"Either that or capture you. I never asked, how did you end up in that situation last time?"

Seraph says "Well, I was sent on a mission by my father. On the way we were attacked by bandits and my escorts were killed. Then the bandits took me and delivered me to the men that you rescued me from."

"Again, that would be odd behavior for real bandits. It sounds more like someone made a deal, you as a sacrifice for something else. Considering your travel information has been leaked, whoever wants you dead must be fairly powerful. I have no idea what the politics are like in your kingdom, nor do I want to, but something like this is most likely politically motivated."

Seraph says "That doesn't make any sense! Women are not allowed to inherit the throne and even if I could I wouldn't be first in line! No one should have a reason to get rid of me!"

"If you married, would your husband be in the line of succession?"

Seraph says "Yes, but at the bottom of the list."

"Then that might be a motive. It could also be someone who was interested in you that you rejected. There are any number of reasons!"

Seraph says "What do you think I should do?"

"Well, you can't go on the offensive since you don't know who the enemy is. All you can really do is improve your defenses and try to find clues as to who is after you!"

Seraph says "How can I improve my defenses? The knights who guard me are already among the best in the kingdom!"

"There are still a few things you could do. Especially since you are headed to the auction. You can buy magical weapons and armor for them or yourself. You could also buy a powerful beast to be your guardian."

Seraph says "Those are good ideas! I hadn't thought of that!"

"Well, considering you didn't know someone was targeting you, it is understandable you didn't think of it!"

Seraph says "That just makes it more important for me to reach the auction. So, will you escort me? Please?"

"Since I am heading there anyway, I suppose I can."

Seraph says "Yes! Thank you very much! If there is anything I can do for you in return, please don't hesitate to ask!"

"No, there is nothing I need."

Seraph says "Ash, are you by chance a noble from another kingdom?"

"Me? No, no I am not a noble!"

Seraph says "That's too bad! My father would never let me marry a commoner!"

"Marry?! Who said anything about marriage?!?"

Seraph says "Why do you suddenly look so flustered? Is the thought of marrying a princess really that bad?"

"Yes! If I married a princess I would have to get involved in politics! The troubles would be endless!"

Seraph says "But you would become royalty! Isn't that everyone's dream?"

"I don't know about everyone else, but it certainly isn't mine!"

Seraph says "Then I guess I will have to think of another way to reward you!"

"That was your idea for rewarding me?!?"

Seraph says "Yes! Although, I will admit it would also be a good thing to me! Much better than a political marriage to some old man!"

"I guess I can't argue with that. However, once we cross the border I will most likely never visit your kingdom again."

Seraph says "Why?!? Has my kingdom disappointed you somehow?"

"Because I plan to travel across the entire continent!"

Seraph says "The entire continent?! That is impossible! Rumors say the western side of the continent is ruled by demons!"

"Those are just rumors, and even if they are true, demons can still be killed!"

Seraph says "Are you one of those people who will risk death just to see a new sight?!"

"I wouldn't go that far, but I do have endless curiosity!"

Seraph says "Meaning you are crossing the entire continent just to satisfy your curiosity?!?"

"Yeah, pretty much!"

Seraph says "Have you ever been royalty? If not, why aren't you curious what it would be like?!"

"I may be a little curious about it, but not enough to give up my freedom! Anyway, unless you want to camp here for the night we should get moving."

Seraph says "Alright, how about you ride in the carriage with me? That way we can keep talking!"

"Actually, are you able to ride a horse?"

Seraph says "Of course I can! Why?"

"Then you should ride with me and let your wounded knights rest in the carriage."

Seraph says "That's a great idea!"

Of course, the knights try to object, but the princess overrules them and orders them into the carriage. She basically just bullies them into doing what she wants them to do. I can tell that this is fairly normal behavior for her from the reactions of the knights.

She doesn't seem to be an evil person, but she is far too used to getting her way. While I admit that she is very attractive, there is no way I am going to marry such a bossy woman. Although, it is fairly entertaining to watch her bossing around a group of grown men.

While she is bossing around the knights, I gather up the horses and separate out the best looking two. The rest of the horses I tie in two lines to the back of the carriage. Luckily, the carriage driver survived by hiding under the carriage so I don't have to drive it.

However, when I am about to mount my horse I see Seraph standing by hers looking confused. A look is all it takes for me to figure out the problem, she can't mount on her own. This is not because she is weak, but because she is wearing a long, full dress that restricts her movement.

So I walk up behind her, gently grab her by the waist, and lift her onto the horse. Her face turns a little red, but she still smiles and thanks me, yet something in her eyes scares me. To avoid thinking about it I mount my horse and signal the carriage driver to start moving.

Grimgar stays on foot, but he has no problem matching the pace of the carriage. The only downside is that with the princess riding right next to me, I can't teach Grimgar. However, barring any problems, with the speed of the carriage, we will reach the Magic Kingdom's capital by tomorrow night.

We only travel for a little over an hour before we find a good spot to make camp. We could probably push on for another hour before it gets dark, but I decide to stop. The knights will rest better if we aren't moving, and this will give Grimgar time to go hunting.

However, as soon as we stop, the knights cause a rather large commotion. That is because their wounds have already healed, even the serious wounds they had received. It is only as they are exclaiming that I suddenly remember my healing aura.