A/N: Princess and Protector Verse, pre-engagement by a few years. Some Gremma fic to celebrate my 1,500th post on tumblr.
Emma tucks her feet under her, settling into one of the large armchairs in the castle library, a portal jumper's tales of the world of Wonderland in one hand as with the other she strokes the head of the white wolf brother of her protector – Graham.
He is by the door, and she rolls her eyes. They are stuck inside by the pouring rain, and the preparations for the upcoming ball – she is 16, and it will be the first time she is introduced to suitors as- As an eligible bride. She- They- Managed to escape from an etiquette lesson, and this is a perfect hiding spot. Quiet, out of the way, and filled with adventures. He stands at the door to make sure they aren't caught. Which, she thinks, is ridiculous, and more likely to actually get them caught.
"Graham, relax. Come over and sit with me," she requests gently.
"Princess?" he questions, and she rolls her eyes.
"Nope," she shakes her head, "Princess got left in the lesson. It's just Emma here now."
He smiles, coming over to one of the nearby chairs.
"Hmm," he makes the thoughtful noise and she knows there is teasing coming, "That's not good. I wasn't supposed to let the Princess out of my sight today."
She reaches over and softly punches his arm for the remark; she does enjoy the teasing, the times when he actually feels comfortable enough around her to be himself. It's much like it used to be, when they were children, playing in the woods. When he'd learned she was the Princess, he'd become much more reserved around her. As they've gotten older, he's loosened up some… But every now and again, he retreats once more.
"You're being weird again," she chides, "Come on, just relax for a bit with me. Like we used to."
"Emma, things aren't like they used to be. I know- I know that they don't expect you to marry for a few years yet. But now that you'll be meeting suitors, have princes courting you- We can't be as close. You know that. Your parents explained that."
"I don't care," she shakes her head again, emphatically – she refuses to be a part of a system that wants to part her from him. "I- I like what we have, you and me."
What she means, what she can never say is – she loves him. She cannot imagine loving anyone else the way she does him. Her destiny is posed to rip them apart, and all he can ever know that she feels for him is friendship. It- It isn't fair. He is so much more than just her dearest friend.
He takes her hand, giving it a squeeze.
"I know, Em, but we can't always have what we want," he sighs sadly.
"Promise me something?" she asks, an idea coming to her, "At the ball- Dance the last dance with me?"
"You're only supposed to dance with suitors at the ball-"
"Please. Just this once. No one will mind. I just- I just want- To not- To not be miserable all night. Please dance with me." She is begging, she knows. She almost feels terrible about it. But he is everything, and she already dreads losing him, someday. When she eventually is forced to marry. Her parents will not force her to marry without love, but they- They expect her to fall for a prince. How can they understand that her heart is already lost?
He is quiet for a moment, eyes searching her for something, she does not know what, before letting out a breath. "Alright," he agrees, "Save the last dance for me."
She sets the book aside, wrapping her arms around him. "Thank you," the words leave her lips quietly, not what she longs to say. If she could, she would tell him that she loves him, so much. That she always will. No matter what will happen. But she is not brave enough for those words. She is brave, about many things, there is no doubt. Braver than many of the soldiers, brave and stubborn and independent – she would never have met him if she wasn't. But she is not brave enough to risk her heart, now, with him continually reminding her of her duty and what is proper for them from now on. Perhaps someday, she will be brave enough, but… Not yet.
"I hope you realize I've no idea how to dance," he laughs, "Wasn't exactly high on the list of things members of the royal guard need to know."
She pulls back, smiling mischievously, springing from her chair and pulling him from his. "Well then, I'll just have to teach you, won't I?"