Hi lovely readers!

Honestly didn't think I would get this piece put together as quickly as I did, only started it yesterday, but I simply could not stop writing.

The characters were very clear to me and I enjoyed my first time writing a 'y/n' piece, it was challenging, but I think I've pulled it off!

This was a request by RiseofArtemis, I truly hope you enjoy it, as I really did love writing this one. Let me know in the comments!

I'm gonna either update my chapter 2 with my current request list, or add a new chapter, undecided on that, but I'll be doing it tomorrow. Simply so people don't think I've forgotten their requests! :)

Remember, requests are open (although I do have a small backlog to get through), let me write your kinks! ;)

~.~

"Father, no!" the little girl cried, trying desperately to reach him. A guard held her back, lifting her small body and protecting it with his own as waves of soldiers entered the bedroom. The King fought against a seemingly invisible foe, shadows darting around the room and slashing at his body as he turned, sword in hand ready to fight back.

His personal guard rushed for him, but it was too late.

A twisted black blade pierced his chest, blood spurting from his mouth in a torrent as the lethal weapon had speared through his heart. The King looked down in abject horror at the blade protruding from his chest, his face twisting into regret as he saw his young daughter trying to claw her way towards him.

A hand lifted in her direction, "Erza…" was his last hushed word as his knees met the hard stone floor, his body crumpling as his last breath left him.

The screaming of the young Erza was so heart wrenching that it could be heard for miles around, the utter sorrow of the voice reaching ears that should never have heard it.

The King had been assassinated, leaving behind a wife and a daughter, stricken in grief.

~.~

Two years had passed since that fateful day, Irene Belserion strode through the courtyard, her spine stiff and straight, chin held high as she made her way out of the palace grounds. To this day she mourned the loss of her beloved husband, her King. Her black dress floated around her slender body, the fabric looking as if it were caught in a magical wind that kept it rippling and swirling around her form as her stride quickened.

She had refused a royal escort, her words becoming increasingly heated as she argued with Belserion, her most trusted and loyal friend. No further attempts had been made on her family's life since her husband had been slain by the still unknown assailant, she refused to live the rest of her life in fear.

Irene had always been a strong women, she would not cower in her ivory tower, allowing others to protect her, it would destroy her very soul if she was to succumb to that. No, she would strike out as the sole ruler of Dragnof, and be the Queen that her people needed.

She understood Belserion's fear, his desire to protect her above all else, but she was not completely defenceless. The invitation from the neighbouring city had arrived days ago, inviting the Queen to some peace talks that were to be held in the hopes of avoiding a rebellion taking root in the land. It was the perfect opportunity to show her kingdom that she was prepared to rule alone, not needing advisors and guards to make her decisions.

The journey would take less than a day by horse, her favourite mount ready by the stable doors as she approached. Provisions had been carefully packed should she have need of them, and the fiery redhead was alight with anticipation at this solo journey, the excitement of being unaccompanied for the first time in what felt like years.

Irene was sad to be leaving her daughter behind, but this was not place for a young princess. Erza was barely eight years old, the girl was as fiery as her mother, but a deep sadness was evident in her, the sorrow of her father's death a dark stain on her innocent young life. She wished she could remove that taint from her daughter, to see her live a normal carefree childhood, but it was simply not meant to be.

The pair had grown closer in the past two years, their shared grief tightening their bond until they were practically inseparable. Irene dotted on her daughter, she wished for nothing more than for her to be happy and grow into a confident young lady.

Belserion had raised the point that he believed Erza needed a strong male role model in her life, other than him as he was a dragon merely with the ability to masquerade as a human. Erza needed to ground herself with her true people, and had gently suggested that Irene may look for a new husband, the idea seemed ludicrous to her, a betrayal to Rung's memory.

Sweeping away her scattered thoughts, she rolled her shoulders back and mounted the horse, spurring it out of the gates and delighting in the wind whipping in her long scarlet hair, this was so wonderfully freeing, she thought as she set off towards her destination.

Barely a few hours had passed, the horse trotting at an even pace as they passed through a dark and twisted forest. Irene's skin prickled, an unease settling over her as she scanned her surroundings as best she could. Something was wrong, but she did not know what.

Unbeknown to the Queen, a devious plot was afoot, two ruthless mercenaries watched from their treetop vantage point, waiting in eager anticipation for the beautiful Queen to fall into their trap.

~.~

The cart trundled along, you whistled a tune as your boredom grew. It was hard not to hate these lonesome journeys, the long hours spent with only your horse as companion, and a very quiet companion at that. Taking in the twisted trees of this dark forest, you frowned at the heavy feeling of fear that clouded around, trying to curl around and intimidate you.

A high pitched feminine scream rent the air, birds scattering from nearby trees as your head snapped in the direction of the scream. Someone was in trouble, you couldn't just let them fend for themselves, maybe they were being attacked by wolves or bandits? That thought made your blood boil, you knew how rough bandits in this area could be, having encountered them many times in the past, much to their eventual misery.

Little had they known that you were once an elite soldier, one that mainly worked in the depths of shadows, protecting your employers with the highly specialist skills of an assassin.

You were Death.

Or you had been; the life of such an elite soldier had taken it's toll on you, leaving you with a heavy heart and a weary soul. The blood of a thousand foes stained your calloused hands, and you had left that life behind in favour of a simple existence, a traveller enjoying the sights and sounds of distant lands, peddling your handcrafted wares and merely embracing the world around you.

Uncoupling the horse from your cart with quick fingers, you leapt into the saddle, kicking off hard towards the sound of the commotion. The sight that met you as you crashed through the dense trees twisted your guts; the form of a beautiful redhead lay stretched out on the rough ground, one male holding her wrists and covering her mouth whilst the other straddled her legs and began to lift her dress.

Murder screamed in your head, how disgusting these men looked to you, to trap and abuse a woman in such an evil and degrading manner. The female's eyes screamed in anguish, her gaze falling on you as you tore towards them. The men were surprised by your sudden appearance, unluckily for them you were quick, quicker than would seem natural.

Dagger drawn as you leapt from the horse, a crimson line etched across the first male's throat before he could stand and draw his own sword. His surprised face made you grin as he slumped to the ground, the other male was on his feet, looking at his comrade in shock, face twisting in anger as he lunged for you.

The female was safely behind a large tree, cowering as you sparred with the last enemy. You were careful to circle him, ensuring your body was now between him and the woman, he would not be tormenting her ever again.

The fight was vicious, but over quickly.

It had been some time since you had last practised your sword skills, and your lack of training meant you took a nasty slash to the arm. The wound stung like hell, yet you laughed at your opponent, his eyes widening in terror as your finger traced the wound and licked at the blood. That was all it took to shake him enough that your short sword found it's mark, plunging into his soft stomach with a wet and pleasing squelch.

Spitting upon their bodies, you turned to search for the woman. She lunged at you unexpectedly, a small dagger in her tight grip, hand unwavering as she tried to take you off guard. You spun out of reach at the last second, hands up to show you meant no harm, feet backing away to give her some much needed distance.

"I mean you no harm, I swear it," you stated calmly, retreating towards your horse. She was pawing at the ground next to the woman's fallen horse, it's body rising and falling in shallow pants, a deep gash in it's flank, so this was how they took you down.

The woman was wild eyed, her gown slipping down one shoulder as she held the dagger in front of her, her body lowered into a defensive stance, she had clearly been taught self defence and you were glad of that fact.

You wanted to give her space, time to calm her frazzled nerves, "I'm going to try and treat your horse," you said, gathering supplies from the bundle on your own horse, never fully taking your eyes off the female. She was beautiful, even in her savaged state, you could feel the attraction for her humming in your veins, and you mentally slapped yourself for even thinking about it given what she had gone through.

Yet, it was so hard not to note how the slivers of light shone in her deep scarlet hair, the way it cascaded over her shoulders like a vivid waterfall, her large brown eyes wavering in both anger and fear, flecks of caramel in the deep chocolate coloured irises and the curve of her feminine body. She was no stick thin female, she was slender but her curves flared in all the right places, her chest was ample and held tightly by the corset of her dress, and her hips jutted slightly as she watched you work on her fallen horse.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice was strong yet you noted the slight undercurrent of panic that was still present, understandably so given what had nearly happened.

You gave her an easy smile over your shoulder, "y/n," you answered, watching her try to recognise the name, a frown deepening on her pretty face. Her high cheekbones only served to emphasise her beauty, and you would guess she was of noble blood given her delicate features.

"Last name?" she continued, her feet shuffling towards you, her bravery increasing as you continued to pose no threat to her.

Sighing, you dressed the wound of the horse, it was stable and would recover, but it would be best not to have any riders for the time being. "I have no last name, not any more," you replied dryly.

She gasped, her eyes now fixed on your injured arm, the blood still trickling freely from the slash, "you're injured," she whispered, lowering her dagger and rushing towards you.

You let her come to you, standing stock still as she assessed the wound. Her delicate fingers prying the sleeve of the shirt apart to look at it better, she bit her lip as she took in how deep it was. She was so very close to you, her intoxicating scent filling your nose as you stamped down hard on your growing desire.

"Let me tend you," she murmured, her eyes looking up into your face, her words were defiant and not to be refused. You nodded your assent, moving to sit on a nearby tree stump, glad of the distance between you as the woman rifled through your kit.

After stripping out of your torn and bloody shirt, she was quick to clean the gash, smearing an ointment on to the ripped flesh which caused a deep hiss to escape your lips. "May I ask your name?" you asked as she continued to work, from her kneeling position she looked up at you and smiled.

"My name is Queen Irene Belserion," she stated coolly, you nearly tipped backwards off the stump in shock, the fucking Queen? The Queen is out here, alone and unprotected. Who the fuck made that decision?

As she finished wrapping a bandage around your arm, she chuckled at your gobsmacked expression, her fingers stroked the soft white bandage before trailing down the rest of your arm, your muscles flexing almost instinctively beneath her touch.

She spoke softly, her voice a warm caress filling your chest with a feeling you had not felt for so very long, "thank you, y/n. I am in your debt."

"I merely did what any good and noble citizen would, my Queen," you answered, bowing your head in reverence. You took her hand from your arm and placed a chaste kiss on the knuckles, delighting in the catch of her breath.

The Queen stood hastily, pawing at her own dress, trying to fix the torn shoulder and frowning when she was unsuccessful. It made you smile, watching her move around trying to compose herself, a faint blush creeping over her exposed chest.

"I must ask one more thing of you, y/n," she started, fingers twisting in front of her stomach as she looked over at her injured horse with worry firmly in her gaze, "will you escort me to Haron, and," she hastily continued, "I would prefer if you were not to mention what almost befell me today. It was a mere riding accident, and you happened upon me, agreed?"

Why were you trying to hide this? Surely the matter should be investigated…

The request did not sit quite right with you, it made you downright uncomfortable and it was apparent. The Queen rushed back to your side, her eyes beseeching you, and with a heavy sigh you agreed to her terms, just to see her smile again.

That day changed both of your life's, forever.

~.~

There was no point in denying it any longer, you were wrapped so tightly around Queen Belserion's finger, that if she asked you to jump from the tallest tower, you would do it, simply to make her happy.

You had sworn you would not return to this life, yet here you were, the Queen's personal guard, and it would be a lie to say you were truly unhappy. This was different, no longer did you skulk in shadows, ever watching yet unseen. Now you stood by her side, uniform gleaming in the golden afternoon sun, spine straight as your careful gaze took every detail in, always assessing for danger.

Having held your end of the bargain, ensuring her safe arrival in Haron, you had felt an undeniable urge to remain by her side. You didn't like the look of quickly hidden surprise in the welcoming dignitaries eyes. Had they sent out those men to capture the Queen?

There was an unmistakable connection between the two of you, stolen glances when she thought you were looking away, and she had a way of always biting on her lower lip right before she would speak to you, that small action like a jolt of lightning directly to your dick. You were mesmerised, intrigued as to why she would be so taken with you, surely you were nothing special compared to the noble men she was constantly surrounded with?

Taking the role of her personal guard had been both a difficult decision and an easy one, his brain had warred over the idea of being trapped into a servitude where he was expected to kill on reflex once again, but the simple "yes", that had left your lips had caused the most dazzling smile to cross her pretty mouth and had left you breathless.

Life in Dragnof had started out bumpy, he had been meet with the cool calculating gaze of her most trusted friend, Belserion on first arriving back at the palace. He had remained in his dragon form as he interrogated you with question after question, many of which you flat out refused to answer, much to his rising ire.

The Queen had snapped at him, telling him to deal with it and flouncing out of the room to her private chambers without so much as a backwards glance, finally Belserion had transformed into his human form with an outstretched hand.

On taking the large hand, you had been swept into an almost brotherly half hug, the dragon tilting to speak close to your ear, "treat her well, y/n, treat her well.", and he retreated to his study, leaving you stunned in the empty room, puzzling over his words.

That meeting had been a fucking cake walk compared to the next one, Queen Irene wanted you to meet her daughter, Erza. You already knew a lot about the precious little girl, her mother was besotted with her and spoke of her often and fondly.

You had expected a timid little creature, a girl to hide behind her mother's skirts and blush in embarrassment. That was certainly not what you got, a brazen girl with eyes full of fury swept into the room and looked you up and down with a sneer on what would have been a sweet little face.

She looked so like her mother, yet there was a more prominent stiffness to her gait, not something that your average eight year should have. There was a knowledge to those intense eyes that she simply should not possess, likely from witnessing the murder of her father at only six.

Erza did not like you, and she made that perfectly clear. She did not trust you to protect her mother, and begun to pick faults with everything she could see. Your armour was not shiny enough. Your sword was not sharp enough. Your posture was not straight enough.

You bravely grit your teeth, nodding at each flaw she found and swearing to fix it for her next 'inspection'. She had puffed at being addressed as Princess Erza, her final dismissive uptilt of her nose as she swept from the room as if she were a much older child.

Settling was easy, the people of Dragnof were welcoming and warm. They asked questions and seemed genuinely interested, but never persisted if you were honest about not wanting to disclose certain facts. Perhaps this was where you could live out the rest of your life? Watching over the precious Queen and her daughter until he became too old for the post, loving her from afar, and ensuring her well being. There was no point denying your feelings for the scarlet haired Queen, she had burrowed into your heart so quickly, but you would never act on it, it simply was not your place.

~.~

"You are being a damned fool!" you roared, the blood was pumping in your ears so strongly that you could barely hear your own words. Your armour lay in the small study, discarded after the day's duties concluded, Queen Belserion paced before you, her face as red as your own.

"I need to show a strong front, I have to go!" she yelled back, her hands flying up as she narrowed her eyes upon your angry face.

This woman would be the death of you, she was seriously going to go to another city to attend yet more peace talks, and was to attend alone. Over his fucking dead body. Your body was roaring to life, you desperately wanted to press Irene against the wall, caging her in and bending her to your will. You took what you hoped would be a calming breath.

1...2...3...

You spoke through gritted teeth, your eyes shut as your hands tightened into fists by your sides, you could feel the veins protruding from your skin, as well as the marks of little crescents from your nails digging into your flesh.

"Do you remember what happened when we met?" you gritted out, hearing a low gasp you took one long step towards her, she had stopped pacing and as you opened your eyes you could see the waver in her gaze, being reminded of their meeting. "What you nearly went through?"

You shouldn't do this, you could lose your head for this, but you were past the point of caring. Irene was becoming quickly trapped against the wall by your body, one hand lifted to firmly grasp both wrists that were twisting, fidgeting as you spoke.

There you were pinning the god damned Queen, the person you were tasked to protect, against the wall, holding her wrists above her head with one hand as your body flushed against her. Her face was a burning scarlet to match her hair, the sharp rise and fall of her breathing only accentuating her heaving chest.

"How they held you down, like this?" you growled, squeezing your hand holding her captive to emphasise the point. You did not expect the low moan that escaped her lips, nor did you expect her to practically grind her lower half against your own.

You were shocked to the very core, did she want you? You sure as hell wanted her, had done since that first meeting, the feelings only intensifying as you learned more about her, she set your soul on fire with desire. The caramel flecks in her eyes swirled as you gazed at each other, not knowing what to do next, you knew what you wanted to do, but did you dare?

Fuck it!

Your mouth crashed against her slightly parted lips, delighting in the hearty groan she gave. She tasted so good, sweet like the most ripe berry, a decadent flavour that you would never get enough of.

The kiss was heated, full of unspoken passion as you licked at her lips, begging for entry of which she was only too happy to grant. You plundered her mouth, running your tongue around every little crevice, exploring her fully before tangling with her own tongue.

You let go of the hands above her head and she mewled, wriggling almost in annoyance that she was no longer restrained, your lips ripped from her mouth, moving to her neck and kissing up towards her ear, "so you want me to restrain you, huh? How very naughty of you, my Queen," you hissed, teeth tugging on the shell of her ear.

She only whimpered in response, the sounds of her body making your length grow harder with each little noise. Her body was so tightly flush against you that you could feel her breathing in your own torso, and it was driving you crazy.

"Not the first time, I need to know you want this too," you whispered, your nose running along hers. She hadn't said a word, only spurring you on with the heated sounds she made, and it wasn't enough now, you needed confirmation before you proceeded further.

Taking a step away from her to allow yourself a moment to rein in your control, Irene blinked up at you, a small pout forming on her deliciously swollen lips. Before you could do anything else, her small hand had fisted in your black under shirt, pulling you back to her with a force you didn't think possible of the slender woman.

"I want you y/n," she purred, her hot tongue licking up the column of your throat, teeth nipping at your Adam's apple as it bobbed up and down. It felt so good, her mouth instinctively knew exactly where to linger, your skin was on fire wherever she touched, but the words, they were your undoing.

To hear her say that she wanted you, it should be impossible, you were beneath her, a mere guard and she the Queen, but she was choosing you over all others. You would do anything for this beautiful woman, your woman.

There was a desperate urgency to her movements, fingers lowering to your waist and unlacing your pants as quickly as was possible without breaking her mouth from your wet skin. You in return had grabbed handfuls of her simple black gown, eager to touch her naked flesh, raising the skirts until you could grip your fingertips into her shapely thighs.

Her hand was warm and tight, she was quick to release your throbbing erection from your pants and underwear, her grip tightening as she pumped down with quick movements, "ah, e-easy kitten, I'm not cumming anywhere other than inside you," you gritted through your teeth. Rocking on the balls of your feet as she pressed her mouth to your shoulder, her grip easing up to stroke your velvet flesh in almost reverence.

The tightness in your lower abdomen was almost painful, desire coiling tightly as you sought to devour every inch of her exposed skin. You were rough, urgency spurring you on to forcefully pull the neckline of her dress down, nipples peeking out as her breasts were held tight from the fabric below. They budded before your eyes, a deep groan rumbling in your chest as your mouth dove for the tender flesh, tongue swirling around the peak until you sucked it into your mouth to suckle with more force than you had meant.

You wanted to take your time, to savour this moment and worship her like the Queen that she was, but there was also an unsettling impatience in both of you. Irene whined as you suckled her breast, switching sides until both were slick with your saliva, each little touch of your cock from the beauty sent shudders coursing up your spine and it was too much.

Her dress was bunched against her stomach, that was the only part of her now not exposed to your hungry gaze, your calloused fingers sought out her underwear and she trembled as the pads brushed against her. She was wet to the touch which only made your cock jump in delight at this discovery, the urgency increased as you pressed the garment down her legs to pool on the floor.

Your fingers curled around the backs of her smooth thighs, pressing into her ass as you lifted her with an ease that seemed to shock her as she let out a little gasp of surprise. The gasp was replaced with a lowly moan as the head of your cock rubbed against her slick folds, coating the length in her juices as you waited to plunge into her.

Irene ripped at your shirt, the fabric tearing from the intensity of her hold, her mouth falling on your shoulder to plant harsh kisses. Her face was hidden by the waterfall of her glorious red hair, the sight was erotic and you could hold back no longer.

Her heat was searing, her inner walls pulling you deeper as your dick slid smoothly into her tight core. Shallow pants filled the air as you eased in slowly, not wanting to cause any unnecessary pain for your lover, but as her nails dug deeper and deeper into your skin, you knew she needed more.

"Tell me what you need, my Queen," you asked, holding yourself as still as possible within her pussy, her eyes half lidded as she met your gaze. She licked at her lips to wet the pink skin, she was a fucking angel, a goddess, and you would worship at her feet for the rest of your life.

Her breasts heaved as she opened her mouth to speak, "please y/n, please take me hard. I want you to make me yours," she practically mewled, the tips of her nails grazing down your pectorals as she spoke, faint red lines left in their wake.

That was the last straw, she really wanted this, wanted you, and it didn't seem like it would be a one time thing. You would make sure of that, no one else would ever touch your woman again, no one would get close enough to try.

"With pleasure," you grunted, your hips sliding backwards to slam back into her with force. She squealed her pleasure, head tipped back against the wall as you railed into her over and over, never stopping to let her find her breath. You would break this strong woman, she would come apart in your hands, and that is exactly what you did.

Hanging on by a mere thread, the tightness in your balls making them rise against your skin as the sound of skin slapping filled the lust soaked air, you clung to your orgasm, determined to blow her mind first. Sweat clung to every part of you, a bead dripping down your brow as you continued to pound your Queen, you were so deep in her heat that you could feel the tip of your cock kissing her cervix on particularly forceful thrusts.

She yowled like a feral animal, part of you worried how many people would be aware of what was happening in your small office, the other overriding part wanted them to hear, to know who was claiming the Queen.

Her orgasm was spectacular, her writhing body stiffened, her walls clamping down on you like a vice as her release burst forth. She slumped against you as you took your final strokes and joined her, marvelling in how intense it felt to shoot thick ropes of your cum into her welcoming heat, mixing with her own pleasure.

The relief that swept your body was overwhelming, one hand clutched at the wall to keep the pair of you from toppling over, tremors raked your lean body as the tightness released with such an incredible force.

Sweet kisses peppered your skin, Irene nuzzled into your neck as you carefully crouched with her still in your arms, turning with your back to the wall to slide down into a seated position with your scarlet Queen tightly held in your lap.

That day was the start of your future together, it wouldn't always be easy, but it was worth the hardships to be with the woman you so desperately loved.

~.~

It was safe to say that Queen Belserion did not attend the peace talks alone, you stood proudly at her side, her protector against anyone who would try to harm her. There had been more heated debates on the subject, and you had proven your strength over her as the arguments devolved into more passionate lovemaking.

At first, you chose to be quiet about your new relationship. Irene had wanted to make it official straight away, but there was enough caution in you to keep the secret a little longer. Not trusting the foreign city that you both would be travelling too, this information could have been used to their advantage, and you refused to put her at risk like that.

As the weeks slipped into months, your stolen moments of heaven became more obvious. Irene wanted to show her people that she had found a new partner, someone who would become King, if she chose it. She delighted in making you jump as she would paw at you in the most inopportune moments, stealing kisses whenever she felt like it and twisting you around her slender finger.

There was no denying it, the woman was part goddess, part she-devil and you loved it. Each side of her fascinating in it's own way; bringing you moments of sweet tender pleasure, followed by sinful experiences where she would writhe and struggle beneath your dominance. A naughty kitten, hissing and clawing at you as you made her bend to your will. She always did, no matter how hard she tried to resist.

Belserion was the first to guess, to take you both aside and force the truth from the Queen. He had seemed both elated, and worried at the revelation. He had always been kind to you since your arrival in the kingdom, those words of his having stuck in your mind since that day, and now they made perfect sense.

That evening had been spent sprawled in the many throws of Irene's bed, her promises that it would be 'our' bed from now on as you took her slowly, screwing her into the soft mattress with your rigid length. Bringing her to the very edge of climax, to back off, building every little sensation in her body until she was practically vibrating below you.

Her beautiful red hair fanned against the white sheets, a scarlet halo for your Queen, skin slick with a thin sheen of sweat as her back arched off the bed. Her delicate features tipped in utter ecstasy, glossed lips swollen from your kisses, high cheeks blushed a pretty pink as you lost yourself in her.

Lying in a tangle of the fur throws, to stave off the winter's chill, you stroked down her creamy flesh, fingertips tracing lazy patterns on her back as she lay partly draped over your chest.

"I have something to tell you, y/n," she admitted, her face tilting up to meet your gaze. She bit her lower lip which made your dick twitch against your thigh, that action always turned you on.

"Hmm, tell me my Queen?" you asked, rolling the title in your mouth to make it sound indecent and lewd. She gave a small wiggle, smacking your stomach playfully as she moved to her elbows to lean over you, she was nervous and it made you frown.

You rubbed her back more firmly, trying to soothe her nerves through your touch, she blow out a breath and opened her mouth, "I'm pregnant."

Silence.

Heart hammering wildly in your chest, you grabbed her to you in a crushing hug, easing it slightly as you worried over hurting her delicate body. Tears pricked your eyes, surely your love could not grow any more, but to think of the woman you loved with all your heart gifting you a child, you wept.

Breaking the embrace she looked at you once more, her chocolate eyes shining with unshed tears, "so you are happy? I was so worried that you would be angry," she whispered, tears tangling in her long black lashes.

"Of course I'm happy Irene, why on earth would I be angry? The most precious person in the world is going to have my child, I couldn't be more overjoyed!" you happily replied, lifting a thumb to wipe away the tears of your beloved.

"We are going to have to tell Erza sooner rather than later," you conceded, a deep worry gnawing at your insides. The young girl still was not swayed by you, despite your best efforts, and you did not hold it against her. You were not her father, and you knew that.

You sat up on the bed, quickly moving to one knee as you gripped Irene's soft hand in yours, "will you marry me?" you asked, voice quavering with emotion.

"Yes, and you shall be my King, now and forever," she giggled, the innocent sound delighting your ears as you were swept into another tight embrace. Your hand found its way to her naked stomach, gently caressing the skin and marvelling in where your baby lay deep within.

~.~

Erza was suspicious, something was wrong and she did not like being kept in the dark. Everyone in the palace underestimated her, yes she was young, but she was not naive.

She knew long ago that her mother was in love with her personal guard, she could barely stomach the sickeningly sweet looks she would throw at him. His answering smiles, coy touches that were not been to be witnessed, but she was no fool.

That man, he was a nuisance.

She was grateful to him, for protecting her mother. That was one thing she would admit, he was incredibly loyal to her, and his gaze constantly swept their surroundings, assessing for dangers and ready to act at a moments notice.

He was patient and kind with her, seeming to want her approval, not that he would be getting it. The young princess would accept no other male in her life, her father had been too precious to her, the memory of his kind face dancing in her mind, bringing unwanted tears to the surface.

Erza straightened her spine, stifling the unwanted feelings as she went in search of her mother, she needed answers. She didn't bother knocking on the closed bedroom door, didn't bother listening to hear any voices within, simply pushed open the door and walked in.

They sprung apart as if they had been scalded, her mother looked at her with such a guilty expression, y/n refusing to meet her gaze.

She bristled at how they were treating her, thinking her incapable of reading their interactions, her eyes narrowed as she hissed, "stop hiding it from me, I know you are together!"

Her mother came forward, kneeling before the young girl and lovingly stroking her hair. Erza leant into the hand, she had always loved this gesture, and even if she was mad she would not resist it. Y/n moved around the room, standing by the window as he fondly gazed at the pair, much to the young princess's annoyance.

"We didn't want you to find out like this sweetheart," Queen Belserion murmured honestly, her head swung to where y/n stood, "and there is more we'd like to tell you."

A feeling of dread settled in her stomach as she looked at her mother and then at y/n, her mind flipping over what more there could possibly be to tell. Irene stood, holding Erza's hand tightly and pulled her towards y/n, who encircled her slim waist with his arm.

"Y/n has asked me to marry him, and I've accepted. He will be the new King of Dragnof, and my husband," her mother announced. Erza could hear pounding in her ears, the anger rising in her small body as she took in those words, King?

"No! No, you can't!" she yelled, her voice high and shrill as emotions flooded the young girl, her body shook from her rage, fists clenched as she levelled y/n with a look of pure hatred.

She hadn't noticed that y/n was now kneeling, speaking to you at eye level, "Princess Erza, I love your mother with all my heart. I would do anything to protect her, and to protect you. I will never replace your father, I know that, but given time maybe we could become friends?"

His words were earnest, but she could not accept them, not yet. She wanted to run from the room, tear to her own bedroom and throw herself atop her bed, but her mother held her hand tightly.

"You must try my sweet Erza, you are going to be a big sister soon, and I would like us to be a happy family," she finished, her hand resting on a very gentle swell on her stomach that Erza had not noticed until this point.

Eyes round with shock, she stumbled backwards, this was too much to take in. She flew from the room, hearing her mother desperately call after her, but she did not stop. She kept going until she was in her bedroom, wrapped in her comforter as the tears fell quick and fast, she did not stop crying until she finally fell into an uneasy sleep, dreaming of the moment her father had been killed before her eyes.

~.~

A few weeks had passed since the announcements had been made, there had been much celebration and jubilation in the kingdom, the people rejoicing in the news of a new King and a baby. You had warred with Belserion, you wanted to remain as Irene's personal guard until your coronation. Not wanting anyone else near her until her pregnancy was over, then and only then would you appoint a new protector, one you would personally choice.

The Queen was sick, her morning sickness ravaging her fragile body on most days. You never left her side, holding her hair, and running cold rags against her brow as she relieved herself of the contents of her stomach.

Erza had come calling on many a morning to find her mother incapacitated by her sickness, watching intently as you tended to her every need. Carrying her to and from the bed as needed, and after some time she started to stay whilst you lay with her mother.

She would read aloud to her mother, telling her of things she had learned in her most recent lessons, and marvelling in how her mother's stomach grew week after week.

You would ask her questions, always listening intently to anything she said and celebrating her successes when she shared them with you. You had taken to your old hobbies, whittling some wooden figures and statues as you watched over Irene, humming gentle tunes as she dozed on and off.

Erza had become fascinated with your works. When Irene was around five months pregnant, you had felt the girl starting to warm to you, ever so slightly. Whittling small wooden animals for her to play with, inventing wild stories about the creatures simply to make her laugh, and that first sincere laugh from her lips had sounded so perfect.

You both adored watching Erza act like a young girl, playing with the figures by the fire and listening to the stories she would create for them with her vivid imagination, it was a joy to behold.

One night you had been heading back to your shared bedroom with Irene, returning to her after she had practically clawed at you, desperate to make love as her hormones kicked in full force. You had been resistant, concerned for fear of hurting her and the baby, but she would not be denied.

Irene had sat on the bed, you standing beside it as you attempted to reason with her. Her fingers had unlaced your pants and slipped your semi hard erection out before you could even blink, her tongue running along it's length as you watched in heated fascination as it grew from her touch.

She had sucked on your cock until you could take it no longer, forcing her on to all fours as you pushed into her as gently as you could. Hands cradling her growing stomach as you pressed into her again and again, her hips thrusting to meet your own, her desperation for release clouding everything she did.

You spent a luxurious time between her parted thighs, using your mouth to bring her another orgasm as your lips sucked on her aching clit, tongue lapping at the sensitive flesh until she trembled and shook from it.

Once she had finally been sated, settled into the bed and fast asleep, you had retreated to blow away the cobwebs, a quick walk around in the cool night air before you would succumb to your own sleep. That was when you heard it, the soft crying noises that floated towards you in the quiet hallway.

Erza was huddled in the room reserved for her schooling, a tattered blanket thrown around her shoulders as she sobbed quietly. You were kneeling in front of her before she even realised you had entered, startling her as you took her small hand in yours.

"What's wrong Erza?" you cooed, watching the fat tears rolling down her cheeks as she looked at you with her big brown eyes, so like her mother.

You didn't think she was going to speak, but after a moment of silence, she spoke and poured her heart out. The poor girl had been dreaming of her father's death, her grief of missing him, and her anger at herself for not being happier for her mother.

She continued, only pausing for breath as she spoke the most she had ever said to you, you remained quiet and simply listened. Erza did not need your words or your advice right now, she only needed you to listen and be there for her.

Snuffling as she finally voiced everything swirling in her young brain, you wiped at her tears with your thumb and stood, holding your hand out for her. She took it, her hand so tiny in your own as you guided her to your bedroom, you tucked her in tightly beside her mother, and wished her good night.

Retreating to the small adjoining bedroom that had once been your own, your sleep was peaceful, a quiet smile spreading over your face as you felt Erza's hard shell cracking.

After that night Erza softened, she still was not your biggest fan, but you could cope with that. She spent far more time with the two of you, and even wanted to help with the preparations for the wedding and coronation.

Irene was ecstatic with the change in her daughter's mood, and you adored watching the two interacting. Watching as Erza jumped as her mother's tummy moved from the baby within, delighting at the laughter they shared as you watched over them.

Things may never be perfect, Erza was never going to think of you as her father, but she did open up to you more and more, although mainly in the darkness of the night. She would never admit it, but you were a solace to her, never fearing judgment or harsh words from the things she would confess.

As you sat by the fire one evening, hand on Irene's heavily pregnant stomach, marvelling in the flutters from within, and watching as Erza sat nearby, her head bent over as she furiously scribbled her latest creation, you knew you were happy, truly content.

You were exactly where you needed to be, here to protect these two, soon to be three, for the rest of your life.

King of Dragnof, husband to Queen Irene Belserion, adopted father to Princess Erza, and father to Princess Millianna.