In the Time of Knights and Dragons: Part II
Hello again, GX fans of this Yugi-verse! We're so glad you could join us again for the continuation of this story. We're glad you're enjoying this series and this particular tale. This may be the saddest of the four stories in our series, but we still hope you will enjoy it, nevertheless. "In the Time of Knights and Dragons" is a trilogy, so the finale is next chapter! So on with the tale!
Last time, an alliance between Britain and the Hapsburg Kingdom was begun with the births and betrothal of Prince Syrus and Princess Anne. The children met at eight years old and discovered to their mutual joy that they liked each other and a bit more.
Disclaimer: According to our legal department, we must inform you that we do not own the Yu-Gi-Oh franchise, medieval England or the Hapsburg region of Germany. If we owned England or any part of Germany, we would be wealthy. If we owned the Yu-Gi-Oh franchise… screw the rules, we'd have money! Thank you.
Warning: Talk of the birds and the bees. Married love. And definitely implied lemon… Hey, they get married and that happens with married people. Also, in the Middle Ages, people got married very young. Thank you.
In the summer after Prince Syrus and Princess Anne turned fifteen, the Hapsburg royal family arrived with a huge entourage a week before the wedding to make final preparations. "Father, Mother...I'm going to be married," Anne whispered blissfully.
Alexander smiled; this was the day both kingdoms had been waiting for. It was the day their peace was secured by the bond of marriage. "Yes, my daughter. And you have grown into a beautiful young woman, who will make a lovely queen for both kingdoms."
"Rudolph will be an excellent king for our kingdom, Father. And our alliance will spread peace," she answered. In the intervening summers, Anne had lived up to the meaning of her name. She was still not the prettiest girl in her kingdom, but she was revered as the most kind and gentle ruler. She treated the serfs with love and respect, as she treated those in the court. There was no question now because of this that her subjects also regarded her as a beauty. She was indeed fair of face and form, but was beautiful because of her inner beauty. Her older brother, too, was a kind ruler, and was glad of the peace that was spreading through the kingdoms.
"Yes, I have heard that other kingdoms have been considering about the idea of alliances. It would be good to end war in all of Europe, so that peace can reign," Alexander replied, smiling. The alliance between Britain and Hapsburg had indeed sparked the interest of the other European kingdoms. Talks of peace for the continent flew rampant through the streets of the cities and villages.
"The people are eager for it. Perhaps someday, there will be no need for men to fight," Princess Anne said optimistically.
"Men find reasons to fight, my little love," Katherine sighed, "but perhaps we can stop those reasons for a time."
"It would be wonderful, Mama," the princess smiled.
"Even if it would only be for a few years, a halt in needless bloodshed and lost lives would do the world good," the king added.
"Yes...perhaps among those we gain, there will be someone who will help us in our goal to a new age," Queen Katherine agreed. "Blessed are the peacemakers, Scripture says."
"Wise words from a wise man, my love," Alexander replied.
As the German royal procession made its way to the English castle, the English royal family was in preparation for the wedding. "Just a week remains," King William commented to his beloved queen. "And then, our kingdoms will know lasting peace..."
"Yes. No more shall blood coat the fields and families be torn apart by the throes of battle," Queen Darla replied happily.
"For fifteen years, our kingdoms have been healing, my love. And perhaps our young ones will know a much longer peace." William smiled at that image.
Darla returned the smile. "I hope so as well. That way, our grandchildren may also live in peace."
"And their children..."
Meanwhile, the two princes looked out over the castle grounds from the bedroom they'd shared as children. "In a week, dear brother, you shall be a man," Zane said.
After seven years of growing, Prince Syrus was still short for his age and slim for a boy, but he had retained his handsomeness. Many said that his brother was more attractive, but the kingdom loved the younger prince for his kindness. Like Anne, he too had treated servants, serfs, and members of the court all with respect. Gentle by nature, many said that he would make a good ruler for the peaceful times to come. "I know, my brother. I am a little nervous, but I am glad that Anne will finally be able to live here. It seems like it has been years since we last met in the summer."
"It has only been a year, Syrus," Zane reminded him. "And yet...it seems only yesterday to me that you met for the first time. And now, you will take the princess for your bride."
Syrus couldn't help but smile at that; this was the day he and Anne had waited seven years for. No, the day both their kingdoms had waited seven years for. "Yes...we will no longer be betrothed, but married..."
"Yes...Father will undoubtedly speak with you about what is expected. For you must produce an heir with her..."
Syrus blushed at that, and swallowed down the nervous feeling he had. "An heir..."
"Yes...I will marry eventually and have an heir to the throne as well, little brother, but you as the future king must do so. Father will tell you what is to be done. You love her, so it will be easier."
Syrus looked at his brother in confusion. "What will be easier, brother?"
Prince Zane's eyes widened in shock. Having been older and considered the more handsome of the royal brothers, he had his choice of the most beautiful women of the kingdom. "Syrus...do you not know of the marriage bed?" He knew his brother was innocent of the ways of the world, but he didn't know his brother was this innocent!
Unfortunately, Prince Syrus was that innocent; in fact, he was clueless. "Marriage bed??"
"Oh, dear Lord," Zane muttered. "Give me Thy strength. Syrus...this may take some explaining..." And so the older brother explained some of what his father would later explain. "So you see, your relations with the princess will be...different," the dark-haired prince concluded.
Syrus had paled during the explanation, jaw dropped in complete shock. Not to mention that his eyes were about the size of dinner plates. "Th-That is...how we will produce...a-an heir?" he stammered.
"Yes," Zane explained. "You will know what to do, and since you love her, it will be easier. She may be frightened..."
'She is not the only one,' Syrus thought. Now the young prince was even more nervous than he had been before. 'What if I do not do it right? What if I hurt her? Or worse?'
Zane caught his brother's expression and was about to explain when their father entered the room. "My boys...what is going on here?" King William asked, concerned at his youngest son's expression.
Syrus turned to his father, nervousness and worry obvious in his expression. "Father...Zane has told me about the marriage bed," he managed to say.
"My elder son...what did you tell him?" William asked, meeting the older prince's eyes sternly.
"I told him what I know of it, Father...nothing more..."
William sighed, knowing his elder son would have been thorough. "Syrus, my son...I imagine that you have questions..."
Syrus nodded. "Yes, Father, I am afraid I will hurt Princess Anne. What if I do not do it right? She would suffer, not I..."
William smiled. "You will not harm her. It will hurt her for only a moment, but you and she will be fine. Do not worry..."
"Father, is this truly the only way to produce an heir for the throne?" Syrus asked.
"Yes, my son. It is expected, but if I may say, it can be extremely pleasurable for both you and your love."
"Really?" It was hard for Syrus to imagine something being both painful and pleasurable at the same time. Usually, it was one way or the other.
"You will find out. It is something that must be experienced to understand," the king explained as Zane nodded in agreement.
"Little brother, it will be all right."
Syrus sighed, knowing that he just had to trust his father and older brother. They had never lied to him before. "Very well. I just hope that I will not harm her too much."
And then, the trumpets sounded. "They are here!" King William exclaimed. "We must make haste to greet them!" For the moment, Prince Syrus forgot his worry about the marriage bed. His thoughts were occupied with the thought of seeing Princess Anne again after so long. And so, the three men of the royal family quickly made their way to the court. They arrived in plenty of time, and Queen Darla was waiting for her husband and sons. "I am sorry we were late," William apologized. "We were having men's discussion, my love."
Darla smiled. "I understand. And do not fret; they have yet to enter the court."
"Good. Syrus did not know anything...I hope he is ready by the end of the week..."
"I am certain he will be by that time. Besides, it will be all the easier because they have grown to love each other very much."
"Yes, love...I just did not realize he knew nothing about it."
Next to the parents, Zane whispered, "I am sorry if I made you worry, brother...But you must be prepared for your wedding night..."
Syrus sighed. "I know, brother. It is good that you and Father told me...I will try to be ready for that night..."
And then, "Their Royal Highnesses, King Alexander, Queen Katherine and Princess Anne!" the proclaimer called out.
The Hapsburg royals entered the court and the princess could not contain herself. "Syrus!" she shouted happily, running to him.
Syrus, upon sight of her, forgot all of the royal etiquette he'd learned and stood from his throne. "Anne!" he shouted, running to meet her in a loving embrace.
Thanks to his knight's training, Syrus was able to lift his princess and spin her quickly around. "How I've missed you!" she murmured in his ear when he set her down.
"And I you, Anne!" he replied, filled with joy.
The kings and queens moved more slowly to greet each other. "Alexander, you look very well, as you do, Katherine," William greeted, shaking the other king's hand and chastely kissing the other queen's cheek.
Alexander returned the handshake. "William, you and Darla look healthy as well," he replied, copying the motion to kiss Darla's cheek in greeting.
"How go the preparations?" Katherine asked Darla, noticing the royal banners from both kingdoms in the court.
"Everything is running smoothly. As long as our good luck remains and the weather stays fair, we will be ready for the wedding," Darla explained.
"It will hold, I can feel it...And Anne has been blessed with good health. She has not had a spell since the winter," Katherine murmured.
Darla smiled. "Oh, that is wonderful. Perhaps it is a sign that the peace shall be in good health as well."
"Does he know how things will change between them?" Katherine asked softly.
"Yes, William and Zane have spoken with him about what is to occur on their wedding night," Darla answered.
"Anne does not know yet...I must somehow inform her," Katherine sighed.
"Would you like some help? I remember when my mother explained it to me when I was Anne's age," Darla offered.
"Thank you, Darla. It will make things far more pleasant...She must go to her duty with the least amount of fear." Katherine knew that Anne would be terrified if she did not know what was expected in the marriage bed, even if she loved her prince.
"Yes, that way it will be easier for the both of them. I know Syrus is worried about harming her. If she is relaxed and calm, it will not hurt as much."
"All right. We will talk to her this evening, if that is all right."
"Yes, there will be some time after supper."
Meanwhile, the betrothed royals sat together, chatting. "Syrus...what shall we do since we are together again?" Anne asked.
"How about we go riding? The horses have grown, and we have gotten some new ones from other kingdoms," Syrus offered, smiling.
"Of course. That would be delightful!" Anne said. "I have brought my riding gear since...I will be living here."
"Yes, we won't have to be apart any longer. No more waiting an entire year to see each other."
She nodded happily. "Father, may we go riding?" she asked.
Alexander smiled. "Of course. But be sure to ask King William if it is all right," he answered.
Syrus turned to William. "Father, can we?"
William nodded. "Of course, as Princess Anne must get to know her subjects well."
Syrus grinned. "Come on, Anne. Let us go to the stables."
And so, after a quick change of clothes, the young prince and princess went to the stables. Anne found a mare, brown with a white diamond on her forehead that was gentle and easy to ride. "She is beautiful, Syrus."
"Well, she matches the maiden who will own her. Both are beautiful and kind," he replied, smiling. He wasn't flattering her; he was simply stating the truth.
Anne blushed deeply. "Even now, you still have the power to make me blush, my prince..."
"I am glad, since the blush only enhances your beauty, Anne." As he spoke, Syrus gently lifted her hand to his lips for a soft kiss.
"Syrus...oh, my...and your sweetness enhances your handsomeness and bravery," she answered.
Now it was his turn to blush. "And it seems, my princess that you can still make me blush as well."
They prepared their horses and went for a ride across the grounds. "This is wonderful, Syrus!" Anne smiled happily, calling to her love.
Syrus had chosen a white stallion that he'd managed to tame, to his surprise. "Yes, it is! It is the perfect weather for riding!"
They rode together across the grounds and then out of the castle into the countryside. Finally they came to a hill with a big tree and while the horses rested, the riders sat under the tree. "This is a beautiful place, my prince," Anne murmured, leaning against the tree.
Syrus leaned against it too, and placed his hand over hers. "Yes, and having you here with me will make it all the more beautiful in my eyes."
"Oh, Syrus," she murmured, moving close to him. She wanted to do something, but wasn't sure what it was she wanted to do.
Syrus felt something take hold of him, and found that his body was moving on its own. His free hand gently grasped Anne's chin, lifting her face as his moved in close. Then, their lips met in a soft kiss, their very first like this.
Anne felt his lips on hers in amazement. 'This is...incredible,' she thought, her heart beating a little faster.
Syrus had never felt anything like this before, and he liked it a lot. 'I did not know there was such a feeling...'
And then they broke apart. "We...have never kissed like this," she said softly, stunned.
"No, we have not... Did you...like it?" he asked shyly.
"I...I did, very much so..."
"I did...too... Anne, do you think...it will be even better on our wedding day?"
"I hope so," she answered. "Just a few days remain, my love..."
"Yes, and then we will be forever united by the bond of marriage..."
"And we will be together always," she smiled. "Shall we return? The sun is beginning to drop in the sky."
"We should. We do not want our parents to worry, or be late for supper," he replied with a grin. Syrus stood and helped Anne to her feet like the gentleman he'd been raised to become.
Anne blushed as he did. "Even if you were a commoner, you would still be a prince, Syrus...There are some princes in Europe that are less mannered than the coarsest of stable boys."
Syrus blushed a little as well. "Yes, Father has told me about some he has met when he has gone to visit other kingdoms."
"They are very mean...and...I do not understand some things I have heard. It is said that they...use maids?" she asked, puzzled.
"I do not understand it either, I am afraid. Though, maybe we will once we are older," he answered.
"Perhaps...it does not sound right," she said. "My brother, Rudolph, said he wishes to change laws to protect maids...I do not understand, but I hope he succeeds."
"If it really is bad, then perhaps when I am king, I, too, will try to change the laws," he replied.
"That would be good," she said, smiling. They mounted their horses and returned to the castle.
"Good, you've returned," William said.
"We did not worry you, did we, Father?" Syrus asked.
"No, my son. We just hoped you would be home before dark. And so you were."
"We both know it is not wise to stay out after dark." Not only were there bad people, but monsters as well. There were terrifying beasts that only went out to hunt in the shadows of the night. Sometimes, those beasts attacked people or the castle, but the latter happened rarely.
"Well, we are glad you came home safely, my little love," Katherine smiled, moving to her daughter. "Let's get you into an appropriate garment, Anne, for supper, and then Queen Darla and I have matters we would discuss with you..."
"Yes, Mother," Anne said.
"And Syrus, you should change into more appropriate clothing as well," Darla stated.
"Yes, Mother," Syrus replied. And so the children went and were changed into new clothing and headed to dinner. The dinner was good and afterward, Anne went with her mother and Queen Darla to the princess's temporary chambers.
"Queen Darla, Mother, what did you wish to discuss?" the princess asked.
"Princess Anne, it is time your mother explained to you about what is to happen on your wedding night. I am here to help," Darla explained gently.
"What will happen?" Anne asked curiously.
"It is that night that your husband will know you," Katherine explained.
"Know me?" Anne asked, puzzled.
"He will know you and with any luck, you will conceive and produce an heir, Anne," Katherine explained, using the Biblical term her daughter was familiar with.
"I do not understand," Anne said, still puzzled.
"You see, Anne, there is only one way to produce an heir," Darla began. And so, the two mothers gave an explanation similar to the one Syrus had received.
Anne's eyes widened. "You mean he does what?! It sounds...uncomfortable!"
The two queens exchanged glances. "It may be a little painful at first, Anne. But after that you should not feel any at all," Darla replied.
"Anne, your body will take over...It will be all right. You will feel pleasure..."
"I have kissed him already, Mother, Queen Darla...and...I felt something I had not felt before...I cannot explain it," the princess answered thoughtfully.
"Is it a strange, tingling feeling that seems to start low and then spreads through you?" Darla asked.
"Yes...is that good?" Anne asked, worried.
The older woman smiled. "Yes, it means that you have very deep feelings for him. And that also means that your wedding night will be easier for both of you."
"Okay...What if...I do not please him?" the girl asked.
"You will, Anne...do not worry," her mother soothed.
"You both will be very pleased by the time it is finished. Especially if you conceive, Anne," Darla added.
"And...there will be a babe?" the girl asked, flushing and thinking of one of her greatest wishes. "I wanted to be a mother..."
"You may not conceive the very first time. But there will be a babe as long as you continue to do it," Darla explained.
Anne nodded nervously. "Is this what the Church means by losing one's virtue?" she asked.
"Yes, it is," Darla answered.
"So...I will be..."
"You will be right with God, Anne, because you are giving up your virtue in marriage," Katherine soothed.
"Yes, in this case there is nothing wrong with losing your virtue," Darla added.
"Okay," Annie said, feeling tense. This was going to be a worry. 'What if...I do not do it right?' she thought.
Darla knew that look; she had held a similar one when she'd been told. "Anne, you are worried about doing it improperly, are you not?" Anne nodded, unable to speak. "Well, there is no need to worry. There truly is no wrong way...just relax and allow the one you love to lead."
"All right...I...will be prepared," Anne sighed, hoping she would be.
"Anne, if it will help, Syrus was also worried. About harming you," the British queen said gently.
"He...he was?" she asked, concerned.
"Yes. But his father and his brother are helping him, just as we are helping you," Darla answered.
Anne was pale. "I have much to think about," she managed to say.
"Anne, it will be all right. Please believe us," Katherine said softly.
"We have done all we can to prepare you for your wedding night. All the advice we can give is to relax and not be afraid," Darla explained. Anne nodded, and got into bed. She now knew what was expected of her, and it was just a bit terrifying.
GXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGXGX
Over the next few days, the castle made its final preparations for the wedding. Anne's white dress was prepared and Syrus's royal robes and finery were. And then the day came for the wedding. "Are you ready, son?" William asked, minutes before the wedding.
"I am, Father," Syrus answered. He was dressed in luxurious robes of royal purple velvet, trimmed with gold threading. If Syrus had been taller, he would have looked like a king already.
"Little brother, you will do well...You will make a fine ruler," Prince Zane said gently. "And a fine husband."
Prince Syrus turned to his brother with a smile. "Thank you, brother. I will try my hardest to be both."
Zane then pulled his younger brother into a hug. "You will be able to carry her. Your knight's training has paid off."
Syrus returned the hug, nodding. "Yes, and tonight...I will be prepared."
"You will be all right. Just remember that she is nervous as well," William said for the umpteenth time this week.
"I know, Father. I will try to calm her," Syrus replied, unable to prevent a blush coming to his cheeks.
In the bride room, in another part of the castle, Katherine draped the veil over Anne's head. "You are beautiful, darling," she smiled.
"As lovely as your mother on the day of our wedding," Alexander said, smiling.
"Thank you, Papa," the nervous bride answered. "I just hope I can be as good of a wife to my husband as she has been to you..."
"I am certain that you will be, my daughter. You have all the skills you need, and you love him."
Anne swallowed. "I hope so."
"We know so, darling...My little love, you will be fine," Katherine soothed. And then before everyone knew it, it was time.
King William and his two sons went to the throne room where Queen Darla and the priest were waiting. "It is time and the bride will come," the priest said.
King William and Prince Zane went to stand beside Queen Darla, while Prince Syrus remained on one side of the priest. 'This is it...the day everyone has been awaiting,' he thought, feeling a little nervous.
And then the trumpets sounded as the German royal family entered the throne room. King Alexander had his daughter on his arm and Queen Katherine walked on her daughter's other side. They were dressed in robes of green and gold, while Anne was in a white gown and filmy veil. 'This is it,' she thought as she walked down the carpet in her soft slippers.
Syrus tried to remain calm and look regal as they walked toward him. 'She looks stunning...but then, this is a special day,' he thought, blushing lightly.
And then the couple met at the front of the throne room and the wedding commenced. The wedding went quickly. "Do you, Prince Syrus, take Princess Anne to be your wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, as long as you both shall live?"
Syrus looked deep into Anne's blue eyes with his silver ones, and smiled. "I do."
"And do you, Princess Anne, take Prince Syrus to be your wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, as long as you both shall live?"
Anne met her love's eyes and said, without hesitation, "I do."
"You may now exchange rings," the priest said.
Prince Zane handed the prince and princess two simple gold bands and the couple placed them on each other's fingers. And then the priest smiled. "And now, by the power vested in me by God and the Holy Church, you are married. Your Highness, Prince Syrus, you may now kiss the bride." The two had gotten some practice in throughout the week, so now Syrus didn't feel nervous. He gently lifted her veil back over her head, then leaned in and sealed their marriage and the peace of two kingdoms with a kiss.
Anne kissed back, knowing that now they were bound through eternity. And when they had broken apart, the priest smiled. "I now present to you the Prince and Princess and heirs to the throne!" Applause and some cheers came from the court, and in a burst of confidence, Syrus lifted Anne into his arms. He carried her with ease out of the room and then gently set her down.
"Syrus...we are...married," Anne breathed when he set her down. "I love you so much!"
"And I love you even more, Anne, my love!" Syrus replied, arms still wrapped around her.
They kissed again. "We must enjoy the feast. And even the subjects are celebrating!" she smiled.
"Yes, they are celebrating for our marriage and for the peace that shall now reign over our kingdoms," he replied with a smile of his own.
"Yes...We must go to the balcony before we go to the feast," she said, remembering that both kings wanted the subjects to see the married couple.
"Oh, yes, let us go so that we do not keep our subjects waiting." The newlywed couple quickly made their way through the castle and up a winding staircase, where at the top a stone balcony lay.
The couple went to the railing of the balcony and below them, all of the subjects cheered. "LONG LIVE PRINCE SYRUS AND PRINCESS ANNE!" they shouted.
Syrus smiled and looked at his new wife. "This is incredible, Anne! Can you imagine what it will be like when we are king and queen?"
"And...when our first child is born," she said softly.
He imagined holding a babe, one that was his son or daughter. "That will be a joyous moment...especially for us," he replied, placing his hand over hers on the railing.
"Yes...it will be," she smiled. "But...we will have time for that."
"We will. For now, let us go to the feast."
"Yes...let us do that," she smiled. And so they went to the huge feast in their honor. They cut cake for their subjects and ate a lot of food. And then when the feasting and dancing concluded, they were escorted to their honeymoon chambers. They were holding hands, and after they entered the room, their escorts left them to be alone. Syrus swallowed nervously; he knew what they were supposed to do now.
Anne moved to the bed and got her gown off revealing a simple loose shift beneath it. "My love...what...do we do?" she asked, shivering.
While Anne had removed her gown, Syrus had removed most of his robes and was now only in his pants. "I suppose...we should get in the bed, to start," he answered, rubbing the back of his neck.
Her heart beat fast. "Be gentle...I am not entirely sure what to do, Syrus...I am...a bit frightened."
His bit his lower lip. "I am...not entirely certain myself, Anne. I do not want to hurt you..."
"Perhaps...we should...kiss?" she asked softly.
"Yes, maybe we can go from there," he answered. So, the two sat on the bed, Syrus pulling her to him gently. Again that day their lips met in a loving embrace as he closed his eyes. This time, the feeling that they'd had a week ago intensified. Anne kissed him back more intensely and she pressed against him.
'Oh, my...this is wonderful,' she thought.
Syrus pulled her as close to him as humanly possible, his tongue requesting entry to her mouth. 'This feeling...it is even stronger than before,' he thought. She felt what he was doing and gently opened her mouth to allow him. She moaned softly in pleasure. Their tongues met, and it was much like a dance was taking place in their mouths. He couldn't help but release a muffled moan of his own. The kissing and cuddling became more physical and they soon found they needn't have worried. There was a bit of pain, but that gave way to wonder and happiness. And after, they slept fitfully through the night, cuddled against each other under the covers.
So the prince and princess have happily married to the joy of two kingdoms. It seems that all is well for the couple. But all good things must come to an end. You will see next time in the exciting conclusion of "In the Time of Knights and Dragons!" Please read and review and stay tuned until next time! Thank you!