Small quote from Mass Effect 1 in the dialogue. Curious if anyone can spot it.

Guest - I love Arthurian mythology and was going for that time period or setting for this story.

Disclaimer: Some ideas in this story may be similar to ideas originating in the fiction Finding Our Way by CuddleFae. If you haven't read it. I highly recommend it!

Ysabeau POV

I closed my eyes in what felt like desperation as I tried to commit to memory the feel of Lauren's skin against mine. I knew it was almost time for me to leave and I did not want to let her go. By king's orders, I would be headed for the border today, and my heart already ached for the time away from my love. Anger and helplessness festered inside me when I thought of bringing Nadia here. I did my best not to let those feelings show in front of Lauren. She needed my strength and reassurance now and I would do whatever I could for her during this time of uncertainty.

"What is it Ysabeau?" I heard Lauren ask softly as I pulled her even closer to me. It seemed that Laruen could sense my turmoil and I never wanted to lie or withhold the truth from her.

I opened my eyes and shifted until she was on her back; my body almost completely on top of her. I rained down kisses on her neck and chest before I answered, "It is time for me to go but I do not want to leave this spot. We are traveling today and I will not see you for almost a week."

She laid her hand against my cheek and I leaned into her touch as she asked, "It is more than that though, is it not?"

I could not help but smile. She was perceptive and knew me well. "I cannot help but feel that once I walk out of this room, things will change and that scares me."

She guided me down into a kiss but broke it before I could take it further. She gave me a sad smile as her hand fell away from me, "Change can be good Ysabeau."

I shook my head in frustration, "Not this change Lauren."

She looked at me with understanding; tracing my lips softly with her thumb, she sighed, "I know my love. There is still the possibility that negotiations will fail. If that happens, any talks of marriage will cease and we can continue as we are."

I nodded reluctantly, "Yes that is true, and selfishly I hope any negotiations your father enters into with King Edmond do not come to fruition. The thought of them sealing any type of agreement between the two territories with marriage angers me."

She watched me skeptically as I tried to keep my temper under control, "There is more Ysabeau. What is it that you are not saying?"

I shifted my body off Lauren until I was laying on my back beside her. I stared at the ceiling as I answered, "I do not want things to remain as they are. I want more Lauren. I want to love you openly and without fear. I want the world to know you are mine and I am yours. I want to marry you my love, and complete our bond again."

I felt the bed shift as Lauren turned to face me. She touched my bare stomach in an attempt to pull my gaze to her. "I want those things too Ysabeau. I want that and more. Please do not give up. I will be in a place where I can make real change one day. Please hold on to that hope."

It broke my heart to see the hurt in her eyes that was a result of my prior words, "It was not my intention to hurt you Lauren. I love you and I cherish any amount of time we have together. I was just putting to voice the things I want with you, as I have done so many times before. I believe with all my heart that you will one day make this kingdom a better place to live, a place where we can love each other freely. Until then, I will be with you any way I can."

Lauren closed what little space we had between us as she leaned down to kiss me. It was slow yet passionate as she glided her tongue along my bottom lip to deepen the kiss. I ran my hands up and down her back, relishing in the way her muscles moved beneath my fingertips.

I was so lost in the kiss that I did not feel her hand move between my legs. A low moan escaped me as I felt her fingers touch my most intimate places. I let my legs fall open as I felt her smile against my lips, wasting no time bringing me to the edge of completion. My body was humming with pleasure from Lauren's ministrations, and I shut my eyes as I felt my release trying to overtake me.

It barely registered when Lauren broke our kiss and whispered in my ear, "Open your eyes."

It was a soft-spoken demand and I had no choice but to comply. I opened my eyes and found Lauren staring down at me intently. "I want you to look at me as I make you come."

Words escaped me as my fingers dug into her back; my eyes locked on hers as she finally took me over the edge.

I clenched my jaw to stay quiet and as I started to come back down, I struggled to catch my breath.

"What was that for?" I asked as she sat up, pulling me up with her. I was well aware that time was ticking by and I needed to get myself together.

She pressed the front of her body against my back, wrapping her arms around my waist as she laid her head against my shoulder, "I wanted one last time with you before you left."

I sighed, resting my hands on top of hers as she stroked my stomach softly, "I did not get to touch you in return Lauren."

I felt her shake her head as she spoke softly, her breath caressing my skin, "I know. I just needed to feel you. Now come on Ysabeau. The early hours are approaching."

I stood up from the bed after Lauren let me go and I watched as she stood as well, walking across the room to retrieve a basin of water and fresh linen. I felt my eyes turn blue at the sight of her naked body on display in the glow of candlelight. She strode back over to me and set everything on the table by the bed.

I studied her motions as she wet the cloth and began running it over my sweat stained body.

As she worked, she smirked up at me saying, "Put those blue eyes away Ysabeau and let me help you get ready."

I took in a slow calming breath, pushing my succubus down as I stood mesmerized by Lauren's movements. She dried me off with a fresh cloth after she finished cleaning my body and I finally spoke when she met my eyes again, "You did not need to do that for me Lauren."

She kissed my lightly, a bright smile adorning her lips "I wanted to. Now let me help you dress."

We worked together to reattach my armor before I pulled on my pants, tunic, boots and weapons. I quickly ran a brush through my tousled hair before I tied it back again.

When I was finally ready, I laced my fingers with Lauren's as I walked us to the door that lead into the sitting room attached to her chambers.

Before I could speak, she stopped me, "Travel safe Ysabeau. I will be awaiting your return."

I had not been away from Lauren for more than a day or two since I became a part of her royal guard. Now I would be gone for almost a week and that fact upset me greatly. The reason behind the trip gnawed at the back of my mind but I pushed the thoughts away knowing I had to be strong for her.

I smiled, "I will be safe. I miss you already. You will be in my every thought. I love you Lauren."

She threw herself into my arms and I had to take a half step back to keep us from falling. We stood there for a few moments, wrapped in a sweet embrace, savoring the last few moments together.

She placed a soft kiss against my neck before she whispered, "I love you too. Now go before it becomes too difficult leave."

I stepped out of her arms and placed a last kiss upon her cheek before I opened the door and walked away, realizing she had just taken care of me in the way I swore I would always care for her.

Lauren POV

Once Ysabeau left, I could not relax enough to sleep. It pained me knowing that she was somewhere just outside my chamber door yet I could not be with her. It was still before dawn but I decided to get myself ready for the day. I knew Kirsten would not be up yet to assist me, so I took the time alone to enjoy the quiet. I preferred it this way. I did not like having a lady in waiting, but my father insisted on it and I had yet to get him to alter his opinion on the matter.

Changing of the guard occurred every day at dusk and dawn. When Ysabeau and I first met, she specifically requested her service to start at dusk, thus allowing us more time together overnight than what would be possible if she was on duty during daylight hours. It was all we had and I was grateful for it and I knew she was too. She had mentioned again this early morning all the things she wished could be between us. It was rare for her frustration to show as it did, and I despised the fact that I could do nothing to change it….at least not yet.

I smiled as I thought about the first few days when Ysabeau first joined my guard. I would wait until the late hours of the night before I stepped into the sitting room where she stood ready to protect me and we would sit and talk for hours. We learned much about each other during those first few days and I knew I loved her from the start. It almost felt as if she was made for me or that we were meant to be together.

The first rays of sunshine began to peek through my window and I realized that I was famished due to my overnight activities. I smiled to myself thinking about Ysabeau naked in my bed, making love to each other throughout the night.

Kirsten knocked on my door and I called out for her to enter. She came rushing in but stopped once she saw me, "Your Highness, you have already prepared yourself for the day."

I suppressed the sigh that wanted to escape me, "Please call me Lauren. There is no need to be formal here. I wanted an early start to my day. I am on my way to the dining hall for breakfast."

She nodded before rushing past me to get further into the room, "I will clean up here then. Please call for me if you need anything."

I hurried out of my chambers, using the door that lead directly to the main hallway. I rarely used this exit to leave my room, opting to vacate through the door that led into my sitting room before reaching the hallway. Unfortunately, I knew that Tamsin would not be there this morning as she would be preparing to leave, and I found no reason to take the indirect route to the main part of the estate. Even though yesterday was the first time Tamsin and I spoke beyond what was required, I preferred for her to accompany me during the day as I knew she was close to Ysabeau, and that made me feel safe. Now that we were on more informal terms, I wanted her with me because I felt we could become friends.

When I reached the dining hall, I was not surprised to see my father already sitting down for breakfast. He always started his day early and I liked to take this time with him before he was whisked away to tend to royal matters.

I took my seat and silently filled my plate before I bid my father good morning. He returned the sentiment and it was not until we were both finished that I tentatively brought up the upcoming visit.

"I was wondering father, if you could tell me exactly what you plan to accomplish with Porgara."

He leaned back in his chair, looking at me with curiously, before he asked, "What does Porgara have an abundance of that we here in Yandi are lacking?"

I cleared my throat as I sat back as well and replied, "Iron ore."

He smiled, a hint of pride in his voice as he continued, "Correct. We can use it to make steel for our weapons, buildings, alchemy, defensive barriers and much more. What do we have that could be of use in Porgara?"

I instantly answered, "Rosemary and Thyme. Rosemary can be used for joint problems and it speeds the healing of bruises and wounds. Thyme is also good for joint pain and helps with upset stomach, stomach pain, skin disorders and parasitic worm infections. It would be very beneficial for their healers to have these herbs."

"I completely agree. We want to start a trade for these resources and that is one of the things we will be discussing. King Edmond also runs his army as I do and the most crucial part of these negotiations is the combining of our forces. If done correctly, it could be a seamless transition. We would be allies in any and all disputes with the other territories." My father stated excitedly.

I was confused and I knew it would be beneficial for me to gain some clarification. I asked "We also lack titanium ore and cotton in this territory. Where do these things fit in as I know the land in Progara is not plentiful with these resources?"

My father sighed and his shoulders slumped as he said, "This is why I wanted you more focused on royal matters Lauren. We have lumber in excess and we trade that with Serrette so they may build their naval ships while they provide us with their titanium ore. We exchange a portion of our crops with Yarmith in return for their cotton. Cassea needs lumber as well to build naval and fishing vessels and we give them a portion in exchange for a percentage of what they catch at sea on their fishing ships."

I nodded my understanding, "I see that each territory relies on another to ensure they have what they need. I was not aware of the trading we did with Yarmith, Serrette and Cassea. I know that Yandi is the only kingdom that borders all the other territories. That must have some benefit."

My father smiled at my observation, "Yes you are correct Lauren. My kingdom borders all the others and this allows me to control travel between territories. I control trade routes and take a percentage of all goods that need to pass through our land, we charge a toll in exchange for safe passage as well."

I shook my head and sighed as I asked the question that has been burning in my mind, "With all these agreements in place father, why are you trying to arrange a marriage between myself and Princess Nadia for this specific negotiation."

My father slammed his fist on the table before he took a deep breath to calm himself, "We are back this again I see. The marriage will ensure the combination of our armies and signify a true alliance with Porgara. This will bring more power to both kingdoms, giving our lands strength and leverage over the other three territories."

I scowled and replied in disgust, "This is all about power and leverage? You are using me to further your own agenda. Have there been threats from Yarmith, Serrette or Cassea that would warrant the need for more power here in Yandi?"

My father stood from his seat and towered over me as he replied, "No. We are at peace. This is a strategic move Lauren. One I expected you to understand."

I stood as well and spat, "Well I do not father. Not at all. We have peace now but how will the other kingdoms perceive and react if we combine our land, army and resources with Porgara? They will see it as a threat and retaliate."

I pushed my chair aside and stormed out of the dining hall before my father had a chance to respond.

Ysabeau POV

I threw the saddle bag over my horse as I finished preparing for the upcoming journey. I packed extra clothes, blankets and a few small weapons I felt may be needed if we ran into any trouble.

I grabbed the reins once I had everything secured and walked out of the stables.

I was startled when Tamsin hit me in the shoulder with her fist, "Quit staring back at the estate Bo. You look like you are about to ride off to your own execution."

I turned and stared hard at her, replying in a hushed voice, "Am I not? We are on our way to escort Lauren's intended back to the estate. How would you feel right now?"

Her eyes softened but her words were hard, "I need you at your best. You need to find a way to reconcile what is about to happen because you cannot stop it."

I felt my gut wrench and I lost my breath. I closed my eyes for a moment before I replied, "You do not have to worry Tamsin. I will hold the line as I am expected to do. As far as accepting what is about to happen? That is never going to happen."

She looked at me warily but agreed before she mounted her horse and looked down at me. "Are you ready to go then? The patrol is waiting for us outside the gates."

I nodded, climbing my steed as I shot one last quick glance back at the estate before I followed Tamsin out of the gate.

Before we even began our trip, I informed the patrol, which consisted of five Fae and one Druid Commander, that we would be riding through Vale on our way to the border crossing. The Commander did not put up an argument and I took that as a sign that everyone was onboard with the small detour from our route.

We rode hard, not making any stops until we reached Vale a few hours after we left the estate. We hitched our horses at a stable on the edge of town before we all went in our own direction; an agreement that we would only be staying for two hours.

I wanted to join Tamsin and meet the woman that captured her heart, but I knew they had things they needed to discuss and now was not the time for introductions.

I wandered around for a while with no real destination in mind. My stomach got the best of me as I entered the market and found a small shop that was serving cheese and fish with a pint of ale. I took my time and ate as I watched people bustle through the streets.

Once I was finished, I waked aimlessly from shop to shop through the market until I found a place that was selling the most beautiful jewelry. I was not one for jewelry but I felt compelled to enter the little stall. The shop was empty when I walked in and I found myself drawn to a display that held the most precious rings.

An old Fae woman approached and I looked up at her as I said, "These are unlike anything I have ever seen before. So unique and quite stunning."

She looked at me for a long moment before she leaned forward saying, "You are a young succubus in love I see."

I tried not to l let my surprise show as I asked, "Why do you say that?"

She laughed, "I have been alive for almost two thousand years. I have seen much in my time on this earth. I know that you cannot be more than fifty years old. You are a very young Fae. I can sense the allure of your succubus all around us. It is natural and part of your nature. I have known several in my day and I am quite familiar with the signs."

I shook my head, stunned by what she was revealing, "Why do you say I am in love?"

She answered my question with a question, "You were drawn to these rings were you not?"

I nodded and she continued, "I forged all of these rings and the properties within call to a certain aspect within you. These rings are intended to be given to a mate. This is usually done through a ceremony of marriage. As you know, Druids wear bracelets on their right wrist when they marry. Fae place a ring on the fourth finger on the left hand; a tradition we adopted from the humans before they died out long ago."

My head was spinning at everything this woman was saying, "I am not mated, so how can I be drawn to something intended for such?"

Her eyes gleamed with hidden secrets and power beyond my understanding, "You were and even though you broke that bond, it is still inside you."

I stepped into her personal space and lowered my voice, "Not a word woman. You can see from the insignia on my uniform that I belong to King William's army. You know it is forbidden."

Her smile remained and her eyes showed nothing but sincerity, "Your secret is safe with me. Now close your eyes and choose a ring. Let your instincts guide you."

I looked at her skeptically for a moment before I did as I was told. I closed my eyes and let my fingers glide over the cold precious metals until I felt the sudden overwhelming urge to pick one up from the makeshift box.

I opened my eyes and held it in my hand as I inspected it closely. It was perfect and thoughts of Lauren flooded my mind as I felt the metal begin to warm against fingertips.

I had forgotten about the old woman standing with me until she spoke again, "You are not in love with another Fae. Your heart lies with a Druid woman."

I closed my fingers around the ring as my eyes shot up to meet hers, "How can you know that?" This woman had a frightening ability to see things that she should not know.

She shrugged and pointed at my hand, "The ring. It is my creation and its properties tell me all I need to know."

I was about to tell her how important is was that she keep her new found knowledge to herself when she said, "I know the law. I also know that one does not have a say in who they love. I am not trying to frighten you young one."

I sighed in relief as I could see she was being truthful in her words and intentions. I was curious about one fact and asked, "Fae do not practice alchemy. That art is reserved for Druids. How can you do this?"

She smiled as I saw a mischievous sparkle in her eye, "Things today are not how they used to be. Fae do not practice alchemy anymore, but when I was young, it was practiced by both Fae and Druid alike."

"What can you tell me about this ring?" I asked as I opened my hand once again.

She took it from me and pointed at the various aspects of the creation as she explained, "It is made with silver which is a feminine metal. Silver symbolizes purity and its energies include healing, protection, love and emotion. The copper symbolizes characteristics such as charisma, feminine beauty, care and balance. The small stones inlaid within the metal is rose quartz which is known as the stone of unconditional love. It helps existing love grow."

I smiled at her words as my heart warmed at the ideas laid within the creation in my hand, my thoughts drifting to Lauren, "How much for the ring?"

She handed it back to me as she closed both of her hands around mine, "It is yours. You owe me nothing. Be careful young one, I sense much turmoil in your future before you once again find happiness in your love."

I felt my muscles tense and scrambled for her to explain, "What do you see woman?"

She gave me a heartfelt smile before she replied, "I do not see anything. It is just something I sense. Take your gift and go. I feel that you have a long road ahead of you today."

Before I could say anything more, she let go of my hands as she stepped away, turning to walk to the back of the shop.

I placed the ring in my pocket as I left and when I stepped outside, I could see by the suns position that it was time for us to leave Vale.

It did not take long for me to reach our horses at the edge of town. The entire patrol was already present and as I mounted my steed, I saw Tamsin approaching with a smile on her face and a bounce in her step.

I knew things must have gone well with Ciara and I was happy for my friend. I just could not shake the cryptic warning the old Fae woman gave me before she turned me away from the shop.

Once Tamsin was ready, we hit the trail again with speed as we pushed hard to the next town. We would be staying the night at an inn located in Canning. We rode for hours without rest as we tried to reach our destination before nightfall.

We were riding much too fast for me to ask Tamsin about her meeting with Ciara. I knew it would have to wait until we stopped for the night. I did not want anyone to overhear anything we talked about and that was a distinct possibility when we were traveling in a group.

As we rode, I continued to play back my meeting with the old shop keeper on a loop in my mind. I could only imagine that the turmoil she spoke of was related to the orders I was now following. Bringing that horrible woman back to Yandi and to my love was enough to drive me mad. I could only hope that negotiations would fail and Lauren would remain free. I knew that if that did not happen and she was forced to marry, I would continue to love her just as I do now and support her in any way she required.

We made it to Canning before night fell, and after we boarded our horses for the night, we made our way to the inn. It was bustling with activity as the first floor served food and drink while the rooms were located on the floor above us.

We would be leaving an hour before dawn tomorrow morning, so most of the patrol headed directly upstairs to claim a room for the night.

Tamsin and I decided to eat before we retired for the evening and we grabbed a table to wait for service.

I watched as a pretty Fae woman approached our table and I blushed as I saw her aura increase in intensity when she stopped beside us and looked down at me.

We asked for two pints of ale and whatever the kitchen had available for dinner. Tamsin smirked as the woman barely paid any attention to her and only kept her eyes on me.

Once the woman left to fulfill our orders, Tamsin started up right away, "Looks like you could take that woman to bed tonight Bo. I do not think she even knew I was here with how hard she was staring at you."

She laughed as I glared at her, "Would you take a woman to bed that was not Ciara?"

Tamsin's laugher died down almost immediately, "I would never!"

I smiled at what looked like horror on her face as I said, "Then what makes you think I would do that to Lauren?"

She rolled her eyes at me but said nothing. I decided now was a good time to ask about her meeting.

"Speaking of Ciara. How did thing go?"

Tamsin leaned forward against the table as she began to recount her day, "She was so excited to see me when I walked into her workshop. I told her how I felt and what I wanted but I also explained what that would entail with my service to the army. She told me she did not care about any of it and that she had feelings for me as well. She said the only reason she did not pursue it before was because she was not sure if I would be willing to be with her considering the rules we must follow. We decided that we will communicate through messenger and work around our responsibilities to plan visits. I can go to Vale or she can ride into Athene. We will make it work."

I nodded and gave my friend a genuine smile, "I am so very happy for you Tamsin. I am glad you spoke with her. I can see how happy you are."

She looked away from me before she replied, "Thank you for pushing me to step away from my insecurity and fear and talk to her."

No more was spoken between us as the woman came back with our food and drinks. She winked at me before she left again and I just shook my head as we began to eat. I thought about telling Tamsin about the ring and the old Fae woman but decided against it. That was something I wanted to share with Lauren before I even thought about mentioning it to anyone else.

Tamsin asked how things were going considering the situation and I replied, "We are trying to be brave for each other but Tamsin, I am so scared. Lauren is holding on to hope but she may be entering a marriage with a woman she does not love for political reasons. Being in that position is terrifying. I do not care about myself. I will do anything to support her and keep her happy, any way I can. However she needs me."

Tamsin gave me a sad smile, "I cannot imagine what it is like for either of you. The situation is already difficult and now this. We also know how horrible Nadia is. Remember how we saw her berate that woman on the streets of Privik when the king sent us to Porgara to learn about their trade agreement with Serrette?"

I shook my head and scoffed, "How could I forget? She was snobbish, rude and inconsiderate. We saw nothing different from her that entire mission. I do not want to even think of how she may treat Lauren if things go that way."

Tamsin threw some coins on the table before standing up and clapping me on the back, "You will think of something. You are one of the bravest people I have ever known and I have been around for centuries. Do not do anything I would not do."

I turned to ask what she was referring to but she was already walking up the stairs. When I turned around again, I realized what she meant. The woman who served us had returned and taken Tamsin's seat across from me.

I laid my coins on the table with the rest as I said, "This should cover the food, drink and service. Thank you."

The woman ignored the coins and instead reached across the table placing her hand on mine, "I am almost done for the evening. I could join you in your room when I am done."

The succubus inside me reared up at the invitation but the idea was unsettling to me. It was as if my succubus knew it was coming from the wrong person.

I smiled politely as I removed my hand from the table and stood up, "Not this time."

Before I could hear any words to protest, I made my way to the stairs and on my way to a room for the evening.