The fourteen year old king awoke to the tolls of the castle's bells. They rang out once. Twice. And then a third time. This meant only one thing and King Corobo knew very well what to do. He rose from his bed and proceeded to his garderobe. He took of his white night garments and replaced them with under garments of the same colour. He pulled out his red jacket and put that on top and then slipped into his green trousers. Finally, he put on his matching brown gloves and boots and threw a blue scarf around his neck. As he walked out the door, he took his sword, still sheathed, off a hook and strapped it to his belt. However, he didn't make it very far before turning around and returning to get his crown, which he had left on his desk. He placed it on his head and left the room once more.

Corobo stopped dead in his tracks, halfway down the corridor. To his right stood Princess Apricot, who was watching from the doorway of her bedroom. She stood silently, her right fist clenched around the white ribbon around her neck. For a few short moments, their eyes were locked on to the other's as they both knew that tonight was another night that could claim Corobo's life. Apricot's azure eyes were heaven through his sapphire eyes and it was moments like this when Corobo knew that he really loved her. He stepped up close and gently caressed her cheek, before pressing his lips up against hers.

Echoes bounded off the walls of the corridor as the young king ran towards, and then down, the stairs. Once he had reached the castle's lobby, he bolted to the front doors and smashed into them. The grand double doors flung open and Corobo made haste to the northern watchtower, under which he saw a gathering of soldiers, who were awaiting commands by the gates. After he had parted the sea of soldiers, he climbed the stairs to address the watchman.

"Well, soldier?" Corobo didn't even try to sound interested in yet another attack.

"A few dozen Onii on the horizon, sir. They'll be here in a matter of minutes, now. But we'll stand by you through the wind and rain," the soldier on watch duty saluted his king and then drew his sword for emphasis.

"I admire your bravery at this dark hour."

"That, sir, it is."

"Send forth the cavalry and rain arrows on them. Then deploy foot soldiers for support. And, as ever, keep watch and guard over the walls. Our kingdom must remain safe."

It was as if the Earth itself shook when the king slammed the castle's front door shut, having returned. He rushed up to his room, threw down his sword and lay on his bed, his head buried in his arms. With slow steps, Apricot entered and pulled up the chair from Corobo's desk, in order to sit down next to him.

She slowly rubbed her hand up and down his back, "What's wrong?" She was greatly confused when she asked this question.

"This can't go on..." Tears ran down his cheeks, "We may have one but many are dead and soon I'm going to have to go out with them again, or they'll lose faith."

The princess had no words of comfort for the poor boy and so just laid her head on his back and continued to slowly caress him, in hope of calming him.