Title: Sir Booth & the Princess Bones
Author: Lifeguard
Rating: PG to PG-13
Disclaimer: I own nothing, just borrowing the characters for awhile and I promise to give them back when I'm done.
Summary: Sir Seeley Booth did not wish to court the Princess Temperance, in fact they despise each other upon meeting. Yet a friendship emerges from the forced interaction which quickly turns into something forbidden. Part "Tristan & Isolde," part "Romeo & Juliet," the story of Booth & Bones set in medieval times.
Author's Note: I've taken to writing these fantasy pieces as a distraction while we all await the new season of Bones. I had this idea awhile back and it just kind of grew in my head until I had to write it down. Enjoy!
Prologue
Late August
The door slammed loudly as if sealing their fate, they could hear the departing footsteps echoing down the hall, the lone figure now sharing their secret.
Silent tears streaked down her cheeks and she swiped at them angry that she had let them fall.
He turned then, the tense look on his face breaking as he took in her state. Reaching out he stroked her cheek, wiping away the lines the tear tracks left with his thumb.
Neither spoke as she leaned into his caress. His own brown eyes closed and he tried to swallow the large lump that had formed in his throat.
"Run," she whispered, "Run away from here, go as far as you can."
"No," he breathed his reply, leaning his forehead against hers.
She pulled back, "You must go, you heard what he said! They'll kill you if they find out!"
Large hands took hold of her small ones, "They won't find out, he won't tell. If I run we show our guilt, I must stay."
She forced back a strangled sob and he pulled her to him, holding her against his broad chest.
"How can I fulfill my duty while you watch? It will drive you mad."
"It may but you must do this, we have no choice," his lips brushed the top of her head, "I'll ask for my release, I'll be gone before you are wed."
She heard the sorrow in his voice past the forced courage and it made fresh tears run down her face soaking into his shirt.
Looking up into his eyes she spoke, "Know that you're the only one, that when I look at him I see only you. Know that if there was any other way we would be together."
Sir Seeley Booth placed his fingers gently under her chin, "I know," came his answer as he leaned down and claimed Princess Temperance Brennan's lips with his own.
Spring, 14th Century
It seemed as if all of the ladies took turns peering discreetly out the window then snatched a quick glance at their superior who was becoming increasingly frustrated. The deep red fabric of her gown swished to and fro as she paced the room muttering under her breath.
"Would you please just sit down, you're driving me mad," an exasperated woman with black hair cried, "Pacing won't stop him from coming and certainly won't change your father's decision."
The princess rounded on the other woman, "Don't talk to me of my father's decision! You know perfectly well what I think of that!"
"The whole court knows what you think," replied the Lady Angela tartly.
The other ladies had stopped watching the window and were now tuned to the drama happening in front of them. They all knew that Angela was the only person who could speak so frankly to the princess without ending up in the tower.
"And am I wrong to think that I can run this country on my own? Am I wrong to think that I don't need a husband to make decisions for me? Was I not raised to inherit this kingdom? For my father to deny me my birthright in favor of a prince from another land is an insult!"
"He's here!"
The cry came from a lone young woman still keeping vigil at the window. The rest were torn between their princess' outrage and wanting to take sight of the visitor.
"Well take a good look at him for he won't be here for long," replied the princess.
King Maxwell Brennan had ruled his land for a long time and was finally ready to hand over his rule and responsibilities to his heir, the problem being his only heir was his head strong daughter, the Princess Temperance Brennan.
The king knew well that his daughter was brilliant, she had the best education and had the most compassion for her people. There was no doubt in his mind that she would make an excellent queen. Yet tradition dictated that the queen must not rule alone, the country had always been run by a patriarch and he knew that the men may not follow a woman. This was a fact his daughter refused to acknowledge. She insisted that she could handle ruling the country on her own, that she could lead the army and if a king was in place she would become nothing more than a figure head. Nasty fights had ensued but her father was as iron willed as she was and laid down the law that she must marry if only to secure an heir to succeed her.
This had been followed by a succession of suitors that were brought to the castle. Princes and kings, all allies to the country came to woo the princess but to each she turned a cold shoulder. She refused to see them, to dine with them or to even entertain the notion of speaking with them. Each eventually left, the king apologizing profusely for his daughter's actions. King Maxwell grew more furious with each rejected suitor until he finally put his foot down. He had invited one last prince to the castle and told his daughter that if she refused to see him he would disinherit her and put her cousin on the throne.
Thus the court waited in anticipation for the latest prince to arrive leaving the outraged princess Temperance to fume in her chambers.
No sooner had the young woman cried out at the prince's arrival did a page boy appear at the door requesting the presence of the princess in the throne room.
The princess Temperance narrowed her eyes at the boy who scurried from the room. Angela could see the stubborn will bubbling in the blue eyes of her best friend.
"Sweetie, you must see him and you must try and be civil with him lest you lose what you've waited so long to gain. Besides, do you really want to see that awkward cousin of yours sitting on the throne?"
Temperance gritted her teeth, "No."
"Then you must at least talk to this prince before you scare him off. At least if you make an effort maybe your father will not force you into this."
She rolled her eyes, "My father will see me married whether I like it or not. Even if this one leaves on his own another will follow until we find someone who will put up with me. Maybe this one will be pliable to my will."
"You mean to scared and weak to fight with you?"
"That would do as well," she smiled a little, "Come Angela, ladies, we wouldn't want to keep my father and this new prince waiting or he might kick us all out of the castle," she added her words dripping with sarcasm.
"Announcing his royal highness, Prince Timothy Sullivan!"
Trumpets blared as a succession of young, handsome men walked purposely through the throne room led by a tall, dark haired man.
The court bowed as they passed and approached the king and princess. At the front of the room the men stopped and all dropped to one knee.
"Rise, you are welcome here," King Maxwell greeted them.
Temperance watched from her seat on the right hand side of her father. She had not risen to greet them instead taking the time to study the prince. As he rose his brown eyes caught her gaze and she quickly looked away.
"Prince Timothy, I am glad you could join us. How was your journey?" the king inquired.
A sheepish look swept across the face of the handsome man, "Your highness, I regret to inform you that the prince could not join us, he sends his deepest apologies but he was needed in battle. Instead he has sent his portrait as well as myself until he can come and join us."
King Maxwell's eyebrows rose and the court gave a collective gasp.
"And who the devil are you?" the king's voice rose an octave, "Why did you impersonate the Prince?"
"I did not impersonate him, your people assumed I was him. I am Sir Seeley Booth, Prince Timothy's trusted knight and friend."
Sir Booth bowed again to the king, "May I introduce the Prince's men," he gestured to a young looking fellow behind him, "This is Lance Sweets, a trusted advisor to his majesty. I've also brought Sir Wendell, another knight of the realm."
Sir Wendell and Sweets both bowed again before stepping back behind Sir Booth.
"So Sir Booth, you mean to court my daughter in place of the prince until he can return?"
Booth nodded, "Indeed I do your highness," his gaze swooped to the princess, "And I assume that is her beside you."
Temperance gave a small snort of disapproval at the thought of being courted by anyone other than the Prince. She hoped this voided the contract with her father.
"Then may I present my daughter, the Princess Temperance," Maxwell smiled at his daughter who scowled back at him.
Booth swept her a low bow, "It is a pleasure Princess."
"Well you must all be tired and hungry from your journey. My people will show you to your chambers where there will be refreshments. Perhaps after you could walk with my daughter in the garden?" suggested the king.
Booth smiled, "As you wish your highness."
With the court dismissed the king began his walk to his chambers to deal with other matters of the kingdom. Princess Temperance followed at his heels.
"Father, this is unacceptable! You said I must entertain the prince, not some knight he sends to do his bidding."
"You heard Sir Booth, the prince is busy, you will entertain the knight until the prince himself arrives."
"I will not! How can Prince Timothy send someone else to court me? This is absurd!"
King Maxwell rounded on his daughter, "I don't care who he sent, you will see him! You've driven away the other suitors and this is our last chance! Would you rather I marry you to some Lord instead of an equal to your status?"
"I would prefer to not marry at all!"
"Then I will put your cousin on the throne! You need an heir Temperance!"
She crossed her arms, "I could name my successor just as easily!"
"And have our enemies dispute your choice, divide the country that I worked so hard to unite in peace? No, you will marry or you will have no inheritance!"
With that the king stalked off down the hall leaving Temperance muttering curses under her breath.
Her father having laid down the law, Temperance found herself in the garden an hour later waiting for the knight.
"He's not very punctual," she commented to Angela who walked with her.
"He's very handsome, doesn't that count?"
"Handsome does not mean he's intelligent or interesting."
"Give the man a chance. Did you see the portrait of Prince Timothy they placed in your chambers? He's also good looking."
"Honestly Angela, is that all you think about? Might I remind you that you're a married woman?"
She was in fact married to the rich and influential Lord Jack Hodgins, a personal friend of the royal family.
Angela's eyes sparkled with laughter, "You know I love Jack but I can still admire other men."
Temperance opened her mouth to speak when a voice bellowed across the garden.
"Good day ladies!"
Sir Booth strode towards them, stopped then knelt before Temperance, "Princess, it is an honor to serve my prince by courting you."
She gave a very small snort of what might have been laughter and did not offer her hand for him to kiss.
"Rise," she commanded, "You may follow as we walk," she replied as she turned away from him.
On order he rose but instead of walking behind he took the place beside her and her arm which she promptly pulled away.
"I did not permit you to touch me!"
"And I will not walk behind you," he countered.
"How dare you speak to me in that manner knight!" she glared at him.
He stared right back at her, "Princess, you forget, while I am here acting on the prince's orders I share his status."
"And you forget that I am Princess in this kingdom and could report your rude behavior back to your prince! I did not ask for a knight to court me," was her cold reply.
His tone was equally frigid, "I did not ask to court you either, I was ordered. I would rather be leading a battle than wooing you which I think will prove a difficult task."
"Then go lead your battle and leave me be!" she threw back at him before stalking off in the opposite direction.
He wasted no time in catching up to her, "Leave you alone so you can do what? Go back to gossiping with your ladies or putting together lavish parties for the court? Tell me Princess, is there anything you do that is as important as fighting for your country?"
Whipping around she shot him a look that could have killed. Sir Booth crossed his arms over his chest, raised an eyebrow and waited for a reply.
"I will have you know, Sir Booth," her voice was icy, "That I could lead this country without the help of a man, that I am far more educated than someone like you," she spat the word at him, "And that your presence today is keeping me away from a very important lecture at the university!"
"I was under the impression that women weren't allowed at the university," he replied cooly.
"You were wrong. I am very interested in learning about medicine and the human body, you are keeping me from an anatomy lesson today as I am sure you will keep me from in future. Excuse me if I wish to be elsewhere as well."
He gave a bark of laughter, "Go then to your precious anatomy lecture. You probably prefer the company of the cold corpse to that of a real human being."
"In your case, I would," she shot back at him.
With that she picked up her skirts and made her way back towards the castle with Angela at her heels muttering curses towards the knight under her breath the entire time.
The lecture was half way through by the time she got there, yet her spot was reserved and the doctor had no objections to reviewing the first half with her after the lesson was complete.
"Was that not fascinating?" she remarked to her assistant after as they walked from building.
"By far the best lesson yet Princess," Zach agreed.
Zachary Addy was one of Princess Temperance's favourite people. He had worked for her father's physician but proved far more enlightened than the older doctor. She had taken the young man under her wing and together they tackled the world of medicine. He accompanied her to all the classes and would discuss procedures and theories together for hours.
"Angela, were you able to finish the drawings today?" Temperance asked her friend.
"They were pretty grim but I got them down without gagging to much."
Angela also accompanied the Princess as her talent as an artist proved very useful. She made detailed drawings of the things the students were learning about which Temperance and Zach would pour over when they returned to the castle.
As the trio rounded the corner to their horses they noticed a new man standing with the royal guard, casually leaning against the wall.
"What the hell is he doing here!" Temperance exclaimed.
The guards sprang into action at the sight of the princess and Sir Booth grinned as she approached him.
"Was it a good lecture Princess Temperance, or shall I call you, Princess Bones?"
"Don't call me Bones and I ask again, what the hell are you doing here?"
"I'm here with the same enthusiasm as I had before, none," his voice dripped with sarcasm, "But as I am bound to you by orders I find myself waiting for you here."
"The royal guards provide perfectly good security for me, which is hardly needed."
"I can see why. Which one of these snobby big brains would want to hurt you? I stuck my head into the lecture and nearly fell asleep on the spot. You were all concentrating on that body anyways, like a bunch of Squints."
"Squints?"
"You know, people who study things, stare and squint at them."
"You mean people with very high intelligence and basic reasoning skills?"
She continued to walk towards her horse as he stopped in his tracks, "Right," he said slowly.
Zach followed her, "Princess, are we going to the library when we return? I would very much like to discuss your theory on humors."
"Who are you page boy?" Booth came to Zach's side and studied him, the younger man seemed to shrink under the knight's gaze.
"I'm not a page boy, I'm the Princess' assistant," he mumbled.
"Leave Zach alone Sir Booth," came her curt order as she mounted her horse, "And leave me alone while you're at it. You're not welcome to follow me around."
He swiftly mounted his own sturdy steed and pulled up beside her, "Sorry Princess Bones, I'm here whether you like it or not and let me say, I don't like it any more than you do."
Kicking her mare she galloped off and left him in her dust.
At the castle her anger was furthered when she was unable to go directly to the library with Zach. The council needed her immediately, her father being away at the moment, so she stalked to the council's chambers to help them with their problem.
Two hours later and a resolution was still no where in sight. She squabbled with the men who refused to see just how her point of view could work, yet she knew she was right.
"If my father were here you would all agree with him!" she snapped at the older men, "Leave!" she threw her arms up, "There is no use arguing any more when we will not agree."
"Princess, this is of the utmost importance," tried one man.
"We shall all take a break, come back after you've eaten and with fresh minds. For now, I'll look over the matter again."
No one dared argue with her further, a break did seem to be an order. As the council men filed out of the room she noted someone lurking in the doorway.
She focused on the parchment in front of her and ignored the man, "Out I said."
"Perhaps you'd allow me to help you," came the reply.
She knew that voice and cringed, "What would you know of these matters?"
He sauntered into the room, "I advise the Prince all of the time, he trusts me implicitly with these types of matters."
"I can do this on my own Sir Booth."
Defiantly he picked up some papers and began to read. She was too tired to argue with him at the moment.
"Now I see what the issue you is," he rubbed his chin, "I was listening for a bit, I think if you took your point from here," he indicated her writing, "And put it with their point about this," again he gestured to the official looking documents, "Then I think you maybe able to compromise and make everyone happy."
Her eyes widened slightly at his words, she hadn't expected him to think like that.
"Well Princess, what do you think?"
Standing up she met his gaze, "I think you are very cocky but," she cleared her throat, "you may just be onto something."
A wide grin spread across his features, "You like my idea?"
"I will take it into consideration but I never said I liked it."
Awhile later the council came together again, the Princess taking her seat at the head of the table. When she gained order Temperance proposed the new idea to the men. There was a murmur of conversation as she finished talking, many of them nodding in agreement.
"Princess," one particularly older man stood up, "With all due respect I don't think this idea will work."
"Why not?" she fixed her gaze on him.
"I think you've missed the point entirely. You're giving into an idea that could lead to disaster."
"If we gave in fully to what you thought I am sure we would be ruined. I think my point avoids any mess that may come."
"I would still like to hear what your father has to say."
Several other men began to nod their heads voicing their agreement with him.
"Gentlemen, I think I've given you a sound decision," she protested, but already the room had broken out into discussion about what her father would say.
"Excuse me," a voice rang out in the back of the room. A few people looked that way.
"Gentlemen," came the voice again and Sir Booth stepped forward from the shadows in the back of the room.
"What are you doing here?" hissed Temperance.
"I'm here to agree with you."
"You're not on this council!" shouted one man.
Booth kept his calm, "That I am not, but I represent Prince Timothy Sullivan whom I advise on a regular basis. I would like to say that the Princess makes a fine point that should go over well with the citizens of this fine land. If I may say, the Prince would whole heartedly agree with her."
Again the room was filled with voices but Booth raised his above them, "May I suggest that we vote on this matter, perhaps that would work."
The men settled down.
"Good," said Booth, "All in favor of the council's decision, raise your hands."
The older man raised his while raising his eyebrow at his friends who also shot their arms in the air.
"And all in favor of Princess Temperance's decision?"
Temperance smiled as the majority of her father's council raised their hands in agreement.
"Then it is settled," Booth concluded, "I think you have all made a wise choice. I will see you all at dinner," he turned to Temperance, "Until then my lady," he gave her a small bow as he exited the room.
With the meeting now wrapped up Temperance quickly followed Sir Booth out into the hallway. She caught up with him half way to his chambers.
"Sir Booth," he turned around at the sound of his name.
"Yes Princess?"
"Why did you help me?" came her blunt question.
"Consider it an olive branch," he smiled back at her.
A faint blush crept into her cheeks, "Well thank you," she replied and then made a hasty retreat leaving the knight grinning in the hallway.
The following night a great feast was held in honor of Sir Booth and his men. The Princess permitted Sir Booth to be seated near her at dinner, though many thought it was only a show for her father.
Dancing began shortly after the meal and Temperance watched from her throne as Lord Hodgins twirled the Lady Angela around.
A blonde man approached the throne who she recognized as Sir Wendell. He dropped to his knee before her and held out his hand, "My lady, would you honor me with a dance?"
More for the benefit of her father who was watching she agreed and followed the young knight onto the floor. He proceeded to pepper her with questions about the kingdom which she answered a little sharply.
A tap on Wendell's shoulder distracted him and a Lord she knew well took over the dance. This man now started asking her questions about Prince Timothy and if she would send him away as well. Temperance had to refrain from rolling her eyes at his inquiries as not to offend him. As their song ended another high ranking gentleman stepped forward to ask for her hand in the next dance. She knew he was eager to court her as well but again, not wanting to offend him she obliged and was led out again to dance. The same questions were fired at her and she was just about to plead that she had sore feet when Sir Booth tapped the man on the shoulder.
"May I?" it was more of a statement then a question. The high ranking gentleman quickly gave up the Princess with a look of contempt for the knight.
Sir Booth stepped in front of Temperance placing her hand in his and his arm around her waist. She was surprised at how well he moved to the music as he guided her across the floor.
"You know they're all pumping you for information," he spoke casually.
"Pardon?"
"They all want to know if they'll get a shot at you, they all want a chance at the throne."
She nodded, "I know, they want nothing more than to climb in rank," she turned her eyes from the men to Booth's, "Is that why you're here?"
"No."
"You mean you're not here to gain something from the Prince in return?"
"I already have his respect and he knows I am happy in my position as a knight, I desire nothing more. I came because he asked me to, he trusts me."
Though she was impressed with his answer she did not tell him, instead she said, "We shall wait and see if you earn my trust then."
Morning came and the sun was bright with the promise of a warm day. Temperance was eager to take her mare out for a run and see if she could bag any game for the day. As she rounded the corner into the stables a familiar face smiled at her.
"Good morning Princess Bones."
"Don't call me Bones," she quickly corrected him, "And what are you doing here?"
"How easily you forget why I'm here," his tone was mocking.
Sir Booth was leading his dark steed out of the stables and adjusting his saddle. The stable boy brought out Temperance's mare and presented her with it.
"That is a fine horse you have," Booth eyed it, "I suspect you'll ride out then try your hand at hunting for awhile, am I right?"
"And I suspect you'll follow me," she rolled her eyes as she stroked her horse.
A young boy appeared beside Booth and cleared his throat, "Sir, your falcon is ready."
Temperance's eyebrows shot up, "You own a falcon?"
Booth grinned, "Indeed I do, a fine hunting bird, well trained."
He could see something flash across her eyes that he would swear was envy.
"Oh," was her only reply.
"Do you not own a bird of prey?" he pried.
"No," her reply was short and haughty, "My father has one but I've never been permitted to use it, nor train it."
She busied herself with the horse to avoid his eyes. Temperance had always wanted a falcon but it was considered a man's sport, therefore she was left out.
"Perhaps I could teach you."
"Pardon?" her eyes flew to his.
"I've told my men to meet me with the bird in a clearing. We'll ride first, I'd like to see your skills on that beast, then I'll give you a lesson."
Her blue eyes widened, "Do you doubt I can ride?"
"I said I want to see your skills, you know, to report to the Prince, he enjoys riding."
Mounting her horse she raised an eyebrow at him, "Well then you'll have to catch me!"
With that she took off from the court yard, her horse breaking into a gallop before reaching the gates. Booth swore under his breath, he had underestimated her and then took off himself in hot pursuit.
Bones rode hard and fast but Booth easily caught up to her yet she knew the woods far to well having grown up in them. Taking a sharp turn she sped off in another direction. This time he was not quite as quick and it took him longer to find her. They twisted and turned through the forest and by the time she reached the clearing they were both panting and sweating.
Reining in her horse she turned the animal to face him as he came to a halt beside her.
"Well I can tell the prince you have fine riding skills," Booth greeted her as he dismounted and unbuttoned his overcoat, "You do not ride like a lady at all."
He extended his hand to help her off her horse but she did it on her own, "Riding side saddle provides no thrill so I ride like a man, holding on with my thighs," she grinned at him as she led her horse to a nearby pond.
Jaw gaping Booth stood stunned for several seconds before grabbing the reins of his own horse to join her.
"You are unlike any princess or lady I've ever met Bones," he finally spoke.
"Should I take that as a compliment?"
It was his turn to grin at her, "You may, considering the ladies I know aren't as interesting as you."
Maybe it was the heat or the excitement from the ride but he swore she blushed. They both turned as more horses entered the clearing shouting greetings to them. Booth's friend, Sir Wendell and several members of the royal guard had arrived.
"Ah, Wendell, you've brought my falcon, good," Booth took a glove from his fellow knight who then gently let the great bird onto Booth's arm.
Temperance stood watching the falcon, fascinated by hooded creature, "Did you train it yourself?"
"I did, his mother was a great hunter, owned by the prince himself."
Her eyes roamed over the bird then rested on its talons, "He is ready to hunt?"
Booth smiled, "He is. I'll let him go, when he comes back I'll let you hold him. Now stand back," he removed the bird's hood and Temperance saw its yellow eyes. She stood behind the knight who then lifted his arm. The falcon's wings spread and it took off into the sky as she gasped.
"He'll come back?" she asked, her voice in awe.
"Of course, he knows I'll share the bounty with him when he returns. Until then, are you hungry? I can tell you more about him while we eat. I believe your guards brought us a little lunch."
As they waited for the bird to return Booth told her about the falcon, how it hunted and how to train it. She listened and waited in anticipation to hold the great bird on her arm.
Temperance did not have to wait long. Soon she could see the falcon circling the sky above them, its prey dangling from its talons.
Booth helped her to her feet and handed her a glove to put on her slender arm. He too put one on and stood beside her.
"Now, hold out your arm, good, now he'll drop the prey and hopefully land on you."
The brown falcon descended lower and she could see it's yellow eyes watching them. It swooped and dropped the dead prey at Booth's feet then with a flutter of wings dropped onto her arm.
Booth had expected the princess to start, to scare the bird, but she had listened well and stood perfectly still. Wendell came and handed Booth a bag from which he took some meat for the falcon.
"Well done, both of you," he said to Temperance as he fed the bird the meat, "What do you think?"
"He's heavy, I can feel how powerful he is."
"Let him eat then you can free him to hunt again, alright?"
"I would like that."
And so they spent the afternoon together, Booth teaching Temperance how to work with the falcon, hunting together for small game and sharing stories.
Soon it grew time to head back to the castle for dinner. The princess sent the royal guards ahead feeling safe as she and Sir Booth walked their horses back together.
"I enjoyed myself today, thank you," she said quietly to him.
"It was my pleasure Princess," he replied, "Shall we go again tomorrow?"
She shook her head, "I have a lecture in the morning."
"Then I shall accompany you."
Temperance laughed, "I know you don't enjoy lectures, you made that clear last time. I'll be fine with the royal guard, you can stay and sleep late at the castle if you wish."
"Well then agree to meet me for lunch Bones?"
"Don't call me Bones," but she smiled as she said it, "Alright, we'll have lunch together."
Though all did not go as planned the next day. Booth paced the stable yard impatiently, the princess was late returning from the lecture. He hoped she had stayed behind to ask the doctor questions but it was nearly an hour since the class had ended. He had already sent a page boy to look for her but even the boy was taking to long. His horse snorted at him, it had been ready to go for awhile now, so he mounted and sped off to find the princess himself.
To be continued...
Like it? Love it? Hate it? Let me know!
Sorry to those who may have more knowledge of falcon hunting, I wrote what I thought would work. I'll hopefully post more soon!
