gasped. “How? Why?” She turned to properly look at the knight. That had to be a crazy story. There was no way someone would just defeat a roc that easily. A spear against a bird that carried off whole adult elephants? There had to be so much more.

The knight shrugged again, like it was nothing. “I was paid by a village to do it. As for how… I just threw the spear.”

That was not the story she expected. Of course, it was because she expected to hear a story. Something with a beginning, middle, and end. “You must be very strong.”

“You have to be to be a knight.”

That was true enough. “So, how does roc jerky taste?”

“Kinda tough, but filling. It’s not something you’d eat if you had other choices.”

“I don’t have other choices.”

“Good point.” The hand was back, holding two pieces of flat jerky. “Here.”

“Thank you.”

“Might as well make a meal of it. I’ve got some crackers, too.” The knight chuckled.

“I don’t want to take all of your food.”

“It’s fine. I can always get more and I’m not in a hurry to be anywhere.”

And Kumari found herself sharing the worst meal ever with the Black Knight, who teased and laughed and was possibly the worst storyteller alive. Details seemed to be a foreign concept to the knight as he spoke of recent adventures. Every account was like the one with the roc. “I stabbed it with my sword.” “I pushed it off a cliff.” “I cut its head off with an ax.” Nothing to pull Kumari in or set up an epic battle. It was like he reported on the weather each time.

“You know, I don’t think I’ve ever heard such terrible stories,” Kumari said.

The knight bristled. “What? These are great adventures!” He knocked against his chest plate, right over his heart.

“And you talk about them as if you were berry picking and never came across a good berry or a bad one.”

The knight snorted. “Well, fine. You tell me a story then.”

Kumari did not need to be told twice. Her favorite story spilled from her lips with great excitement to tell someone, anyone! This was the most she had ever spoken to anyone outside of her two handmaidens. And the knight hung on her every word,  making sure the face guard on his helmet stayed up, as if he needed a clear view of her as she spoke. Of course, he did not get to see much, as she made sure to face ahead, watching the fireflies below as they moved about like living stars, and she had her hood up. Still, he was captivated, asking questions about Orion, Artemis, their friendship, and Apollo’s jealousy. When Kumari pointed to Orion in the sky, the knight gasped.

“I didn’t know that was the story!” the knight said with awe in his scratchy voice.

“That’s just one telling. It’s my favorite.”

“There are more versions? Tell me about the others.” The knight moved closer until they almost touched. It was really weird to see the dreaded Black Knight eager for a story like a toddler awaiting a bedtime story.

“On one condition.” Kumari held up one finger. The knight nodded. “You have to tell me your name.”

“Oh, ho! You are a fae! You almost got me.” The knight wagged a gloved finger at her.

Kumari chuckled. “I had to try.” Names were not important. The knight had not asked hers.

“Maybe if you tell me another story, I’ll be a little more willing.”

Kumari smiled and obliged. She told her favorite stories until the sun crept over the horizon and the darkness faded, giving way to the deep orange of dawn. In the light, Kumari saw the knight better, clearer than anything in her life. The black armor was polished and shined like obsidian. The knight still had not removed his helmet and the visor was down again, so it looked like a skull with sharp teeth. It was terrifying and she could only imagine what people thought when they saw the knight in battle.

“I want to say sorry that whoever you were waiting for didn’t show up, but I’m glad they didn’t,” the knight said.

Kumari blinked. “What do you mean?”

“Listening to your stories has been the best night I’ve had in a long time. I need to get back on the road, though.”

“Off to your next adventure.”

“Yes, I’m escorting a fair maiden, evil spirit, but probably mischievous fae home.”

Kumari smiled. “Oh, really? If that’s the case, maybe tell me your name.”

“Oh, why not? I like to live dangerously. I’m Crow.”

“Well, I’m Kumari and you’ve fallen for my fae trap.”

Crow laughed. “Maybe this was my trap, so you’ll tell me more stories.” Then Crow stood up. The knight was much shorter than Kumari expected and more polite, as he held out a hand to help Kumari up. She would need all the help she could get after sitting all night. Her poor legs were not ready for any of this outside activity.

Kumari did not hesitate to take the offered hand and Crow easily pulled her to her feet. She yelped as she stood up, expecting her joints to hurt, but there was nothing. She was able to stand her full height for the first time in forever.

“Whoa. Sure you’re not actually a wood nymph?” Crow asked, tilting his head to look up at her.

Kumari looked around and down. “I never realized I was so tall. I’ve never been able to stand up all the way.” She towered over the knight by more than a head.

“Why not?”

Kumari glanced away, pulling her dark blue hood down. “Surely in the light of day, you see I’m deformed and cursed.”

Crow shrugged. “You seem fine to me. A little pale, but considering your fine dress, I assume you’re a woman of means. I know fair maidens, wicked spirits, and mischievous fae don’t like direct sunlight. Guess you’re not a wood nymph then.”

Kumari could not help the smile that had to light up her face. “Maybe if you’re good, you’ll find out if I’m a wood nymph.”

Crow chuckled. “I already know you’re a fairy. Take me on my greatest adventure yet.”

Kumari stepped forward with Crow by her side, holding her hand. Crow led her down the mountain, not letting her hand go, but Kumari did not need as much help as she usually would. The brush scratched against her and it was not as bad as last night. Thankfully, it was not as warm as it had been last night, so she did not sweat profusely like before.

When they were halfway down the hill, Crow still did not let go of her. The knight paused by a tree and punched the trunk. Kumari jumped as a saddle dropped. Crow caught it easily.

“Sorry. I just hid my gear up there last night before I made my way up to you,” Crow said. He punched the tree again and saddle bags fell. He caught those with ease as well.

“How did you do that?”

Crow shrugged. “I just do.”

Kumari shook her head. “I’m going to get a better explanation out of you soon.”

Crow chuckled. “Good luck. I didn’t even know I was bad at this until you.”

Kumari only smiled as they continued down the hill. They came to the narrow road. Kumari was a little surprised that her father and her carriage were not there waiting for her, but she was meant to get home some other way according to Bembe. Crow stopped at the end of the road, whistling loudly. Kumari jumped again as birds took off in every direction.

“Is that wise to do? You never know what could be lurking about,” Kumari said. She did not know much about these woods, but based on things she had read, monsters were everywhere, especially thick forests.

“It’s fine. I can stop anything that tries to get us and it’s the only way to get my mount to come back swiftly,” Crow replied.

“Mount? I should tell you now, I’m terrible on a horse,” Kumari replied.

“My mount isn’t a horse, but we’ll see.”

Kumari did not have time to ask for clarification as a large black mass emerged from the dense trees. For a moment, Kumari thought it was the largest bear in existence, but no. Then, she thought it might be a moose. Also, no. It was a massive black horse with golden eyes. And… wait, was that a horn?

“Your mount is a black unicorn?” Kumari could not believe her eyes. It was built like a workhorse, thick black fur covering massive hooves, with a shining river of black hair flowing from its mane and tail.

Crow chuckled. “My twin, Raven.” The beast walked over, towering over both of then and nudged Crow to the point he almost fell over. Crow yelped and pointed a rigid finger at Raven. “Hey! You’re embarrassing me in front of either a fair maiden or a mischievous fairy. She has to respect me, especially since I told her my name.”

Raven snorted, but turned its attention to Kumari, who was stunned into silence. This was a unicorn standing before her. A rare black unicorn. They were so unusual that people did not believe they existed. They were supposedly attracted to only pure maidens and yet this one was the Black Knight. It moved over to Kumari and bowed its head, nuzzling her. She yelped and stepped back. Raven followed her, rubbing its snout in her hair.

“Oh, come on, Raven! She was my friend or possible enemy first. We have to be a little serious,” Crow said.

“Um… What’s happening?” Kumari asked.

“Raven gives her stamp of approval,” Crow replied.

“So, a unicorn likes me?” How could a unicorn like her? “But, I’m cursed. I’m obviously not pure.”

Crow snorted. “Raven doesn’t care about a curse. She thinks you have a good heart and that’s good enough for me. Let’s get you home.”

“I’m still not sure I can ride. My curse makes me feel constant pain when the slightest pressure is against my body.”

Crow made a noise, deep in his throat. “Well, let’s give it a try and see how far you can go before it’s too much. Then, we’ll weigh our options. Riding a unicorn isn’t the same as riding anything else.”

There really were no options and Kumari could not see how riding a unicorn was different from riding anything else. Kumari could not ride a horse for long or walk for long. She dare not try to run.

Still, Crow saddled up Raven and helped Kumari on. Crow settled behind her and then they were off. Kumari was very aware of the armor pressed into her back, cooling her hot skin. Then, there was an arm around her waist, securing her into place, and she was certain she would sweat through her gown, not that it mattered.

“Where are we off to?” Crow asked.

“Vasya,” Kumari replied.

“Oh, close to home. Nice. Raven, let’s go.”

Raven moved, going slowly, as if aware of Kumari’s troubles. The ride was smoother than any horse somehow. In fact, Kumari fell asleep, resting against Crow, trusting Crow and Raven to take care of her.

When Kumari awoke, the sun was high in the sky and her legs burned. It felt like the skin on her thighs were torn to the bone. She could not hold in the groan that escaped her.

“Awake are you?” Crow asked.

“Yes, but I need to get down or I fear my legs will start to bleed,” Kumari replied.

“That’s fine.”

Raven halted and Crow dismounted. Crow helped her down and walked with her at the end of the road. Raven stepped behind them, sometimes wandering off the road, but never far. Crow flipped up the visor on his helmet and sighed. The visor shadowed his face, so it was hard to see what he looked like at first.

“Nice day, huh?” Crow asked.

Kumari winced as agony rippled through her thighs. “It is pleasant.”

“Company, too.” Crow glanced up at her with a smile. Now, she could see his face more. His visage was boyish, soft. Maybe he was young and had more growing to do. “Hungry?”

“A little.”

Crow shared nuts, crackers, and water as they strolled. Kumari’s legs only ached more, but she told stories to keep her mind off of the pain. Crow hung on her every word and then she stumbled. Crow caught her.

“Are you all right?” Crow asked.

Kumari breathed out, trying to fight through the pain, and groaned. “Fine. Just…”

“Your curse. Is it your feet?”

Kumari nodded and Crow dropped. Kumari blinked as Crow inspected her shoes. Kumari was not sure what the knight was doing.

“Sit down,” Crow ordered, voice a deep growl.

Kumari had no choice, but to sit. Crow took off Kumari’s shoe without a word. Kumari hissed as pain shot through her.

“This is no good. Your foot’s bleeding,” Crow said.

“Oh.” Kumari was not sure what to do about that. It was not the first time her feet had bled, but she did not have any bandages. “Is it bad?”

Crow blew out a breath. “I have something for this.”

Kumari did not know what to say, so she did not say anything. Crow marched over to Raven and went into the saddlebags. He returned with bandages and balm.

“This cream should help. I’m not sure how it works against curses, but it works on scrapes fairly well,” Crow said.

“I’m willing to try it.”

“How about a story while I do this?”

Kumari nodded and jumped right into a story, as she was never in short supply, as Crow worked on her feet. There were chuckles at the right parts of the story even as Crow massaged cream onto Kumari’s injured feet. Then, each foot was carefully wrapped in thin bandages that smelled like herbs Kumari could not identify as her sense of smell came and went on a whim.

“You’re done, but you probably shouldn’t wear your shoes. I can put them in my saddlebag,” Crow said.

Kumari nodded. “Sounds good.” Her feet would get a chance to breathe.

“You can ride Raven side-saddle for as far as possible and then I’ll carry you the rest of the way, but we definitely have to move faster than this.”

Kumari was speechless as Crow tried to take care of her. Then, Crow assisted her onto Raven. Crow moved alongside and they went as fast as they could without hurting Kumari, but eventually the riding became too much. Kumari was not sure what was to be done and then Crow gathered her in strong arms, holding her close. Before she could make a noise, Crow took off running. Raven trotted next to them.

Kumari tucked in close, feeling the cool press of Crow’s armor against her cheek. For some reason, this made her hot and sweaty. It dripped down her forehead and soaked her clothing straight through her cloak. Her heart raced as she waited for Crow to acknowledge what happened. Crow did not say a word about it.

They only paused for a moment where Crow needed to carry Kumari on his back because edges on his armor poked at her wrong. He never complained over how delicate she was because of the curse, simply adjusting to make her comfortable. And then, when the piggyback ride became uncomfortable, Crow held her in his arms again, not once slowing down.

And Crow carried her as the sunset and they passed farms and open fields as the sun disappeared behind distant trees. Then, the city came into view. The gates opened to welcome her home and the streets flooded with people, possibly to see their phantom princess or the feared Black Knight. Kumari would have loved to enjoy the moment. She had never seen so many people before, been close to so many people, but she needed to get home. Crow understood that, still running at top speed. They made it to the palace where her father greeted them at the doorway of the throne room.

“Come, good sir knight!” Father called to Crow from the throne, waving Crow closer.

Crow stepped with all of the confidence he had for the day, not bothered by the crowd in the throne room or the fact that all eyes were on them. Kumari’s guts trembled and curled in closer to Crow’s chest plate. She had not been seen by the nobles since being cursed. And, even though she had her hood on, she felt on display. There were already murmurs as Crow stood before Father. Father grinned, his copper face flushed with happiness.

“Good, sir knight, I thank you for returning my daughter to me. Tonight, we will feast in your honor,” Father proclaimed, raising his hand, causing the maroon and gold sleeve of his robe to slide down. Bembe stepped up behind father and whispered in his ear. Father’s smile slid a little before he caught it. “And, for your great deed, I offer you my daughter’s hand in marriage.”

Crow was silent and Kumari could not blame the knight. Crow had seen her at her worse, knew she was cursed, and practically helpless. Why should he want to marry Kumari?

“I’m not sure if the Lady will have me,” Crow said.

Father scoffed. “She will do as I say and she will marry you. Now, remove your helm, so I might greet my son properly.”

Crow laughed. “About that…” Crow took off the helmet and though the hair was short, the face made it obvious. Crow was not boyish in the slightest. Crow, the dreaded Black Knight, was a woman.

-8-8-8-8-

Next time: the King isn’t too thrilled about Crow marrying Kumari, so he tries to wiggle out of it.