Andrew of Lea

Night came swiftly over the kingdom of Lea and the guards were lighting the torches outside. One guard lit a torch near the west wall and noticed a shadow flapping against the light. He quickly turned around to see what it was and saw nothing. Just nothing...
Meanwhile inside the castle, people from close to faraway kingdoms were dancing gracefully to the sweet song the minstrels of the royal court were playing. Princess Emberlyn was dancing with a prince from some unknown island. Andy was watching them dance as he stood nearby to an open window.
Sir Georges, who was standing next to him, noticed him staring at the princess, "Why do you watch her so? She is dancing with the right man and we should be dancing with the right women."
He pointed to across the room where three ladies-in-waiting were looking at them giggling shyly. Andy saw them but gave no look of encouragement. True, a knight could dance with a lady-in-waiting, but Andy preferred not to dance anyway. Well, almost.
Andy shook his head, "No, Georges. I don't dance anyway. But you enjoy yourself."
"Oh, I shall!" Sir Georges said with an impish grin and rushed right over to the girls. Andy continued to watch Princess Emberlyn dance until the song ended. The island prince bowed to her and left to find a different partner. Princess Emberlyn glanced over the room and saw Andy looking at her.
He blushed a little and she smiled at him. She was about to go over to him but she was stopped by a tap on her shoulder. She turned around and saw that it was Prince Peter of Frell. She met him a few times and found him to be...tolerable company. Noble as he is, she did find him to be a bit of a windbag bragger and a snob.
Nevertheless, Princess Emberlyn smiled politely at him and bowed, "It's wonderful to see you again, Prince Peter."
"It is, isn't it?" He preened. "It seems that time apart has done us a world of good."
Princess Emberlyn nodded, "Yes, well, shall we go over and greet Prince Victor? He sailed ten days to get here. I'm certain he has some stories to tell."
Prince Peter scoffed, "Indeed! I'm certain his encounter with passing goldfish would prove to be a perilous tale! But I must give my family's regards to your dear mother and father right now. Save a dance for me!"
Prince Peter hurried over to the king and queen nearby as Princess Emberlyn watched him go. He shook hands with her father, who smiled gratefully at him.
Finally freed from him, Princess Emberlyn slowly walked across the room aimlessly. She was trying to find Andy and began thinking. She knew her father invited the sons of the other kingdoms to celebrate her birthday, but she also knew her father too well. He invited them to be chosen by her to be her groom. She was a little thankful that he is allowing her to choose a prince of her choice and not forcing her to wed someone she didn't love.
She only wished he would allow her to marry whom she pleased. Be it a farmer, a flute player...or a knight.
A newly inducted knight.
A knight who she just spotted standing in a nearby corner.

Notes

Sorry the third chapter came so late. I'm preparing to move and been busy packing. Next chapter is coming soon enough. Enjoy!!