I am a horrible person for making my dear readers wait so long for a new chapter, I know, but my muse decided to skip town for awhile leaving me with no new plot bunnies for the blank screen. So I apologize but I'll make it up to you with this nice long chapter! I can't promise when the next will come what with Christmas being here but hopefully as I have time off from work, it won't be that long.

For this chapter I am borrowing a scene/idea from "A Knight's Tale," but putting a Bones spin on it! Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

An air of excitement buzzed through the stadium of people eager to watch the brave knights of the realm do battle. Outside more crowds had gathered to watch the nobility ride in, cheering on their favourites. Children were raised on shoulders to catch a glimpse of their idols, women and men alike dressed in their best to wave to the royal family. Indeed the tournament day was to be a joyous celebration for all.

Leading the procession into the stadium was King Maxwell, behind him rode his daughter flanked by her ladies in waiting. Their people threw flowers and wished them well, in turn the two would toss out small coins especially to the small children who ran along beside them.

Today, the visiting Countess took the spot of honor to the right of the Princess, on her left rode the Lady Daisy. Normally the Lady Angela would be with Temperance but today she rode a few paces behind with her own knight, the Lord Hodgins.

"Oh I'm just so excited!" squealed the Lady Daisy while eagerly waving to the crowds, "I cannot wait to see the competitions!"

Temperance and Cam exchanged a look which said they were sick of putting up with Daisy's excessive anxious ways. The younger lady had been squealing and running about all morning while they got ready.

"They will not start without us," the Princess replied almost sarcastically.

Daisy's eyes widened, "Of course they would not! His grace, the king, must open the tournament first and they would not be able to present the prizes without you my lady."

"Indeed," muttered Temperance in reply as Cam chuckled at the obviousness of Daisy's words.

"Princess, may I ask which knight you will give your favor to?" the younger woman's eyes danced as she watched her superior.

Cam raised an interested eyebrow in inquiry as well wondering if the Princess would dare show such overt favor to Sir Booth.

It was well known that most knights would dedicate their feats and victories to the Princess Temperance but only a select few would ever earn a token from the her, such as a scarf or a handkerchief. In the past this had been done in good jest, the knights knowing well that she was only playing her part in the festivities. This year however everyone knew that one knight in particular might stand out among the rest to her.

The Princess raised her hand and waved to her people, "I have not decided yet," she answered.

Yet deep down Temperance knew exactly who she favored despite the fact that this knight had seemed to be avoiding her lately. Booth still joined her at meals but it had been several days since they had been riding and their time together had been significantly shortened. She knew he spent most of his free time training and he directed her to spend time with Cam, but she missed his company greatly. Somehow she knew it all had to do with the night of the game, the night he had asked her for more than she could give him. She knew his heart was open, was bigger than hers, he simply had more to give but she could not accept his proposal, it was dangerous, she had an obligation to fulfill which he did not factor into.

Beside her Cam snickered and it brought her back to reality.

"I would have guessed you'd picked a favourite ages ago my lady," Cam's tone was a little mocking, "Perhaps you'll surprise us today."

Instead of giving a rude retort, Temperance bit her tongue and said instead, "I shall choose the knight who I deem worthy."

Cam opened her mouth in response but Daisy interjected first.

"A very diplomatic answer Princess. However, I've already chosen who I'll give my favor too," she broke out into a large grin as she said his name, "My Lance," she sighed.

Both Cam and Temperance laughed, the two young people were deeply in love.

The crowd cheered wildly for the young, handsome knights that rode majestically towards the stadium. The people seemed particularly interested in the visiting warriors led by Sir Booth. Beside him Sir Wendell was drinking in the attention, on the other side Lance Sweets was looking a little green.

Sir Booth leaned over and gave Lance a light slap on the shoulder to which the younger man responded by nearly falling off his horse.

"You'll do fine," Booth laughed at the alarmed look on Lance's face.

"Suppose I'm up against a giant? I think I might just back out," Sweets stuttered.

"And risk disappointing your lady?"

The comment made Lance sit up straighter in his saddle, "No," he managed not to squeak the word, "I will not disappoint Daisy, I shall be brave."

"That's the spirit," Booth replied jovially while waving to the crowds.

The royalty was seated and the knights were permitted to ride through the stadium to the roar of the crowd. Several members of the local nobility rode past the royal box first, bowing as best they could on their horses. They pledged their victories to the King and Princess, some asked the fair Princess for her favor but she gave none yet. She wished each valiant knight well before smiling and waving them off.

"Riding in honor of Prince Timothy Sullivan, the noble Sir Booth and his men!"

From the waiting wings Booth reared his stallion onto its hind legs and charged into the stadium. The crowd went wild cheering the handsome knight on as he rode around acknowledging the people. Even Lance Sweets was getting into the mood, the cheers fueling his confidence.

Booth galloped to the royal box and stopped to give his respects to his superiors.

"Good morning Princess," he flashed Temperance his charm smile.

"Good morning Sir Booth, I wish you well today."

"Thank you, I ride in your good name today," he saw a flash of a grin cross her face, "May I ask for your favor, Princess?"

He waited in anticipation as she seemed to consider his request. Blue eyes met brown as she studied him but not in a way that made him squirm. It was as if an entire, intimate conversation passed between their eyes and when it was over she nodded.

"I give you my favor Sir Booth," she slid her hand down the neck of her dress to produce a delicate handkerchief embroidered with her initials, "Take this as a token of my affection, may it bring you luck," she passed the cloth down to him.

Booth grinned widely, "I thank you Princess, I will wear this with honor," he tucked the handkerchief down the front of his armor, over his heart.

Temperance smiled back at him as Booth took off on his horse again. From behind her Cam and Angela shared a knowing glance.

A roar rose from the stadium in honor of Sir Wendell who won his sword fight easily. He turned his attention to the other fight to see who he would face in the next round.

Watching from the corner Lance Sweets gulped nervously. He was to face another young knight in the next few minutes.

"You'll do fine, just remember what I taught you," Booth squeezed the young man's shoulder.

Having shed his armor, Wendell joined the two and Booth congratulated him on his win.

"Are you ready Lance?" Wendell asked, sweat dripping from his brow.

One look at Lance's pale face and large, round eyes told the other two he was not. It was then that Lance was summoned to the ring. He began to take tentative steps backwards.

"I don't think I'm ready, maybe I'll just watch you fight Sir Booth..."

Booth shook his head, "Come on," he nodded to Wendell who approached Lance from the other side.

Both men took an arm and hauled a very reluctant Lance towards the ring. Once there Wendell clamped a helmet onto Sweets head and gave it a pat.

"Remember the spots we showed you to hit, good luck!"

Booth took Lance by the shoulders, "Don't forget what old Gordon taught me; if you need to protect someone, especially a woman, you can't lose. Pretend you're fighting for the Lady Daisy's honor."

Lance glanced towards the royal box where Daisy was waving wildly, "Ok, I can do that," he squeaked.

"Good, time to go," and with that Booth shoved a sword into Lance's hands and gave him a firm push into the ring.

The crowd cheered and before Lance even knew what was going on the other knight was charging towards him. He gave a yelp and dove to the side narrowly missing the first blow.

The opposing knight came at him again and this time Lance wasn't as lucky. Metal clashed and his opponent gained a point.

"Go Lancelot!" from a distance he heard her cry out to him and he regrouped.

Dodging to the side Lance managed to get behind the other man and deliver his first hit. A white flag rose signaling his point. His confidence grew and he circled the ring trying to figure out his next move. Lance's advantage was that he could read his opponent's body language and he gaged the next move mere seconds before it came. This let him take the man by surprise and gave him a second point. He could sense the other man was angry now, becoming more irrational and irritated. If Lance got another point he won so he calculated his next move and jumped. This time his strategy didn't work, he was forced back into the fence and the wind was knocked out of him. This didn't stop the other knight and Lance barely had time to raise his sword in defense. With all his strength he pushed the opposing knight backwards. He could hear his teammates cheering him on but the task seemed impossible.

"Take him down!" Booth's voice boomed close by and that's when Lance remembered the move.

With all his might he kicked at the other man's shin. The opposing knight cried out and he shifted away from Lance who took that moment to take the man's leg's out from under him. With a crash the knight landed on his back. The next thing he saw was Lance standing above him in victory, his sword at his opponent's throat.

The match was called in Lance's favor and Wendell and Booth rushed over to congratulate him.

Booth's clap on the back nearly toppled Lance as he tried to catch his breath.

"Look," Wendell pointed to the royal box where Daisy was blowing him kisses.

A huge smile broke out on Lance's face as he raised his sword in victory towards her. Tonight he would ask for her hand in marriage.

As the day progressed Booth easily won the events he had entered and he was slowly working his way to a complete victory. Now the only thing that stood in his way to being the best all around was the joust. He knew he was up against some stiff competition, many of the Lords were very adept at jousting and even more eager to prove their skills in front of the royal family. He had been informed that there was one particular Duke there that had once asked for the Princess' hand in marriage but been denied. It was known that Duke Andrew Hacker and his family were of a very noble bloodline, indeed should the Brennan line die out their family line might well claim the throne, all the Duke needed was to marry the Princess to become king. Booth had been informed that the Duke did not think highly of this visiting knight, nor was he in favor of the Prince Timothy. There were rumors that should the Princess reject the Prince than the Duke would offer himself again to save her from shame and losing the throne.

Booth had watched Duke Hacker closely during the day. He noted how the Duke was agile, cunning and seemed fearless. Hacker was also winning his events with little competition, therefore Booth considered him the biggest threat to his victory.

Duke Hacker was first to joust, Booth stood on the sidelines and watched with great interest, noting which way the Duke tilted his lance and which side he stuck to. He noted the Duke had great balance on his horse and excellent aim. Hacker easily took out the more inexperienced knights and moved quickly up the rank. Most of the other Lords did not give him much competition until Lord Hodgins took to his horse. Hodgins gave Hacker a fight, the match going into a tie. It wasn't until the final blow that Hacker took down his opponent but he did not de-horse him. Hodgins remained in his saddle and as the men shook hands afterwards Hacker complimented Hodgins' bravery and skill.

Then it was Duke Hacker's turn to observe Sir Booth. He could tell right away that Booth took pride in his flawless moves and complete confidence on his stallion. Hacker could only guess at the amount of hours this knight spent practicing but it paid off as Booth continually took down other knights. Yet Hacker noticed that Booth showed mercy and compassion to his opponents. If Booth was greatly leading in points and the other man seemed weak, he would not de-horse the weaker but drive a less glancing blow to win the match. Hacker also noted Booth's armor, fine but he could see one potential flaw. With that knowledge Hacker called his men and gave them his orders.

The most anticipated match of the day was held last and it pitted Sir Booth against Duke Hacker in the joust. Both men competed for the best all around award and a chance to be congratulated by the Princess.

Early in the day Hacker had heard that the Princess gave Booth her favor and it made him angry. Who was this nobody knight who could come in and woo the Princess? He knew that he had to defeat Booth or risk losing his way to the throne forever. It was time for drastic measures.

Up in the royal box Temperance moved to the edge of her seat. The joust was about to begin. She could see Sir Booth preparing, mounting his horse, Wendell waiting close by with his lance at the ready. Duke Hacker had already mounted and his horse stamped it's feet in anticipation.

"Are you nervous?" Lady Angela asked her.

"Of course not, why should I be nervous, I'm not riding."

Angela saw right through the lie, "Are you nervous for Sir Booth?"

"He's proven to be excellent at the sport, I see no reason to be nervous for him."

This comment got Temperance an eye roll from her friend. Angela saw how Temperance clenched her fists, could see her eyes darting back and forth between the opponents, gaging how they might do.

From his end of the stadium Booth mounted his horse and waved towards the royal box. Temperance smiled and nodded her head in his direction in acknowledgment. With that done Booth lowered his helmet and it was time.

The stallions snorted and twitched as both knights waited in tense anticipation for the flag to drop. As it did the cheers nearly drowned out the sound of the hooves roaring towards each other.

With incredible speed the knights approached and lowered their lances towards one another. Temperance leaned forward gripping her skirt as the crash rang out. She eagerly leaned out the box to see who had won the point. To her great relief Booth had made the first gain.

His men and supporters cheered loudly as his flag was raised for the point. On his side of the stadium Hacker swore loudly as he reached for another lance.

"Are you hurt?" his page asked.

"No, of course not you idiot," Hacker spat back, "It was but a light blow."

"Which lance would you like?" the boy raised an eyebrow at his master.

"Save the black one for last, give me the red."

The boy obeyed.

On the other end of the stadium Booth reached down to shake the hands of his men and receive another lance.

"Get him Booth," Wendell cheered, slapping the rear of the horse.

"Don't get to excited, Hacker is good and that was but the first round," Booth closed his helmet again and brought his horse back to the starting point.

"But you're better," Sweets called as Booth reared his stallion and took off again.

In the royal box the Lady Angela and Countess Cam stood, to nervous to sit, behind the Princess.

"Come on Booth," Cam whispered as she tracked his horse speeding across the dirt.

Angela clenched her eyes shut as the crash came, "Who took it?" she asked as the crowd cheered.

"The Duke," Temperance replied though the disdain in her voice was evident. She recalled the Duke's proposal and hated him even more for it. She knew if she ever married him she would lose all her power.

Booth had lost his lance but had not lost his balance. The point went to Hacker but it did not phase the valiant knight. He had one more chance to bring the score to his favor and he was not about to give up now.

"I'm fine," he called out to his worried men as he approached, "He rattled me but he has not beat me."

On the other end Hacker rode triumphantly to his men, "I've got him now boys," he greeted them.

His page boy was waiting with the black lance and eagerly handed it to his master. On the tip sat a metal representation of Duke Hacker's crest. Any noble knight had a symbol at the end of their lance but only Hacker's had a secret. He grinned slyly as he pushed his helmet down again.

The tension in the royal box was palpable as they watched the knights go to their starting marks. It was the last ride by and whoever took this point won. Both stallions reared and screamed as they took off. As they approached the middle at top speeds both lowered their lances. The impact was fast and furious, echoing through the stadium but it seemed to happen in slow motion before the Princess' eyes.

Both lances struck their targets but it was Booth who took the brunt. His body bent backwards like a rag doll before toppling off his horse.

She was on her feet in an instant waiting for him to move.

The Duke's supporters cheered wildly as he dropped his lance and righted himself in the saddle. Booth's blow to him had been hard, he could feel his shoulder throb but he had de-horsed the other man, his victory helped him overcome the pain.

Temperance stood frozen willing Booth to move. She let out a breath as he twitched and his hand reached up only to clutch below his right shoulder. Yet he did not move to get up and she could hear Wendell and Sweets running towards him. Something was wrong, terribly wrong.

The blonde knight was the first to drop to his knees in the dirt and he pulled at the older knight's armor. She didn't see the look of horror on Wendell's face, only the red that stained Booth's shirt.

In an instant she was running down the stairs of the royal box despite protests from the other nobles. Cam followed close behind shouting orders at the servants.

Clutching at her skirts and cursing them at the same time she tore across the stadium and dropped to the ground beside Booth to the collective gasp of the crowd.

"Booth," she breathed his name as she took in his appearance.

He was drenched in sweat and his breaths came in short spurts. His eyes were wide but unfocused. An ugly red stain of blood was blossoming from his chest, at the center was her drenched handkerchief, a piece of lance run through it.

"What happened?" she demanded.

"The Duke," Wendell panted while trying to staunch the blood, "he must have tipped his lance, a normal shattering of wood wouldn't penetrate like this," his voice was frantic.

"We need clean linens and boiled water, get them now!" Cam ordered looking to Sweets who took off running.

Temperance placed a hand on Booth's cheek and brown eyes found blue.

"Stay with me Booth," she pleaded, "Be brave."

No answer came and his eyes began to glaze, "No," she urged him, "Come on Booth!"

"We need to get him to the surgeons tent," Cam stood up and gestured to Wendell to pick up the large man.

Booth's page boys were coming into the stadium with a cart which they hauled the wounded knight onto. Several minutes later they came to the surgeons tent and deposited the now semi-conscious knight onto the table.

The Princess' own doctor had not joined the festivities that day, he was somewhere in the city leaving a visiting doctor to oversee the injuries. This particular doctor came in with a bucket of leeches and a rusted pair of forceps. He elbowed his way towards the knight and glared at Cam.

"I'll be taking over, ladies have no place in here."

Both Temperance and Cam stared at the man. It took a mere glance of narrowed eyes from the Countess to convince the Princess.

"Get out!" Temperance ordered the startled surgeon.

"But my lady..." he stammered.

"I said out! Someone fetch me Mr. Addy now!"

The surgeon scurried out followed by a page boy running like the wind.

Cam had already pulled up the sleeves of her gown and donned an apron, "He'll need something to bite down on if he stays awake."

Sweets, who had brought the linen and boiled water took a piece of leather and placed it in Booth's mouth.

"Be sure he doesn't swallow it if he passes out," added Cam. She turned to the Princess, "Will you help me?"

Temperance nodded and Wendell gave her an apron as well.

Taking a jar of alcohol in her hand Cam looked at Sweets and Wendell, "Hold him steady, don't let him fight us."

Both men took hold of Booth and Cam turned to Temperance, "When I pour this on the wound I want you to take the clean linen and staunch the blood."

Temperance gave her a wide eyed nod and grabbed the clean linen holding it at the ready. As Cam poured the alcohol Booth tried to thrash but the others held him steady. Temperance kept the clean cloths in place, the piece of lance seemed to be stopping the rest of the blood, she looked at Cam, "We need to take the lance out."

The Countess took the forceps and held them in the flame of a candle for several seconds before dunking them in the boiled water.

"I think we may need the leeches after all," she eyed the slimy creatures with distaste.

With that said she laid out the plan to Temperance and they steeled themselves for what was to come.

Something felt cool on his forehead which was in sharp contrast to the burning he felt coming from his chest. It was like a hole had been carved with a hot knife, the edges stinging and smoldering. He winced and a whimper passed through his lips, he was in to much pain to be brave.

A cool hand caressed his cheek and murmured gentle words in a voice he knew. Suddenly something cold and soft was placed over the burning hole. He hissed at first but then sighed in relief as it began to work.

"We'll need another poultice soon, fetch some more garlic," the female voice said.

It felt like his head was lost in some sort of fog but as the voice made another order it lifted enough for him to place it.

"Bow-" he struggled.

His throat and lips were dry yet he forced himself to speak again, "Bones..."

"Booth!"

And as he strained under his heavy eyelids he saw her above him.

"Oh thank the heavens you're alive, we were so worried about you," the Countess Camille exclaimed.

Booth groaned, "Where..." yet the fog hadn't lifted enough for him to produce proper sentences.

"The Princess is outside dealing with the bastard who took you down."

He gave Cam his best quizzical look under the circumstances.

"The Duke tipped his lance to beat you, you're lucky to be alive. How are you feeling?" her eyes drifted down to his chest where the pain was now dulling.

"Sore, like I...thrown from...horse," he groaned.

Cam smiled and the relief was evident in her eyes, "I wouldn't expect any less. I'll give you something to drink for the pain."

As soon as the surgery was over and she had been assured by Cam that Booth would be alright, Temperance had gone on a mission to find Duke Hacker. Prior to the surgery she had told Zach to fetch the royal guards and have them detain the Duke. She found him now in his tent surrounded by her men.

"Princess, what happened?" he gaped at her, she hadn't removed the bloody apron she wore.

"Leave us," she ordered her guards.

The men gave her looks of concern but she gestured for them to go. Once they were gone she turned back to the Duke. Instead of answering his question she hauled back and smacked him hard across the face. Hacker staggered and groped at his cheek.

"I beg your pardon my lady," he nearly stuttered, "but what was that for?"

She was fuming now, "For nearly killing Sir Booth you bastard!"

"Really," he stammered, "You think I tried to kill him? I merely jousted him, men get hurt in the sport all the time."

"You tipped your lance, it was embedded in his chest! I removed it with the Countess mere minutes ago! This is his blood and believe me, I will have your blood if he dies dear Duke!"

Despite the accusations Hacker remained to calm, "Can you prove this Princess? Or is it that you want reason to be rid of me?"

"You will be investigated for this and if proven guilty you will never compete again, I will order it myself!"

"That does not mean I cannot compete for you."

She came within inches of his face and snarled, "I will never have you, I belong to no man," she kept eye contact as she added, "The guards will take you to the dungeons until we reach a verdict about your guilt. I will give them permission to investigate all your joust equipment."

With that she swung her skirts around and marched towards the tent's flap. Just before she left Duke Hacker called out, "You may belong to no man but your actions towards Sir Booth suggest your heart belongs to him. I wonder how Prince Timothy might react to that?"

She froze but did not give him the satisfaction of seeing her face.

"Guards," she called and a man instantly appeared, "Take the Duke to the stocks," she replied, her voice dangerously low.

To be continued...

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