A quick breakfast followed the care of Dawn, begrudgingly served by kitchen staff mumbling about Edward's tardiness. Eating with a touch of embarrassment Edward's was greeted by his squire Henry, the boy had a pleased grin on his face. Suspiciously he asked, “what's gotten you so cheery this morning?”

A barely disguised flash of red cheeks and a briefly wide smile followed before the boy could control himself. “I had a meeting with Annabel last night.”

Henry offered nothing more, yet Edward could imagine the excitement of the lad. The mutual interest between the young maidservant and his squire was well known to Edward, having noticed their attentions for some months. While smiling toward the young man suddenly thoughts of Elizabeth entered his mind.

“Sir?” Edward shook his head and gave a questioning look toward Henry, who added. “You looked distant for a moment, I said Percy were looking for practice in about an hour.”

“Well I shouldn't keep him waiting then.”

Taking longer than anticipated, Edward rushed back through the castle halls and arriving out of breath. Percy waited shoving a practice weapon into his arms, and a friendly thud on his shoulder. “Come on then, you look warmed up from the way you're breathing.”

They squared off slowly at first. Edward narrowly dodged a swipe, thoughts flashing through his mind as distractions. His companion was smirking, coming with confidence in every attack. Edward forced himself to flush his mind free and focus on the battle before him. Onlookers usually went unnoticed with the distraction of mock combat, Edward completely missed Elizabeth's arrival until her voice pierced through his concentration.

“Come on Edward get Percy down now, you can do it give it all you got. Now Percy come on give up Edward is too good for you.”

Edward almost slipped on the soft dirt underground, catching himself just moments from disaster. Trying to wipe an emerging smile from his face he caught the next attack on his shield. With the new found audience the fight became more performative than practice, the pair of them giving a nice show for a few minutes. Together they watched lady and horse walk over, catching breath which they lost again in surprise when Elizabeth asked to be taught.

Contemplating her request, Edward could see Elizabeth's eager smile while she glanced between himself and his knight companion. It was hard to resist her enthusiasm and immediately teach her, with caution Edward replied instead. “I am not opposed to teaching you, the road can be a dangerous and unpredictable place. But I shall inquire with your father first, Elizabeth, I would rather not be presumptuous.” The reply made Percy dart his eyes toward him, noting the lack of honorifics and the implied familiarity. Edward only had eyes for the princess and missed his friend's response.

Without hesitating Edward introduced himself to Starlight, offering several pats himself and letting her sniff his scent. He even received a head bump of his own, Starlight evidently knowing who had stolen Elizabeth's attention. Edward glanced toward the princess with a silly grin. “Nice to meet you as well Starlight.”

“If I gain permission, shall we say early tomorrow morning?” Edward asked, thinking it would be the best time for privacy without the usual bustle of squires and pages. A brief distracting thought came to Edward's mind but he pushed it aside glancing toward her attire. Frowning, he asked, “do you have...” he waved a hand downward to his rough clothing, his leggings crusted with mud and shirt worn with heavy use. “I'd be afraid to ruin my own personal clothing, I couldn't do that to a single one of your beautiful dresses.”

While they discussed, Edward offered her to hold his practice weapon. The weapon was heavy, Edward stayed close and brushed against Elizabeth helping her lift the sword. “Let's see if you can lift this by yourself....” Edward murmured gently letting go, but he remained beside her. Softly, “you're doing well already.”

During the evening he'd plan to visit the practice armoury, a more beginner sword or two was surely tucked away. Something far safer as well.

~

“My king,” Edward giving a bow of his head, “if I could have a brief moment?”

Attendants scurried away to give the men some privacy. The king waited with an expectant look, waiting with a hint of irritation while Edward fought internally how to make his request. “The princess... Elizabeth, has asked me for weapons training.”

A soft sigh followed by the muttered, “I should have anticipated that, very like my daughter.” Rubbing his chin while thinking, adding, “there are dangers on the road these days, a basic understanding could be helpful. A way to defend herself. I have no doubt that Elizabeth would find another way if I didn't allow this, I'd rather the people know I approve than having her sneaking around.”

Nodding along Edward agreed but began to wonder how often the King made allowances for Elizabeth. Her free spirit seemed to be allowed direction in whichever way she willed. With a heavy shoulder pat, the king added, “I will let Elizabeth know.”

With the king walking away, Edward thought he heard a grumble, “now how to mention this to my wife.”