a/n: This is an Alternate-Universe Covert Affairs story. Please enjoy!

**May it be noted that Auggie is NOT blind in this story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Covert Affairs.

Honor

Chapter One: No Way Out

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Annie grimaced in annoyance at the sound of her heels on the floor.

The guards didn't notice though, or rather they valued their lives too much to admit that their princess annoyed them in any way. Whichever it was, the guards seemed content to stand at attention outside of the chamber doors with spears in hand. They observed Annie as she paced frantically in front of them. She waited impatiently to be admitted into the room within.

The irate princess swiveled and fixed the guard on the left with a stern glare. She sensed more than heard his snicker. It wasn't her fault she had to wear this stupid frilly dress, but the guard knew better than to comment on it openly when she was in this mood. Most of the princess's dresses were simple and plain and were usually darker in color. That is, if she wore them at all. Annie preferred to spend her time around wearing boy's britches, which were much more comfortable to move in. However, she got scolded whenever she was caught. This pink monstrosity she was currently wearing was not her idea, nor was she pleased with it. It was a favorite of her sister's; Danielle always had loved any shade pink.

Annie winced at the memory of that morning...

"This one!" Danielle turned to her younger sister. She held up the dress proudly. Annie glared at Danielle, "Aw, come on it'll look great on you. You need to wear brighter colors! Besides, father doesn't summon you very often, so it's important that you dress nicely."

She moved to hold the dress up to Annie. The pink crushed velvet contrasted nicely with her skin.

Annie sighed at the offending dress, "Do I have to?"

"Yes!" Danielle practically shoved the dress at Annie, who was forced to take it. Danielle then hurried into her own chambers, which were across the hall, before the younger sister could do or say anything to object, "Now change, Annie! You don't want to be late!"

Annie snapped back to the present when the massive doors were opened to allow her entrance. A seemingly disembodied voice announced her.

"Announcing the arrival of Princess Annie!"

Ignoring the booming voice, Annie marched briskly across the freshly polished, white marble floor. The clicks of her heels echoed through the vast, empty chamber. When she reached the throne she gave a short curtsy.

"You sent a summons for me, father?" Annie spoke towards the floor.

The usually gruff king smiled down at his youngest daughter.

"Yes. My dearest Annie, I have been thinking..."

'Uh-oh. This doesn't sound good for me!' Annie tried to squash the thought.

Her father continued, "Annie, it's time you grew up a bit. Now don't say anything," he cautioned as the princess opened her mouth to protest, "I will not be swayed on this. You are the youngest of my two daughters. And, as youngest, you will be needed to make certain sacrifices for our kingdom. It is high time that you had a suitor. Someone of strong and noble birth. However, since most nobles from our kingdom are familiar with your..." the King sighed as he continued, "…shall we say, quirks...I have decided to send you off to France to engage you to the King Henry's only son, Prince Jai."

Again, Annie opened her mouth to protest.

"That's not fair!" Annie raised her head to stare her father in the eyes, "Why am I being sent off to France while Danielle, your eldest daughter, gets to remain here in England! You won't let me do anything! I have no freedom! I'm controlled left and right because it's not 'proper princess behavior'! Is this revenge for being too boyish?"

The King stood from his throne. He towered over his daughter, "Annie! That's quite enough!"

Annie's jaw snapped shut at her father's tone.

The King continued to address his daughter, "How dare you speak to me that way! I am your father as well as your King! At this rate, you'll never have a suitor in England! They know of your improper, boyish behavior and do not wish to court you," the King sighed and sat back down in his throne. He continued in a slightly softer tone, "Annie, I'm only trying to do what's best for you and what's best for this great kingdom. It is a great honor to sacrifice yourself for our Kingdom. This arrangement is what is best for all of us," He motioned a hand towards the door, "Now, go pack your things, Annie. You leave for France in two days."

Annie opened her mouth to protest again, "But father—!"

"This discussion is over, Annie!" The King interrupted, "You are dismissed! Leave me at once!"

The King glared hard at his daughter, who turned and ran out of the chamber without looking back. The King sighed loudly as the chamber doors banged shut behind her.

"I hope I'm doing the right thing," The King mused aloud to himself. His voice echoed in the large chamber, "But she needs to grow up. She's not a little military boy running amongst my kingdom. She's a lady. A Princess. And it's high time she started acting like one."

Annie pressed her face harder into the pillow, ashamed of her tears. Danielle patted her back gently as she tried to soothe the distressed maiden.

"I'm sure it'll all work out, sister dear," she explained, "Besides, you get to go to France! Isn't that exciting? I hear it's lovely there. The weather is warmer and the people dress so fashionably."

Annie's reply was muffled by the pillow, "If you're so excited about it, you go!"

"That's not what I meant and you know it," Danielle snapped back, "You just need to look on the bright side of things."

Annie sat up to address her sister, "It's not fair though! Just because I don't like embroidery or dancing or frilly dresses, father thinks I'll never marry!"

Danielle sighed, "I'm sure it's more than just that. Dresses and dancing aren't what's important."

Annie rolled her eyes, "Oh, yes they are. You love dresses and dancing and you don't have a thing to worry about; all the men love you!"

"Now that's not true—" Danielle started, but Annie cut her off.

"Yes, it is. Sir Michael, for one...Shall I continue?" Annie looked up from the soaked pillow to give Danielle a dry grin, "Take your pick, sis!"

Danielle flushed slightly, "It just means you haven't found someone who appreciates your personality. That doesn't mean you're hopeless!"

"To father it does," Annie wiped at her tears ruefully, "Besides, I better start packing. I leave for France in two days. I have a long journey ahead of me."