He wasn’t given any time to contemplate the impostor, though. The crowd exploded into cheers, and Isaac was guided to remount Buttons, then led over to the foot of the royal box. The Princess had vanished from sight, but Prince Edward stood there, hands full of an ornate silver belt.
There was an elaborate presentation ceremony, and then Sir Isaac was asked if he wished to attempt the Princess’ Task.
Isaac blinked at the sudden uproar, allowing it to wash over him as his eyes gazed over to where the impostor had vanished, before he slumped down slightly. Mounting Buttons one more, he paid attention to detail as he was led over to the royal box, his helm still off as he fixed his eyes onto the Prince before him.
Briefly pondering over the request, he finally nodded and cast him a polite smile, figuring that he didn’t have much else to lose at this point. A little extra challenge wouldn’t delay his plans too much.
Up to this point, no one had even known what the Princess’ Task was, though some had shrewdly guessed.
“You must make the Princess smile.”
A silence fell, as everyone waited to see if there was more; surely the thing could not be that simple.
“The man who can make her laugh again will have her hand in marriage, and inherit the princedom besides.”
Apparently it was to be that simple. Such an easy task, many thought, for such a reward. A clamour broke out as other knights rushed forward to crowd around Sir Isaac, begging for the chance to try as well.