No. Mighty Ducks, the animated series not mine.
But Princess Ambrosia and story are mine ^_^

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 1
- Present day -

~*~*~*~*~

The Royal sword clattered loudly against the stone floor as the young ruler fell, his battle lost.

"Sire…!!" his personal guard threw caution to the wind and leapt to his liege's side.

Almost immediately, he was flipped onto his back, a dagger pressed to his throat. His antagonist grinned from where he loomed over the unfortunate knight.

"Lesson #1: Never underestimate your opponent…"

"Oh really…?" In a flash, the gray-feathered man had the tables turned, swiping at his attacker's legs and rolling them both some distance from their original position. When the scuffled ended, the seasoned warrior was straddling his former assailant's back, forcing the other man's wrists so that the blade caressed his own skin…!!

"And I return the lesson to you…" the elder Puckworlder purred, before releasing his captive's wrists gently and allowing his voice to enter revered normalcy, "… Sire…"

The white-feathered youth groaned and dejectedly dropped his head against the sparring mat, "Must you be so thorough with me, old friend…?"

The taller one bubbled with rich laughter, "One does not slack when training his apprentice, my liege… Not even if his apprentice is the King…" Firm hands began kneading the knotted muscles tensed under the sovereign's skin, "I apologize for hurting you, my liege…"

"Mm-mmm…? Consider yourself forgiven…"

To the untrained eye, the thin line between Royal blood and commoner seemed to have blurred so severely, it could have been deemed taboo. Therefore, it came as a shock for the young page that stumbled into the training room, seeing his King and the Kingdom's most decorated knight in such a… delicately compromising… position…

"My Liege, I have urgent news to—EEP!!"

Said page colored sufficiently to camouflage himself amongst the Royal drapes, turning swiftly away from the sight as his elders untangled themselves from their predicament. Immediately he fell to his trembling knees and bowed to the ground, though in the wrong direction, "Forgiveme,myLiege,yourservantdidnotmeantointrud—"

"Calm down, young one…!!" a comforting hand was laid on the boy's shoulder, "You did not intrude on anything, thus there is nothing to be afraid of…" The shaking page peered past his unruly bangs to see his Master looking down tenderly at him, warm assurance radiating from his mahogany-colored pupils. "Come now, what is this urgent news you have brought me…?"

The command snapped the littlest one's attention, "Oh yes…! Your Majesty, the Sentries report spotting the Galaxian entourage entering the Kingdom's fair skies…!!"

The white-feathered ruler startled instantly, "So soon…?" His most trusted right-hand man echoed his thoughts, "The Princess' ship…?! But they were not expected for another 3 days…!!"

"The Sentries calculate the entourage's arrival within the hour…" the dutiful messenger relayed.

"AN HOUR?!?!"

The two adults raced out of the room, whirling past jeweled hallways and polished steps as swiftly as their feet could fly them. "Why were we not informed of this new development…?! And *how* did they manage to travel so quickly…?!?!" the panicked monarch hissed, skidding past his chambers and leaping into it. His Head Advisor was already there, quickly launching himself at the King's tardiness. Tuning the droning man's chidings, the white-feathered youth allowed his personal maids to surround him – stripping him off his soiled training clothes, anointing him with scented oils, and dressing him in a flurry of silk, velvet and gold…

Less than half-an-hour later, the crowned Monarch stepped out from behind his private curtain. To his surprise (and chagrin), his Personal Guard stood before regally him, already bathed and decked handsomely in his ceremonial uniform. How *did* his Royal Knight manage to dress himself so quickly—withOUT the aid from countless servants and maids, beside—AND still have time to wait for his Lordship, whence he himself had been caught in the same dilemma mere moments before, the young King did not know…

Straightening himself to infuse a confidence he did not feel, the younger man asked his dearest companion, "Well… how do I look…?"

"Like a nervous wreck, Your Majesty…"

The Royal blood glared balefully at his Guardian Knight.

"Well… you *did* ask…!!"

~*~*~*~

A lyrical horn sounded as the Royal Carrier-Ship berthed, securing itself onto the castle's elegant dock. The distant blaring only served to make the Royal Puckworlder ever more overwrought with nervousness. He had learnt of his betrothal to the Galaxian Princess a mere month before, where else the Princess had been brought up her whole life with the knowledge of her royal duties to him.

What if she does not like me…? What if I do not appear as she has assumed…? What if I do not perform as well as I should, being one of Royal Blood…? Oh stars… Dearest cousin mine, why did you have to leave me this dut—

"You are alright, Your Majesty…" came the soothing voice of his devoted mentor and closest friend, leaning towards his ear, "You shall be a good husband to her…"

He calmed. Not immediately, but eventually, his fears were willing away. Nodding steadfastly, he whispered back, "Thank you, old friend…"

His own trumpeters blew at their instruments, announcing the arrival of the foreign Princess to the throne room. The arched leaves spread apart to welcome her. The monarch rose from his royal seat, as did the twelve members of his Council surrounding him…

A procession of women glided gracefully into the receiving chamber. First, twelve pairs of Royal guards, each bearing the Imperial seal upon their arms… Following were a quartet of solemn candle-bearers, their pastel gowns trailing… Surrounding an ethereal palanquin were eight hand-maidens, hovering close to who would be their Princess… Behind this were several Puckworld Guards, all female, carrying the Galaxian Emblem… Leading the last troop was a slight but confident Knight, her cherry-red braid trailing behind her…

The veiled palanquin and Emblem-bearers separated and stopped, side-by-side one another. One of the hand-maidens struck a bell, and the whole procession sank to one knee. The awed King wondered how long hath his bride's party prepared for this day…

"The Kingdom welcomes the lovely Princess from yonder lands," the Head of the Council addressed the gathering, stepping from his usual lectern, bowing low towards the figure behind the fluttering veil. She returned with a slight nod…

"And the Royal House welcomes the return of our Sister in arms," the gray-feathered Knight continued, approaching the female guard that knelt at the forefront of her Emblem-bearers. He smiled and held out a hand, "It's good to see you again, dear friend…"

"It's good to see you too…" her voice answered, but to his surprise, it did not originate from the one kneeling before him, but from the portals of the throne room. "Alas, once again, you approach the wrong woman bearing a disguised identity…"

He startled, turning to the oaken doors, his hand reaching for his sword. "Wh—" he began, as the shadow that bore the voice of his old friend stepped forward. Immediately, the court recognized their most respected female Guard. There was no mistake – her fiery braid, her shining emerald eyes, her gleaming sword…

Now, it was the King who gasped out a question. "B-but… if you're *there*… Then who is sh—?"

"We beg forgiveness for our deception, Your Majesty," the returned Knight sank easily onto her knees. "Nonetheless, I pledge to the Queen no harm would befall her daughter, thus we set a rouse to avert the enemy's eyes should there be any unforeseen attacks…"

She snapped her fingers. Instantly, the bevy of hand-maidens guarding the palanquin rushed towards the mistaken 'Head Guard', silken sashes clutched in their hands. The first trio began removing the protective armor piece-by-piece…

The court gasped.

From beneath the Puckworlder-shaped helmet, chocolate curls cascaded onto bared shoulders, framing a foreign beauty unparalleled. As the hip-girdle was removed, her maids fitted a fuller, more feminine skirt. Another brought a sash, a third busying herself with the Royal jewels…

They fell away from her, sinking to the ground like scattered petals surrounding the fragile flower blooming within their axis. Stepping past the personal maids, the cherry-braided Guard produced an intricately woven silver tiara and slid it onto her charge's flawless forehead.

"Your Majesty, members of the Royal House and Council… I present the King's bride, Princess Ambrosia of Galaxia…"

~*~*~*~

The entire court bustled with activity that night, the Kingdom's most reputable people invited to feast, sharing this joyous occasion with their King. Jesters and bard-singers entertained the guests in selected booths as the young serving lads scuttled about from the kitchens to the tables, groaning under the weight of their trays laden with tantalizing platters and addictive vino. From their music box, the court musicians enticed couples to join in spirited dance to their lively tunes, urging them to forget their troubles and enter this blissful merrymaking…

But alas, not all were smiling this cheery eve.

"You have not eaten much, my dear…" the concerned monarch commented quietly as he leaned towards his new queen, a hand laid on her own. She gasped soundlessly, shyly removing her pale appendage to her silent lap, head downcast, face flushed lightly. He sighed, "I apologize for the lengthy celebration, beloved… Perhaps I should have postponed our wedding till you have rested. Are you tired, my Queen…?"

She flickered her cerulean-blue eyes to him, then returned to gaze at her folded hands. Hesitantly, she nodded in response to his inquiry.

He smiled gently, understanding her wordless reply. He supposed he should wring his Head Advisor's neck for her exhaustion. Had it not been him to suggest they marry immediately following the Princess' arrival from yonder lands, she might have regained enough strength to converse with him.

It struck him odd, this silence she kept, consciously sealing his lips. The rumors on the wind told of her family's gift of song, yearning ears traveling from faraway lands to listen to the sweet aria sung by a choir of three, bound by name and blood. Even his loyal Knight, who later became her personal bodyguard, had written to report the soulful voice of her Princess that could make the sweetest nightingales weep in shame. Why did his mate find reason to hide her voice now…?

He beckoned for his Personal Guard, his requests made known in swift yet tiresomely formal sentences. The gray feathered man nodded, once, to confirm his order. He rushed to relay the message to the Head of the Council before returning to his majesty's side.

"I call for the attention of the Court…!!" the plump Puckworlder boomed, rising from his chair. His personal servant boy further accented his announcement by blowing his horn (at the Council members, who, doubtless, should be half-deaf by now). The chatter and music quietened immediately, heads turned to his direction in respectful acknowledgement.

"The King thanks his loyal subjects for their presence this fine evening. His heart dances with much joy to share this commemorative union with his new wife with his people…" he paused for effect, his audience snickering discreetly. "But now, the King and his Queen must retire to their bedchambers, for the evening must come to a close… People of Puckworld, let us raise our glasses and send well-wishes to our King for a night of blessing…" Rising his goblet, he turned to the most lavishly decorated table across his own, "To the King, and our new Queen…"

"Hear, hear…!!" the crowd echoed, glasses ready to be consumed, drinking to their monarch's health and future.

At his own table, the young ruler groaned and wondered how much wine had his usually placid Councilor consumed to choose such ill-fitting words considering the circumstances, especially in the presence of such a shy child seated beside him. Nonetheless, he nodded in forced gratitude, mirroring his court's actions and downing his golden chalice.

His concluding gesture was met with thunderous applause. He smiled and waved to his court, withdrawing with his dutiful new wife by his side. His Royal Guard led the way into the sanctuary of his protective home, a handful of her handmaidens trailing behind them…

He stole a glance at his beauty, noticing her cheeks ablaze with tranquil fire. He sighed, Remind me to speak to the old coot, first thing in the morning…

~*~*~*~

The doors to his chambers split open. With a snap of his fingers, his Guard commanded the spelled candles of the room to awaken, welcoming their Master into his realm. The gentle husband led his newly-wedded dear into the room, thanking his most trusted escort on the way.

He guided her to the doors of his private chambers, parting the doors to invite her in. She lifted her eyes a moment to take in the room, widening slightly with apprehension before returning to her mask of passiveness, nodding once before entering. He kissed her cheek tenderly while holding her hand, "I promise I will not be long…"

Her handmaidens disappeared with her and shut the door behind them. He sighed in defeat and turned to slump into a chair.

"Sire…?" the regal man guarding the door questioned lightly, eyeing his younger companion with brotherly concern.

"She does not like me, my friend…" he mumbled, covering his eyes with his hand, "You can see she bears my affections with dignity as to not shame our Kingdoms, but she does little to respond…"

His comrade shrugged, "Perhaps she is afraid, my liege…"

"Afraid…?" the younger man repeated, "Ah, that must be it… She is afraid of me, then…?"

"I did not mean it in such fashion, my liege…" his confidant approached his ruler and knelt before him, "Think of her situation for a moment if you will, Sire…

"She is a Princess born in a society of high matriarchal standing, never to have laid eyes on a male till the day she is to be wedded," he touched the white hand fingering the gold wedding-band absently, "Furthermore, she finds herself promised to a stranger of foreign name and birth and race… Would she not be afraid of this day, and this night…?

"Would you not be afraid if you were in her place…?"

The young monarch continued to stare at his hands, turning the unaccustomed piece of jewelry around and around. He nodded miserably, "I just wish it was not I to meet her with these circumstances, my friend…" He turned to the large family portrait that hung slightly behind him, "I-if… If it were my cousin or brother, would they have felt the same, I wonder…?"

"Well, you know how it is – blood is thicker than water…" the elder chuckled as he stood, "Knowing your family, all you kiddies would prol'ly be running to whacky ol'me for advice…"

"Kiddies…?!?!" the youth choked indignantly, but laughter danced at the corner of his mouth, "We are not *that* young…!!"

Glad his superior had broken out of the threat of depression, the knight laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. A moment later, the doors to his inner rooms clicked open, his bride's handmaidens emerging and bowing towards him, awaiting their leave. He sighed again, but at least it did not sound as discouraging as before. He stood and turned to his companion.

His Knight held his arm kindly, "Be gentle… be good…"

~*~*~*~

The door clicked shut behind him, making him jump. He chided himself lightly, Some King you are… What impression do you portray to your wife as her protecto—

His eyes scanned the room, and he realized in alarm that he was alone in the immediate vicinity. His heart clenched in alarm, Where could she be—

Purest white contrasted against the dark of night, reflected by lunar's blessing. A figurine stood like an angel at his private balcony overlooking the city…

He removed his ceremonial cloak and heavy outer coats before approaching her, folding it over the back of a chair. He knocked on the arched frame opening to his beloved's presence, "There you are…"

She turned slightly to the side, acknowledging he was behind her. Then she turned swiftly to the sleeping city spread before her. Still, not a word left her lips…

He came by her and turned to view the landscape that had ensnared her attention. "Puckworld… My Kingdom—no, our Kingdom…" he moved a hand to twine their fingers, before murmuring, "Home…"

She tensed under his touch, but did not react. He noticed her slight shivering…

"The night is cold…" he whispered, his hand making its way up her bare arm, "We should seek warmer comfort inside…" He pressed his beak to her pale cheek, "Come, let us go to bed…"

She allowed him to lead her away from her refuge, the silent connection of Queen and Country severed momentarily. The balcony doors were closed, the transparent curtains let to whisper against the floor. He sat her on the bed and knelt before her.

She reacted, though not terribly violent. Her hands moved unconsciously to cover her lap, shielding hungry eyes from lingering too long. He turned to her, to find her attempting speech but failing much…

"You are beautiful," he remarked, leaning up to kiss her.

"Do you wish to bed me…?"

The question caught him unaware, as did her hushed voice. It was the first time he had heard her speak…

"Princess—"

"Do you wish to bed me…?" she repeated, a little louder, a little more firm. Her eyes begged an answer as her hands tightened in her lap.

He sank onto his ankles once more and stared at her. Catching her wrists, he wrestled them away to the sides and flickered his eyes at her lap. He swallowed, the distinctive bulge of his throat bobbing once. She froze.

"I will not lie to you, dear one… Our Kingdoms have united us. Our duty is one. Puckworld shall await an heir…" he raised his head, "Thus the answer is yes, I will wish to… bed you…"

Then he released her hands and leaned upwards to capture her parted lips. "But I can see the fear in your eyes, Princess, of how unsure you are of this night…" he tilted her chin to face him, "You are unprepared for this, Princess… And I would loathe myself to force something so undesired…"

Surprise misted over her fear, "But you just said—"

"I'd admit, dear one, I shall envy the bed as it cradles you, as well as the covers that will embrace you tonight…" he laid her back on the prepared bed, closing the distance between them in liplock, "But I will not approach you until you are ready…

"Sleep well, Princess… Good night…"

He pulled the warm coverlets up her chest, and began to depart.

"… wait…" she whispered, sitting up and catching his fading shadow, "If I… take the bed… then where will you sleep, my liege…?"

"There is a chaise in my outer room, beloved…" he explained.

"… you could share the bed…" she suggested meekly.

"I cannot promise you anything, my love…" he confessed, prying her fingers away from his forearm, "Please, trust your King, if not your husband… You've had a tiresome day… Rest…"

And with that, he left her to the comfort of shadows.

~*~*~*~

A golden-haired angel burst from her chambers.

"Mustn't be late. Mustn't be late. Mustn't be late…!!" she chanted, a frantic refrain echoing through the hollow hallways, the palace residence still clinging to precious slumber.

"Key, key, key… Must find the key…!!" her mantra exchanged words as she dug through her dark robes, unseeing hands searching for her object of relevance. Balancing her books and potion bottles and all else precariously on one knee, she wailed to the air as she turned out her pockets and satchels, leaning against the ornate doors, "O, where are ye, Master Key…?!"

The door swung inwards. And her with it.

"Macareth!!" came the alarmed squeal as she felt herself tumbling, her precious belongings denied equilibrium. A hand automatically flung itself upwards to quell their descend, "Jivanche, miris, deshyr – zyr'quetta!!"

The one who had unfastened the lock to the door cringed as the other fell with a most painful thud. On the other hand, her possessions hovered duly in the air above her, spinning gently with the breeze…

"A… mage…?" a new voice observed, making the company three.

"Indeed…" the knight standing by the door grinned, leaning forward to aid her fallen comrade. The magician groaned as her back protested against movement, but was grateful for the lent assistance. Standing up, she began collecting her things from where they hung, suspended in space. The female knight helped by gently nudging the items, floating them towards their Sacred Mother, "It is good to see you again, friend…"

"You *could* have given me fair warning, friend…!!" came the indignant retort, followed by a miserable sniff, "Such is our unfortunate reunion…"

Her mate chuckled, "You never change…!!" Ignoring the growing pile between them, she drew her longer arms around her smaller companion for an embrace, "I've missed you so…"

"Sereth…!!" the other blushed hotly, then smiled, "The castle has been quiet without you, Mistress of Tempers…"

"Oh, be quiet, you…"

A stifled giggle caught their attention, and they turned to the inner room to see the neo-Queen steadfast in her position beside the door. To the magick's surprise, her Lady had awakened, dressed, and tidied after herself, though the hour was early and the mists had not lifted.

"M'Lady…!!" she snapped from her reverie, reminded of her purpose of presence this morning in the King's chambers. Striding purposefully towards the foreign beauty, she enquired hurriedly as she bowed and took up the foreign beauty's hand, "Are you well, M'Lady? Any ailments, discomforts, complain—"

The cherry-braided knight was not so obscure in her questioning, "Did he hurt you, M'Lady…?"

"Lemareth DuCaine…!!" lavender eyes flew wide open, "There *is* a thing called TACT, dear knight…!!"

The emerald fire would not be ignored, "Well, did he…?"

The shy girl retreated her hand, hanging her head, "W-we… H-he… The King did nothing to me last night…"

"WHAT?!?!"

"I-I… remain untouched…"

"WHY?!?!"

She turned away, her sorrowful eyes clinging to the slightly ruffled sheets bearing the imprint of one, "He… noticed I was… not yet ready…"

"So he let you sleep alone…?!" came the blonde magus' cry of disbelief, to which the young former Princess nodded. Blue eyes snapped in alarm as the foreigner realized something, "The King… H-he… He isn't angry with me… is he…?"

The question was not answered, but the emerald-eyed woman could contain her laughter no longer, throwing her head back as the joyous hoots of amusement shook through her frame. Her fellow colleague only shook her head and rolled her eyes at her embarrassing antics.

"Oh, Princess…" the armored maiden wound down from her hysteria, embracing the Royal blood as if her kinswoman, "Our King could hardly raise his voice against his subjects, least of all you…" Kissing the relieved girl by the cheek, "I am glad that you are not hurt, angel… in body, heart or soul…"

The humanoid girl nodded, "Though the circumstances are odd, so am I… so am I…"

~*~*~*~

The string hummed a melody like no other, the silent note playing for the audience of one. Wood and feather whispered past its taut length, the slightest contact changing the quiescent harmony played by an expert hand—

"You might want to keep both eyes open, ol'chap…"

His moment of flawless orchestration was shattered, the voice of his rival startling him past the murmurings of morning. The arrow escaped his bow, whistling towards the pole—

—and embedded itself into the wood, three-palm-widths away from the center…

He growled, first at the wasted shot, then at his one-time comrade-in-arms. "You're walking on thin-ice, *ol'chap*…" the more senior knight snapped, prodding the other in the chest with the horn of his bow, "What are you doing here, littlest knight…?"

The outlander grinned, glad his words had cut the other so, for his counterpart had lost his eye in a duel long forgotten. He feigned a hurt look, "Oh, please, old friend, spare me some dignity, will you?" He removed the blunt point aside with his slim fingers, "After all, we were knighted into the Brotherhood together, were we not…?"

"Indeed," the elder one conceded, thought none too readily, "However, you lacked ambition…" A smug chuckle passed his lips as he brought out another arrow from his personal quiver, "Which was probably the sole reason for my being 3 ranks above you now…"

"Phsaw! Utter nonsense…" the newcomer argued, though his voice betrayed the miff hidden behind his mask of cocky indifference, "But worry not, good lad – I feel something big's going to happen in my life…"

The Royal Knight let fly his trusted shaft, sending it towards its goal. This time, the gracile rod pierced its target true, landing precisely at the axis of colored circles. He allowed himself a small smile of achievement before turning to his former companion, "And pray tell, what and when is this grand event to unfold…?"

A smirk lit the other's eyes with dark fire, "Oh, you'll know when it happens… when it happens…"

Rolling his eyes, the gray-feathered man muttered with slight scorn underlying his tone, "Why do I even waste my time wit—"

"Sir…!!" a young messenger bounded into the practice fields, running towards the seasoned warrior packing his things, "Sir, the King requests your presence in the court. Something ado with escorting the neo-Queen to the city bounds…!!"

"Her Majesty…?" both knights of unequal standing exclaimed, though it was the higher ranked one that schooled his surprise first, "Tell His Majesty I will come at once…"

"Sir. Yes, Sir…"

"So, the Master's favorite Knight'll get to play bodyguard to the new Mistress…" a sneer sounded as the youth disappeared to deliver the communication. The one-eyed swordsman hissed, barely biting back a sharp word, "Be careful what you say, friend… If the King should discover you speaking of his beloved with that smug manner of yours, I might just let him vent his frustrations on you…" Adjusting his uniform and saber just so, he huffed and stormed past the insulted falcon, "Remember, we now fight for King, Queen and country…"

The amber-colored avian bore his rival's acidic words with much controlled spite. Then again, his mind reminded, his future was secure, and soon, his old rival would be no more. For he had struck a deal with the devil, and all he had to do now, was to wait for his due to come into fruition… Watching the retreating back, he suddenly grinned maliciously, "Oh *yes*… For King, Queen, and country…"

~*~*~*~

His orders were to escort the foreign Princess to see her new city and countryside, to acquaint herself with her fair milieu. He heard his Sister-in-arms would join him too, for her duty placed her closest to the Galaxian Royal blood. Thinking it would do better to check on her in the armory instead of waiting idly in the hall, he marched himself to the weapons store without preamble…

The air in the room was heavy with the smell of precious metal and polished wood. He peered past the shelves adorned by rows upon rows of silent soldiers, ready for battle, searching for his companion-of-the-day. His throat would've formed her name, had it not constricted when his eye laid upon another…

Her form was plain, small-built and petite. Clad in a simple leather cuirass, topped by a light-weight armor consisting of a modest chestplate and a single shoulder-guard, she looked the picture of inexperience. Seeing her trying on the many different standardized helmets, he guessed she was a new recruit, probably one of the handful of privileged Puckworld women recently knighted into the Brotherhood.

"Might I be of an assistanc—" his voice echoed within their quiet surrounds, startling her that she was no longer alone. Almost instinctively, her hand flew to draw the elegant sword tied to her belt, the metal singing as it left its sheath.

His eyes recognized the uncovered weapon, and he immediately reacted. His opposition's sword had intricate patterns carved into its blade, a design unique only to the Galaxian swords he had been introduced to recently. And judging from the woven gold-and-silver threads swathing the hilt, there was little doubt that this was the arm fit for Royalty. Had this woman stolen the Royal Protector Sword without their knowledge…? Or worst, had she harmed the newly crowned Royal Consort…?

He lunged for her, and she ducked, kicking at his legs and leaping lithely backwards. His clumsiness made him growl, diving viciously towards the agile figure that had made him fall, "Stay still, you fiend. How came you Her Majesty's sword…?"

His adversary lowered her sword-arm, a low chuckle bubbling from within her. He misread her seemingly innocent laughter, renewed anger fueling his next attack. The giggle was swiftly exchanged for a gasp, blue eyes wide behind the mask's uncovered region.

Wait a minute – blue eyes…?!

"Princess, get DOWN!!" came a commanding voice as a black boot connected with his unfortunate chest, the impact making itself known past his armor. He hissed and stumbled backwards, sword sweeping upwards, seeking defense. The clatter of steel-on-steel rang loudly within stone walls…

"Y-you…?!" the newcomer spluttered, withdrawing her blade suddenly, "Cripes…!! And here I thought you were supposed to *protect* the Princess…!!"

"Who—?!" he gave a indignant shriek, glancing up to his retreating antagonist – to find him staring into the familiar faces of his red-headed Sword Sister and the unmasked neo-Queen…

"Y-your Majesty…!!" he stammered, dropping to one knee, "I-I didn't realize…"

Tinkling laughter answered him, "Please, kind Knight, do not apologize… It was no fault of yours – I drew my sword in alarm, and you drew yours only in contrary synchronization…"

"B-but, M'Lady…!! I could've struck—"

The forgiving Queen leaned forward to grant a concluding kiss upon the elder man's brow, "All is well… but thank you, just the same…" Sensing she had overstayed her time in the weapons room, she shyly announced that she would wait for her escorts by the outside foyer…

He blinked in disbelief. She… kissed me…?

"Don't get any ideas…" came a scathing voice outside his consciousness. He whirled and found himself staring into the narrowed eyes of his Queen's right-hand-lady, "H-how… W-wha—You would accuse me…?!?"

She shifted her stance, a hand resting on her hip, "Oh please – wouldn't I know…? All I had to do was bat my eyes at you that night in the tavern—"

"So you *do* remember that night…!!"

She blushed, covering her mouth with her hands, "I mean, n-no…!! I-I—"

He hugged her affectionately. For once upon a time, this woman was his only confidant, his only intimate being… his only lover… She sighed, allowing him this moment, sharing the memory long past…

Then she snickered, "You know, for all your good sense and skill, you have to admit you *are* a lousy guard when it comes to a woman…"

He growled at her, "And what's that s'posed ta mean…?!"

She pushed him away and crossed her arms, her next sentence dripping with reproachful humor, "You were beaten… by a girl… a princess, no less…"

His cheeks blushed brightly despite his dark coloring. Grabbing his sword, he ignored her mad giggling as he strode by her, "Oh, shut up…"

~*~*~*~*~

Aoi Akiko ramblings:

Akiko has decided to redo her chapters, so that FF.net shows what she herself sees on her computer. This will mean longer chapters, but (gomen ne) apologies, it would also mean a longer waiting period before Akiko posts each chapter...

On a separate note, Akiko wishes to say that she thinks this story will be multichaptered... as in, perhaps 10 or more... Akiko hopes this will encourage her readers as much as Akiko is steeling herself for the challenge...

Akiko's opinion on this first chapter... Honestly, I think it's finally coming together, despite the painful need to write names (*strangles Kei* I am going to *KILL* you...!!)(if you don't know what this means, you must've skipped the 1st page...). Anyhow, Akiko apologizes if this chapter lacks much action, because it's only the first chapter after all, and I was seeking to introduce each character and their ties to one another. If you're still a little confused, here's a recap:

Wildwing & Duke : King & Royal Knight; also very close friends
Wildwing & Ambrosia : newly wedded King to Queen
Tanya & Mallory : Royal Knight & Mage; also very close friends
Mallory & Ambrosia : Royal Knight & Princess; also trusted companions
Duke & Falcone : Royal Knight & Guard; one-time friends, now rivals
Duke & Mallory : both Royal Knights; one-time lovers, now very close friends

Why did I make these characters relate as they do in the story...? To tell you the truth, I haven't a clue either... My fingers type what my mind dictates, ie this story had a skeletal backbone, but other than that, I'm making it up as it goes *nod*...

Please review on your way out...!! ^_^