This is a little headcanon, a little fan theory, and a lot cure for my writer's block.

Set just before Elizabeth leaves Liones to seek the Seven Deadly Sins. Inspired by one writer's particularly unflattering characterization of Elizabeth that portrayed her as nothing but a weak constantly crying ditz.

Look, she's not my favorite character out of the bunch either but you gotta give the girl credit. The entire plot of the series is set in motion by her figuring out that the Holy Knights were up to no good and her taking it on herself to escape and get help. She's not dumb and she's not weak.

Chapter 1: Prisoner in her own home.

Elizabeth's floor length gown swayed in time with her steps as she made her way down the long hall that led to her father's bedchamber. Despite it being midday she knew he would be there. It had been almost a month since his health had begun to decline. She had watched as her strong proud father rapidly deteriorated to the point that he was only able to get out of bed for short periods of time.

The sound of a heavily armored person striding quickly from the direction she was headed had Elizabeth ducking into one of the many unoccupied rooms that lined the corridor. Pressing herself against the wall, she tried not to breath as the metallic steps got closer. Not releasing the breath she was holding until the steps passed by without pausing. She hesitated only a second before she continued down the hall.

She didn't need to see the person to know that it was one of the Holy Knights. While she still felt safe with a few of them, more and more often her interactions with Liones's famous protectors left her weak-kneed and trembling. Of course, none ever harmed or threatened her overtly, but many would grab the hilts of their weapons when they spoke to her. Having grown up in a castle surrounded by knights she recognized the action for what it was, a threat.

Shortly after her father became ill, Grand Master Hendrickson tripled the guard in the castle. He had explained to her and her sisters that it was because news of the ailing king would spread, and threats to the kingdom were mounting. It was all for their safety. She'd accepted the explanation at first, it made sense and Elizabeth had always been taught to trust the Holy Knights. But, as time passed, she found herself systematically barred from doing things that she used to be able to do without any interference. First, she was no longer allowed out into the city, even with a guard accompanying her. Then, she wasn't allowed to go into the courtyard of the castle. Finally, she and her sisters were confined to the west wing of the castle where the royal families living quarters were.

One more turn, and Elizabeth found herself standing outside the impressive double doors of her father's room. Posted on either side, as per usual, were two Holy Knights she didn't recognize. She greeted them cordially and made to move between them but was brought up short by one of the knights voices.

"The King will not be taking any visitors today." the knight to her right said.

"Oh? Why not?" She asked, confused. She'd never been turned away before.

"Under orders of Grand Master Hendrickson," the same knight growled, gripping the hilt of his sword.

A chill ran up her spine and Elizabeth was immediately afraid for her father, "I'm going to see my father" Elizabeth announced with as much regal authority that she possibly could. She moved to rush between them, as her hands reached for the door the blade of a lance sliced the air in front of her stopping just shy of her wrists. Elizabeth jumped back catching her heel on her long gown and tumbling backward.

"Like he said, we can't let you pass, Princess." the Knight in the left sneered, pointing his lance towards her. Elizabeth's eyes went wide and she froze as they both advanced on her, weapons drawn. She curled in on herself squeezing her eyes shut, too afraid of what was going to happen next to do much else. She'd never had anyone direct a weapon at her before. She'd left her room only wanting to visit her father, just like she did every day, and now she was at the mercy of two Holy Knights with the ability to kill her in an instant.

"I think the Princess understands now," a familiar voice announced from behind her. Elizabeth opened her eyes in time to see the guards lowering their weapons slightly as Gilthunder appeared at her side.

"What are you doing here." the knight with the sword sneered.

"I am under orders to return the Princess to her room," Gilthunder's voice and eyes were cold, "Put away your weapons." he ordered the knights and they promptly did so. "You will come with me Princess Elizabeth." he commanded. His demeanor was intimidating but the hand that he offered her was warm and gentle as he helped Elizabeth to her feet. He took her by the elbow and guided her back down the corridor the way she came.

Once they were out of earshot of the guards Elizabeth addressed him. "Thank you Gill" She whispered.

"Don't thank me. I'm under orders." He responded in the same callous tone.

Elizabeth chanced a glance to him, his eyes were hard and face set in a scowl but just as it had been when he helped her up his hand remained gentle on her arm. Even with his intimidating demeanor he still remained one of the only Holy Knight's that she wasn't afraid of. They had been children together he was a kind boy then and a good man now. Whatever was going on, she was sure that she could trust him.

When they reached her door he opened it for her and guided her through. She turned to thank him again, but before she had the chance, he was addressing her in the same commanding way that he had addressed the guards.

"Under orders of The Grand Master Hendrickson the Princesses of Liones have been ordered confined to their chambers...for their own safety."

"What are you talking about Gill? We've already been confined to the castle, then the west wing and now I can't even leave my room?" Elizabeth asked, trying to keep the panic from her voice.

"Yes." he stated matter of factly, "A Holy Knight will be posted at your door to...protect you." He looked away from her. "You should be safe in your room Princess Elizabeth. Please, abide by the Grand Master's wishes." He added slightly more gently before shutting the door.

The sound of the lock clicking shut reverberated through her chest and Elizabeth sank to her knees. Tears began to flow as she realized in a rush that she was now a prisoner in her own home. She was scared. Scared for herself and her family. She didn't even know what was going on. Why was this happening? A wave of hopelessness wash over her and tears continued to flow freely down her cheeks.

She'd never felt so alone.