Again, sorry for the delay in chapters, my muse took a vacation but now I'm back on track.

Enjoy!

Sleep would not come to the knight and he paced his chamber, his mind constantly replaying the moment his lips felt hers. He could still taste her, still feel the heat that had sparked between them. Yet he could still hear her shoot him down.

Booth grabbed his goblet and downed the wine within it. A knock at his chamber door broke his train of thoughts.

"Come in," he called to whoever stood on the other side.

The door opened slowly and Lance Sweets entered giving his superior a small bow.

"May I speak with you Sir?"

Booth nodded, "Of course, come and have some wine," he poured another cup for his friend.

Sweets took it and sipped but did not sit down as Booth had, he simply studied the older man who raised an eyebrow in response.

"What do you want Sweets?"

"Did you enjoy the game tonight Sir?"

"Sweets, I've told you to call me Booth and yes, I did, everyone did."

The younger man was still eyeing the knight critically, "You enjoyed saving the Princess?"

"It was a game Sweets, it amused me. What are you getting at?" his tone was sharper now.

Sweets placed his cup on the table and stared down at the knight, "I believe, after observing you and the Princess tonight and many times before that you are having impure, treasonous thoughts about the Princess. As your friend and as a servant of Prince Timothy's, I must warn you that you are walking dangerous ground, especially after tonight."

Booth stood up to face Sweets, "Pardon?" he gave the younger man a menacing stare.

Sweets held his ground, "I saw the two of you tonight, I saw you kiss her. It was more than just part of the game, wasn't it?"

"The way I saw you gazing at the Lady Daisy?" Booth countered knowing well that Sweets had taken a fancy to the Princess' maid.

"She is not pre-contracted to anyone, I am doing nothing wrong. You however..."

The knight took a step closer to Sweets who took a tiny step backwards. He knew he was treading dangerous ground as well by making this accusation but having seen what he saw, it had to be made.

"I want you to listen to me Sweets, listen well," Booth poked the smaller man in the chest, "There is nothing going on between myself and the Princess for that would be treason. We are simply friends, I am here on Prince Timothy's orders, nothing more. Understand?"

Sweets searched Booth's face and saw past the threatening glare to the hint of denial in his eyes, yet he would not push his luck, not tonight.

"As long as you know that Sir Booth," he stepped away from the larger man, "I must have been mistaken," but his tone was not apologetic, "I will go now."

"That would be best," Booth's voice was low, "And I suggest you make no more accusations that could land you in trouble."

As the door shut Booth let out the breath he was not aware he was holding in. Sweets had seen them, he suspected and Booth worried he knew more than he was letting on. He ran his hand through his hair as he paced his chamber. His request to Temperance tonight had been dangerous, she was right to turn him down, yet she knew now or at least guessed at how he felt for her. From now on those feelings must be concealed, those thoughts of her and her lips must be silenced. Yet being in her presence was enough to make him forget all the dangers loving her put him in.

Booth found himself sitting at his desk with the quill in his hand. He would write to the one person he knew he could talk freely too, he would bring that person here to keep himself honest and to distract the Princess. Hopefully this would help him keep his head for awhile longer.

Angela ran the brush through Temperance's auburn locks, "So, did you have fun tonight?"

"Of course I did Angela."

Shifting positions on the bed Angela ran the brush through her own raven hair, "I saw Booth rescue you."

Temperance crawled under the covers of the bed, "And Jack found you I assume?"

"He did and he's lucky he didn't get the wrong girl. Guess you wouldn't have noticed being so involved in thanking Sir Booth."

"Angela, whatever you saw was only part of the game."

"I only caught the end but it looked like more than just a game. I saw the way you two looked at each other."

Temperance rolled her eyes as she lay down, "Then you imagined things for Booth and I are no more than friends. When Prince Timothy arrives he will leave, you know this."

"If thats what you say Sweetie," she tightened the sash on her robe and placed the brush on the dresser.

"Good night Angela," Temperance's tone dismissed her.

"You know you love me," Angela replied tartly as she closed the chamber door.

Yet as Temperance fell asleep her dreams took her back to that moment when Booth's lips found hers. She spent the night tossing and turning.

Several days later Booth asked the Princess to walk with him to the courtyard promising a surprise that would be arriving shortly.

"Sir Wendell is escorting the surprise, his page boy arrived less than an hour ago announcing they were close by," he told Temperance.

"You did not need to get me anything," she said trying to hide the anticipation in her voice.

"Who said anything about that? I merely said their is a surprise arriving, whether its for you is yet to be determined," he teased her, which earned him a look.

"Well then why am I down here?"

Booth shot her a cocky grin, "You'll see," he gestured to the gates where several men in arms were riding in followed by two horses.

Upon one stallion sat Sir Wendell who waved to Sir Booth and gave a respective nod of the head to the Princess. Next to him was a beast bigger than his own horse, black as night. Upon it was a woman dressed in dark purple, her head covered in a scarf of the same colour. The entire effect gave her a regal look.

"Seeley!" she exclaimed as she pulled her horse up beside him and the Princess, "It's been too long!"

Pushing back her scarf Temperance noticed she was of a darker colouring. The woman slipped effortlessly from her horse without the help of a man and embraced Booth.

"Aw Camille, don't call me Seeley," he greeted her.

"Don't call me Camille."

They pulled apart, "Cam, allow me to introduce the Princess Temperance," he held Cam's hand as she dipped a curtsey to the royal then stood back up without being asked.

"It is an honor Princess," Cam held Temperance's gaze, "Booth wrote highly of you."

"He did?" she lifted an eyebrow in return.

"Bones," to which Cam gave Booth a look at the informal address, "This is the Countess Camille Saroyan."

"Pleased to meet you Countess, am I to take it you and Booth are good friends?"

Cam laughed, "Good friends? We practically grew up at court together, great friends more like it," she smiled at Booth, "Have you written to your brother lately or your son?"

Temperance's mouth formed a little "oh" at the mention of a son.

The knight reddened a little in the face, "We shall talk later, we have much to discuss Cam."

"I see you haven't told the Princess everything Booth, as I am sure you haven't told her why I'm here."

"He has told me nothing, just that a surprise was coming," she glared at Booth.

Cam turned her attention to the Princess, "Booth tells me that you are very interested in medicine and healing."

This piqued Temperance's interest, "I am, I attend lectures at the university on the topics."

"Cam here is an expert on herbal medicines and one of the best doctors, or surgeons if you will," he nodded at Cam, both terms being in use at the time, "in our country. Prince Timothy thinks very highly of her. I thought that if I brought her here you," he gestured to Temperance, "might want to learn from her."

Booth thought for sure that the Princess would be excited about this possibility but she simply smiled demurely and said, "I should like to see what kind of lessons the Countess may offer me that differ from my current teacher who is widely regarded as the best in my country."

Looking a little awkward Cam replied, "Well perhaps someone could show me where I might freshen up and get a little something to eat. Booth, come have a meal with me, we'll catch up," she turned back to Temperance, "Your majesty," she nodded her head and walked away.

When she was out of ear shot the Princess said to Booth, "So you're familiar with the Countess?"

"She is a dear family friend. I thought you might like to learn her skills."

"That was thoughtful of you Booth, I shall work with her later."

"You're welcome."

The knight offered his arm to the Princess to walk back inside but she stood her ground.

"You have a son Sir Booth?"

"Yes," he answered rather sheepishly.

"So you are married?" her look was critical.

He sighed, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you before but no, I am not married, widowed actually."

Her face fell, "Oh, my apologies, I didn't know."

"You couldn't have. Her name was Rebecca, we were married quickly when her father found out she was pregnant but she died not long after our son was born, a fever took her," his eyes fell to the ground at the memory.

"Where is your son?"

"Parker is nearly seven now, he's being raised by his mother's parents in the country, he wants to be a knight too. I told him that he can join me when he's older, I'll have him as my page boy. He's strong and smart, he writes to me, I don't see him nearly enough as I should."

"He sounds like a lovely boy, I'm sure you're doing the best you can as his father," she touched his arm lightly, "Do you miss him?"

"I do, but I'll see him once I go back, I've promised him I'll be home before Christmas."

Her voice was soft as she said, "You can go see him if you want or you could send for him, I won't mind."

Booth shook his head, "He's happy in the country with his grandparents, he's not ready for court life yet, I'll let him have his childhood before he must be a gentleman."

"You sound like a good father to him Booth."

"Thank you Bones."

With that he took her arm and they walked back to the castle together.

That afternoon Temperance and Booth took Cam out riding to show her the kingdom though their guest observed much more than the scenery. Cam watched as Booth helped the Princess off her horse, his hands lingering on her hips just a moment too long. She saw the way the two gazed at each other as if having a private conversation with only their eyes. Later after dinner, Cam observed them dancing and noticed how comfortable they looked in each others arms.

That night she visited with Booth in his chambers.

"Cam, come in, have some wine," he opened the door and admitted her inside.

"Thank you," she replied while helping herself to the drink and some food on his table.

"Are you enjoying your visit thus far?" Booth sat across from her at the table.

"I am, it is a fine country and the Princess is very smart, she makes an excellent partner in conversation."

"I knew you two would get along, I am sure she is dying to learn from you."

"She does not seem as interested in herbs as she is the human body."

Booth laughed, "That's Bones for you."

Cam raised an eyebrow at him, "You've become very familiar with her in these last few weeks, haven't you? The two of you act as if you've known each other for some time."

"We have become good friends," he replied.

"Friends?" she repeated quizzically.

He shifted in his seat, "Yes, friends, like you and I."

It was Cam's turn to laugh, "Then she does not know about us?"

Booth turned red, "Of course not!"

"For we were friends first before we courted. I think you look at her as you once looked at me," Cam's tone of voice was slightly accusing.

"I do not look at her like that," he refilled his goblet with wine not meeting Cam's sharp gaze.

"Don't lie to me Seeley," she used his first name for emphasis, "I know you well and I think that you're in love with the Princess Temperance."

He did not answer his friend. Booth took a long drag from his goblet while eyeing her steadily.

Cam shook her head, "I've been here for a day and I saw it, who else has seen the way you two act around each other?"

Again he fails to respond to her questioning.

"This is dangerous Seeley!" she rises and begins to pace the room, "If anyone knows they could accuse you of treason!"

Suddenly he stands up to block her pacing, "No one will find out because nothing will happen. I know what I think is wrong and I am trying to resist these thoughts, which is why I brought you here Cam. You must help me by distracting the Princess. Teach her, keep her busy and away from me. If I can resist for another month then the Prince will be here and I can go home."

Gently she reached out to touch his shoulder, "Then I will help you."

Booth sat back down his voice calm again, "Thank you Cam."

"You must not encourage her," it comes as a warning this time and Booth's eyebrows raise at her words.

"Encourage her?"

"Yes, the Princess. She is fond of you."

"She has made it clear that nothing will happen, she knows the risks."

"She may have made it clear but she still feels the same way about you."

A perplexed look comes over Booth's face, "Do you think so?"

Smiling Cam answers, "I know so."

The next morning Temperance sent a note to Cam's room requesting that the Countess accompany her to the university. Reluctantly Booth went with them following at a safe distance on his horse to allow the two women to speak. He had no desire to attend the lecture but he had less of a desire to loose the Princess to another criminal.

Once seated in the university Cam, Temperance and Zach began a lively discussion about the topic of the day which stopped abruptly when the doctor began. Somewhere within the first ten minutes Booth fell asleep.

Sometime later he awoke to the group of squints having a heated debate about what he assumed was the topic of the day's lecture. They had moved to the front of the room to include the good doctor in their talk and none seemed to notice Booth watching them. His stomach rumbled and he wished for nothing more than a good meal, so placing two fingers in his mouth he let out a rather high pitched whistle.

All of the squints stopped and turned to him with incredulous looks on their faces.

"I'm hungry, shall we go now?" Booth announced, gesturing towards the door.

Cam grinned at him, "You're always hungry but so am I," she replied, then made towards him.

"Well I'm not ready to leave, besides, we were just discussing the appearance of injuries and their affects on the body!" Temperance put her hands on her hips, voice firm.

"I was enjoying the debate we were having," Zach added timidly.

"To which both sides presented very good arguments," the doctor added, finger in the air.

Booth rolled his eyes, "Can we not continue this discussion on the way back to the castle? Perhaps even over lunch?"

"I do not see why not," Cam agreed, "Besides, we've made our points, we should go."

This comment caused Temperance to shoot a small glare at the Countess. She sighed and wished the doctor a good day before walking with Zach towards the horses.

As they rode home the Princess and her assistant fell into deep conversation again while Booth rode behind with Cam by his side.

"Did you enjoy this morning?" he asked his friend.

She nodded, "It was very interesting. The Princess has some strong opinions when it comes to medicine."

He raised an eyebrow at her, "Did you argue?"

"Not so much argued as disagreed but in a purely professional manner. I've noticed she likes to be right about things."

The comment made Booth chuckle, "You could say that. She's the only other woman I've met besides you who truly speaks her mind. She could challenge any king any day."

"Do you think Prince Timothy will be able to handle her?"

"I think so," Booth said hesitantly, "He's fairly open minded. He'll have to learn that she can be very stubborn but she'll listen to logic."

Cam smiled, "They'll have no shortage of conversations then."

Booth didn't answer and she noticed the far away look in his eyes which were locked on Temperance's back.

"You'll miss her, won't you?" she asked him softly.

"With every passing day."

In celebration of the fine summer weather a great tournament was announced. Knights from all over the realm would compete in jousting, swords, and all sorts of other events. The castle was decorated and temporarily renamed Camelot to give it an even more joyous feel. Sir Booth took a particular interest in the festivities as it gave him an excuse to be away from the Princess. He spent a good portion of the day training as he was determined not only to compete but to win each event he entered.

Sir Booth was not the only knight who sought to win the competition, Sir Wendell had also entered as well as many other nobles from the kingdom.

One afternoon as Booth practiced his sword skills with Wendell, Lance approached the two and watched in fascination.

"A word Sir Booth?" the younger, smaller man called.

With a grunt the older knight pushed the younger, blonde onto the ground, "Got you," he snickered.

"I'll get you next time," Wendell promised.

Booth turned to Sweets, "What can I do for you my good man?"

"I have a favor to ask of you if its not to much."

"What?"

"I wondered if you might help me with my sword skills so that I may enter an event at the tournament," Lance blushed as he said this.

Booth tried to hide his grin and stop his laughter, "Sweets, you know the men who enter that event are very experienced with that weapon."

Lance nodded, "I can handle a sword."

"Show me," Booth picked up Wendell's sword and casually tossed it at Lance. Luckily he caught it with minor difficulty.

Booth raised his weapon, "What have you got Sweets?"

They faced each other, swords at the ready, circling slowly.

"Who are you trying to impress?" Booth asked, a grin on his face.

"I should ask you the same question."

Booth lunged and the swords clashed, "Good defense," he muttered at Sweets.

"I'm not entering to impress anyone, I am a respected knight back home, I wish to show my skills here," Booth added.

"Your skills are well known, are you sure you're not doing this for a certain lady?"

Booth moved quickly forward and struck, just missing Lance, "I think I know who you want to impress, is it the Lady Daisy?"

"I just wish to prove my skills as well-" Sweets was cut off as Booth's sword clashed with his and in the next instant Lance was on the ground.

"Then you have a lot to learn," Booth laughed as he offered his hand to the younger man.

"Will you teach me?"

"Only if you stop making assumptions about my motives."

"Deal," Sweets shook Booth's hand.

To be continued...

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