Your Highness Fanfiction
The Medieval Ages bring hardship, magic and dragons. There is an old legend that a dark wizard will mate with a young virgin, creating a dragon out of that union that he will use to destroy the world. That very same legend nearly came true once, but the brave knights of the Golden Order stopped him before the Twin Moons could converge, rescuing the young maiden.
They are certain they are safe from doom, but nothing will stop it from occurring again in one hundred years to come.
The Kingdom of Mourn finds itself in the centre of myths and monsters. It has often been under attack by a wizard named Leezar. Despite the surrounding darkness, it has a promising future with the eldest child of King Tallious.
Long ago, the Queen Amanita gave birth to a beautiful boy. Fabious, an ambitious boy who grew up to be a brave and handsome man, pleasing his father. He goes on many quests to rid his kingdom of the monsters, defeating the Wizard Leezar every time.
The Queen gave birth a year later to Thadeous, a wonderful child who grew up to remain in the shadow of his eldest brother in nearly every way. He is different and many can't seem to accept his difference. He wishes to be King, but no one takes him seriously, as it is perceived that he takes nothing seriously.
Then, a couple of years after the birth of the King's sons, the Queen died in childbirth, giving the King a daughter; Elizabeth who was a bright child, whose smile illuminated the hearts of many, who grew up to remind her father of the Queen he had lost. She is as beautiful as she is intelligent, but time is not kind to her. Because she is a woman, her words are meaningless to her family. She is a caged free-spirit, the irony of it all.
Now, all but Fabious disappoint King Tallious. A son that accomplishes nothing and a daughter who refuses all suitors. The future of his Kingdom lay solely in the hands of Fabious.
Which explains why King Tallious sits in his throne, staring at his three children while his advisors and the Knights Elite stand further away in silence. He is furious at his last two children. He can't understand why they aren't like their eldest brother, an exemplary child.
"What am I to do with two insubordinate children?" King Tallious asks and Thadeous, blindly, jokes, tugging at his shirt that seems like it had been on the floor of his room for weeks, and his hair uncombed for weeks as well.
"Would that be Fabious and Elizabeth?" He asks and Elizabeth rolls her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. She is very unlike the other women in the kingdom. She has long refused to put her hair up, so she wears it down, revealing the natural waves of her brown hair that makes her hazel eyes glimmer.
"No, Thadeous." Their father replies, annoyed. "You and your sister baffle me with your childish ways." He adds. Elizabeth sighs and glares at her father. He notices and pierces his eyes at her. It has been a long time that she hasn't cared if her behavior seemed disrespectful.
"We baffle you, Father, because we are not Fabious. Because we want to live our own lives rather than the lives you want for us." Elizabeth says and her father stands up, angry, his hands balled into fists.
"I had heard enough of you." He says, his voice rising, but Elizabeth has grown defiant as she grew into a blossoming woman. She is the only one who speaks back to her father.
Bravely.
"No, you have not, because you have never heard a word I have said." She replies, enraging her father. "Mother would have wanted us to be happy. She would have wanted us to have choices." She says and their father seems ready to explode with rage. "You care not about our happiness, only your own." She adds and turns away from the gathering without her father's permission, leaving the grand throne room, everyone watching her leave gracefully.
She has become a fierce version of her mother.
Their father is enraged, but is silent as everyone else watches as she leaves with her head held high, proud. He has given up on yelling at her for leaving without permission. She is very much like her mother, but there is also something that runs much deeper, a sort of resentment that the King doesn't understand.
The night ends in heavy silence as the Princes know their King is angry. It is best to remain quiet.
The next day, there is a report of a cyclops and Prince Fabious, along with the Knights Elite, leave to destroy it. Prince Fabious had been on countless quests, nearing thirty by now. The King has become hopeless in the dream that his son Thadeous will become a noble man. However, he is adamant to find a suitor for his daughter. She's twenty, pass the age of marriage. There are many Princes across the country that would be interested in marrying her. She could bring Kingdoms together if she wasn't so stubborn.
Thadeous has been sent on a simple task, a peace treaty with a tribe of Highland dwarves and has returned a complete failure. Now an apology must be made. The King is humiliated and lectures him, just as Fabious returns from his quest.
The people pour into the throne room as Fabious and the Knights enter, proud of their accomplishment.
Elizabeth walks in and stands by her brother, seemingly happy to see Fabious. Thadeous glances at her with dread, not because Fabious is home, but because she came out too quickly, suggesting she was around the corner the whole time, listening to their father yell at him.
She heard everything.
"The perfect son returns." He says and Elizabeth frowns as their father greets Fabious proudly.
"Thadeous, I love you, but you must stop fucking everything up." She says, her foul language stunning him, mostly because he's the only one that speaks that way. She gives him a small smile. "And so will I." She adds, making him smile slightly.
Thadeous hasn't bonded with her much over the years, but she was always so gentle and understanding whereas their father couldn't bother to care. In fact, that's about the time she became so compassionate towards him, as if she wasn't the only one disappointing their father and wanted to bond with him for that very reason.
Well, he can't blame her. It's nice to have someone that understands you.
Fabious announces that he has the head of a cyclops, another trophy of his conquests, and announces that he has also brought something else home. Thadeous and Elizabeth expected the head of another disgusting monster, but as the crowd parts ways and reveals a young and beautiful woman, they are full of resentment.
Fabious intends to marry her immediately after saving her from a horrible wizard named Leezar.
Yes, that Leezar. Elizabeth glances at everyone, wondering if she's the only one that feels like the battle between Fabious and Leezar has now become personal. Everyone seems happy, forgetting that Leezar will probably be very angry.
Thadeous and Elizabeth exchange glances and watch as everyone praises Fabious and the lovely Belladonna. She keeps her thoughts to herself, deciding not to worry about it because living in the palace with his marvelous creature, as her father puts it, will be worst than Leezar showing up, blowing the whole place to ruins.
"The perfect daughter." Elizabeth says as their father welcomes this strange with open arms and a bright smile, calling her stunning and beautiful, making his own daughter sick. Thadeous looks at her and tries for a grin.
"Welcome to my world." He says.
The night begins with a grand feast. King Tallious sits with Fabious and Thadeous, both on each side of him. Belladonna sits by her fiancé and Elizabeth, beside Thadeous, both ignored by their father. There are some Knights sitting next to her, but they remain silent. In fact, they don't look at her.
King Tallious asks about Belladonna, how Fabious met her, so on and so forth.
"I was kept captive since I was a child." Belladonna says, getting the sympathy of everyone around her. Thadeous and Elizabeth exchange glances, rolling their eyes and mocking the sympathetic expressions of their father. No one notices. No one cares.
"Courtney, some wine." Thadeous says, calling over his personal servant. In all honesty, he's actually Thadeous hired friend, since he has no friends. Fabious has a servant too, Julie, but he is simply a servant, as Fabious has the Knights Elite as his friends. They had trained together as children and fought together in every quest.
The Knights were fine men, but the most fierce is Boremont. He is Fabious' best friend, most trusted friend. A ruggedly handsome man, but mysterious.
Elizabeth leans over to see him smiling at Fabious, but never speaks a word. He hardly does. She has never figured him out. Then again, she hasn't been around him long to know him better. A Princess is not allowed to be in the company of a Knight, unless he is saving her pathetically weak head.
"Doesn't Courtney's haircut make him look like a penis?" Thadeous says, drawing attention from Belladonna. Elizabeth ignores him as everyone stares at him in disgust. Thadeous isn't liked by anyone, except Fabious. Fabious loves everyone.
Well, he loves those around him and he treats everyone well because he's loved by everyone.
"Please try to behave yourself for your brother's sake." Their father says while the Knights shake their heads at Thadeous, embarrassed for Fabious for being related to such a disappointment.
Thadeous is silent as his sister, picking at his food.
"When shall we dance?" Belladonna asks, anxious like a child.
"After the feast." Fabious replies, explaining how things are usually done in such festivities.
"Will your sister care to dance with me?" Belladonna asks, firstly insulting Elizabeth by not asking her directly and secondly surprised that this woman actually wants to dance with her. Everyone looks to Elizabeth and she turns to Belladonna with a smile. Is she really going to dance with this woman? She comes in and receives more love and admiration than Elizabeth had ever received. Her own father seems to love this strange girl more, which is heartbreaking, to be honest.
However, this girl has also had a horrible life, locked away from the world, forced to be something she doesn't want to be. Oddly, Elizabeth can relate. So, despite her resentment, she can't bring herself to think harshly of this girl.
"Of course. I look forward to having a sister." She says and Belladonna smiles, her blue eyes shining. Elizabeth looks at her father whose expression is difficult to read. "Perhaps someone around here will finally understand how difficult it is to be a woman in this Kingdom." She adds with a small smile at her father.
"Oh, it truest is." Belladonna says, talking about clothes and hair styles that are new to her. She doesn't understand what Elizabeth means, but it doesn't matter. Her father got the point.
The dancing begins and the men watch as Elizabeth she teaches Belladonna how to dance, actually laughing and having fun. It genuinely feels good to have another woman around.
"To the two most important women in my life." Fabious says, raising his glass to them. Belladonna smiles, but Elizabeth shakes her head, either in embarrassment or disbelief. The men all toast to the both of them as they continue to watch, all except her father, the miserable old man.
"Dance with me, Fabious." Belladonna says and Elizabeth looks at Thadeous, extending her hand. He grunts, but can't resist smiling at her. He joins her in a dance as the Knights simply watch the royals commence the dancing.
Thadeous continues to look over Elizabeth's shoulder, making her frown.
"I think Boremont would like to fuck you." Thadeous whispers to Elizabeth. She seems comfused and is about to look over at him, when her brother turns her around so she can't look. "Do not look at him. He will know I was talking about him." He adds and she laughs.
"Are you afraid of him?" She asks and Thadeous glares at her.
"No, but he is a jerk." He replies and she shakes her head. She casually glances over her shoulder and sees that Boremont is looking at her, but his eyes are on her body, so intensely that it unnerves her. Thadeous notices her expression and frowns with concern. He looks at Boremont and glares at him. Elizabeth turns his face towards her and away from Boremont, not wanting to draw his attention to them, letting him know that they are talking about him.
"Are you not going to go speak to some maidens?" Elizabeth asks and Thadeous looks around, making a grimace as if to say that there aren't any pretty girls. He looks back at her and raises an eyebrow.
"Are you trying to get rid of me so you can check out the molester?" He asks and Elizabeth rolls her eyes.
"No, but you always scout out the maidens. You are a Prince. It is what Princes do." She says, the music ends and they applause. The people either switch partners or go sit the next dance out. Fabious and Belladonna continue dancing, Thadeous leaves the floor, leaving Elizabeth to disappear from the dance. Her father is too busy watching his favourite child dancing with, no doubt, what will be his favourite daughter. He doesn't notice that his two other children don't care to dance because they're miserable.
Elizabeth leaves the room and enters a hallway that is out of sight. She rests against the wall and thinks of how Boremont stared at her. Does that mean he is interested in her? It's quite scandalous if it's true. However, she can't help but smile as she had never had someone stare at her that way.
Quite scandalous.
Elizabeth is about to walk away from the grand hall, going deeper into that hallway, when she can hear someone approaching. She thinks it's her father, but it's actually Boremont to her surprise. She stands still and smiles at him. He approaches, looking himself; a silent but stoic man. His usual allure.
"Good evening, Princess." He says and gives her a small bow.
"Boremont." She replies. He approaches and takes her hand, bringing it to his lips, staring into her eyes with the same type of intensity as earlier. She smiles at him, feeling her cheeks burn. As interesting as this is, a relationship of this type would never be acceptable. Her father would never allow it, not in a million years.
"You are beautiful as always." He says in his raspy voice, standing tall, but still holding her hand in his.
"Thank you." Elizabeth says sheepishly, unsure of how to respond to having such attention. It's odd how he is acting. He has never paid her so much attention. The occasional stare, but this is strange.
He stares at her and smiles, finally letting go of her hand.
"Have you heard that Fabious' wedding takes place tomorrow?" He asks and she shakes her head, not believing she is just hearing this now, from a man that isn't part of her family. He seems to see the shocked look on her face. She knew they'd get married very soon, but tomorrow is insane. "Thadeous is to be his best man." Boremont adds, his tone of voice suggesting a bit of anger. His eyes even show resentment and she feels for him.
"You are hurt." She says and his lips twitch and his eyes glimmer. It seems she understood well his sentiment on the issue.
"Yes. I thought your brother would want his best friend." Boremont says and she tries to be gentle, although there isn't much she can do.
"I am sure Fabious did not mean to hurt you. I believe he simply wants to remind Thadeous that their brotherly bond stands strong regardless of the struggles they had. And they had many." She says, reaching a hand to his arm. Boremont glances down at her gentle hand and then at her with a slight smile.
"You are always as kind as you are beautiful. Thank you." Boremont replies and places a hand on hers, as if telling her he doesn't want her to take her hand away. Elizabeth blushes, unsure of what to think. Never has any man interacted with her this way. Why Boremont? Why now?
He takes her hand up to his lips again, this time kissing her hand longer than the first time, and taking his leave.
Elizabeth remains in place, feeling uncertain, but giddy. She quite enjoyed that attention.
The morning begins with everyone in the palace rushing to put together the wedding of the year. Fabious and Belladonna are getting married in a couple of hours. Elizabeth isn't sure why such a rush. Thadeous said Belladonna must be pregnant, if Elizabeth knew her brother wasn't so scandalously irresponsible, she would have believed him.
Elizabeth is getting ready. Her hair has been brushed and done in a long braid off to the side. Her face is slightly masked with beauty powder and her dress waiting for its final touches. She insisted that her dress be tightly fitted to her body, so she'll have to see how it looks, and later how Boremont will respond.
There's a knock at her door and her handmaidens respond, as it isn't appropriate for her to do so in just her undergarments.
"It's Prince Fabious." The handmaiden says to Elizabeth. Her handmaiden listens some more and then turns back to Elizabeth. "Prince Thadeous is gone." She says and Elizabeth gets up, gesturing for her to leave so she can communicate with her brother. She pulls the door open and he averts his eyes from her half naked body.
"Elizabeth, please." He says and she ignores his embarrassment.
"What do you mean Thadeous is gone?" She asks and he keeps his gaze away from her.
"I cannot find him anywhere. No one has seen him." He replies, the worry written on his face.
"Why would he leave?" She asks and he lowers his head, as if he can't think of a single reason, other than Thadeous not caring. "Did anything happen between him and father, the two of you? Or the Knights?" She asks and he shakes his head, but she suspects he wouldn't have known even if there had been some conflict. "I'm sure he will return. Do not lose hope." She adds and watches as he nods, turning away disappointed.
What is with men coming to her for some reassurance?
The wedding begins, everyone dressed in a variety of colour. The music plays softly as Fabious and their father await at the altar, with Julie, the best man, and the Knights Elite as the groom's men. The bridesmaids begin walking down the isle, Elizabeth being one of them. They wear similar dresses, but one man stares at her as if she's the only woman walking down the isle.
Boremont.
It could be her dress…
She tries not to look at him, knowing her father has his eyes on her.
Elizabeth stands next to the other women and everyone watches as Belladonna walks down the isle, her eyes on Fabious. The wedding is traditionally sung, the vows sang by the bride and groom. Her voice is lovely, in an annoying way because it makes her all that more charming, but then as Fabious gets down on one knee and sings, Elizabeth has to keep from laughing. All the practice couldn't have helped her brother to sing beautifully. It seems everyone is stunned, including their father. Boremont's slight cock of the head is priceless. Elizabeth has to press her hand hard against her lips to keep from bursting out laughing.
Then, the ceremony is interrupted by a cloaked man who has mysteriously appeared at some point, applauding the happy couple.
"Bravo." He says and everyone stares at him.
"Who are you?" Fabious asks, not appreciating someone interrupting his wedding. The man pulls back his hood and Fabious glares at him. "Leezar." He says with hatred.
"You took something from me. I was saving it for a special occasion." Leezar says, his lip curling. "Something that looks like… her." Leezar says, pointing at Belladonna, making everyone gasp.
"Never." Fabious says, sheltering Belladonna. Leezar grins and then looks around at the women. His eyes settle on Elizabeth and it makes her skin crawl. He looks disgusting.
"Then I shall take the Princess. She is beautiful. She has spirit and I am sure she is delightful in bed." Leezar says with a sickening smile that makes her struggle against the rising bile in her mouth.
"How dare you!" Fabious says and goes to attack, but Leezar summons his staff and strikes Fabious with a lightning jolt from his fingertips. Any man that tries to attack this dark wizard is met with an attack of strange magic. Leezar then summons what he calls his three Mothers, and then captures Belladonna with his strange magic.
"I want the Princess as well." He tells his Mothers and Elizabeth tries to run, but then is surrounded by the strange women. Someone attacks them, pulls her near them and they're both hit with strange magic that knocks them off their feet. Elizabeth feels them hit the wall, but as they fall to the ground, he turns so she doesn't hit the floor. She turns in his arms and sees that Boremont has his arms wrapped tightly around her, a bleeding cut on his forehead.
Fabious goes to attack Leezar, but he freezes him.
"I want the Princess." Leezar says, staring at her and he struggles to hold onto Belladonna. Boremont hold her tight, as if unwilling to let Leezar have her.
"You have one, that's enough." One of his Mothers say and then they disappear.
"Well, I might just be back for the Princess." Leezar adds and vanishes.
Everyone remains hidden for some time before getting up to realize that Belladonna is gone. King Tallious helps Fabious up and comforts him.
Elizabeth tries to get up. Boremont relaxes his grip on her and feels his head, looking at the blood on his fingers from his head wound.
"You have been hurt." She says and rips her dress to wipe away the blood. Boremont looks at her and smiles at her tender care.
"You are safe." He says and she tries to smile, but she's still shaken by what Leezar had said. He wanted her, he wanted to do things to her that he intends to do to Belladonna.
Poor Belladonna.
She forces her smile a bit more, wanting to show him her gratitude.
"Safe, thanks to you." She says.
Everyone had cleaned up the palace and were dressing their wounds. Fabious had discussed with the Knights a course of action to get Belladonna back from Leezar, which was a quest. No more details than that. Thadeous arrived a few moments later. No one was happy to see him, except Fabious who was under the impression that Leezar was responsible for his disappearance.
"And where have you been?" Their father asks. "Your brother is about to embark on yet another quest to retrieve Belladonna and you have been rolling in the dirt?" He adds and Thadeous tries to look defiant, but seems more like a hurt child. "You have done nothing worthy to be a Prince. You will go on this quest with your brother to retrieve his bride or you will be dishonoured from the family." He adds and everyone watches him. He looks at Elizabeth and sees how afraid she is, how her dress is ripped. She tries for a smile, but seems too stunned. She can't offer him much reassurance. "Tomorrow morning, you are leaving and you will return a man." Their father says and everything is awkwardly silent.
She looks at her father and wonders why she can't have the chance to prove herself to be other than just something to marry off. It isn't fair. Then again, it isn't fair that he pushes Thadeous to be someone he isn't.
The morning begins early and the people are prepared to see their Princes leave so they can save the young woman they quickly admired.
Elizabeth stands by the window in her bedroom, knowing that her brothers and the Knights Elite will be leaving soon. As she stands there, memories wash over her. When they were young, Fabious taught her how to fight with swords so she could defend herself. Thadeous would say he was the best, but it was actually Fabious. He taught her that being a Princess wasn't just about looking pretty and getting married. He taught her that she can be anything. He may have forgotten that, but she didn't.
Elizabeth turns away from her window and leaves her room, deciding that a Princess really is more than being pretty. It's time she grabs hold of her life and does what she wants, regardless of what others' think.
She enters Fabious' room and searches for something that fits her feminine form, as she can't go on a quest in a dress.
They leave the kingdom and Julie glances behind him to see a lonely rider approaching.
"Fabious, we are being followed." He says and they all stop, even Thadeous' carriage. He pokes his head out of the window and sees that everyone is watching the lonely rider in the distance, trotting toward them.
"Who is it?" Fabious asks and no one answers, as the rider wears a cloak.
"It is a palace horse." One of the Knights reply, recognizing the holster.
"Who could it be then?" Another Knight asks and Boremont's lips twitch. The rider approaches and the horse comes to a slow walk. They watch as the rider comes to a stop.
"Identify yourself." Fabious says. The rider pulls back the cloak and they are stunned at the familiar braided brown hair and the beautiful face with hazel eyes. "Elizabeth?" He asks and she smiles at him. "What are you doing here?" He asks.
"I will not stay behind and I will not await your permission." She replies and Boremont dismounts his horse, approaching with a smile.
"Leezar had threatened her. I do not see why she may not join us. It may be safer." He says and Fabious looks at his friend with worry on his face.
"Exactly why it is too dangerous for her. She is safe at the palace." Fabious says and Elizabeth smiles down at Boremont who takes a closer look at the clothes she wears. It's men's apparel, but with one of her corsets to keep her feminine form. He can't take his eyes off of her, making her smile and blush.
"I can take care of myself, brother." Elizabeth says and Boremont turns to him with a slight smile.
"And if you are still concerned, I make an oath to keep her from harm until my last breath." He says and looks at her. Everyone seems to stare at them as if thinking there's something going on between them. Only Thadeous is making a fuss out loud.
"Boremont only wants to fuck Elizabeth." He says and she frowns at his outburst. Fabious turns to his brother in his carriage and frowns as well.
"Boremont would not do that." He says and everyone seems to agree.
"Thadeous is intimidated by the Princess, who seems to be more of a Prince then he." Boremont says and the other Knights laugh, making Thadeous glare at them all.
Fabious dismounts his horse and approaches his sister with a smile, seeming to agree that his sister will be part of the quest.
"Is this what you want, Elizabeth?" Fabious asks with uncertainty, mostly staring at Boremont as if he can't understand why he's so interested in his sister. She smiles down at him and nods.
"She is simply escaping her duty of marrying one of father's choice of suitors." Thadeous says and she glares at him.
"I cannot blame her." Boremont says and she looks down at him with a smile. "Those men were weasels." He adds, making her smile shine brightly. "But perhaps Thadeous can take her place. He will make a fine wife." He concludes and they laugh. Thadeous is less than pleased.
"I still think you are safer at the palace." Fabious says and rather than get his sister to argue with him, he surprisingly gets Boremont.
"Who will protect her at the palace if Leezar comes for her?" He asks and they stare at each other, making Elizabeth feel very flattered. "No one. She is safe with us." Boremont adds and Fabious seems to look at her, ready to surrender, but stubbornly convinced she's unsafe.
"You once told me I am more than a pretty and rich face. Why is it now you only see me as being just that?" she asks and everyone stares at him, as if wanting to know how he'll respond.
"Alright." He says and she snorts.
"Not like I was awaiting your permission anyway." She says and he grins.
"Then, we must get going." He says and they continue on the path to the Wise Wizard, an old friend of Fabious who always gave wise counsel.
Boremont stays close to Elizabeth. It seems he's very glad that she's going along with them. He continues to look at her, as if seeing her in men's apparel is appealing. Maybe Thadeous was right, but perhaps he was too vulgar about it. Elizabeth is beginning to think that Boremont desires her and she finds that to be flattering.
Very flattering.
It would seem completely scandalous to enter such a relationship, but Boremont is the only man she seems to find interesting. If her brother has noticed, he has said nothing. Perhaps he doesn't mind. Elizabeth glances at her brother and wonders how he can keep himself from worrying about Belladonna. He must be frightfully worried.
"How do we intend to defeat Leezar?" Elizabeth asks Fabious, uncertain of their plan, beside for seeking advice from the Wise Wizard, whoever that might be.
"I shall seek counsel with the Wise Wizard." Fabious replies and Elizabeth waits for more, but no one else adds to that plan. She looks at Boremont who gives her a small grin. She glances at the other Knights and then back at her brother.
"That is the grand plan? Whatever the Wise Wizard says, you will do?" She asks and Fabious nods with a smile. He sees her arched eyebrow and his smile slowly fades. "Well, I hope this Wizard has some strong magic because Leezar will not be so easily defeated." Elizabeth adds and everyone is silent, especially Fabious who seems to realize that he indeed needs a miracle to help him.
As they continue, Boremont tells Elizabeth the entire legend, the one where Leezar hopes to gain a dragon. It unnerves Fabious, so he rides ahead as to not hear what could possibly happen to his precious Belladonna.
Elizabeth glances at Boremont who seems like such a strong and brave man, who actually seems worried. He catches her staring at him and gives her a grin. She smiles at him and brushes a strand of hair out of her face.
"Are you frightened?" She asks him and he smirks at her, as if the question amuses him.
"Are you?" He asks and she nods with a smile.
"Since Leezar claimed he wanted me, I have felt quite shaken." She replies and the way she smiles at him, she's thinking of how heroically he saved her. She enjoyed that very much.
"Then fear not, for I will not let any harm come to you." He says and her smile brightens.
"I know." She says, still thinking of how he saved her at the wedding.
"We are nearly there." Fabious says and Elizabeth looks up, able to see a small palace amongst some ruins just beyond the trees. As the palace comes into full view, Fabious dismounts his horse and waits for Thadeous' carriage to approach and come to a stop. Will he let Elizabeth come along or will he only take his most trusted friend? Perhaps he will only take Thadeous, as he has no experience with quests.
The carriage comes to a stop and Fabious waits as Thadeous wakes up. Only he could sleep during such a horrible ride. Elizabeth shakes her head at her brother.
"Come with me, brother."Fabious says and Boremont grunts, now standing beside her brother.
"Let him stay in his comfortable box. I will go with you, as always." He replies, but Fabious brushes him off. Elizabeth sees the hurt on Boremont's face and looks at her brother, astonished that he hasn't thought about Boremont's feelings. That isn't like him.
He usually is self-centred in a way, but this is unbelievable.
"Thadeous, this is your quest as well." Fabious says and Thadeous rolls his eyes.
"No, it's yours." Thadeous replies, ready to go back to sleep. This needs a sister's touch. Elizabeth walks pass Fabious and Boremont and approaches Thadeous, opening the door of the carriage, surprising him.
"You will get out and go with Fabious. Father sent you on this quest to help Fabious. You are a Prince of Mourn, now act like it." She says and he glares at her as the Knights grin at him.
"Why can he not take you?" Thadeous asks her and she crosses her arms over her chest, standing firmly. She could feel eyes upon her feminine body under this male clothes, but she ignores it as she stares at her stubborn brother.
"Fabious wants to do this with you, Thadeous. If you do not get out of this carriage, I will pull you out." She adds and the Knights snicker behind her, as if they like her spunky attitude.
"It seems Thadeous is the Princess while Elizabeth is the Prince." One of the Knights say in a whisper, everyone laughing. Thadeous is insulted and certainly isn't going to go. Elizabeth grabs him by the collar of his shirt and Thadeous slaps her hand away.
"Fine." He says and she backs up while the Knights are poorly trying to cover their laughs and smirks. Thadeous climbs out of the carriage and begins to follow Fabious towards the palace of the Wise Wizard.
Elizabeth stands firmly, watching them go while trying to ignore all the men staring at her. They eventually go to look busy, but Boremont remains next to her.
"I am beginning to think we are going to see the real Princess on this quest." Boremont says. She looks at him with a smile, slightly blushing although he is right. She is going to be herself, the person she could never be at the palace, around her father.
It's a little awkward, especially with Boremont just standing next to her.
"I quite like your new appearance." He says, making it even more awkward. Elizabeth looks over at him and he's staring at her legs, then at her bodice. Her cheeks are burning.
"I took some of Fabious' clothes." She says, but that does not deter his attention from her. "Boremont." She says softly to gets his eyes up to hers. As he does, he gives her a small smile, making her smile sheepishly as she blushes.
"You are a wonderful woman." He says and she feels uncomfortable. "So deserving of a man that will respect you and honour you." He adds and her face burns up with embarrassment. Julie walks up to them and although she has never felt comfortable around him, it is better to have a third person there.
"Not quite the place for a Princess." Julie says and she sighs, glaring at him, her arms still crossed over her chest. Her face continues to burn, but it's not embarassement now. It's anger.
"I would prefer if you stay away from me during this quest. As you can see, you offend my delicate nature." She says and Julie only grins at her, but he seems caught off guard when Boremont steps closer to her, ready to unsheathe his sword.
"That can be done." Boremont says and Elizabeth smiles as she glances at him over her shoulder. He meets her eyes and smiles at her, making her forgive him for making her uncomfortable.
"What do you wish to accomplish with the Princess?" Julie asks with a horrible smile. "Knights are only servants. The difference between you and I –" he adds, but Elizabeth cuts him off because she can't stand to hear him try to hurt Boremont. He has been hurt enough.
"Is that Boremont is dashing, strong and brave while you are repulsive in every manner. The difference is Night and Day between the two of you." She says and Julie only looks at Boremont, but then turns away. Elizabeth and Boremont remain silent, until she feels his hand on her back.
"You never cease to amaze me, so bold." He says, making her smile. "Intelligent play on words as well." He adds, making her laugh. She turns to him, to see that he is very close to her, only an inch between them. It seems obvious what Boremont hopes to accomplish with her, as Julie so bluntly stated.
Boremont is in love with her and hopes she will feel the same.
At that moment, Fabious and Thadeous come out of their meeting with the Wise Wizard, looking less than pleased. Elizabeth stands back from Boremont, his hand coming away from her back. He seems a little confused, but remains in place.
"That was disgusting." Thadeous says and Fabious looks unnerved. "But it is Elizabeth's turn, so I am off to my carriage." He adds and Elizabeth frowns at Fabious who remains silent.
"Fabious?" She asks, but he seems to have a difficult time in telling her. "The Wise Wizard wants to see me?" She asks and he nods. "Why?" She asks and he tries for a smile.
"I do not know." He says and places his hand on her shoulder. "You do not have to go." He adds, looking a little embarrassed himself, and Boremont steps closer.
"I will go with her." He says and it seems to relax Fabious as he nods.
Elizabeth and Boremont go inside the palace. He explains to her that the Wise Wizard is not what she will expect. She nods, but upon seeing him, nothing he could have said would have prepared her.
The little man is not a man at all. He is a strange creature. Elizabeth glances at Boremont and he keeps his jaw tightly firm, his gaze ahead at the old man. She approaches and the little thing smiles at her, his eyes glazed over.
"Please, sit next to me." He says and she goes as close as she can without the urge to turn to Boremont, asking the leave. She sits on this soft bench, far from him. "Closer." He says and she shakes her head, trying not to look disgusted.
"Why did you want to meet me?" She asks.
"You are very beautiful." The Wise Wizard says and it unnerves her. "You must be so uncomfortable in your male clothing. I have a pretty dress if you would prefer." He says with a creepy smile. Elizabeth stands up and Boremont has his arm extended, ready to walk out with her. "You must sit." He says and Elizabeth turns to him and shakes her head. "Sit, or no prophecy before you go." He says, making Elizabeth and Boremont stop, staring at him with distrust.
"Why do I need a prophecy?" She asks.
"If you wish to know, come closer." He says and she hesitates, but approaches him, keeping a safe and comfortable distance. "Closer." He says and she stands firmly in place.
"What do you want from me?" Elizabeth asks.
"A kiss." He replies with a very stoned smile. She knows because Thadeous is often stoned. That explains the strange smell.
"No." she replies, still standing firmly.
"A kiss with Boremont, perhaps?" He asks and she simply stares at him as his glazed eyes slide over to Boremont, this creepy smile on his face. She decides to take Boremont by the hand and leave with him.
"Of them all, you Princess will sacrifice the most." The Wise Wizard says and they leave without hesitance. She doesn't even turn back to look at the strange thing.
Once outside, Elizabeth shudders as that creature gave her the creeps. Boremont places a hand on her back, standing close to her.
"What did he mean?" She asks and Boremont turns her towards him, getting her to look into his blue eyes.
"Sometimes, the Wise Wizard frightens those who refuse him." He says and she frowns at him. "He is a lonely man." He adds and she makes a grimace.
"He is not a man. He's…" she says, at a lost for words.
"A strange little thing." Boremont adds with a smile, making Elizabeth let out an unnerved laugh. He closes his arms around her, bringing her in for an embrace. Elizabeth doesn't fight him, as she actually enjoys the comfort he offers.
Julie was wrong. She could very well fall in love with Boremont, regardless of how scandalous it might be. He is a caring man and she is seeing the real him for the first time.
She is seeing a man that could very well win her heart.
And she would have kissed him if it wasn't requested by a perverted little monster.