[M] The Princess and the Knight [DreamDragon101 & V]

[V]

A breeze flowed through the balustrade bringing fresh ocean air. Blonde hair buffeted by wind tore free from a golden crown until a gentle hand brushed the long locks away. With a final glance across the seaside city below, the somber king returned to the castle halls. Already an aide attended his shoulder with mentions of the war, he babbled while scurrying to keep up with the king's commanding steps.

Although the conflict to the south bore heavy weight to the king of Terith his mind couldn't help but dwell closer to home. After months of dispatching and receiving emissaries from the neighbouring kingdom of Raeceryn, his daughter was to be wed. A political pairing to ensure strong ties against that southern menace of an empire.

Yet, the king felt sorrowful to part with his daughter, the princess Elizabeth. With a wave he dismissed the aide, pressing matters clouded his mind and the King knew he could not focus on anything else. A moments pause, resetting himself, then he entered the chamber.

A young man waited inside, standing with a nervous cloud about. The knight wore nothing of finery, just well worn gear almost straight from morning practice.

~

Edward, youngest son of Perric, lord of Athor, and knight of the realm knocked the sword free from his opponents hand. With a sweeping shield blow he knocked the youth to the ground. The practice sword quickly pointed down to his squire, “still much to learn Henry.”

Pulling the young teen up, Edward slapped him on the back and said with a grin, “go get some food in you, meet back here for another round later today.” The morning sun was rising higher, soon the land would awaken and the castle bustle with last moment preparations.

Pulling his hands free of gloves, he slapped Henry on the back. After leaving the practice field, Edward found himself wandering to his own chamber. Quickly he brushed his unkempt hair back to order, brown locks tugged neatly behind his ears. A glance to the mirror showed his morning activity, dirty smeared features and a grimace below. “Must look my best before the royalty,” Edward murmured cleaning to reveal his young looks.

~
“Liege,” Edward spoke and immediately bowed. But the king quickly ushered him to rise, seemed like this meeting was to lack formality. Edward stood several steps within the chamber, a sitting room with several chairs and a table. The King ignored them, motioning Edward to follow to the balcony.

A grim smile and a friendly slap on the shoulder brought them standing side by side, overlooking the gardens and fields. Edward glanced to the king, waiting as patient as he could.

“How long have I known your father,” muttered the king, “twenty years at least, always the loyal man. Saved my skin in the campaigns, countless times I'm sure and many since.” The king nodded to himself before adding, “Cut from the same cloth his boys, always said to me.”

Edward held himself still, calmly listening in to the king's word. He nodded along thinking upon Clive and Richard, his elder brothers. They looked almost the exact same as their father, Edward himself took more after their mother. A memory of a recent tourney flashed in his mind, Clive choosing honour over victory to assist an injured contender.

“I need a knight,” said the King suddenly bringing the young man back to the moment.

“Your highness?” Edward gave a pause, “how can I serve?”

A long sigh, and a long glance over the field. “My daughter is to be married,” he held back Edwards response. “Terith must continue our close ties to Raeceryn. Princess Elizabeth is to marry their prince.”

“I've chosen you Knight Edward to be her escort when the time comes. With the war, I cannot spare many men nor travel myself.”

“I'm honour, my Liege,” Edward said with a bow. The pair discussed the wedding and details on the escort for at least an hour. The initial nerves eased leaving Edward to grow comfortable within the presence of his leader. After months of feeling chafed about being kept home from the battlines Edward felt a sense of relief.

Afterwards Edward returned to his chambers for a quick meal and to collect his gear. Henry was not the only one who needed training, he returned to the practice yard.

[DreamDragon101]

Now Elizabeth was counting down the days until she would be marrying the Prince of the neighboring kingdom for her father had made agreement to ensure there Kingdom would be safe if she did this. Now Elizabeth did not like the idea one bit and wished she did not have to do it. Her father had promised her that one of his knights would be escorting her there. But right now Elizabeth was not going to think about this but was going to think of other things like taking a walk in the rose Garden.

When she got there she found the Gardner out there clipping the Rose bushes. “Oh! Hello Timothy! I thought I just might find you out here in the garden. It is such a lovely day out here.” she said as she smiled at him. Now when Timothy saw her walk up he smiled at her. "Oh hello there Princess Elizabeth, What brings you out here on such a lovely day?"

Elizabeth sighed as she looked at the roses. “Oh I just wanted to have a walk in the rose garden and get mother some roses. Will you be so kind to cut me some red and yellow roses that I could take in too her." she ask as she leaned over to smelled a yellow rose that was in front of her. Timothy started to laugh when he heard what she had said. “Oh Princess Elizabeth I know you well enough now to know you did not just come out to walk in the gardens and to get your mother some roses but you also have something on your mind you want to talk about. Yes, I can cut you some roses.” He said as he lays his clippers down to pick up a pile of rose cuttings.

Elizabeth smiled "Oh Timothy I am so glad I know you well enough to just come out here to share my feeling with you. Yes, something is bothering me. Could I share it with you right now?” She said as she watches him pick up some more rose cutting. Timothy nodded his head as he walks back over to stand next to her. “Of course you may Princess you know I will always lesion to you. So what is bothering you? ” He said as her pick up his clippers and started to cut her some red roses.

Elizabeth stood there for a minute not saying anything. Then she finally spoke. “Well I have been doing a lot of thinking about me having to leave here and marry some prince I have yet to meet. Plus I am going to miss coming out here to see you and smelling the roses. I wish I did not have to leave.” She said as she watched Timothy cut the roses for her.

"Well it is not like you won't be able to come home and visit and I am sure there will be roses there for you to smell." Timothy said. Elizabeth started to shake her head. "No it is not like I can't but once I am married I may not be able to do much traveling and my husband my not let me.” she said as she smelled the roses he had handed her.

Timothy shook his head. “Princess Elizabeth don’t worry about it right now. You don’t know what your husband is going to be like. So for the time being just enjoy your time here and take each day one at a time.” He said as he pats her on the arm. Elizabeth smiled at him. “Thank you Timothy, you have been a great friend to me over the years and I will always remember you because of that. Well I am going to go give mother these roses and then take a walk in the meadow.” she said as she started to turn to go but stopped when he spoke again. “You are welcome Princess have a good afternoon and be careful when you are out there walking in the meadow.” he said as she smiled at her one last time. Elizabeth laughed as she waved to him and turned to walk back to the castle.

As Elizabeth was walking she notice two Knight’s sword fighting in the shade nearby. As she stopped to watch them she started to wonder if one of the men was Edward the Knight her father had said would be escorting her on the trip. Now Elizabeth had not yet met him but was told he was handsome and strong. Now by the looks of these two Knights she notices they both looked very handsome and were both strong, but she did not know who they were.

Then all of sudden one of the Knights shouted out to the other one. “Edward great job at sword fighting today, you have become an excellent Knight over the years and should be glad for you will do a great job escorting Princess Elizabeth. Now if the King saw how well you were doing today he would have been very proud of you.”

When Elizabeth heard the name of the Knight her eyes grew wide. So this was Edward the one who would be taking care of her. She liked how handsome he looked and he was strong. Oh how she wished she could only meet him before they started on the trip together, but she did not know how she would do that.

Then all of a sudden the Knight that had spoken looked over her way and waved to her. When Elizabeth saw him waving to her she smiled and waved back to him, but before either men could call out to her Elizabeth took off running to the castle.

By the time Elizabeth had reached the castle she was out of breath and had to sit down to rest a minute. She laughed at the thought of what her mother would have said if she had seen her running just now and knew she would probably have said she was not being a lady. After resting a few minutes she stood up and brushed her dress off and walked the rest of the way to the castle.

When she finally reached the castle gates she entered them and went to find her mother. She wondered if she looked alright to be talking to her mother, but before she could check her mother walked into the room. “Oh there you are Elizabeth. What in the world have you been doing? Your hair is all a mess and your dress is dirty.” she said as she looks her daughter over. Now when Elizabeth heard this she looked to the floor for a minute. “I am sorry mother I was running. But I did stop by the garden and got you some roses that Timothy cut for you.” she said as she held the roses out to her mother.

Now when her mother heard why her hair was a mess she laughed. “Oh Elizabeth when are you ever going to learn that it is not right for a young lady to run?” She said as she took the roses from her. Elizabeth smiled up at her mother. “I am sorry mother I will try and remember next time to be more like a lady. Well mother I am going to go for a walk in the meadows now .” she said as she started to turn to walk away. Her mother smile and nodded her head. “Okay Elizabeth be careful and no more running dear.” she said as she watch her walk away. Elizabeth smiled as she started to walk out of the castle. She was glad her mother did not ask why she had been running.

Now when she had gotten out of the castle she walked a little bit to the right of the castle and down a small path that lead out into the meadows. After reaching the meadows she walked straight over to her favorite old oak tree and sat down. Then thinking out aloud to herself. "I am really going to miss this old oak tree when I leave, but I know there will always be new trees I can find when I get there and I am sure it will be just as quiet a place as this place is right now. " she said as she sat back and got comfortable enough that she soon fell asleep.

What Elizabeth did not know was a Knight had been standing there not far from her watching her as she sat under the tree sleeping.

[V]

Perspiration coated his brow, earning a hasty wipe of a fist. It nearly undid Edward in the bout, a sword slash swished through the air, only a last moment back kept him within the fight. The other knight grinned slightly while the pair circled each other afterward. Watching Percy and waiting for a misstep, Edward feinted to draw an opening. Evenly matched, others watched on. A practice match, yet neither held back.

A flurry of blows clanged off Edwards shield, he gave ground absorbing the relentless attacks. The final strike slid awkwardly away and the knight seized the opportunity. Rushing in quick Edward brushed aside attempts at defense. The practice match ended quick after that, Percy knocked to the ground, Edward standing the victor practice sword in hair over the fallen body. No animosity was between the pair, friends since childhood, Edward gave the man a hand to stand.

A little while later, the session finished, the pair panting through exhaustion. Ever formal, Percy gave praise.

“Edward great job at sword fighting today, you have become an excellent Knight over the years and should be glad for you will do a great job escorting Princess Elizabeth. Now if the King saw how well you were doing today he would have been very proud of you.”

It hadn't took long for the news to spread, Edward has already found his name on servants lips. By the time he'd come to the yards the fellow Knights had already known. He'd accepted their congratulations with grace. "Come now Percy, if the king had seen you today, I am sure he would have sought you. Your fighting form is excellent and your deeds unmatched." Edward didn't have the booming voice of his friend, was softer spoken but still his voice did carry.

Percy suddenly was waving, Edward turned and followed his friends gaze. Too late, the lady was scurrying away, dress flapping as she ran. A hand clapped his shoulder, "her preparations must be very extensive. I've seen her rushing all throughout the castle, to and from the gardens."

Edward followed the Princess as she ran, until he could see her no longer. They had never met despite living in the same castle, Edward had seen her from afar plenty of times. Knightly tasks never kept him home for long. "I imagine she has much to think about in the coming days," he replied, finally taking his eyes from the castle.

The knights finished their practice for the day, talking about the upcoming weeks. Percy wondered if there would be a feast, telling of a boar in the nearby woods that would make an excellent highlight. Edward let the man dominate the conversation, his own thoughts elsewhere. He noted that Elizabeth's nature seemed adventurous, roaming where she could. Briefly he wondered if that would make her a difficult person to protect, before banishing the thought - Edward had yet to meet her. Best not to make assumptions.

"I must bid you farewell, Dawn has been restless and a walk shall do her wonders." Edward said and took to the stables.

Night was not too far away so it would not be a long walk. A glance over the ocean showed some heavy clouds that Edward didn't like the look of. "Let us keep this short," he spoke softly to his horse.

The field had emptied since the morning, the knight and horse had free roam. It was a gentle stroll until a hefty breeze whipped Edwards own hair into his eyes. Dawn neighed softly, Edward glanced back to the stables thinking it perhaps time to return. Suddenly something caught his eye, squinting Edward could see somebody laying under the old oak.

Dismounting Dawn nearby, he strolled over with a watching the person sleep comfortably. It took Edward a moment, and then startled him to find the princess. Awkwardly he watched her resting, Elizabeth looking so peaceful leaning into the old trunk. Edward glanced about for others, but it was only she he could see. Maybe the castle was in uproar trying to find her.

"Hello?" Edward called, his voice awkward. This was not how he'd sought to meet her, seemingly quite improper.

Louder, unsure if his voice had reached her slumber, Edward spoke, "my lady," Edward reached out, held his hand in the air between them. A moment unsure if he should touch her shoulder. "Princess ... Elizabeth," haltingly even louder, thinking he should wake her with voice only for now. It would not do for him to startle her. What would the king think if his chosen knight was out frightening his poor daughter? Edward did not wish to seek such a disapproval the day he'd received a high honour.

The rustling of the oaks leaves brought Edward to himself, the strong gust brushing Elizabeth's hair much more than his. It brought Edward's attention straight to her face, stunning him for a moment. Glancing away with a moments embarrassment.

After she'd awoken, Edward introduced himself with a friendly smile. He'd wondered what brought her to rest out here alone, but thought it rude to ask such a question.

"Princess, the wind is strong out here," Edward spoke softly. "I don't know if those clouds," he motioned them in the distance, "if they bright rain. I do feel like it could get cool remaining outside with night approaching."

"Do you ride?" Dawn was chewing grass restlessly nearby, glancing at the humans between bites.

[DreamDragon101]

Elizabeth jumped and her eyes opened when she heard her name being called. As she looked to her right her eyes grew wide when she saw that a young man was standing there looking at her. “Oh my, well hello there.” she said as she smiled up at him. “I must have fallen asleep because I did not know someone else was here.” she said as her face turned bright red as she looked away.

When Elizabeth heard him introduced himself to her, she nodded her head. “It is nice to finally meet you, Edward. I have heard some good things about you.” she said as a strong gust of wind blows some of her hair into her eyes. Then as he spoke about the wind and rain Elizabeth looked up into the sky. “Yes, it does look like it could start at any minute. When I came out here a little bit ago it was just really windy but now look at it.” she said as she started to stand.

When she was standing up, she quickly brushed her dress off as she did that, she heard Edward ask her if she rides. Smiling she nods here head. “Yes, I do ride my horse Starlight when I get the time. But today I thought I would just go for a little walk instead.” she said as she walked over to Edwards horse and started to pet its head. “What is your horse's name?” But before Edward could answer her it started to rain hard. Now when Elizabeth felt it, she looked up at him and said. “I know of a place we can go to get out of the rain. If you want to follow me, I will take you over there to that cave.” She said as she pointed to the cave that was under some trees then before he could say anything she took off running over to it.

By the time they reached the cave both of them were soaking wet. Elizabeth’s hair was a mess and all in her face, but she was glad they were out of the rain. As they both went in, they would see some blankets and firewood lying next to the wall. Elizabeth was the first to speak as she sat down. “Edward have you ever been in this cave before?” she asks as she sat down. “I like to come here when I want to get away from the castle and be by myself.” she said.

As Elizabeth sits there warped in a blanket, she watches Edward start to make a fire. After it was made, he sat down and as he was putting a blanket around him Elizabeth’s eyes studied him closely, she noticed he was handsome just as what her maid Ellen had told her. So, this was Edward the man that would be traveling with her soon. But she knew so little about him and they would be leaving soon. Would he talk to her since they both just did meet each other? Elizabeth did not know but she did know right now would be a good time to talk to him.

After they had been sitting there for a few minutes neither of them saying anything Elizabeth finally spoke. “Edward I am so glad we were able to finally meet but we know so little about each other and we will be traveling soon together, so I don’t know why we couldn’t start to get to know each other right now. Why don’t you start and tell me a little about yourself, what do you enjoy doing in your free time and please tell me about your family.” she said as she moved a little closer to him, so she was sitting right next to him. Then she smiled at him as she waited for him to speak.

[V]

"Dawn," Edward replied, giving her a gentle pat. Listening a moment too long, Edward hesitated in offering his horse for Elizabeth to ride back to the stables. Too late, the rain came pouring down overhead, Edward felt his hair soaking and saw their clothing start to dampen. Before the knight could make his offer, Elizabeth was pointing out a cave and rushing away.

Taking Dawn's leads Edward rushed after her, avoiding slipping on the quickly turning to mud earth. Dodging a puddle or two Edward ran behind her heels. By the time they made the cave Edward was glad he'd not spoken up. They were soaked through and the stables would be a quarter of an hour away.

Free from the wind, yet still shivering, he glanced around. It looked homely enough, visited often by the looks of supplies. Edward was reminded of her adventurous spirit. "No, no, my time in the field is restricted to the practice yards and exercising Dawn here." Giving her another gentle pat while she shuffled in happily free from the weather.

A few moments later Edward had the fire going, and settled down beside Elizabeth Glancing outside gave Edward the thought they might be stuck inside the cave for hours. The blanket pulled tight.

"Funny that I've been apart of court here since my childhood," Edward replied, "though my time was spent between serving as a page and squire here, to time on my father, Perric's, lands. Not that I ever visited while my father was present, time at home I spent serving my mother while she organized the lands. More often since my knighthood I've been based here, too young to ride to the wars but experienced enough to ride patrol for banditry." A minor bitter twinge Edward tried to mask. It had always been difficult to stay home while his brothers and father fought for the country.

"I'm the youngest of my siblings, Clive and Richard, both knights now. They were always years older than I, so were never close. Also Abigail older than both was long gone to the Abbey before I could truly know her." A moment of quietness followed with Edward shuffling the firewood into a stronger blaze. "Truly I respect my siblings a great deal, yet my true family has always been my peers."

Glancing her way, "my friend Percy spied you today at our training. My constant companion, enthusiastic beyond any I've ever met. We spend most evenings together down in the hall playing cards. Constant companion besides Henry that is, my overenthusiastic young apprentice."

Edward left the safety of the blanket, grimacing as his wet clothing met open air. He hefted another log for the fire which was quietly burning away through their chatter. Chilled he returned the princesses side, telling a humourous story about himself and Percy being lost while out hunting. The pair bickering about which way to return home only to learn both were wrong.

A moment of silence stretched, the knight staring into the fire while shivering. Edward glanced Elizabeth's way, "sorry I have been prattling on, I note you're quite adventurous yourself." Smiling her way he added, "just today I've spotted you running this way and that. This is what you like?"

[DreamDragon101]

As Elizabeth sat there listening to Edward talk it reminded her of her brother Eric who also like to talk. Now Elizabeth was more of a quite kind of person who did not do a lot of talking but showed her feelings in other ways.

Now when Elizabeth heard Edward answer her question about his free time she was a little surprised. “Aww, Edward I am sorry to hear you don’t get a lot of free time to yourself. But now that we have met each other I will have to see about stealing you away from the practice yards to take you different places. Because whenever anyone is around the Royal family is around you must stop what you are doing and honor them. Plus I don’t see why you can’t use the time you have to exercise Dawn and turn it into a fun ride with Starlight and I in the meadow.” Elizabeth said as she placed her hand on his arm and smiled at him.

As Elizabeth watched him make a fire she thought about ways she could get Edward away to have some fun with him. But her thoughts were interrupted when she heard Edward speak again about his childhood. Elizabeth nodded her head and smiled “When you are older do you plan on joining your father and brothers to fight in the war or will you stay and sever here as a Knight and help take care of my family?” she asked as she pulled her blanket around her a little tighter.

When she heard that he had some older siblings her eyes grew wide. “Oh really, now that is one thing that is the same with both of us. I am sure you know all about my two older twin sisters Elsie and Emma and my brother Eric who also is a Knight.” Elizabeth said as she brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes.

Now when he spoke about his friend Percy seeing her when they were training Elizabeth smiled as she looked outside at the rain that was still coming down really hard. Then glancing back at him she spoke. “Yes, I also saw you two out there sword fighting but at the time I did not know it was you.” Then she started to nod her head when he said that he played cards most evenings down in the hall. “Well I will have to come join you two sometime and see how well you play. How long have you known Percy for?” she asked as she looked at the fire.

Elizabeth watched as Edward put more wood on the fire then putting her head back on the wall of the cave she sat there listening to the rain fall outside. After a few minutes of silence Elizabeth turned and looks at Edward as he asks her a question. “Oh, no need to apologies to me Edward. I don’t think you have been prattling too much. I have enjoyed hearing you talk. See I am use to it because my brother does it all the time.”

Then the next thing he said to her made Elizabeth laugh. “Why yes I am quite adventurous person. I might seem quiet and shy at times but I am not that type of person that will just sit around and do nothing. I do like to get out and run around and try new things. My father likes to call me his little Tomboy because I am always running around but my mother always has to remind me that I am a young lady now and I need to be one. But I can’t help it this is what I like to do.” Elizabeth said as she yawned.

“It does not look like the rain is going to let up anytime soon we could be in here for a long time.” she said as she glanced outside for a minute. Then shivering she said. “Edward do you play any instruments? I have learned to play the flute and the harp and I love to sing. I will have to play for you sometime.” Elizabeth said as she smiled at him and looked into his eyes. As they held eye contacted for a minute Elizabeth started to wonder what Edward was thinking about. Then all of a sudden there was a loud snap as one of the logs broke in half. Now as that happened Elizabeth jumped and quickly looked away from Edward.

Then both of them sat there quietly for a few minutes. Now as Elizabeth sat there looking into the fire she started to think about what the days ahead of them would be like. She wondered what Edward feelings were about them traveling together since they just did meet each other. Maybe she should ask him now about it. Yes, she would do just that now.

As Elizabeth glanced back over at Edward she spoke. “When my father told you that you would be the Knight that would be escorting me to the neighboring kingdom so I could marry the prince there what were your first thoughts about doing it? Were you surprised he asked you to do it?” Elizabeth asked as she studied his face and waited for him to answer her.

By the time the rain had finally stopped night had come upon them making it too dark for them to travel back to the castle. Now Elizabeth had also grown tired and had fallen asleep with her head on Edwards shoulder.

[V]

Edward smiled and nodded along, agreeing with her plans at joint horse rides. Would be a perfect opportunity to understand each others temperament, of course he'd witnessed Elizabeth's joyous riding before.

“I can't say for sure, I am of course beholden to your family. If it were my duty to, I would. But I sooner long for a period of peace.” Edward found himself oddly puzzled, he'd never thought beyond the now in great detail. “I have met Eric in practice, he spoke when myself and others were learning the warriors path.”

Edward had to laugh, “myself and Percy have know each other for too long my lady. Have you ever known someone has such?”

When the conversation turned toward Elizabeth's interest Edward listened with eager ears. She confirmed his comments of being adventurous with a laugh, Edward chuckled as well. “I am sadly clumsy when it comes to the arts. I'd heard an excellent poet when a child but I could never form the words to tread that path.” He said smiling, “but I know I would enjoy listening to your music.”

“Honestly, I was shocked.” Edward said. “I'd have expected your escort duty to be assigned to someone of more experience. I'd always understood that my father and the king were close companions in their youths, yet now that bond seems larger than I knew.”

Hastily Edward added with a smile, “I am more than happy to be your companion on this journey.”

Conversation slowed until eventually Edward found himself staring into the fire, a head on his shoulder. A little chill had crept in through the night and rain so Edward welcomed to warmth of another. Forgetting the differences in station for a moment, he leaned back into her trying to keep away. After the shaking himself away the second time, Edward put one more log on the fire. He didn't remember laying down.

When finally morning came the fire had burnt itself out with only a bed of coals remaining. Glimmers of light illuminated the pair, sunlight sneaking through the cave entrance. Edward awoke slowly finding himself surprisingly comfortable against the stone. Nestled together beneath blankets, altogether far too close by proper conduct.

“I fell asleep,” Edward whispered softly. With delicate motions he tried to disentangle himself from the blankets while not causing the princess to awaken. Nearby his horse restlessly watched with big eyes until Edward took the leads. Outside while Dawn grazed in view of the entrance, Edward leaned against her.

“I dare not say how unfavourable it would appear if another found myself with her highness like that,” gently muttered to Dawn and no one else. “I'd find myself terribly disgraced. As it were I may find it difficult to explain.”

“From what I hear, and she confirmed, maybe an unplanned evening away from the castle is normal to her.” Edward added to himself, leaving the horse to graze, “I can hope for my honour.”

Heading back into the cave Edward's thoughts turned to food, already his stomach grumbled from the lack of dinner. Sipping water from a flask collected in his saddlebags, Edward hoped she didn't sleep long.