Heavy steps followed by heavy breathing, a fate surely one of death narrowly escaped. He was lucky, but that was bound to run out eventually. Today mustn't be that day for he can fall into his long-awaited bed with but a mere scratch across his arm. The prince who wanted nothing more than to change his kingdom sought out danger day in and day out. It was shocking to find that his knight hadn't been physically affected by the stress alone. She was among the best of the best in hand to hand combat and swordsmanship. The best archer from this kingdom to the last. She had made a name for herself and the prince counted his blessing to have her on his side.
Behind closed doors, they do not act formally. In fact, quite the opposite. The knight berates the prince, tells him what to do and what not to do. She sleeps in his bed. Kisses his skin. She was lucky. She had friends who would cover for her. Fellow guards taking the night shift so nobody discovers their confidential relationship. The consequences would be her hanging in the court and him banished from the land, losing all he had dreamed up. His crown. His queen.
The two of them had seen everything together. She had been moved into the castle at a young age. Her father became the private tutor for the young prince. She never wanted to live in a castle- no, it wasn't in her desires. All she wanted was to be loved and safe. Something she hadn't felt since the passing of her mother.
Then, he came along. A rambunctious, obstinate and truthfully; annoying. She hadn't ever been one to enjoy loud noise or hyperactivity, but that's all he brought. Soon enough, she would find herself grateful of his obnoxious self. His opposite personality from her was exactly what was needed to ease her anxieties. He taught her things she never knew she could learn, and the reverse is true as well. She calmed him, taught him manners and patience (arguably). The two of them combined was sure to be something beautiful if it could be kept balanced and tame.
"What?" she asked as she noticed him staring at her. They had returned from an outing that ended in an ambush. It was just the two of them. She took most of the hits, to his dismay. He knew it was her job but that didn't mean he agreed with it. "I was just thinking about the first day we met. It seemed as if you hated me from the beginning." She scoffed, slowly taking off her armor. "I am so grateful you got over that. I do love you so." This time she let out a breathy laugh, finally getting her chest plate off. Blood gushed out of her side as she did so. He jumped up and ran to her. "Riza! You didn't tell me you were wounded. I need to call for Rebecca." He moved towards the door and requested the woman be sent in with a suture kit. The man at the door, Jean Havoc, nodded and sent for her immediately. He rushed back over to her and attempted to staunch the bleeding.
"You are such a sap, Roy. I will be fine." She flinched as he applied pressure to her side. The door busted open without a knock and entered Rebecca. Ever since she had been stationed at the castle, her and Riza had been best friends. Another case of opposites attract. Although the two women were close, Rebecca and the prince hadn't gotten along. Ever. But they tried, for Riza's sake. Not to mention Rebecca was one of the few people who knew their secret.
She was by no means a nurse or doctor, however, most people among the royals, some royals themselves, knew basic first aid. It was a requirement as a knight considering they were always getting injured. Roy knew how to apply stitches but ever since a certain incident he wasn't able to steady his hands completely. Although it would be fine in an emergency, he would utilize resources while he had them. "You do realize she only gets hurt because of you, right?" She asked the prince. If Roy had been just about any other royal in the world, she would be punished greatly. However, he was all for freedom of speech, even if it did piss him off.
"Becca, it's fine. It is my job." She flinched again as the first stitch threaded through her skin. "Besides, we weren't far from the grounds. They're moving in closer. We need to warn the order before everyone is caught off guard. We should probably change out strategy as well." Before she could say anymore, Rebecca spoke.
"Okay, Riza, we understand. But you need to shut it and get some rest. You can't run this shit show while you're exhausted." That was Rebecca's way of being caring. She waved her fellow knight to the bed across the room and made her way to the door. "No extra activities while she's healing!" Was the last thing she spoke before shutting the wooden door behind her.
Riza rolled her eyes and pulled one of Roy's larger tops over herself to keep the fabric from rubbing. She then crawled into the bed made of velvet and that smelled of jasmine and cedar. She took in a deep breath before closing her eyes and curling up under the covers. Roy watched her with a soft smile on his face. There was nothing more amazing to him in the world than when she was at peace.