A/N:

Hey, look, an update.

-Han

Amy knew that, living in the palace, it was only a matter of time before she came across the elder prince, Mycroft. She could only hope that such an encounter would happen later rather than sooner.

Naturally, she met him within her first few weeks at the castle.

Amy was on her way back to the prince's library after delivering a message to John for him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the tall figure that she recognized as the prince's brother approaching her. Her steps sped up a little, and she tried to pretend she had not noticed him.

Prince Mycroft caught her arm, stopping her in her tracks. "I'd like a word," he said.

She didn't dare argue. "Yes, my lord?"

He gave her a thin, cold smile. "I understand you are my brother's new guardian?"

"I am, my lord." She met his gaze unflinchingly, setting her jaw.

"You've already been here longer than most," he said. "I cannot say I am impressed, though."

That stung. Amy started to reply, but he continued, "I suppose you have not been here long enough to see an attack."

Her mouth went dry. "A what?"

"Did my dear brother not tell you? On occasion the palace is attacked by rebels or even enemy soldiers. It will be your job to escort him to safety, then fight to protect him."

Amy carefully extracted her arm from his grasp. "I understand. I will protect him," she said.

Prince Mycroft's cynical smile grew. "Oh, I see. You are quite dedicated, aren't you?"

She felt her cheeks warm slightly, but she kept her chin up. "I took an oath to serve him, my lord," she informed him.

"Indeed?" He looked at her knowingly. "Be careful not to become too attached to my brother, young knight. It will not end well for you."

Amy flushed with anger. "Are you accusing me of falling in love with him, my lord?" she asked, her tone even.

Prince Mycroft lifted his hands slightly, stepping back. "I am simply warning you," he said. "Good day, Amelia."

With shaking hands, Amy returned to Prince Sherlock's library. As she opened the door, he looked up at her with raised eyebrows.

"What took you so long?" he asked, sounding merely curious.

She hesitated. "I was detained, my lord," she said quietly.

"By whom?" The prince frowned.

Amy looked away. "Your brother."

The prince stood, crossing the room. "What did he say to you?" he questioned.

"He… he warned me that I may need to fight if there is an attack," she stammered.

"Did he say anything else?" The prince was still tense.

Amy shrank back a little. "N-no, my lord." She didn't want to lie to him, but how could she tell him?

He didn't back down. "You're lying."

She took a tiny step back. "I – he told me not to get attached to you," she said, wringing her hands.

The prince frowned, looking faintly embarrassed. "What a useless thing to say," he said, turning away.

"Quite, my lord," Amy agreed, her shoulders slumping. Useless in that the prince would never care about her in any way except, perhaps, friendship.