Casper Griffin
Two days later and the shock had still not worn off of Persephone. She hadn’t left her room since returning from her discussion with Delphi, and her love hadn’t bothered to come and see her. Maybe it was for the best, to end it now before her wedding. She would have to start looking soon. The thought of that made her sick to her stomach.
She laid in bed, staring up at her ceiling, wishing this was all a dream. She wondered what her parents thought as they watched her. She wanted them to give her a sign that this was supposed to happen, that this was her destiny, but it wasn’t true. Her parents didn’t want this fate for her.
The room started to become dark again when a knock came at her door. She didn’t bother to say anything. Everyone in the castle knew she would not answer. Then she heard the door click open. The glow of candle light slowly crept up to her and she was able to make out Delphi’s face. She sat up in surprise.
“Don’t ask questions. Just follow me.” She threw Persephone’s cloak onto the bed.
Persephone got the cloak on and got up, following Delphi out of the room. She put her hood up when Delphi did and soon they were out of the castle. A light breeze followed them as Delphi led them down the path that went to the woods outside of the castle grounds. They went in deep, Persephone had never been this far in. Finally they came to a small cottage. Delphi opened the door and lit the candles that were on the table.
Persephone looked around the tiny space, “What is this?”
“No one really knows. There’s a town rumor that this was a witch’s cottage. It’s been abandoned for years.” She placed the candle holder in her hand down on the table and sat down. Persephone took this as an invitation to do the same.
Delphi took a calming breath as she watched the flames dance, “I’ve been thinking about what you told me. Your plan.”
Persephone winced, “I know it was unethical, I had a quick moment of delusion. I never should have said anything.”
Delphi looked into Persephone’s eyes, “I think you should do it.”
The Princess stared at her lady-in-waiting, trying to find the joke in that statement. It had to be a joke, Delphi would not agree to this, “Um...what?”
“You’re right, it’s unethical and no sane person would ever do this, but you were never sane to begin with.”
Persephone frowned, “Well that’s just rude.”
“But you know it’s true.” She reached across the table and took Persephone’s hands in hers, “Helenthus needs you. I need you. And if you are forced to be with a man, you’ll be lost.”
Persephone was shaking her head, “What made you change your mind?”
“I talked to workers in the castle, people in the village. They want you, you’re the true Queen. And…”’ She shrugged, “Maybe it’s also a selfish part of me that wants you to myself.”
Persephone leaned in a little closer, “So you would be okay with me killing three men?”
“Like you said, it would be an accident. You’ll be taking scum off the streets.”
The Princess stood up, still wondering if maybe this was all a joke, “You really think this could work?”
Delphi stood up as well, nodding, “It’s at least worth a try.”
Persephone went over to the window and looked out at the dark woods. Once she started this, there was no turning back, “So first...we need to find me a husband.”
Persephone didn’t know where to start. She couldn’t go to the local jail and pick out anyone. It had to be someone who had not been caught. Someone who was right under everyone's noses. While Persephone had a great relationship with the staff, Delphi was closer with them. So Delphi tried to get in on the gossip, see if anyone would let anything slip.
“Are you alright, Princess? You barely touched your apple pie, your favorite.” Albert said as he cleared away the dishes surrounding Persephone.
“I have a lot on my mind, Albert.” She said, staring out the window.
“How is the search coming?”
“Just swell.” Persephone said as she picked up the knife on the table, throwing it without looking. It went straight into the tapestry hanging above the fireplace, landing in the center of a sunflower.
Albert walked over and pulled it out, dropping the knife onto the cart of dirty dishes, “I never liked that one. Didn't match the room.” He went to push the cart away.
“Albert.” Persephone said and watched the man stop, “Did...do you think my father knew this would happen?”
The butler turned back to her, his face not portraying any emotion, “If he did, he knew you would find a way out of it.”
“And...do you believe I’ll find a way out of it?”
“It doesn't matter what I believe, it matters what I know. And all I know is that you are a fighter.”
A small smile formed on her face, “Thanks Albert.”
He gave a bow and pushed the cart out of the room, just as Delphi entered.
Persephone stood up, “Delphi.”
“Princess, it is such a beautiful day out, would you like to go for a walk around the grounds?” She said with a twinkle in her eyes.
“Yes, that sounds lovely.” She followed her outside.
When they were on one of the paths that led to the training grounds, Delphi spoke again, “I’ve found someone that you will find interesting.”
Persephone’s heartbeat picked up a little, “Oh? And who is this lucky man?”
“His name is Casper Griffin, he’s part of the Kingdom’s Guard.”
The name sounded familiar which meant he was high ranking. That was good. The Royal Advisors would support a marriage to an officer. The two ladies had made their way to the training grounds.
“Second one in line one, red hair. That’s him.” Delphi said in a low voice.
Persephone pretended to stop to observe the topiary animals the gardener had created. This gave her the perfect view of the man. He was tall and broad shouldered. His skin was tan and he had a look of concentration on his face as he practiced the drills with the rest of the men. His bright, red hair was slicked back out of his face into a low ponytail.
“What has he done?”
Delphi sighed softly, “He uses his status as a Kingdom Guard to bring women to his chambers, almost always against their will.”
A flame of rage built up inside the princess, “He’s perfect.”
Delphi looked over at him then at Persephone, “What do we do now?”
She shuttered, “I guess I have to court him. Follow me.” She put on a mask of indifference and turned and walked over to the training field. The Captain saw her approach and told the men to stop. They all bowed. “Princess. It is lovely to see you.”
“Lovely to see you too, Captain. Gentlemen.” Persephone nodded to the group, letting her eyes linger on Casper.
“Is there anything we can do for you?”
“Yes, my lady-in-waiting and I would like to take a stroll through the village. Would you be able to spare one of your men to accompany us?”
“Why yes, of course. I’ll have-”
“You.” She said and pointed at Casper, “What is your name?”
If the soldier was surprised she signaled him out, he did not show it, “Casper Griffin, Princess.”
“Hm...I will take Mr. Griffin.” The princess said and smiled at the Captain.
The Captain blinked in confusion but kept his thoughts to himself, “Very well. Officer Griffin, please escort Princess Persephone and her lady-in-waiting into town.”
Casper nodded and sheathed his sword, “It would be my honor.”
Persephone smirked, “Great, lets go.” She turned to Delphi who nodded, following her as Casper followed not too far behind.
The group walked through the village, citizens bowing to the princess as she passed. Persephone nodded, giving each person a smile. A few times, people came up to her and chatted. She loved being around her people. They were the reason she wanted to be Queen. Her parents instilled in her at a young age that a Kingdom is nothing without its citizens. It was the job of the monarchy to make sure everyone was healthy, safe, and happy.
After she finished her conversation with the blacksmith, she turned and looked at Casper, “So how has your day been, soldier?”
Casper nodded to her, “Much better now. Thanks for getting me out of training.”
Persephone gave him a winning smile, “My pleasure. So, what do you do for fun?”
A group of young women passed and Casper watched them walk away, a small smirk on his face, “Oh, nothing much. Mostly drinking with fellow soldiers, playing games of horseshoes.”
Persephone swallowed down the insult that was crawling up her throat, “How interesting. You know, I’ve never actually played horseshoe.”
“That’s too bad, it’s quite entertaining.”
“Maybe you could teach me. I have no important business today so I have all the time in the world.”
Delphi cleared her throat, “There is a court outside of the pub.”
“What an excellent idea. We can grab a drink and Mr. Griffin can show me the ropes.”
Casper looked between the two, face neutral but Persephone could see the smirk coming back, “Are you trying to get me in trouble, Princess?”
Persephone giggled, “Not at all. It’s been so long since I’ve had fun and let loose. It will be a treat.”
Casper nodded, “Alright.” He held out his arm to her.
Persephone took it and allowed the man to bring her to the pub, “Delphi, if you would be so kind as to purchase each of us a pint? We will meet you in the back.” She took a few coins out of the purse tied to the belt of her dress and handed them to Delphi. Their hands touched for a few moments before Delphi nodded and went into the pub.
Persephone followed Casper to the back where a little court was set up, horseshoes stacked next to one of the poles in the ground.
Casper went over to the pile and picked up one, motioning for Persephone to stand next to him. The princess did just that, “Is it difficult?”
“Nah, you have the best teacher in town.” He stood behind her and put his hands on her hips.
Persephone clenched her jaw, willing herself not to flinch away.
“Now the purpose of the game is to throw the horseshoe and get it as close as you can to the opposite pole. Ideally you want to get it onto the pole, but I doubt you’d be able to do that on your first try.”
Persephone wanted to step right on his foot. Thank God she was going to kill him in a few weeks, “Should I try?”
“Hold on.” Casper moved her a little, hands squeezing her hips. When she was in a good position, he let his hands slide down, touching the sides of her legs through her dress, “Now throw.”
Persephone took a breath and then threw the horseshoe in her hand. It was heavier than she expected. It landed right at the edge of the sand pile.
“Not too bad. You’ll get better. Let me show you how it’s done.” He picked up his own horseshoe and tossed it. It landed right on the pole.
Persephone gasped, “Wow, Mr. Griffin, that was incredible.”
Casper turned and smirked at her, “Casper. You can call me Casper.”
Persephone looked him up and down, “Of course, Casper.”
Delphi came out with two mugs of ale and handed them to each person.
“You know, I really shouldn’t be drinking on the job.” The soldier said.
“Well I won’t tell if you won’t.”
“A secret between me and the Princess. I am deeply honored.”
“As you should. It is a great honor.” Persephone took a long sip of her ale, licking her lips when she pulled the mug away, “I would like you to join me for dinner tonight.”
Casper blinked in surprise, “You do?”
“Yes. I would like to know more about you. You are the most interesting man I’ve met in a while.” She touched his arm.
He looked down at the hand. Princess Persephone had never taken a courtship. There were many rumors about her preferences. When the men heard about this, he would be considered a God. “I’ll wear my finest clothes.”
“Perfect.” Persephone let her hand slip down and drank some more, mostly to cover the guilty feeling that was blooming in her chest as she felt Delphi’s eyes on her. “Delphi.” She turned to the lady-in-waiting, “Would you run back to the castle and let the kitchen know there will be two dining tonight in the grand hall?”
Delphi nodded, “Of course, Princess.” She bowed and turned to walk back to the castle, the whole way reminding herself that the man would be dead soon.
Persephone let out another fake laugh as Casper finished another story of one of his adventures with his friends, “Oh Casper, you are quite the character.”
“We like to have fun. Keeps us motivated to work.” Casper said as he drained his fourth glass of wine.
“I can’t express how grateful I am to have the best of the best protecting me. When my father passed, I feared for my safety. The Royal Guard has always been there for the Sols.”
“My father was part of the Guard when your father was alive. He was a big supporter. Said he was the finest king this village has ever had.”
Persephone smiled, “Yes. I hope I will be able to follow in his footsteps.”
“It’ll be strange to see a woman on the throne. Seems more like a man’s job.”
Persephone stuffed a piece of bread into her mouth, letting herself calm down while she chewed, “Can I let you in on a little secret, Casper?”
“Of course, Princess. What is it?” Casper asked as he ate some of his soup.
“It seems that there was a miscommunication. For me to be Queen, I must marry.”
Casper looked surprised at that statement, “Really?”
Persephone nodded, “It wouldn’t be fair to the people of Healenthus if they only had one ruler.”
“So who is the lucky guy? I assume some prince from another kingdom.”
Persephone picked up her napkin and wiped it slowly across her lips. Then she stood and made her way over to the guard. She ran her fingers through his hair, “Actually, since I am a Sol, I’m allowed to choose.” She whispered.
He swallowed and looked from her face to the skin peeking out of the bodice of her dress, “And have you made a decision?”
She hummed softly, “Not yet. I was hoping you could help me.”
He raised his eyebrows, “Me?”
“You see, Mr. Griffin, I have been watching you for a very long time.” She gestured for him to pull his seat out. Before he could stand up, she sat down on his lap, “I’ve never seen a finer man in my life.”
He smirked as he wrapped his arms around her waist, “Is that so?”
“What would you say to being the King of Helianthus?”
He let out a little laugh, “You really think I’m king material?”
“Why not? You’re an excellent fighter and handsome to boot. I think you would make a fine king.”
“So...is this a proposal?”
Persephone pulled a small box from the pocket of her dress. She held it up to Casper’s face and opened the box. Inside was the ring that had been passed down to the Sol women for centuries. It was a simple silver band with a yellow gem in the center, “Will you marry me, Casper Griffin?”
“I can’t believe this is happening but yes. I accept your proposal.” He took the ring out of the box and slipped it onto her finger. He leaned in to kiss her but Persephone put her right hand up, stopping their lips from touching.
“Ah, ah, ah. Not until the wedding night.”
“Oh, a tease I see?”
Persephone forced a smile and got off of his lap. She cleared her throat, “I will get the wedding arranged and send word when you are needed. You may go now.”
Casper blinked, “What?”
“I must rest. Till we meet again, love.” Before Casper could say another word, Persephone left the dining hall. She had the man. Now she needed the Royal Advisors to approve.