In The Presence Of Spring

Fiery red hair, intense blue eyes, enchanting smile. Amaryllis Astryd Jarscermourth. A Beta of
the guard and namely one of the best female fighter in history. The one and only daughter to the
King of Ascade.

Hair swaying with every move she took, intense blue eyes ever so focused on her opponent.
Sword in hand long gone, leaving her with a dagger. However, that did not stop her from
continuing the sparring with her opponent, an experienced fighter, Dorian. The Alpha of the
guard, Antonio Westfall assessed the fight from afar was awestruck by the gracefulness of her
movements and beauty. The sound of metal clinking brought back Antonio to his senses. Hand at
the pommel of his sword, ready to interfere if a need arises.

Samuel, an elite guard came running into the sparring room, bowing to the princess. Your
grace, apologies for the interruption. The King has summoned you to his study at once.
Amaryllis sheathed her sword by her waist, bowed to her opponent, turned on her heels and
followed the footsteps of Samuel without a word. Silence fell into the large sparring room. Each
one concerned for the princess, knowing only trouble is to come when the King summons her.

A sharp rap on the study room door had the King look up from his letters. Your majesty, I
have come as you have requested. Come in, Amaryllis. Have a seat. Why did you send for
me, father? It is unlike you to send for me at such hour. A look of confusion and concerned was
plastered on the face of the princess. A sigh escaped the lips of the king. The king turned to take
a good look at his daughter and a grim smile appeared on his face. He kneeled down and looked
his daughter in the eye. Amaryllis Astryd Jarscermourth. My little star. How many times have I
told you not to scare me, not to give me a heart attack, Ryllis, Why did you join the troops to kill
the giant spiders today? Have I not told you to stay within the city limits?" She looked away and
tears rolled down her cheeks and she quickly wiped them away. A small smile was already on her
face. Father, you do not have to worry. I am still alive and unharmed. I only went because it is
part of my duty as the Beta of the guard. I cannot just leave my subordinates just because I am
their superior. You cant keep me within the castle grounds forever, Father. Ryllis, I know that
youre being a good Beta. But, please, dont make me regret my decision letting you join the
guard and becoming the Beta. I do not want a repeat of this. You will not be allowed to go on
missions or patrols beyond the gates of the city. But, father! My decision is final, Ryllis. It is
for the best. The princess got up, bowed and turned for the door. I will do as His Majesty
please. With that said, she was out the room before the King could say a word.

The young princess darted for the garden, once out of the Kings study. Anger and hurt
flashed on her face. Couldnt her father understand that she was only carrying out her duties as a
Beta trying to protect their land and people? What was so wrong about it? Tears started brimming
down her cheeks without her realizing it. A tap on her shoulders had her stiffen in anticipation.
Amaryllis, are you alright? I can hear you sobbing. It was her Alpha, Antonio Westfall. She
wiped away her tears, a small smile gracing her lips and she turned around to face Antonio. Im
fine, Antonio. You look far from fine, Amaryllis. What has you troubled? Did you get into
trouble with the King? Did he forbid you from going on mission and patrols beyond the city
gates? The princess stuttered. How did you know? Dont tell me he gave you an order! The
King ordered that you are forbidden to leave the city gates for missions and patrols for the
meantime. He gave strict order that you are not to leave the city gates without guards for your
horse rides and hunting training. But you must understand, he is doing this only because he cares
and love you. The princess shook her head and began crying furiously. Antonio sat quietly and
hugged the crying princess and consoled her. He soothed the princess and calmed her down.

Walking quietly back to her chambers, Antonio accompanied her. Suddenly Antonio turned to
face her. You should smile more, you know. She laughed at his randomness. And, why is
that? Because your smile is like spring- soothing and warm. Its like sunshine. It radiates the
positivity to the whole castle. It put smiles on the faces of others in your presence. And, that
answer had the princess smiling throughout the walk back to her chambers. Once in front of her
chambers, Thank you for walking me back to my chambers, Antonio. It is my pleasure,
princess. I know that youre going through a lot, but, please smile. That simple gesture has
inspired many to continue their day with positivity. Ive seen it myself, princess. Amaryllis
nodded and Antonio took that as his cue to leave.

The tired princess went into her chambers and flopped on her bed only to find an envelope on
the pillow. She opened the envelope and found a letter in the Kings handwriting. It read,
Dearest daughter,

I apologize for what I have said earlier. I know how much it must have crushed your world
when I forbid you from leaving the city gates. It is only in my best interest to keep you safe,
Ryllis. I understand that you are only trying to carry out your duty. But, it is my own weakness
and selfishness. I do not wish to lose you. You are the only one I have left, my dearest. Believe
me, I do not wish to take away your freedom, but, I do not wish you to be harmed in any way,
my dear daughter. Forgive me for my weakness and selfishness.

Much love,

Your Father.

The princess cried reading the letter. Before she could go looking for her father, the door to
her chambers opened revealing the King. The King sat on the bed and collected the crying
princess in his arms and soothed her. Constantly, he combed her hair and kissing her forehead
assuring her everything will be alright. I am sorry, Father. For my earlier outburst, for
everything. You did nothing wrong, sweetheart. I should be the one apologizing. Im sorry for
being selfish. Im sorry that this has to be done. She just shook her head and mumbled her
apology. I cannot lose you, Ryllis. You are the only one Ive left in this world. Your smile shines
the grey skies and your laughter rings through this halls. Your simplest gestures give me the
strength to rule with just, my dear. You radiate positivity to all of us, Ryllis, more than you know
it. The King smiled and looked down to find his princess sleeping. He tucked her in and kiss her
forehead. Before leaving her chambers, the King took a last look at his daughter. You do bring
the best out of us all, Ryllis. That smile is truly magical, darling. With that, he left her chambers.

By : Intan Nur Dania Bt Asrul Amir (25220)