The Reluctant Dark Knight/Part 6

The king heard a bird twittering happily, prompting him to open his eyes and rise to the new day. He stretched and sat up, blinking a few times to clear his vision, and then he saw a nightingale perched on the stone sill of the window; it flew away when he stood, also awakening the Clockwork Smurf. “Good morning, Clockwork,” he began, approaching his closet. The trinket hopped out of its tiny bed and made various sounds which translated as, “Good morning, your majesty!” “I think I’ll wear the blue one today.” King Gerard picked out his favorite outfit – the one the Smurfs had made after he escaped from the castle dungeons his evil Aunt Imperia had locked him in. He knew it was Clockwork’s favorite too, so he laid it out on the side of his bed and undressed while the little doll told him he would see him at breakfast. He acknowledged the note and plucked his dark blue hat off the coat rack by his door when he was exiting the room. “Hello, your majesty,” announced a rosy woman’s voice in the dining room. King Gerard smiled at Mrs. Sourberry and seated himself at the table, seeking the time. “Oh, it’s just half past the tenth hour, me lord. How did you sleep if I may ask?” She brought him a plate of scrambled eggs, two bacon strips, and fresh strawberries. “It’s strange, Mrs. Sourberry,” he admitted, picking up his fork, “I dreamt that I was getting married, but I didn’t see a bride in sight. Only bridesmaids congratulating me on the ceremony – what do you make it?” He took a few bites while she thought about it. “Oh, I think you’ve just got butterflies in your tummy is all. It’s not easy choosing a wife when you’re royalty, as we all know.” Then he looked at his mechanical companion. “What do you think, Clockwork?” he asked. The little Smurf waved one arm and assorted a series of clicks, notes, and clunks as if to say, “I agree with her statement.” With that, King Gerard continued eating while his servant left the room; he wondered who he would pick for his future bride. Shortly after he and his Smurf finished their breakfast, he was informed of a trio waiting at the drawbridge, so he made his way to it. Clockwork jumped into his hand and held his thumb along the way. “Johan, Peewit, and – who’s this young lady?” he exclaimed. He told his guards to let them in immediately and greeted the boys, but was most eager to meet the girl travelling with them. Johan dismounted Bayard and gestured towards her with his hand across his chest: “Sire, this is our friend Lady Falla of the south kingdom. She’s here to help you decide on a suitor, just like us.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you, King Gerard,” she said, curtseying, and held out her hand. Clockwork jumped down and stayed at his feet, assuming his next move. He took it and assured her, “The pleasure’s all mine,” as he kissed the top gently. She smiled, so he did too, but then Peewit cried out: “Is there still time to have breakfast around here?” “Peewit…” Johan nudged him with a subtle scowl; he turned back to the king and added, “I apologize for his rudeness. Would it be alright if he eats while we attend to the matter at hand?” “Of course, Johan, I don’t mind if it’s the three of us,” and then he looked down to the blonde boy, “Mrs. Sourberry will serve you in the kitchen over there.” He pointed to a nearby door – before they knew it, Peewit was gone and it was the trio (plus Clockwork) remaining. He glanced at Falla and led them up a stairway to the main tower where his throne room was. When they entered, he picked up a scroll on the cushion and showed it to her and Johan, explaining, “This is a list of the princesses I have to choose from, and about half of them live thousands of miles away. I just can’t tell which ones to eliminate, so I was hoping you two might know and give me your opinions of them.” “We’d be happy to help, sire,” Johan replied with a nod. He glanced at Falla, who agreed, and they skimmed over the list when the king flattened it out on a table against the far wall. “Now, let’s see here…”

Lady Pricilla of North Regiment Estate

Princess Adela of Madero Castle

Princess Francesca of West Dirking Castle

Lady Gwendolyn of Eastern Shore Estate

Princess Miranda of South Adimira Castle

Princess Andria of the North Kingdom

Princess Cara of East Firebird Castle

Princess Karla of East Firebird Castle