A True Knight
Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy 8 but those geniuses at Squaresoft do. But I do
own my own characters. If anyone wishes to use them please let me know.
Last Chapter: Squall and Rinoa end up in a strange new world that they discover was
medieval England. Rinoa is the Princess Lydia while Squall was a castle
worker. They both encounter new friends such as Maven the maid and
Olivia the stable worker. Both of those people have a past history all
their own. Squall wins the favor of the King by defeating one of his best
knights trying to defend the King's cousin Olivia. Squall was invited to
dinner because of his brave acts. Already Squall and Rinoa can sense
something wrong with this past but what is it?
Chapter 2: The Dinner ( part 1)
" And this Squall is your room," Olivia told me. She was giving me a tour of the castle
and my room was the last stop. This place was extrodinary just like it is in the textbooks. I just
never thought that I would be seeing one up close and personal. " Thanks Livia. When's dinner?," I
asked. " I'd say in about two hours. The royal types like to make a grand entrance with their best
makeup and most fabulous dresses. You would think they would know it's only dinner. You are suppose
to get messy and have a good time. Not checking to see if your breasts are perky," she said. I
chuckled at her discription of what the royal types do and according to the books she's right.
" But aren't you a royal type yourself?," I inquired. Her smile vanished at my question. I
figured I had stepped over the line. " I'm sorry. You don't have to answer if you don't wish to," I said.
She smiled sadly. " It's okay. The King was going to tell you at dinner anyway. I'll give you the shortened
version. The King is my cousin but by marriage only. The King's first wife, not Queen Tavela, didn't like
the idea that a person not of royal lineage could be instituted into the Royal House. To top it all off my parents
died and then I had no where to go. The King, or Lance, wouldn't abandon me although she wished he would.
Ever since then I've been a stable hand and a knight's whore," she said bitterly.
Her story made me regret I had asked the question. I didn't think people in these times were
really that disrespectful and primitive. " Don't refer to yourself as that. You are more than what those
knight's claim you are. If you can't believe I do. You convinced me. You're special Livia and don't forget
it," I said. Her smile reappeared as tears of happiness appeared on her cheeks. She launched herself
at me trapping me in a big bear hug. I fell back on the bed due to the force of the blow. " Thanks for
saying that. You're so sweet," she said. I chuckled. " No problem," I said.
Our moment was interrupted when we heard a knock at the door. We sat up and saw that it
was a maid. " Well, if you two planned on having sex you could at least close the door," she mused. We
seperated from each other quickly blushing furiously. " It's not like that Maven," Olivia protested. " It
doesn't matter to me. I am merely a maid," she said. I frowned at her. " Then what do you want then?," I
spat. She corrected herself at my stern tone. " Right. I apologize. Anyway, The King sent this dress for
you. You are to be Lady Olivia tonight. He also sent this suit for you sir. He did notice your strange attire
when you met in the courtyard this afternoon," she said. I went over to her and took the outfits. She was
blushing as well when she saw me upclose just like Olivia did.
" My, aren't you tall and handsome too," she said softly. I smiled at her. " Thank you. You're
not too bad on the eyes either," I commented in a low voice. I heard Olivia trying to hold back her laughter.
Maven blushed more. " Thank you M'lord. I must be on my way," she said. She bowed quickly then left
down the hallway. When she was gone Olivia bursted with laughter. " It's not fair to play with such gullable
women that way," she said. " Why not? It worked on you," I retorted. " Touche'. Enough with the verbal
assalts. We need to get dressed," she said. I looked aroung surveying the room again. " I could go outside
and wait for you to finish," I suggested to her. An evil smirk appeared on her features. " Or I could dress
you," she said. I sighed. 'Oh boy,' I thought.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
" Who is coming to dinner with us Maven?," I asked. I was in the process of getting prepared for
dinner which meant another dress that cut off my circulation. The dress I was suppose to wear to dinner
was a white color just like my short dress I arrived in except it had to be tied up in the back like the others.
" Lady Olivia and the man she found this morning," Maven replied. " A man? What did he look like?," I
asked. She sighed wistfully. " He's tall with long, beautiful brown hair. He has the most beautiful blue eyes
I have ever seen and he looks as built as a knight," she said. The whole time she was speaking she was
tying my dress tighter than what it should be.
" Maven, I can't breath," I rasped out. She furiously began untying the strings. " Sorry M'lady.
If you would have seen him you would loose concentration as well," she said. I took a deep breath once the
strings were undone. I figured she was talking about Squall because he always has this affect on women.
Now that I knew he was coming to dinner we could talk and find a way out of this place. Not that it's
necessarily a bad place I'm just getting a little homesick. I'm even starting to miss my father.
" Well then, if you are so smitten with him then he must be worth seeing," I said when she was
finished. I sat down at my vanity so that she could fix my hair into intricate curls and rolls. My hair was
long enough. If she would leave I would've used my powers to do it. " And he is M'lady. I think the King
brought him here so that you would choose him to marry," she said. I began to blush at that thought. Squall
and I never talked about marriage too much since life as a SeeD was unpredictable. Just being with each
other was enough. But if we were to marry to insure our survival here then that wouldn't be too bad. " I
have to see him first Mav before we discuss marriage. But if he is what you say I doubt I would mind it.
Does he have a good personality?," I asked.
She was silent for a moment before she spoke again. " I'm not sure M'lady. He didn't speak too
much but his voice is very appealing to listen to. If he is conceited and talks about himself all the time you
won't mind it too much," she said. I nodded in approval. I already know Squall's personality. I'm just putting
up this act so it can seem like I'm trying to court him. If I showed no interest she would probably get suspicous.
When I was done getting ready Maven and I headed downstairs to the banquet hall. " Mav, why are
we having such a big celebration for two people?," I asked. " I'm not exactly sure of the details but I think
the King is instating Lady Olivia into the Royal House. His first wife didn't like Olivia and wanted her killed
but the King would do no such thing. She has been living as a stable worker unknown to everyone of royal blood
except to your mother and the servants who were to watch over her. They do dreadful things to her in there.
Mainly the honored knights. If they only knew the truth," she said. " So what happened to his first wife?," I
asked. " Killed for adultery," she said with a smile. I swallowed hard at her words. She said them so casually
like death is nothing serious which is true in these times.
We entered the hall but not before a Page announced out precense. " Princess Lydia and her maid
Maven," he said. The whole hall turned in my direction and got silent. This reminded me of the many SeeD
balls Squall and I attended. Always in the public eye but this time I didn't have Squall to ease my worries. I
took a deep breath and decended the steps. It was a bit harder with a dress this long but if I could six inch heels
and not fall this wasn't shit. We finally got to the bottom of the steps and began walking across the ballroom.
I figured I had better find my 'parents'. I saw them sitting on their thrones at the beginning of the hall. When I
was close enough they began descending their steps to greet me at the bottom. When they got there I curtsied
politely.
" Evening Father, Mother," I greeted. They both had smiles on their faces. " I see you are getting
better at entering a crowded room. Ususally you would be so nervous it would take you forever to get down
here," my father mused. I blushed but didn't say anything. " I think she was anxious to see the young man you
brought in Lance," mother said. I looked at both of them. They were an elegant pair in matching purple robes
finely lanced with gold threads and jewelry. " I believe you are right Tavela. I thought I saw him around the
drinks with Olivia. Come let's fetch him shall we?," he said offering both me and mother and arm. We took
them gracefully and made our way over to the punch bowl.
Sure enough, I saw Squall chatting with some girl that must be Olivia. I felt jealousy threaten to
surface but I surpressed it. When they saw us coming their talk ceased. " How are you lad. I never did catch
your name," father said. " It's Squall M'lord," he said bowing slightly. Father nodded then turned his attention
to the girl. " Ah, Olivia, you look lovely tonight. Need I tell you that this ball is for you?," he asked. A shocked
expression crossed her features. " For me? But why?," she asked. Father smiled at her. " Tavela and I decided
it was time that you stopped living in the shadows and since my first wife is dead I do not have to worry about
pleasing her. Later tonight you will be instated if it pleases you," he said. She bowed. " It does M'lord," she said.
Father's smile widened then he turned his attention back to Squall. " Now then, you are another
matter. What do you wish of my kingdom?," he asked. " Nothing more than what you have already given me.
You're hospitality is too great if you accept a stranger into your home with open arms," he said. I had to hand
to Squall he's good at this whole being polite thing. I could take lessons. " Since you won't ask I'll give. Tonight
as Olivia is being instated you will be instated into the Knighthood. I could use a valient fighter like you on my
side," father said. Squall bowed again. " You are much too kind M'lord but won't your soldiers feel threatened
by me?," he asked. Father chuckled. " Nonsense. If they do give you problems tell me. They won't be around
too much longer," he said.
Squall smiled. " That is greatly appreciated," he said. Father chuckled again. " Now that that's taken
care of, let me introduce you to my family. This is my wife Queen Tavela," father said. " It's an honor M'lady," he
said as he kissed her hand. She blushed and nodded thoughtfully to him. " And this is my daughter Princess
Lydia," father said motioning to me. Then for the first time tonight our eyes met. His eyes told me everything.
They said he was sorry for not finding me sooner and that he was worried about me. My eyes replied ditto. " It
is a pleasure to meet you Princess. I have heard so much about you but not too much about your remarkable
beauty," Squall said kissing my hand as well. I blushed a deep crimson. I never heard him talk like this before.
It was appealing and arousing.
Usually I would take him to my room and show him how much I missed him there but I can't here. I'm
a princess and supposedly a virgin as well. " Thank you sir," I said. He smiled casually at me. " If you wouldn't
mind M'lady, would you dance with me?," he asked. I smiled back at him now. " Of course," I said. We bowed
to my parents then went off on the dance floor. We got into stance then joined the dance. As we whirled around
the room no words were exchanged. We just let the music lead us. Soon a big circle was around us watching us
dance but we didn't notice. For the moment it was only us and that's all that mattered.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
* This part will be told in Olivia's P.O.V. I thought I would warn you because it's going out of the Rinoa/Squall P.O.V.
pattern. ~LS~*
I watched Squall and the princess dance beside King Lance and Queen Tavela. They flowed like water
together like they were meant to be with each other. Squall stared lovongly into her eyes like he did in the barn
with me. I should have known I wasn't good enough for someone like him. Maybe all that he said to me was a lie.
I shook my head. No, Squall wouldn't make all of that up. I sighed wistfully as I continued to watch them dance.
Like a match made in heaven.
I broke out of my thoughts when King Lance tapped me on my shoulder. " Are you alright love?," he
asked. I smiled sadly at him. " Yeah I'm fine," I said. He shook his head. " I'm sorry Livi. I knew this was going
to happen. I just didn't know you like him so much. Please accept my apology," he pleaded. " No apologies are
needed cousin. I know they are meant for each other. As a matter of fact he was looking for her earlier. For him
not to be from here he knew exactly what she looked like," I said. A suspicous look crossed his features. " You
say he was looking for her? She was acting a bit strangely this morning," he said directing his attention back to
the dancing couple. " It's probably nothing. Tales of her beauty must have gotten around," I said trying to get
the heat off of Squall.
He nodded but still held a look of indescision. " Do you think he's been playing with us all along? I
remember his clothes from this afternoon. I don't know of any place that has that style of dress," he said. " And
the princess was wearing some strange garment this morning as well," Maven interjected. The King's doubt
rose. " What is going on here?," he inquired. I didn't like where this conversation is going. At this rate Squall
might be on the cutting block list by morning. " Oh nonsense Lance. The boy has caused us no harm and doesn't
look like he will. As a matter of fact we might be making marriage preparations after this night, look. They are
already in love with each other," Queen Tavela said pointing to the couple.
We looked at the duo and saw that she was right. My heart clenched in agony. They were in love, but
how can you fall in love after one dance? It wasn't fair. I turned away from them heading back upstairs. " Wait
Livi, where are you going?," the King called. " Upstairs. And don't bother me!," I said running up the millions
of steps. Tears were blurring my vision and I didn't care. I didn't have a room of my own yet so I ran to Squall's
room and collasped on the floor. I curled up in a fetal position and cried hoping no one would bother me.
*~*~*~*~*~*
After our dance was over the room errupted in applause. The King and Queen came in the center
with us and the room's noise died down. " Lydia, I didn't know you were such a skilled dancer," Queen Tavela
mused. Rinoa blushed at her words. " Thanks mother. I just didn't have a skilled partner," she said looking
lovingly at me. King Lance smiled. " That is true Tavela. I could not dance a lick until you showed up," he said.
The Queen blushed. We shared a good laugh about our dancing handicaps until I noticed Olivia was missing.
" Your Majesty, do you know where Olivia went off to?," I asked. His face grew solomn. " When she
saw you two dancing she got upset then left. I do believe she had a thing for you Squall," he said. I immediatly
felt bad. What was I supposed to do? I knew that was going to happen. I just didn't want to notice it. " If you two
will excuse me, I must rectify this situation," I said. " By all means go. The celebration is not yet over," the King
said. I bowed politely to them and hurried off to my room. I knew she would be there because she had no where
to go in the castle except there.
I knocked on the door softly then went in. I at least wanted to alert her of my precense. I found her on
the floor curled up in a ball. I placed my hand on her shoulder and she shyed away. " Leave me alone Squall," she
said. I frowned. She was being stubborn and at the moment I didn't have the patience to deal with it. I pulled her
out of her ball and forced her to look at me. Her chocolate brown eyes were rimmed red with tears. Her face was
flushed due to her constant sobs. She noticed the frown on my features and came back with one of her own. " Why
are you up here? Go back to you precious 'princess'," she said cynically. My frown deepened at her tone. " No
Olivia. You are my friend and I intend to fix this," I said. She forced a bitter laugh. " Fix this you say? No amount
of words can fix a broken heart M'lord. You know the King was getting suspicious of you and your origin. Even
suspecting his own daughter of deceiving him. You can be honest with me Squall. You really aren't from around
here are you?," she accused.
I sighed in resignation. It was impossible to talk to her like this and if what she said was true about the
King then Rinoa and I will have to be more careful about what we do here. I rose to leave and just as I was at the
door she called to me. I turned to her to see that her tears started back up. She rose from her spot on the floor
then came over to me embracing me. She burried her head deeply into my chest and was saying something but I
couldn't understand her. After a moment she finally raised her head to me. " I'm sorry. I should've known what
was going to happen but I couldn't help it. No one has ever been as nice to me as you have. I was enchanted I
suppose," she confessed. I smiled at her now. " Not enchanted. Like you said, I was the only one to show you
compassion and you latched on to me. I apologize for that as well so I won't lead you on any further. My heart
belongs to another Olivia. And had the circumstances been different you would've had my heart," I said.
She smiled sadly. She knew all of this. She just wanted to confirm it. " Then tell me the truth. Where
are you from?," she asked. I hesitated. I knew this question was coming. " You wouldn't believe me," I said.
She frowned. " If we have warlocks and witches and all sorts of dark magic that is said only to be children's
fairytales I can believe what you'll tell me," she retorted. I sighed before I told her. 'She won't believe me but if
I don't tell her she might not trust me anymore,' I thought. " I'm from a thousand years into the future. We have
textbooks on this era. That's how come I knew how to act. The clothes I arrived in was my uniform from my
military academy. I was the 'king' of that or the 'Commander' by my peers. The princess is my companion Rinoa.
We were at a ball similar to this one when we got sucked back in time," I explained.
I glanced up into her face. A look of shock mixed with confusion was there. " Wow. That is a bit out
there isn't it," she said. " I understand if you don't believe me," I said. " But I do believe you. That's the upsetting
part of it. Okay, you're secrets safe with me," she said. I smiled. " Thanks," I said. We left the conversation at
that. She fixed her make up and dress then we headed back down to the ball. I just have to be careful that I don't
make her too upset. I'm not sure what she'll say in the heat of the moment.
TBC....................
End chapter 2 part one. I don't believe in long chapters because you loose interest too quickly if the story babbles
on so, I've decided to cut the story in half. The other part will be out soon. I also hope that with this chapter I
have relieved anyones worries about the whole Squall/Olivia thing. As always read and review and keep checking
for the next chapter.