Ragtag Daily Prompt: Dusty Boots

GarGar, le comte des Deux Chats heard the alarming news and acted at once. First, he gave command of the army to his trusted lieutenant. Then he mounted his favorite horse, Electra and bounded off to the capital. There wasn’t a moment to waste. He rode poor Electra until she was half-dead and then traded her for a lesser steed before completing the two day journey to the palace.

When he arrived at the palace, GarGar was surprised to see the flag at full staff. None of the guards wore black armbands. Was the news of the old King’s demise just a silly rumor? Half-running through the halls of the palace, he made his way to His Majesty’s bedroom. There he found Princess Pirouette sitting bedside, calmly dabbing a clothe on His Majesty’s forehead. Tearing his hat from his head, GarGar bowed deeply from the waist, “Forgive my appearance, Your Highness, but I’ve just arrived at the palace from the front. I’ve not had a chance to clean up.”

Pirouette surveyed le comte from head to toe before speaking, “Yes, my lord, I can see from your dusty boots that you’ve had a hard ride. Won’t you have some tea to refresh you?”