THE SLAYER AND THE SLAVE

Pairing: B/A, of course. Or Elizabeth/Liam if you want.

Summary: AU, completely. Takes place in the Middle Ages/Arthurian legend. Given to Princess Elizabeth as a slave, the former Prince Liam expects hardship and cruelty. Instead, he finds something else- friendship, kindness, and… love? And when Elizabeth is called, how will their relationship change?

Distribution: ff.net, anybody who wants it, take it. Be my guest. Just tell me.

Feedback: No. I don't want ANY!!! :: lying through her teeth:: Yes. I want lots of it. Sundevil009@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: Yeah. I own them. Yep, my name is Joss Whedon. ::snorts:: I am in no way related to Mutant Enemy, WB, UPN, Fox, etc. Victoria Hanley inspired the medievil concept with her lovely book.

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PROLOGUE

The war was finally over. After years of fighting, the struggle was finally over. One kingdom…victorious. The other… destroyed.

King Henry of Buffonia was a mighty warrior, his conquests spread far and wide. He wasn't a bad man, just fierce, and he showed it in every place except with his young daughter Elizabeth. With her, he was kind and sweet, the complete opposite of his usual harsh personality.

Elizabeth, only nine years old, missed her father dearly whenever he was away leading his troops to victory. She was a free spirit who didn't enjoy sitting around waiting for news of her father, unlike the passive Queen Joyce, who took her husbands frequent absences in stride. Their marriage, although once prosperous and healthy, was slowly withering away due to time spent apart.

Queen Joyce loved to weave. Her rich tapestries were sought after through all the kingdoms, regardless of the country's ruler or status. This day, she sat in her weaving room, with her young daughter pacing restlessly around the small quarters. The queen's personal servant, Patricia, burst into the room, panting from exertion and excitement.

"Mistress! The King has finally returned!" she said exuberantly. A bright smile crossed the face of the young Princess. Her father had returned! She raced out of the room to her mother's scolding.

"Elizabeth! Slow down! That is no way for a lady to act! Slow down, Elizabeth!" the queen yelled after her daughter, but to no avail. The young girl's quick legs had already carried her down the stone corridor, out of hearing range.

"She certainly is a wild one," Patricia chuckled. Queen Joyce smiled at her dearest friend, her servant for her entire life.

"Yes, she certainly is," she agreed, "but she will be the queen one day, Pat! She should learn to act like a proper young lady!" The queen sighed.

Pat smiled sympathetically. She knew what a handful the young princess could be.

Elizabeth bolted down the main stairway of the large castle and into the Great Hall, where her father was just entering with his entourage of guards. Upon seeing his daughter, the King rushed to her side, enveloping her in a giant hug. His main guard, and right hand man, William waited impatiently for the king to be finished with the emotional display.

"Ahh, my sweet Elizabeth! How long since I have been home? You've grown so much since last winter! Come over here, I got you a present from Galway."

The King motioned for William, who in turn left the room and came back with a young boy, his hands and feet chained and bound, obviously haven been taken prisoner.

Liam was angry. He was taken from his home, the peaceful land of Galway, his family killed. It was all too much to handle at the age of 13. He remembered his father's last words to him, just before King Connor was killed. "Live well, young Liam. Find someone to teach you to fight, and avenge the kingdom. Make them remember the Prince of Galway."

As Liam seethed, he vowed to do exactly as his father instructed, even in the life of slavery that he was sure to be entering. He glared at King Henry as he spoke.

"Your birthday just passed a month ago, and I was unable to attend the festivities. So I got you a present; a slave. He is yours to do with what you will." He turned to the bound boy. "What is your name, young man?"

Liam stood up straightly, his pride taking over. If he was to be a slave, then at least he could be degraded in an honorable fashion. He paused a moment in thought before answering. Oh, how much his life had changed since the day before. The future king of Galway, now a slave in Buffonia. His father, while a noble man, in Liam's eyes, was stupid. He allowed himself and his country to be conquered. Liam would not let that happen to him. "Liam," he answered finally.

"Well, Liam, you now belong to my daughter. You will follow her orders exactly. Do not act up, or you'll end up in the same fashion as your father," the king warned the boy. He turned to his daughter. "Here you go, Elizabeth. Happy Birthday!" he said jovially.

Elizabeth frowned at her father, and smiled at the glaring Liam. "He is, mine, you say? Mine to do as I wish?" Her father nodded, and Liam's glare intensified.

"Then I set him free."

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END PROLOGUE