My Lady
Summery: A/U Set in medieval times: Santana is the first female knight in the kingdom. But when she saves a young lady her life flips upside down. What lengths is a person ready to go for love?
Rated: M
My Straight Sword
"Give it back," Santana sneered. She had no time for this, not today. She was hardly in any mood to deal with a young and inappropriate boy.
"Does my lady protest?" he snickered, holding the bag that held the Latina's things. It was all a game to him. A game to get one of the most independent and powerful women in bed with him, it was proving more of an impossible challenge lately.
"I am not your lady," Santana growled, taking a step toward the tanned boy, "Now give me back my bag before I cut you hand off thief."
"That's no way to talk, my lady…"
"You obviously don't know me," she hissed.
Her hand twitched toward the medal handle on her sword, her mind flickering to it. The boy seemed to notice this as well, his darker eyes looking down at her hands. He knew of her craftsmanship with a blade, he would not underestimate her there. Too many men have fallen at the blade of the beautiful Lopez to make him doubt that.
"I will give you back your bag if you do not refuse my offer."
"How many times do I have to repeat myself boy?" she growled. "I will not go out with you!"
The couple had built a small crowd around them. Wherever Santana was it seemed to attract a crowd. Maybe it was the because she had just been appointed Dame in front of the Queen's Counsel and being the first female knight always gained a personal reputation. Especially when that knight got into duel every other day. It seemed every man who even had picked up a blade wanted to challenge her.
But that wasn't this boys reasoning; he had a reputation of his own. It was something Santana was not interested in getting tangled in. If he thought she could be wooed just as easy as some of the dim-witted girls that he usually got, then he was going to be sorely disappointed.
"Come on, Lopez," a deep voice boomed from the edge of the crowd. "We don't have time for this."
Santana felt a flicker of anger run through her body. Not only was she now causing a scene, she was in the eyes of a well-respected friend. Her hand faltered at her long sword, her eyes strained on the dark ones. She jumped forward, snapping an open palm at the bag. To her dismay, the boy was ready, pushing his fist higher up above her head.
"You are a small one, aren't you?" he chuckled.
The Latina gritted her teeth, glaring at the boy. She decided against the sword, instead reached around for her small hand knife, ducking behind the boy with cat like reflexes. The boy had hardly batted an eye before an arm encircled him, pinning his loose arm to his side and pushing the blade to his Adam's apple.
"Give. It."
He could not refuse her forceful manner anymore and slowly lowered the bag, his eyes larger then small plates. The chill from the knife sent shivers down his spine. Once the brown bag was in arm's reach, the darker girl snapped out her hand, yanking the bag from his grips.
She took a step back, dropping her knife back into her holster and tucking the bag to her belt. The boy couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed, losing the only thing that kept the girl in earshot. He had been trying to get with the girl ever since he had spied her as a child. He didn't even think she knew his name.
Santana scoffed, walking back to her blonde friend. "Leaving so soon, my lady?" the tanned boy called out.
"I'd advise you not to call her that," the tall man suggested.
"Then what would you have me call you?" he asked, looking to the darker beauty. She turned jerking her thumb to her friend.
"What do you call him?" she asked, rearing to the blonde's side.
"Why, Sir Knight Evans of course." He looked shocked. "But certainly you wouldn't want me to call you such a masculine name, with such a feminine body?"
"Dame will be fine," Santana said firmly, done with the pitiful conversation. "Lady Dame Lopez." It was only recently that they actually had to come up with a name for a female knight, and because of such, many were confused of her title.
Santana sighed, straightening out her back at the ache of heavy armor weighing on her. "Let's take our leave, Samuel," she groaned. "We don't want to reach the castle when there is no light left in the sky…"
She looked back at her black stallion, jumping over its side and pulling on its reins, the crowd from before now dispersing.
"Are you not even going to inquire on my name, my lady?" the boy shouted. "I mean Dame!"
Santana rolled her eyes, looking back at the pitiful man. "Why would I need to? I know I can find you with the dogs if I ever need you."
"Which I hope will be soon," he grinned cheekily. "I have been known to be able to make even the most noble women howl like a dog."
"The day our paths cross again will be too soon," she recoiled at his crude words. She jutted her heels into her house, beginning to gallop away.
"It's Noah!" the man shouted, jogging so she would be able to hear him, "Noah Puckerman!"
Santana did not look back at the wretched man, focusing on the long road ahead. It was something she had come accustomed to, boys throwing themselves at her, wishing to claim her as some prize or trophy. But from an early age, Santana had grown accustomed to deflecting them, and she did it rather well. But this one had latched onto her like a diseased leech. It seemed whenever she was in the market he was right there, waiting for her.
"One of these days someone will catch your eye," Sam laughed. "And you will look like a knocked over puppy."
"I doubt it," Santana scoffed. "You would see me acting like that the day pigs fly."
"Mark my word," he snickered. "There is someone out there that will catch your eye and after you won't be able to hold a sword straight."
"Maybe you should be more concerned at that happening," she snickered.
Sam looked up, lifting an eyebrow and tilting his head to one side. "What do you mean?"
"I saw you at the last ball watching the young Fabray girl with large doe eyes."
A deep shade of crimson reached the man's face, ducking under his long blonde hair. "I was not!"
"You looked like a young girl in love!" she retorted. "Really, it was cute."
"If you weren't my friend, I would have your head for such a statement!" he gasped.
He couldn't believe he was being described as anything cute, or having doe eyes. Luckily for Santana, she knew that he would know she was only jesting.
Ever since they were young children they had played in the meadows, running around, climbing trees, and inventing trouble. Many people would have guessed the two would have wed by this time, but that was something others could not see from the outside of their relationship.
Only once did they ever come close to anything romantic and after that incident, both knew they were no more than friends. It was the summer of their mid-teens and the rain was pouring down in buckets, the thunder pounding in the sky. Sam had reached out grabbing the Latina's hand and pulling her into the near barn. They sat on the hay laughing at their drenched clothes. Sam would be lying if he said he didn't see the beauty that Santana had become – any man with eyes would be able to see that. She had shaped out, growing hips and breasts. And at that moment her clothes were clinging to her which only reminded him of this.
Santana looked up after a moment of silence, finding her large mouthed friend with lidded eyes, his eyes raking down her body. She shifted, slightly uncomfortable at the lustful look her friend was giving her. She tucked her lips in, moistening them, her eyes darting to his large lips. Sam reached forward brushing away a falling drop of water from her cheek. The tension within the room had intensified the moment Sam touched her dark skin. Santana knew what came next – she had read enough fairy tales to understand what was going to happen. But it still surprised her when Sam leant forward, capturing her lips in her first kiss.
She let her lips move along with his, her lips closing on his bottom one. It was Sam who had leaned back, looking at his friend.
They sat in uncomfortable silence, neither brave enough to admit to the obvious truth the kiss was...well, not right. It was slightly awkward and sloppy, and after feeling like brother and sister for so long it felt wrong. Finally, after sitting in the hay for a few minutes, Sam mustered up the courage to speak
"Friends?" he choked, unsure if their relationship had changed. He didn't want that. After the kiss he knew he didn't want that.
Santana nodded, relieved. She didn't regret having her first kiss with him, but she knew she didn't want her second to be with him either. They laughed off the situation, taking their chances and running back through the storm toward the Evans manor.
They had finally neared the giant castle and Santana couldn't feel but relieved. Her legs hurt from the tireless journey, aching for some relief from the saddle. Walking over the bridge, they entered through the large gates, the guards nodding to the pair, accustomed to their presence in the kingdom.
They left their horses with the small stable boy, walking into the decorated main room. Everything about the castle screamed luxury and, at most, comfort. Drapery strung the walls, well dressed servants walking around holding things that varied from food, drinks, and even small damp clothes.
Sam reached out, greedily taking one of the white linen cloths and swiping it across his dirty forehead. The servant slightly turned up his nose, watching the dirt covered cloth being thrown back onto the tray.
"The Queen has been expecting you," one of the guards huffed, motioning for them to follow him.
They walked out of the castle once more, walking around the large stone walls to the beautiful garden. Sitting on one lone bench was a small brunette girl, poised whilst looking down at a polished book. Hearing the muted footsteps, her deep brown eyes snapped up, quickly followed by a smirk.
"Ah, perfect." She clapped the book close setting it to her side. "I was wondering when you two would finally reach the castle."
"We apologise for our tardiness, Queen Berry," Santana apologized, bowing down to her Majesty, Sam following her actions.
"Oh no," she laughed, gesturing them to stand back up, "You are not late, my dear Dame." She stood up, walking over to the pair of knights.
She had appointed both at the start of her reign, trusting them with her personal business and secrets more than her other knights from her father's reign before her. She had received criticism before appointing a female knight, but she had kindly reminded everyone that if a woman could lead a country so could a woman protect it.
"I hope it did not trouble you too much." The woman glowed.
"Nothing is too much for Your Highness," Santana grinned, picking up her bag and handing it to the shorter girl.
"She is biting her tongue," Sam laughed. "The witch wanted her to give her own leg for the damn spices," he joked, feeling at ease with the Queen. Not many could talk to the queen in such a manner and still have a tongue to speak with. But she merely laughed, looking back at the darker girl and grabbing he bag.
"My sincere apologies, Dame." Rachel opened the pouch, peering inside for the correct colour of spices.
"I hope it is the one Your Majesty wanted?" Santana asked.
"Yes, of course." She grinned. "I do apologize for sending you two out on such a trivial earn. That woman has given me some trouble in the past…" she grumbled, hobbling over to the bench and sitting down lightly. "I do promise it is an important thing to have though."
"You do not need to explain yourself." Santana bowed. "Anything for you, my Queen."
"Good, good." She smiled. "Of course, you two can stay in the guest quarters for the night."
"We would not want to trouble you, my Queen." Sam grimaced a bit.
"Nonsense! It's the only thing I can do!" Rachel replied, remembering something as she pulled out a smaller bag from her side and handed it to the pair. "And of course, your reward."
Sam tucked it into his belt, making sure to split it with Santana later.
"Now Hennery will show you to your rooms. You are welcome to stay as long as you want." Rachel grinned. "Anyone of the houses of Evans and Lopez are welcomed in this castle."
Santana bowed. "Thank you. That is very kind."
A dark boy walked up to the couple, nodding at them follow him. With one last courtesy bow, they followed the smaller boy up the stairs to separate rooms.
Undressing, Santana left a simple tunic and pants on. She rested her armor on the dresser, leaving her belt around her waist with her sword secured tightly close to her hip. She walked from her chambers down the staircase and into the cool night. She found herself wondering through a set of trees, watching small creatures bound around her, the insects buzzing around her ears. Lucky for her, the moon still shone brightly from above, laying out a path through the forest that she could easily manoeuvre through.
A little distance away, a fair-haired young lady stepped from a white carriage, followed by a young, good-looking man.
"Do you care for a walk?" the man asked, motioning to the path. The girl looked up smiling and nodding silently.
He bent his arm, allowing the young lady to hook her arm around his elbow. They walked in silence for quite a while, marvelling in the sounds of the night.
It wasn't so much that she wanted to be here alone with the man, but her mother wanted it. Her mother had worked hard to set this up and, being the grateful daughter that Brittany was, she didn't want to let her mother down. She knew where her intentions lay – she hoped that one day that her eldest child would be married off to this lord and have a comfortable life. Brittany knew if it were her choice, this would be the last man on her list. He was vain and self-centred, believing the world simply revolved around him. But nonetheless, he had just recently inherited a large sum of money from his fallen father, making every young lady bat their eyes at him.
The St. James' family owned half the land in the small kingdom, growing massive crops to sell to the royal court and markets. It was a reasonable and honorable business, and would make any girl swoon at the prospect of being a part of it. Well it would make most swoon. Brittany, on the other hand, couldn't care less about the business that had fallen into the greedy boy's hands. She knew that the lord had never run the business before. He had probably never even gotten his hands dirty. He was a polished rich boy, looking for the girl with the prettiest eyes to wed and bed.
Luckily, or unluckily, Brittany was known across the kingdom to be a young beauty. Because of that, she found herself on that chilly night walking alone in the bush with a man that stiffened at the sound of an owl hooting.
"Thank you for such a lovely evening, my Lord," the girl commented.
"The night is still young," he murmured, looking around, his voice deepening. "You look beautiful," he added appreciatively, looking down at her slender body.
She felt slightly wary in his leer, shifting uncomfortably under his gaze. His eyes were far too dark to be innocent.
"Th-thank you, my lord," she stuttered.
"Thank you for accompanying me this evening."
'The pleasure has been mine, my Lord."
"One hears rumors parading around town and I know that you have suitors knocking at your door every chance they get," he husked. "I am glad that you decided to answer mine."
"None are handsomer then you, my Lord."
He looked smug, holding his chin up. "You would make a fine wife one day, if I do say so, Miss Pierce."
"Thank you, my Lord."
The continued their walk, the silence deafening to her own ears. She found trees now circling the pair, their breath coming out in wisps of clouds.
"I'm glad you trust me so."
"What do you mean?" Brittany inquired, looking up at the curly brunette.
"Walking alone at night with a man you have only talked to once," he replied. "It must mean you trust me. Either that or you trust easily."
A shiver ran down the blonde's spine, the arm around her suddenly feeling like a prison bar.
"Are you cold, Miss Pierce?" he asked, peering down at the pretty girl.
"I am getting a bit chilly. Perhaps we can head back to the carriage? I wouldn't want to have mother worrying in my absence."
St. James stopped, taking a rather large gulp as he looked around again at the silent atmosphere. There was no one anywhere close.
"I will take you home." He nodded. "But not now…" He looked down at her, his eyes clouded with something Brittany had never seen before. She could feel fear prickle at her nerves. Something was terribly wrong.
"What do you mean, my Lord?"
"One should not trust so easily…" He mumbled before pushing Brittany by the shoulders into a nearby tree.
The bark scraped at Brittany's back, her eyes widening as his cracked lips dropped to her neck. She let out a weak scream, trying to push away the large man from her, but was unsuccessful. Defeated, she tried to rear her knee up, but he dodged the attack easily, pinning her knees back with his legs. His hands scraped along her legs, bunching her skirt into his fist pushing it up. Leaving Brittany to her last defence, she let out an ear-splitting scream.
He snapped his furious eyes back up, shooting his palm forward and hitting the blonde across her cheek, silencing her. He then took his hand and covered the frightened girl's mouth, clawing at her dress till it was hiked up around her waist.
The damage had been done though. For only a short distance away did a Latina hear the terrified scream. Bounding into action, she launched forward, her feet scraping along the forest floor, not bothering trying to be stealthy. She leapt over a fallen tree, her hand ready on the cold handle of her sword. She burst through a growth of bushes, finding a frightening scene, one she hoped she wouldn't have found.
Without thinking, she jumped forward, pulling her sword from its confines, leaping toward the struggling pair. She brought the butt of her sword up, smashing it into her oblivious victim. He had no time to react, no time to counter before she slammed a harder punch into his temple, knocking him to the ground. Along with him went a scared blonde, falling from his weight toppling over her.
Her eyes widely danced up to her saviour, her blue eyes falling over a darker object. Small twigs and dirt were braided into her hair, her dress now torn and dirty. There was a sliding noise of a sword and then a hand reaching out to her.
"It's okay," a soft but dark voice whispered. "He won't be waking till morning."
Brittany sat in shock, not able to command words to her lips. Santana noticed this and crouched down, level with her eyes. "I'm not going to hurt you," she murmured, holding her hand out again.
She looked at the breathtaking blonde, her deep blue eyes capturing her own. Brittany wearily lifted her pale hand, placing it into her hand. Santana's stomach pinched at the contact. She wrapped her fingers around her hand and helped her up to her feet.
"It'll be okay. You can come back to the castle with me," she smiled. "We can get you cleaned up." She helped her forward a couple of footsteps, her arm wrapping around her waist. "I'll make sure he is dealt with as well."
Brittany looked to the darker girl, her face finally close enough for her to inspect it. She was stunned by the natural dark beauty of her rescuer. It wasn't as polished as her friend Quinn's, but it was surely there. And something else, something that was on the tip of Brittany's tongue. Something about her face seemed familiar, but why? She couldn't place her finger on it and given her current state she knew she would have little luck on figuring it out tonight.
"What's your name?" Santana asked softly, looking at the fair lady.
"Susan…Susan Pierce," she gulped.
"I'm Dame Lopez," the Latina smiled.
Brittany had always been slightly confused with titles. There was far too many for her liking: Lord, Sir, Duke, Count…the list went on. So it didn't bother Brittany that she didn't know what a Dame was. They walked through the woods, Santana securely holding the weak girl in her arms, leading her to the castle.
"Why are you out so late with a man?" Santana asked, troubled. She didn't want to think what would have happened if she hadn't reached the girl in time. It was her job to protect this kingdom and the citizens within it. Luckily she had reached the girl in time.
"I was out for an evening with him, my mother wished for me to spend more time with him."
"I suppose he thought that too," Santana snapped, a little harshly, Brittany flinched, shutting her eyes. "Forgive me, Miss, my tongue is far too sharp with venom at the moment."
Brittany nodded sombrely, looking up to find a dark building looming above them.
"Oh…" she mumbled. She hadn't realised they were so close to the castle.
"Come let's get you cleaned up," Santana suggested, leading the girl to the great gates.
Brittany had only been in the building on two occasions, and it had been filled with busting people. To be here so late at night, while it was so…empty gave it a slightly eerie feel. Santana must have sensed her apprehension and smiled.
"The castle always freaks me out a bit at night as well," she whispered, trying to comfort the blonde.
Brittany snapped her eyes to the tanned girl, looking a little embarrassed at the girl's discovery.
"I wasn't frightened…"
"Good, that makes one of us," she said cheekily. "Hopefully you know how to swing a sword, because I don't know if I'll be able to hold it straight right now."
"A lady does not swing swords," Brittany mumbled
"Oh, of course not," Santana smiled.
"My Dame!" A servant girl rushed up. "You have been absent for so long we were beginning to worry."
"I am a grown woman. I can leave without permission from anyone," Santana retorted.
"Of course, Miss. Apologies, my Dame."
"Help me with her." Santana struggled with the blonde. "She needs a bath, and a new pair of clothes."
"Mother…" Brittany mumbled, remembering her mother, wondering if she was worried yet.
"And a messenger to send for her family to let them know where she is," Santana finished, looking to Brittany.
The servant nodded, walking to the side of Brittany and grabbing her side.
"Come, Miss. We'll get you cleaned up."
"I will check on you in the morning," Santana whispered waving at the girl before stepping away. She walked to Sam's room, informing him of her whereabouts and asking for his assistance in rounding up the scum of a man.
Brittany let the woman pull her up the steps. She sat down on a small bench as the woman poured hot water into a small tub.
"The water will get cold, Miss," the servant said, taking a hold of her hand and pulling her up, untying her dress from the back.
Brittany held her arms above her head, letting the servant slip it off easily. Her mind was wondering, reliving the terrifying experience from before, but she kept returning to the point of her rescue and the mysterious dark lady.
"What is a Dame?" Brittany asked, delicately sitting down into the hot water with a small gasp. She wasn't used to having her bath water so hot, and could feel the cuts from before sting at the warm temperature.
"A Dame, Miss?" the servant asked, collecting the discarded clothing, pulling out a nightgown.
Brittany nodded, watching the servant girl, "It's a female knight, Miss. Lady Lopez is the first to get such a title."
And even though Brittany sat in a scolding tub she felt her blood run cold, freezing in the water. She knew of the girl who became the first female knight. She had attended the ceremony; it was one of the only times she was at the castle. She didn't understand why she didn't recognize her name…her face. Was it because she was frightened, or was it the dark? Either way, she could feel her nerves prickle.
She could feel her heart pick up, her hands becoming clammy. Brittany knew Dame Lopez and she had to get out of there before Santana remembered her.
A.N: Tell me what you think, should I continue? What do you think of it so far?