I am a terrible person, I said I was on a roll and this chapter would come soon but it was a lie. I wanted to post sooner but life got in the way, my apologies readers. Thanks again for the reviews, its always nice to see them in my inbox! I forgot to add at the end of the previous chapter that I know Bones "doesn't do flesh" but being that the story is set in medieval times, flesh is what she shall deal with. Anyways, enjoy this chapter!

He nearly tripped over it in the dark alley, the small dagger he had placed in her excited hands not hours earlier. She was close, he stayed silent. The night breeze swayed the curtain in the next house and the flickering light of the candle gave the location away.

"I'm sorry it had to end this way Princess," Kenton said as he moved towards her with the knife, "It will all be over soon."

Temperance struggled in vain as he grabbed her, she sobbed uncontrollably into the gag. He brought the blade towards her throat, she closed her eyes...

Suddenly Kenton dropped to his knees his eyes wide with shock. As he slumped forward she saw the arrow sticking out of his back, blood slowly seeping from the wound.

Behind him Booth dropped the bow and rushed to her side, shoving the downed soldier's body out of his way. She flung herself into his open arms, her tears running in streaks down her face.

"Shh, it's alright, I'm here now," he tried to sooth her as he cut the rope holding her hands behind her back and took the gag from her mouth.

Immediately she wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his neck. He could feel the sobs wracking her body, he had seen the terror in her eyes.

"It's over, I'm here," he spoke into her hair as he held her.

Once her sobs slowed she pulled slowly back from him, wiping the tears from her face.

"Are you alright?" he asked hesitantly.

Nodding she finally took in his own appearance, "What happened to you?"

"Bar fight, maybe we could go home and rest now?"

A small smile graced her face, "Of course."

Their arrival back at the castle was downplayed, no questions were answered and the princess and knight went directly to their own chambers. Yet for Booth sleep did not come easily. He paced his room thinking about how he could have prevented the princess' capture and about what he would say at his trial. He was sure the king would send him back to the prince in shame and in turn the prince would probably banish him for nearly killing his future bride.

When morning came he was summoned to Temperance's chambers. He walked the halls his stomach in a knot.

After being admitted inside he saw her seated at her table, breakfast spread before her, looking rather calm.

"Will you join me Sir Booth?" she asked casually.

He titled his head in reply and took the seat next to her.

"I want to thank you for saving my life," she started hesitantly.

"Princess," he interrupted her, "You should not thank me, I nearly got you killed! I delivered you into Kenton's hands, I am disgraced. I am surprised you're not sending me to the block!"

"It was my choice to come with you Booth, in fact, I demanded you take me along. I put myself in that danger, I take full responsibility for what happened."

A quizzical expression crossed his face, "So you're not punishing me and your father won't send me away?"

Temperance sipped at her tea, "As far as my father is concerned he believes you are a hero. He's angry at me for joining you but he's more angry that Kenton betrayed him. You are still welcome at the castle Sir Booth," she eyed him over her cup, "And you are welcome to spend time with me," she added keeping her blue eyes on his brown ones.

They held gazes for a few seconds and he smiled with her, "Shall I take you riding then?" he asked, finally breaking the spell.

"I would like that," she answered.

A friendship grew between them, forged out of trust and a mutual respect. She grew to enjoy his company, his sense of humor and what he could tell her of his own world. He too grew fond of her, despite the science talk and boring lectures. They bonded over talks of how to run the country and sparring matches of wit.

Each week Sir Booth would receive an official letter from Prince Timothy asking of his progress with the Princess. It would be filled with questions and suggestions of how to court a lady which made the knight laugh because the princess was not like any lady he had ever met. To use the Prince's courting suggestions on Temperance would be absurd, Booth knew Bones would never talk to him again if he treated her like that, she would feel inferior when she wanted to be his equal. Instead Booth continued to act in his own normal way which seemed to draw the Princess ever closer to him. He would write to the Prince of what they had been doing but never once mentioned using the Prince's suggestions.

The Prince Timothy also wrote about the battle he was leading defending his country's borders. He detailed the events which left Booth longing to be there, fighting alongside his friend, yet also knowing that he did not want to leave the princess. Timothy predicted the battle would be over within a month with victory for his kingdom. This should have made Booth happy but strangely he found himself not wanting the Prince to come, for the battle to rage on.

Then he would banish the thoughts from his mind as treason, tried to picture the Princess only as his friend, knowing that she was promised to Prince Timothy, not to him.

As the days grew warmer and June was ushered in the Princess seemed to become more withdrawn, more quiet, leaving Booth to wonder why. She would spend time alone in her chambers, doing what, he did not know. Shared glances between her and her father seemed to say there was a lot going on between them they wished not to share.

One quiet day Booth went to his lady's chambers to invite her to ride with him. Her maids answered wearing mourning black.

"What has happened?" he inquired immediately, "Is the princess alright?"

The maid nodded, "She is inside though her spirits are low."

"May I see her?"

"I shall ask."

Booth stepped into the anti-chamber and waited. A door opened and Lady Angela joined him also sporting mourning garb.

"What is going on Lady Angela? Why is everyone in such a somber mood? Is the King well?"

"The king is fine, though also mourning today, for this date marks the day the fair Queen died."

It dawned on Booth that the princess never spoke of her mother, "How did she die?"

Angela gestured for him to sit with her on a bench.

"Years ago, when Temperance was a child, the country was divided, civil war broke out and the castle and royalty came under attack. The king and queen sent Temperance to a safe place while they fought to protect themselves and their people. It would be the last time she saw her mother. The queen took ill and sent the king away, she knew she was dying, she did not want him to die as well. King Maxwell had no choice but to continue fighting and leave his wife to die. He succeeded in uniting the country but lost his wife in the process. Some say she was poisoned by the enemy, though its never been confirmed. Afterwards the king went on progress to persecute the traitors and do damage control, they say he couldn't stand to return to her, she grew to look like the good queen with every day. He left Temperance alone for several years, she was raised by her servants. When he finally returned their relationship was never the same. She blamed him for the loss of her mother and for abandoning her when she needed him the most. They mark this day now, the day she died, every year. The king will go to her resting place to pay his respects, he did love her so, he will hold a special mass in her name. But you know Temperance now, religion brings her no comfort and she refuses to go to her mother's tomb. She'll spend today in her room, pretending to read but reflecting on those sad years."

Booth shook his head in disbelief, "I had no idea, I'm sorry," Angela patted his hand, "Do you think she'd see me?"

"I don't see why not, though don't expect to get much out of her today," Angela rose, "Give me a minute, I'll ask her."

She disappeared into the princess' room then emerged again a few moments later and beckoned for Booth to follow her.

Inside it was quiet, Temperance was seated by the window with a book in her lap, though she did not look at it.

"Good day Princess," Booth greeted her.

When she met his gaze her eyes were sad, "Hello Sir Booth."

"May I sit with you?"

She nodded and waved her hand at a chair close to her. They sat awkwardly in silence for a few minutes before he spoke again.

"I'm sorry about your mother."

"Thank you but she's been gone a long time now, sometimes I don't understand why we still mourn this day as if she died not hours ago."

"But Princess, it is important to honor those who have passed into the kingdom of heaven, it is important to remember them."

She gave him a defiant look, "Yes we remember them but they are gone, nothing but dust in the ground again. Why waste a day in mourning?"

"In memory, not mourning. Will you attend the service for her today?"

"No."

"Will you visit her grave?"

"No," she turned her eyes, now a dull blue grey, towards the window.

"If it helps Princess, I know what you are feeling," he said slowly.

She rounded on him, "Really? How could you possibly know what I feel today? What I've been through?"

Booth held her angry eyes, "I know because I lost my mother as well, I know what it is like to lose someone you love," her face softened at his words, "I know it helps when I go and speak to her, at her grave. I believe she is listening."

"That's rubbish, how could she hear you?"

"Because she's in heaven with the angels."

Temperance scoffed at him, "Believe what you will, but I believe when you're gone thats it."

"That's a very bleak outlook on life Princess."

"Then you have no idea what my outlook on life is."

"I know that you find it hard to trust people after what happened with your parents."

She dropped her eyes from his, "I can depend on no one but myself."

Reaching out he took her hand and to his surprise she did not pull away.

"Temperance, you can count on your friends, they are like your family and you can count on me, I will not betray you."

A tear fell down her cheek and he reached up and gently brushed it away. Booth let his hand linger on her cheek as brown eyes took in sad blue ones. Finally she gave him a ghost of a smile;

"I will hold you to that Sir Booth."

"You may," was his answer.

The princess began to spend even more time with Booth, sharing meals and conversations, riding, hunting and learning to trust someone in a way she never knew was possible.

At the end of the month a masked ball was planned, a large celebration for the King's birthday. The ladies fussed over what they would wear and the castle was transformed with decorations, presents and well wishes.

The night of the party the princess stood before her mirror. She wore a gown of brilliant blue that complimented her eyes nicely. The inserts of the gown shone gold that matched the tiara she wore. Her mask was the same blue as her gown with swirls of gold and jewels to match.

"You look splendid," Lady Angela said to her, "Are you excited?"

Angela's gown was scarlet red, it contrasted well with her dark hair. She too had gold inserts and her hair was pinned in the same way as the princess'. The mask she donned was also red with gold.

"Thank you, as do you," Temperance replied.

"Are you not excited for the game?" Angela's eyes danced with anticipation, Temperance rolled hers in reply.

"It's a game Angela, we've played before."

"Not with Sir Booth you haven't," she grinned slyly at her friend.

"Angela you forget that Sir Booth is only here in place of Prince Timothy, there can be nothing between him and I."

"But don't you want there to be? I've seen the way he looks at you."

"There is nothing between Booth and I, we're simply friends."

Angela snorted, "Sure, whatever Sweetie. Now come on, let's get to the party!"

The grand ballroom was full of pretty dresses and elaborate masks. It was hard to tell who was who underneath their disguises. The musicians played, the guests drank and danced. The Princess entered the room unannounced as was the tradition with the game and masked balls, later all would be revealed but for now she reveled in being anonymous.

"Do you know what Jack will be wearing?" she whispered to Angela.

"He wouldn't tell me so I wouldn't tell him what I was wearing. I told him that if he didn't know me there would be hell to pay," she laughed.

Temperance discreetly scanned the crowd for Sir Booth, not knowing what to expect from him tonight.

Suddenly there was a scream from across the hall and the clash of swords. To men began to fight, one in black the other green. The green figure was tossed aside and the man in black was joined by others behind him. The menacing men moved forward on the guests who gasped, the women squealing in fear. Towards the back of the crowd Angela grabbed Temperance's hand and pulled her deeper into the depth of people.

The tall man in black, complete with an inky mask bellowed, "We will do no harm if you will simply hand over your jewels and coins!"

"Not so fast!" came a deep voice from the back of the crowd.

A group of men dressed in light colours and masks appeared at the other end of the room. Instantly the crowd parted and the two groups marched towards each other.

"Step aside," said the man in black, "Or we shall duel."

The leader of the light coloured group, his brown eyes flashing, snarled at him, "Never!"

"So be it!" and the swords crashed again, the groups of men descending on each other.

The guests watched in awe as multiple fights broke out, yet none seemed to be fatal, very few seemed to be intentionally hurting their sparring partner. In the center the leaders battled, sheer strength radiating from each blow.

A group of women, including Angela and Temperance huddled together in a corner when a group of men dressed in black began to slide towards them grinning evil smiles.

"Help!" called some, but their tone was not that of panic.

This caught the attention of the men dressed in light colours, heroes, who came rushing forward to battle those who threatened the women. They fought their way through the villains and swooped in, each lightly dressed man sweeping a woman off their feet.

It seemed that the leader of the heroes had gained an advantage over his foe and he ran to the women. Several ladies waved to him but his brown eyes locked on blue eyes. In an instant she was in his arms, being held close, breathing in a scent she seemed to know.

The rest of the heroes fought hard and the villains began to fall. As they retreated their leader came face to face with the man who carried the Princess.

Gently he placed her on her feet and stepped in front of her, his sword drawn. His men gathered behind him glaring down on their enemy.

"You are defeated. I suggest you leave now and you may come to no harm," the hero snarled at his foe.

The good guys advanced a step towards the villain who took in their numbers, bowed his head once in acceptance, then turned and ran.

At once a great cheer broke out, the women and men coming together in a mass of embraces.

Brown eyes caught blue, they stood in the centre of an occupied crowd. He reached out and she placed her small hand in his, he pulled her against his broad chest. With one hand on her waist, the other caressed the back of her neck as he leaned down, her eyes closing in response. When their lips met the world seemed to fade around them, a fire sparked between them and they seemed to hold each other forever.

Ages later they pulled apart, brown eyes gazing at blue beneath their masks, their shared gaze speaking words neither would say aloud.

Both jumped when the trumpets announced the king who whooped in glee and declared this game to be the most entertaining he had witnessed in years. The double doors of the ballroom opened, the villains returning to take a bow, pulling their masks off to gasps and laughter as people realized they were friends of the court, actors in disguise.

She had taken a step back from her hero but he still embraced her small hand. Turning to him with regret radiating from blue eyes she whispered, "I must go," and let go of his hand.

Before the rest of the guests began to unmask she disappeared through the crowd towards the thrones.

"Where is my daughter?" the king looked for her from his perch.

"I am here father," she called as she ascended the steps, "Safe and sound," the way she ended each game, with those same words.

The guests bowed as she removed her mask and smiled at them.

"And who was your hero?" asked the king, "The man who saved my daughter, please come forward."

A path emerged through the people as her masked hero came forward and knelt before the king, "It was I your majesty."

"Reveal yourself young man."

His mask was ivory, the same colour as his shirt and coat. Slowly he pushed the mask atop his head and the king smiled.

"Aw, Sir Booth, a noble knight. I am in your debt for your actions, you are most welcome to join our table for supper."

The crowd broke out into applause and the knight bowed deeply to the king in thanks.

"The game is now over, let us eat!" declared King Maxwell.

When dinner was finished the dance floor filled and Booth asked the Princess for a spin.

Out on the floor he whispered to her, "Bones, can we find a moment to be alone?"

She could see a new desire in his eyes, she feared and wanted it at the same time, "We can't, we must not."

A raised eyebrow in response, yet he was not defeated.

"It was the game Booth, nothing more. It was acceptable for me to express my gratitude to you in that particular way, but now the game is over, we cannot do that again," she hissed the word that, "Remember why you are here," she dropped her gaze from his.

He lowered his head so his breath was hot in her ear, "Bones," she no longer objected to his nickname for her, "Do you believe in fate?"

Shaking her head she answered, "No."

The song was ending when he replied, "I do."

As she walked back to her seat she found herself torn in two directions, two desires: one that would please her father and keep peace, the other which could end in nothing but shame and possibly death, yet she longed for it. Pushing the tempting thoughts from her head she resolved not to acknowledge them for she did not believe in love.

To be continued...

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