Chapter 111

"Your Highness King Okita Whitemane and members of the royal family and court, may I present the envoy from the Iron Rose Kingdom, Sir Kane Hoss."

Kane walked into the spectacular throne room. It was far more luxurious and pleasing to the eye than his. It's white walls and gold trimming were beautiful, but what really made it stand out was the cherry blossom-looking trees that littered the sides of the main walkway leading to the throne.

As Kane was announced he started to walk closely behind General Bushivo toward the throne. Kane saw that the king in front of him was a slender old man with a long white beard and several scars adorning his face. Despite his thin and more diminutive stature, the man had broad shoulders and Kane could feel the slight presence of battle energy.

As Kane neared the throne he looked at the smaller thrones placed closely behind and next to the kings. An old woman who has clearly seen many years yet still had dark black hair sat to the king's right. The princess who Kane had gotten to know was sitting to the left. Also, the room had five other notable people that stood out from the guards. Two were heavily armored and well-groomed. Kane assumed they were generals and felt battle energy surrounding one. There was a man in a long silky robe that seemed to be twice the size of his body. A woman in a silk uniform had a similar pattern to the man in silk and was standing next to him. Last was a very thin man whose clothes were made of fluffy white furs and had every finger adorned with gold rings.

Kane had arrived in front of the king and saw Bushivo kneel. Kane was stumped. He was an envoy so he wouldn't kneel or salute. But should he bow? How should he greet the king? He was inexperienced with these diplomatic situations.

"So you are the knight that save my daughter and selflessly defended my kingdom?"

Before Kane said anything the king spoke. The Queen seemed intrigued by him and the princess was shy but happy at his presence. The advisors and generals had mixed expressions, most being negative or skeptical.

Kane took a deep breath before responding. Bushivo looked very closely and almost wanted to spit out a non-existent drink when he saw what his friend did next.

Everyone watched in curiosity and surprise at the man who had just taken off his helmet and revealed a tan face, mesmerizing golden eyes, and long black hair. The princes and Bushivo were especially shocked as they had met this man but had never seen his face. They had even talked to the king beforehand about his choice of not showing himself. Bushivo did not expect the man to look so young and the princess seemed to blush while staring at the man. The King also seemed kind of disoriented as he was expecting the man to stay helmeted. The sulking advisors who had known about Kane's habit seemed annoyed at the spectacle.

Before anyone could recover Kane introduced himself in a way no one was expecting either.

"I am grateful for the hospitality of the king and it is truly an honor to meet you. I am King Kane Hoss of the Iron Rose Kingdom."

Princess Liora had been excited to see Sir Kane again. When she heard he had arrived she went into automatic mode and dressed up nicely as fast as she possibly could. She didn't know why but she felt nervous and wanted to impress the man. Her maid friends teased her as did her mother when she arrived at the throne room. Her father gave her a question and an amused look before focusing on one of his generals.

"Seems the warrior may have built a castle in my daughter's mind," said Queen Lakura.

Liora blushed but seemingly could not respond.

"Well, I guess I should have a gander at this man who leaves my dear Liora unable to defend herself."

Liora calmed herself before sitting down and preparing for the arrival of the man who had made her private thoughts full of confusion and shyness.

General Bushivo did not think Sir Kane would take his helmet off. He had argued with some of the King's advisors and other generals about the man as many thought it was rude and distrustful while Bushivo who had fought alongside the man knew that he could be trusted and should be respected.

What he never could have ever guessed was that after revealing his face for the first time he revealed something so shocking that he was at a loss for the first time in many years.

Bushivo was not only surprised but kind of panicked at the news. Despite his old age and experience, he felt very strange at having fought so closely with another kingdom's king even if the kingdom was small. He hoped his king would not take offense at this surprise. He worried that since this was unusual etiquette it could sour the talks of forming an alliance.

"So... you're the king of the Iron Rose? Why have you personally come so far? An envoy would be sufficient. Also were you the warrior who fought with my men?" The king said in confusion. He was not expecting to be talking to the king of the kingdom he was in the talks of forming an alliance with.

"I am indeed. My leadership may seem strange to most but I would rather fight by my men's side than send them off to die for me while I sit back and grow older. I did fight with your men and grew to respect them. Your generals are smart and brave and your daughter is fair and kind. I knew that the king of their kingdom would be a man I would want to meet."

One of the generals gave Kane a look of hostility when he made the remark on leadership. Bushivo noticed and grew worried that things may turn for the worse.

"I am very surprised to see a king so young yet so wise. I remember the days I could fight alongside my knights. You honor not just yourself but your people and I would be glad to speak to you about an alliance and friendship. Please follow me so we may discuss in private."

The king responded in a calm and respectful tone. Everyone present in the room seemed surprised that the king had spoken in this manner and even went straight to inviting King Kane to talk with him.

The King and Kane left while the others were left to discuss among themselves. Kane's men went to stand by themselves in a corner while the advisors immediately started to talk about the events that had just occurred. The Princess followed by the Queen walked up to Bushivo. No one was sure what was being talked about and many speculated but they would have to wait to find out.