I regret nothing.

... On second thought, I do!

Camelot is at a merry mood, hearing of the Queen and Princess's return from the soldiers and witnessing the previous marched from loved ones on the streets. Of course, such merriment is expected and the people wanted to celebrate as such, but knowing the King- such things will have to wait. They have witnessed, as years the King wandered the streets, like a doe on an unknown territory, mindless as he mulled of his family.

They have grown sympathetic, approaching the King with unsure support and taking his mind of his problems. They have listened with rapped attention as he talked, voice mellow and morose- extending their emotions to reach their King, who, like them, is as human as he could be. And so they know, the absolute joy he is under, knowing his wife and child are safe within his borders, knowing how it is quite impossible to push their selfishness amidst the King's possessiveness to cater to his family. Commoners, riches and soldiers combined joined hand to pray for the King, to ask for God of returning his happiness, and wishing for his divine glory to shine bright once more. With that said, they have started their day with great gait, their hearts in the air, waiting for their King to grace them with small smiles once more.

CHAPTER XXVI: ADVICE

As the commoners dillydally on their lives and is with great cheer, nothing would compare to the presence of servants, Knights and retainers holding precious gossips in their hearts. To them, to be grace of the returned royalty's presence are like a calm balm on their minds. They have endured all the tomfooleries their King have done to himself, some fearing for their nation and others for their life. Nonetheless, the Queen returns, they are as grateful as to bow down to kiss her feet if she chooses, as she is capable to put the King straight once again. Moreover, is the light atmosphere in the air. While they loved their Queen and the return of normalcy, the gossips of the older princess have been the open secrecy that simply could not be taken away.

The older servants knew of the princess, have catered to her mischievousness and childhood as lively as her smiles. They have grown to love the little bundle, who would show them respect by greeting them like old friends, remembering their names when the other nobles couldn't. Their excitement is to be expected, as the little blonde with a penchant for trickery and her band of friends would surely give Camelot those brighter days. More so if said princess are rumored to have grown so handsomely that they knew how wonderful it would be to tease new recruits wishing to have seen the blonde. New servants have been in wonder, nobles roaming the castle have been at their tales for hours of the mysterious princess, their conspiring voices the oil keeping the curiosity burning and the castle is at their toes and necks swiveling here and there, trying to find the handsome face like her father's.

Many have thrown their pennies like the others, whispering of glimpsing the heiress' blonde tresses when she turned corners, cooks who whispered of the princess's lovely voice complimenting her father's cooking, or the soldiers who witnessed her chattering of the unnatural charm commanding them like a true heir. It doesn't diminish for days, especially when the squires in training have also took their time proclaiming to have witnessed the princess's raw strength and beauty. More so, when a simple servant had gushed of her unexpected encounter with the princess on the halls.

It was day back then, when she- Marie, have stumbled upon a small stool while cleaning the portraits on the halls. She would've fall, if not for strong arms encircling her waist and preventing her from hurting. She spoke of the utter worldly allure that took her breath away. The eyes as green as distant mountains, smoldering like fire, threatening her heart to burst out of her chest. She spoke of undiluted gentleness of a mellow but determined voice, speaking as if a knight in a shining steed.

Many grew envious, and have tried to participate in search themselves.

How unfortunate really, as Camelot's castle is way humungous for them to discover Mordred. Never mind that the princess in question is as nimble and as quite as a shadow, opting to walk into unpopulated areas and using the secret paths to ward off unprecedented whispers grating on her ears. Furthermore, as they walk like chickens ready to peck to see even a glimpse of Mordred's back did they not notice the dull brown eyes watching their travels, holding unto the princess' hand and casting an invisible barrier around them as they walked passed.

Weiss furrowed her brows as she heard of another girl lying through her teeth, whispering of how Mordred saved her from a wolf on the forest, offering to take her home. 'Blasphemy.' Weiss thought. She has been in Mordred's side wheb she walked out of her father's session. The only eligible facts on those rumors are the maid's rescue and the cooks conspiring murmurs. Mordred have been forbidden to do taxing training due to her wound, and while annoyed, she was avoiding the fields, envious of the men training their swordsmanship.

Weiss was there when Mordred had told them what happened in the eventful meeting in the kitchen full of things Weiss have learned from her mother. Albeit stumbling on her words, Mordred painted the discussion stifling and exceptional, filled with absolute mockery out of disbelief. It is ridiculous to hear the ever confident blonde so traumatize to her core, and Dinadan's unusual lecherous surprise or Jill's dismissive words. In fact, when Jill gave Mordred the countenance of misperception, as if the new wisdom is as plain as the sky did Weiss hold the memory quite dear to her heart. Of course, who wouldn't be amused to find a young child berating an almost grown lady like an experienced human.

"Everyone knows that, big bro. Why don't you? Are you stupid?"

And now, as they bypass people within their own bubble, did the fairy spared her friend a critique to her shy behavior.

"This will not happen if you merely show your face, I believe." Weiss murmured, sighing as the blonde mumbles in petulance, crossing her arms to her chest.

"What are you uttering about?" Mordred grumbles in retort. Weiss smiles as her friend turns to hide her face. She looks quite adorable but Weiss persevered.

"Hiding from the public, Mordred. Graze them once or twice of your face at least. The castle is amassing people looking all over for you."

"I am not hiding, I have no concern over their growth, it simply is more preferable to avoid them after all those times I have been reclusive in Mourdruide. To be the center of attention once again is…. uncomfortable. I have many thoughts in my mind, I cannot concentrate with them around." Weiss does agree upon Mordred's explanation. It is different to that of those they have come to live before. In Mourdruide they find ways to not gather attention amidst their fame as the Jesters, molding themselves into the crowd with practiced steps and undeterred caution for any prying eyes. To be seen again and subjected into timely interrogations with strangers' curiosity must have grated on the scion's nerves. As much as Mordred is known, she has little to no comfort to speak to anyone about her life. She is a contradiction of both good and neutral, polite and crass, wise and stupid, kind and dumb, something Weiss knows quite plenty about tagging like a tail as her retainer.

"That is the tantamount of reason to hide, Mordred." She then uttered, trying to salvage the line. Mordred is peeved, raising a hand on her hair, ruffling the uncovered fringes to find words. "Be as it may, I cannot let them distract me. Not until I figured what father is saying of me liking women in a manner and opting to describe how best to entertain them."

"What is not to understand?" Weiss teased, stopping the stomping princess to poke the furrowed blonde brows out in ease. "I am sure your father has been thorough on your education, there is no way you could have not asked when the King is finished."

"Stop that," Mordred bat the annoying finger on her face, settling Weiss hand inside her palm. "I think I have asked about it… but for the life of me I cannot remember the end of father's speech."

"All the more important to ask your father over again, no?"

"I- it's not the same," Mordred argued, scowling at Weiss as a blush blooms on her cheeks towards her ears. "I do not want f-father to know I fail to recall her advices; my pride could not handle her disapproval. A-and more importantly, I-I… I do not want a repeat s-session..."

"What now? Are you trying to recall the misplaced phrases on her message?" Weiss surmised, giving her friend a small smile, tilting her head to the side.

Mordred merely pinched her mouth into a line, blushing all the while, staring straight into her eyes. "… Far from it. There are still some I remembered and those I find hard to understand." Mordred's reply confused her, that much Weiss verifies with her eyes as the princess pulls her out of the hall and out of an open arc. Knowing what was to come, Weiss jumped with Mordred, down to the gravel tucked in the blonde's side.

"Tell me, maybe I could assist." she offers, letting go as they resume their phase, towards their hidden place where they knew Dinadan and Jill will be.

Mordred glance at her for a moment before averting her eyes. Weiss would have been amused of Mordred's posture, but the scion's words truly brings her things to consider.

"There is this word that I find confusing. When father asked me of which I preferred more, I told her women. I h-have said it in a way I thought father asked if which company I feel comfortable being surrounded with for many hours, n-not these… h-horrid things father says it is alright for me to feel so when it comes to females. I- I now know I'm accessible to court someone with similar gender. B-but some father spoke of I can't guarantee I understood. Most of it passed over one ear to the other, and I find I cannot- for all our observation and conversation, truly comprehend."

Hearing the blonde's confession for the first time, Weiss stared frozen, wide- eyed at her friend. She was battling with her person, but a cold dread churns down unexpectedly on her being. "Mordred, do you mean to tell me…"

"Weiss, call me simpleton or anything… but I do not know what… sexual attraction means."

Weiss have not known what happen, but those words triggers an automatic response to her motors, slapping one palm hard on her forehead. Weiss bit her lips to stopped the scream of frustration, before wishing for the heavens to maybe, just maybe, give Altria a smack down on the head.

The King have thoroughly mistaken her child.

The fairy could only whimper to the heavens, pity dancing on her orbs as the princess look at her, startled.

"You poor, poor soul…" she whispers, hugging Mordred, baffling the blonde all the more. "I am grateful your thick head saves you from bigger horrors."

"What?"

"Your stupidity condemned you to torture, but your naivety has saved you this time, Mordred."

Woman are complex beings. You might hear they are cunning and unpredictable, like the waves in the shore. You must understand, that a marriage between two women, is as successful as any other marriage you will gaze upon the streets. It is not about being a man and woman that completes it so, but of how you treat the person you will pursue. If you are as committed to love them, as devoted to stay by their side, as respectful to be kind, and as loyal to put your heart on their hands as delicately as they offer their hearts put upon yours.

Sadly, daughter, society at present condemns taboos. You might find relationships between women and between men hidden, but they are there nonetheless. If they are discovered, fearing for their lives is an everyday trouble. Commoners shunned those they could not understand. I will say to you, daughter, if ever you are to announced to the world; take pride. You must prevail in the difficulties in your way. Gender should not be a restriction, who are they to judged, when the worth of love could not be measured by standards; it does not discriminate, nor it is merely between a man and woman as they are told to believe. Loving someone of your gender is not wrong. The society today is unfortunately full of vile expectations and evil. They are mere bystanders of your stories, and as such, they will criticize every mistake you make.

Mordred, daughter, if you are afraid, be brave to surpass it, if you are to ask for comfort, your mother and I will share your pain. You might doubt yourself and waver due to public expectation of normalcy, of straying from traditions and what not, but know this; the life you are choosing, is yours to decide. The important opinions you must listen to is within you, unfiltered by anyone's belief. I admit, we are nothing like them to abide to their rules. Not in a way we are not humans, no. We are merely unique more than the others. We are royalties, daughter. I will say to you this instant, even if you wavered, if their opinions graze upon your head, that I will proclaim my wrath. In my kingdom, even out of common places, no one will insult you in my presence. You are my daughter, my cub… who is brave enough to spat on your name, I wonder? Pursue what you love, do what you must. You have the freedom to seek and indulge. But be aware child, in every freedom, one must know the responsibilities of their engagements.

I will tell you if you are with sign of loving the person and how to act as a good companion. It is not about their appearances, nor is it their wealth. Women are impressionable than men, you must not play their life like you own them, nor you be as stupid as to be played by them. Heed my words daughter, and I require you to think and mull before you act upon your fascination. You must not leave her behind to be put aside so brazenly when you see it fit you are not entertained anymore. Cease that wrong morals, daughter- I do not raise you as a monster. A person is not a toy, nor their heart is an entertainment. Balance of self- awareness and respect is needed, cub- surely you must know how to act like a human. Mayhap you will find that you have felt passion with just a glance that burns brighter in such a short amount of time. That, is called infatuation, not love. Infatuation is always misunderstood as the other, quick and sudden, like your heart is on fire. Love, daughter, is as broad as the sky but as sure as the sun. Love is when their happiness became your happiness and their pain have become your pain. A fortune daughter, that infatuation can turn into love.

Did you know, that I have thought I loved your mother for many years we are wed? I admit I am young to define my fixation of her as it is. I am… infatuated with your mother due to her looks, attitude and actions towards challenges. And yet it changes shortly before you are born; I have an epiphany that made me love your mother as fiercely as I am today. I have find, that I am lying to myself, always like a moth to her flame, basking upon not about her physical attributes nor her riches, but to the gentle soul and kind heart within. If the world turns anew, and I find my wife in a situation we met, even if society forbid it that she has been born a servant, I will still make her my equal. What I am saying is, love is a gradual built up of an intimate relationship. It takes time to grow, patience to understand and acceptance to latch onto your soul. It changes a person, Mordred- never believe a man who knows not to love. When I was on my darker times, I have asked myself… on why do we close our eyes when we pray to the heavens, shed tears of sorrow, reminiscence our pain, lay a kiss to our loved ones and dream of our goals in life?

Because the most beautiful things in life is not seen, Mordred, but it is felt by heart- is what I realized. Your eyes and ears may become blind and deaf when so drown with obsession, but a proper relationship starts when you have a foundation what love truly is. Daughter, it may sound absurd to you at the moment, but these things I spoke is my brand of… knowledge of that wondrous term. Some might have said otherwise, or you will experience it as such, but know to never judge, and to open your heart to the notion, that your actions should be as meaningful and as determined to be as honorable a person as you can possible could.

It is not to say that you should make a fool of yourself acting like a mighty oaf- I am referring to act as yourself, without lies and malice, with humility and kindness to others…. You still know how I raise you, my daughter, am I correct?... Hn, that is good to hear. Now… when it occurs you find the person you will pursue, you shall respect her as you would your mother. Do not do things you do not want to experience yourself. Woo her, humor her presence in a respectable distance. Do not be persistent, maybe when you are a tot such things are adorable, but persistence at your age is harassment. Never let a woman think of her life in danger with your insistence to know her abrasively. Treat her like a friend, ask her polite inquiries and share in return. Invite her if she wanted to join into your… mischief with your friends. I will not let you summon her unsupervised, ask of an escort to ward off temptations on both sides. Let her in your circle, introduce her to your friends. Make memories, enjoy your moments. Then, you will seek within you the answer; are you falling in love?

Now, what did I say about love? Yes. Their happiness is your happiness and their pain is your pain. It is also a time where you will experience different battles, miscommunication, different morals, fear and anger. You must resist to harm others, whether it is with your words, your mind or your actions. If it is easier to walk away out of argument, mind your manners. When angered, mind your temper. When talk to a fault, mind your behavior. Sometimes you have to stay silent as no words could define what you truly felt. If she asks of reconciliation, accept them. I she asks of something more than friendship, console them that you will think of it, if you are willing to take the path. If she asks for a confirmation with a kiss, gave her a polite one to her hand. No. Do not let your lips be placed upon someone you are still not wed yet, daughter. If she asks of you things an unmarried couple should not do, you must be able to refuse. No, daughter. I expect you naïve, not stupid. If the maiden is tempting you, then learn to deny her of disrespecting herself… what? Ah… I have forgotten you do not know such act. Very well. What I spoke of unmarried couple should not do, is the pleasure of consummation…. Eloping… No- why do you not know this things? Rape? Absolutely not, love making daughter, the art of making a child. Well, not child, as two women could not have one…. No. Your circumstances are different. I am still a woman. My… s-sword could only be seen when it is time to bleed. It replaces my maidenhood into a male anatomy. Yes, every month child…. No…. I will see to it that your tutor will teach you of puberty and adolescent changes. I… will not know such.

Anyway! Ahem… W-when the time comes that you have confirm your feeling for her, you must do the first appropriate thing in your situation; ask her parents of their blessings. Be open, let your love be known and politely request if they are willing to place their daughter's hand for you to hold in marriage. A peaceful marriage also needs a foundation, my child. A parent worries for their spawn's safety all the time. By expressing your honesty and your commitment to remain by her side, will be a huge relief for the both of them. Of course, family is also a huge obstacle to begin with, but accounting your behavior and your refusal to touch their daughter inappropriately outside of marriage, then they will know you will be a good spouse. If you have obtained their blessings, it is these moments that you will reveal your deep feelings for her, for the second time, asking if she is willing to give her hand to yours.

Planning for the future is a huge part of your lives daughter. It is not only you that must plan them, but your lover must also have the freedom to speak her mind. She is not someone you should coddle and treat like a child, she is your equal, your future spouse- her words should not be beneath you nor your power within a household be greater than her. Ask her what she wanted. Is she dreaming of a child? Is she alright with adoption? A huge family? A small one? Or just you and her? Reconcile, daughter. Prepare. I will never understand the notion of a man doing all the thinking in a household. They have forgotten that in marriage, you do not enact a contract of a master and a servant, but of two souls intertwining into one. When you placed those ring on her hand, and vowed to keep her safe is a pledge you will take for all eternity. Your actions are not your own anymore; your problems, fears, honor- your wife will shoulder it next to you from now on.

I have been speaking so much and I have not even touch the most important part of these speech…. Hn.. I do apologize, Mordred. Give me some time to… set my mind on such task. Your mother has told me to teach you of the birds and the bees. And as you might realize I… find it unforgivable of a notion. Nay. You… you will not present a man in my company waiting for your hand. A-ah, you agreed. G-good. Well then, as I promised, I will tell you how to bed a woman…. Uh, hm…. I-if you must, you are not to tell your mother of what I spoke with you, understood? E-even I so desired to flee from this conversation, please do bear with me, daughter, for I am at lost for words.

….

…

Hm, v-very well. Embarrassed as I was, I will not let you go without a knowledge to treat a woman right. S-so. Women…. W-women's body is a combination of delicate and overwhelming temptation. One look on their visage and any man may think with their other head… I- I mean their shaft. That is what I call the male anatomy, daughter… No. Do not speak that word in my presence. Ahem… Their beauty is immeasurable, the way they walk, the mesmerizing sway of their hips, the soft plump of their bouncing bosom and bottom, the way their dresses compliment their frame, hair combed to perfection and skin glistening like marbles- their aesthetic is a lure of sin. I will not fault you to feel sexual attraction towards anyone, as I have, for many times been enchanted by your mother…. What is with that look? I am merely saying the truth. You know how self- conscious they are; 'Is my body to your liking?', 'Am I not mature enough for you?', 'Am I ugly?'. Those are a few they may have been concerning the beauty standards they placed upon themselves. Console them, praise them of their body, make them feel they are enough, that no matter what frame or what beauty they show to you, will not measure against the things that made you love them. Yes, daughter. These things I am saying is not just for anyone, it is for you and your wife. Many knights have come and go to brothels and God forbids you will not be as weak as they are to fall to whoremongers.

Furthermore, woman's physique is quite sensitive. A graze of a finger on their cheek can emit such reaction to show a demure blush. A light kiss on their neck can churn their stomach. A well placed breath on their ear will bring lightning to their spine. A simple caress on their waist, a simple pat on their lower back, a soft scratch on their nape, an innocent squeeze on their hand- everything are amplified if the person doing it is the one they have a sexual and romantic attraction with. They gave so much meaning, and yet one thing is for sure, if you were invited to indulge on your caress, then prepare your resistance and not let those offers be a reason you have degrade them of their innocence. Of course, when you are ready to elo- hn, m-make love to your wife then you will learn to be cautious. A woman's chastity is the only thing they could offer you as their own, daughter. It is a sacred thing they could not share to anyone. You must respect the trust she put upon you to bare her body willingly and lay there waiting for you. You will not be a simpleton and laugh at the very moment where they are the most vulnerable. Comfort them, encourage them, kiss their fears away.

If you are in a state of giving your own to her, then prepare her of what is about to come. Without it can result into a painful experience for them, which you shall avoid at all cost. Kiss her lips, roam your hands into her expose flesh, gently and slowly, let her feel that you are safe- that you will not be reckless as to put a single ounce of fear on her system. F-fondle, hold her hand, maybe dip a kiss on different areas on her b-body. There are some instances that the skin will turn a beautiful hue of red and you might be tempted to leave marks of your pleasures on her body. Do not be afraid daughter, those things can also bring desires. Hips, bosom, bottom and neck are the common spots many have been opting to tease, but I find that there are more sensitive areas on the body that could bring excitement like no other, l-like the earlobes, the spot below it, the skin below the bosom, stomach, inner thighs and while unconventional, their armpits and the back of their knees. I-it is unusual, I a-admit, but they are as sensitive as I thought it would be. Why, your mother like her ear to be bitten and her legs folded clo-! A-ah! Why did-!? Ah.. I… I-I apologize, but you need not to slap my mouth quite hard, daughter! Y-yes. I-I have been ca-carried away, forgive me. I... Y-yes, it is I that leave those marks in your mother's… uh... c-correct… your mother had carved her satisfaction to my skin... I am as embarrassed as you are, I do not expect you to be quite lenient but do please mind your expression, it is giving me anxiousness.

When you are ready to take the step closer to your union, y-you will see her approval unto her fingers digging into your skin, or the b-breathy moans they- stop it, Mordred- whispers in your ears. There are many ways to p-please a woman, as they are short of the shaft a men have… And they uh- I believed they crafted a toy to replicate the pleasure of p-penetration? No matter, this is the basic thing you could ever done. To know if she is prepared to take you, you will find her pleasure into her m-maidenhood, Mordred... Y-you will discover their thirst drenching their f-folds. You will see it like a flower blooming, plump and arouse, pulsing at the same time w-with their heartbeat. I-I find you that if your partner were to clean herself before she laid unto your bed, that you c-can um... uh, dip your t-t-tongue t-to their n-nectar. They… uh… there's this… little button atop the layers of skin portraying petals that is called c-clitoris, cub- and, do mind that it is the m-most sensitive p-part visible to your eyes. You c-can… uh… For the love of God, I cannot to this… Y-you can… arouse them b-by playing i-it with your tongue or your fingers…. And… some women's preference are diverse than the other. Some would like their first to be as sweet as your union or as pleasurable as they are taught. However, you must be careful, Mordred as their body might rebel due to nervousness. Easing them slowly is a good option to go through. Their fluids w-will help you, succumb your limbs to try and coat th-those in your tool…

B-but! Consent is important! Yes, it is… Y-you might n-not find their entrance quickly, but d-do not be afraid to ask of her assistance. In this case, when you have find yourself touching her insides does consideration and attentiveness must be in the forefront of your mind. Is she in pain? Are you hurting her? Ask her question if you can go further and- d-daughter?

….

… M-Mordred?

….

D-did I broke my child?

Mordred is staring at Weiss, that much is evident to Dinadan and Jill. Quite hard, they presume. And yet, it is not uncommon to see the princess dwelling on her head and remaining immobile for hours. It also is not surprising to find her gazing at the brown- haired girl's direction, as she is admittedly protective of her friend. What is surprising however, is how prickly Weiss is to the attention. Do not get them wrong, Weiss is unflappable as a stone. She is not avid to express her emotions to anyone other than the scion, holding herself parallel to the King's stoic persona with a penchant for mischief and vengeance. And yet, here she is, pouting to maybe hide the redness of her cheeks she might not realize have painted her face, shooting Mordred worried gazes which were ignored, as if awaiting judgement.

As the two cockroaches- Dinadan and Jill- bask in the tense atmosphere as if it is just any other day, absolving it for mere seconds due to boredom, laying to the forests full of unusual animal predators roaming the fields and approaching them to be petted, did they not realize the conundrum of the two childhood friends having their inner battles. Weiss due to the surprising orbs scrutinizing her with an innate purpose and a thoughtful sense, as if Mordred were dissecting her being, judging her worth. Nothing will compare to how the scion's mind work however, as piece by piece, her decision was molding into an objective surely to be taken seriously.

Mordred have told Weiss of her reason for being evasive to the people, but did not completely tell the whole truth. True, she is figuring things on her own and is dwelling what sexual attraction truly is about, ruling it as a type of mindset that sexualize approving of one's aesthetic beauty to further amplifies human desires such as lust and romance, something she knows very little about. An occurrence that Mordred have no issue of saying that she could not do herself. Yes, she sees beauty pleasing to the eyes, but to further characterize the body with increasing importance than meat and flesh is not one she could fathom. To her, a body is just a shell, a combination of skeleton, fat, skin and muscle structure to be able to move and obtain physical form. Mordred knows how to take care of it to act as a conduit to her goals, a receptor of shared comfort and safety when with her precious people. To her, objectifying the body is to portray a desire to stay healthy and durable to stop sickness and weakness, to remain atop her skills to further her training as a squire and grow big like her father, not to be lecherous and certainly not one to obtain perversity. In short, Mordred do not see the appeal of being attracted to a body.

All the more problematic, is that she knew, from the very moment her father is describing the person worthy to be called her significant other that they already have a name. To all her father's blunter of finding the right person difficult, did Mordred already make up her mind. She have been her rock all these years and she have shared a huge amount of herself with her.

She could not think of anyone more fitting to the role of lover. Add to the fact that she had shared her first kiss with that person outside her family; did that mean Mordred needs to take responsibility for relinquishing their experience due to a surge of emotion? Moreover, is it plausible to define it as love without being attracted to her body?

Mordred will not know, and probably she won't care. She have waste too much time already, and with a final shake and an imaginary kick to the problem, she stood up, a goal in mind.