I sighed as I looked at the two knights before me. They both wore serious expressions, their injuries making my gut spike with guilt for running away from them. For looking for an escape. Even though I knew it would lead to all of this. To me being watched even more intently because they knew I could disappear at any given moment. That'd I'd willingly run away from them.

I had time to brace for it and yet I still feel terrible.

"What the hell were you thinking earlier?! You could've been seriously injured or worse!" Jericho was the first to speak, her tone similar to a scolding parent. Anger was evident on her features as she rested on her crutches, brown eyes focused on me in a fiery gaze.

I flinched, tears brimming from how harsh she was.

I could tell that she had been worried for my well being, partially blaming herself for giving me the opportunity to sneak away. Not just that but what I did today made the other Holy Knights question the pair. They saw Jericho and Guila as a pair of lucky students who somehow managed to become Holy Knights. They had no respect among their peers and now that I had been escaping them at every given chance, it made them look worse. Maybe even questionable. If Veronica had found out, they may had even been excluded or worse.

I sucked in a shaky breath as I bit my lip and wiped away my tears. I hadn't meant for it to go this far, but I cannot cry over it. I made this mess so I should deal with the consequences.

I opened my mouth to speak, but Guila beat me to it.

"I know it seems like we're imprisoning you Elizabeth," Guila looked at me, her expression softer than Jericho's, "But we only have your best interests at heart. We just want to make sure you're safe and well."

Guila's words were more comforting and understanding than Jericho's. Like she knew what it was like to have someone she needs to protect. A person she'd do anything for to make sure they were ok, but knew that her guard could sometimes be overbearing for. In fact Guila appeared to give me a small smile while Jericho continued to mope, mumbling things to herself.

She definitely had a more calming and caring approach than Jericho's angry and aggressive one. It was Guila's words that stopped the guilt building inside and made the tears stop forming. Instead I gave them both a shaky smile.

"I don't know why you have to be so soft on her," Jericho looked at Guila, frowning.

"She deserves to be forgiven," Guila frowned, before gesturing at me, "The princess was about to burst into tears."

"So?" Jericho growled, "There's better reasons that that."

"No, she has suffered enough," Guila's frown seemed to widen, "Elizabeth is clearly guilty and so we should forgive her."

"You know what, I'm gonna take a break!" Jericho huffed as she turned away from us.

Without another word the knight hobbled off, words of anger following her in a messy trail as her crutches banged against the floor. I winced at the sound. This was definitely my fault. The knights wouldn't have fought if I didn't run off today. Maybe I wouldn't be in this mess if I'd listened to them and the Deity Society in the first place.

"She'll take a little longer to convince," Guila sighed as she placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, "She's just upset because she had to wait at the mall all day while we searched. Jericho hates being inactive."

I bit my lip harder, probably leaving a mark. I really hadn't thought of how my actions would affect the knights. I gave it no more than a small glance before deciding to rush off, openly defying them. Instead, I just jumped at my first chance of freedom. Both figuratively and literally. Like I did when I first went on a trip for Celestial Prep. That day resulted in me getting injured.

"I'm really sorry for that," I look down at my shoes, "I just felt so overwhelmed and I thought that escaping for a while would help."

"It's fine I understand," Guila nodded, a smile still on her face, "I'll give you the rest of today off. But after that try not to run away again. Remember, you can always just ask Jericho or myself for space. We're not inhuman."

I smiled, agreeing with her words and glad to have reached a compromise. I'd always thought it was the knights' goal to overwhelm me and keep my under their thumb, but now I can see how they wanted me to feel comfortable and fit into the school easily. To feel safe and accepted. I guess that makes us friends in a way and I'm grateful for that. They seem like good friends.

"That doesn't mean I agree with your company," The knight clarified, her expression stern, "But I won't stop you from talking to them. The Sins aren't pure evil just dangerous, I learned that today. They seem to value your safety and for that I trust them."

"Thank you Guila," I found myself hugging the knight, who seemed stiff at first but soon returned the action. She doesn't know how much it means to me that she can finally see things from my perspective. That the prejudice surrounding the Sins was no longer blocking her from seeing what they were really like.

"Don't mention it," She separated from the hug, her smile fading and professionalism returning, "I'm going to talk to Jericho and try to knock some sense into her. You enjoy the rest of your day off."

I nod, watching as the knight headed down the hall. Just as she was about to turn the corner, I called out to her.

"Thank you!" I know I already said it, but I feel as if a thousand thank yous wouldn't be enough. Guila had just resolved the biggest stress-causer in my social life and I was happy she had done that.

Guila waved back at me, a smile on her face, before disappearing from view.

Sighing, I turn and head in the opposite direction to the knight.

I needed to head to the Boar Hat and start my shift. Diane had told me to meet her there to find out about something. I'm hoping it's about her and King. I'd been thinking about whether they'd finally confessed or if the whole thing went down as another one of their friend trips. Hopefully it was the first, because I'd hate to have to attempt to set them up again. Diane always has some sort of memory from their outings. But that wasn't my main reason of annoyance.

Ban and Meliodas have been spouting crazy ideas for the next attempt, one of them being going to a theme park, making me wonder why I agreed to help them in the first place. Elaine probably was feeling that way too because she told Ban she had something to do this afternoon, probably to escape hearing more ideas. But knowing Elaine, she'll probably be at the Boar Hat tonight. She seems to have some sort of magnet inside her that attracts her to Ban. Kinda like how Escanor is always spotted with Merlin.

Speaking of Escanor and Merlin. I haven't seen them for a while. Both senior years have been disappearing frequently, returning with information or just books for their classes. Gowther often slipped away too, coming to the Boar Hat at late hours and speaking few words before heading to his dorm. In fact it was usually just me, Ban, King, Diane and Meliodas who were here full time. The five of us were the ones who often ran the Boar Hat most nights, causing me to go to bed late and somehow wake up for school.

But why was it only the five of us?

I furrow my brows as I turn a corner before yelping, jolted out of my concentration.

I was so deep in thought that I didn't notice the person in front of me.

Tripping over, I fall onto them. By some miracle I only ended up falling onto them, none of us dropping to the ground. I felt a blush erupt on face as I immediately moved my hand from their chest and scrambled for an apology. Picking up my scattered books as I tried to find my words.

"I'm so sorry," I squeaked out, backing away to look at them, "I didn't mean to bump into you, I swear."

"It's fine," They chuckled and I froze, noticing the colour of their hair. Silvery blue. It's the stalker guy! I've finally spotted him outside of classes, but why did he look so familiar? Not to mention the fact that he looked a lot like Meliodas but older.

"I'd better get going. Sorry for bumping into you," I cut the conversation short, heading away from the stalker guy before he could say anything else.

I duck my head down, hugging my books to my chest as I look over my shoulder to confirm my suspicions. He was indeed watching me, his dark eyes focusing on me leaving. They were a cold colour, dark and empty. The complete opposite of Meliodas' bright green shade. But where did I recognise the stalker from? A past encounter?

I rack my brain for answers, only to get none. I can't remember...

Strange.

Suppressing a shiver, I turn a corner before launching into a full blown sprint. If I get away fast enough then he won't know where I'm heading. It's bad enough that he probably knows which dorm I live in, I don't want him to know what I do on a daily basis.

Breathing deeply, I race across the corridor. My heart thumped as I took in heavy breathes, my legs moving faster than they had in a while. Students ducked out of my way, giving me odd looks as I ran before going back to talking. I probably looked crazy, running for my life when nothing threatening was following. But my gut told me differently.

My father and sisters had always told me to look out for stalkers. They can be dangerous, even if it just seems like they're watching you from a distance. They just bide time and wait for the right moment to strike, saving information for their future plans. Plans that are often sinister.

Heading down a flight of steps two at a time, I quickly get to the ground floor. I then skid out of the nearest exit, catching my breath as I look into the building behind me.

No-one seemed to follow me, the distinct shade of the stalker's hair gone. It disappeared with their face and empty gaze. I was left alone with the silence and passing students, all too busy to see what I was doing.

I sighed as I continued to head to the Boar Hat. I'd lost him. Well I'd lost him for now. Whether I wanted to or not, I'd have to face the stalker in class tomorrow. He's in quite a few of my classes, but luckily on the other side of the classroom. I'd hate to think how awkward it would be if I sat near him. Constantly avoiding his watchful gaze.

I wonder why he watches me anyway? I can't be that interesting. I'm just the new girl who happened to be the third princess of Liones. Nothing's special about me except my title and many people who go here possess titles. Arthur Pendragon's an example of that. He is one of the few students who doesn't gossip about me, instead he often helps me with getting around the campus and finding my locker. I can't remember how many times he's helped me get to class on time, or open my locker.

But those memories seemed to have glimpses of the stalker now. His dark eyes focused on what I was doing and who I was with. Veronica, the knights, Arthur, even the Sins; it didn't matter who I was with he was always watching. Always waiting.

Shivering I shake my head, attempting to clear my thoughts. I can't worry about that now. I had to help out at the Boar Hat, grab something for dinner and get back to my dorm unnoticed. I didn't have time to worry about the stalker, I had to focus on the task at hand.

Grimacing, I continue to try and clear the thoughts buzzing in my head with my recent encounter. I hurry down the pavement, my expression hidden in my hair, one thought driving me to get to my destination.

I'll be safe once I reach the Boar Hat. Then I can figure things out from there.

Well I hope I can anyway. But I doubt I wouldn't be able to. The Sins have my safety as a priority after all, like how I care for theirs and their well being. So if there's nowhere I can feel safe I can always head there. Plus I'm sure they'll be able to help me with this. Even if I ask indirectly.


"I have so much to tell you, Elizabeth!" Diane beamed as I pulled on my uniform.

By some miracle I had reached the Boar Hat ok, with no signs of the stalker. In fact they seemed to have disappeared once again. Like they didn't even exist anymore. It was puzzling and worrying. I couldn't determine if they were an actual person or just a figment of my paranoia. In fact I'm not too certain of that now. I keep seeing his empty eyes and silvery hair everywhere.

"You seem happy," I say as I place my uniform in my school bag.

"Of course I am," Diane rolled her eyes playfully, "You just revealed that you and Captain are dating and King finally fessed up!"

I couldn't help but smile at the brunette's words. They definitely were reasons to be happy. Reasons to forget the stalker guy as well. So I brushed my issue aside and buried it in excitement for my best friend. I won't let my paranoia ruin this fun moment.

"He did!" I could hear the surprise and happiness in my voice. I must be good at convincing myself, "Wait, so are you two dating?"

"Mhm," Diane hummed as she nodded, "I really have to thank you and Captain for that. If you didn't leave us alone then I think I would've been in friendsville forever."

"I doubt you'd be there forever, Diane," I say as we leave the spare room, "Still, I'm happy for you two."

"Thanks," She grinned, "I'm happy for you and Captain too. I know we should go on a double date!"

I flushed as I heard her words, my body freezing beside her. I'd forgotten about that. That small white lie told to the new couple to get them alone. I feel so bad about lying, but at the same time I feel strangely glad about it. I don't know why but recently I'd been having weird thoughts. Sometimes it was things about Meliodas that I'd notice or just things about him that I was fond of. Like the way he always grinned or how his hair was almost golden. But these thoughts were often accompanied with me feeling flustered and lightheaded.

I don't know what to think right now, because they could just be sudden thoughts or things that have built up over time. But I had no time to figure out which of them they were. Not now anyway.

Diane noticed my blush because she smirked as she continued to tease me, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Aww come on Elizabeth," She dragged me along, my feet automatically walking, "Don't you think it'd be fun? You, me, Captain and King? Hey maybe we can have a - "

"Whoa if you guys are gonna have a foursome keep the details hidden," Ban chuckled, as I turned scarlet lowering my head so my hair could hide my expression. Embarrassed wouldn't even cut it. I feel like I'd just been stripped down naked and forced to stand in front of a crowd of people.

"Nah, Elizabeth and King would never agree to that," Hawk frowned at Ban, "They've got dignity!"

"And I don't?" Diane looked at the pig, her hands on her hips.

She towered over the small animal, causing his confidence to quake. He gave a small shiver, his expression desperate.

"No of course you do!" Hawk spoke in a rushed tone, "But talking about such things makes you look as dirty as Meliodas."

"I wasn't even talking about a foursome," Diane sighed, but she still had a small smirk, "I was talking about a double date. Maybe have a competition too."

"If so, count me and Ban in," Elaine appeared in the doorway, dressed in the Boar Hat uniform, "It'd be fun to go on a triple date."

"Yes, now all we gotta do is ask King and Captain," Diane beamed.

I just sighed, attempting to hide my embarrassment behind my curtain of hair. Hiding from the world while Diane and Ban enjoyed my misery.

"Since when did everyone here date?" Hawk looked confused, "You guys sure do like keeping it within the social circle."

Everyone seemed to look at the pig, Diane with a frown and Ban and Elaine with simple shrugs. I just watched, wanting to sink into the background after Diane's announcement. Sadly that meant the scaring of Hawk. He seemed to have tears as Diane stood taller, her frame overshadowing the pig.

"Are you suggesting incest?" Diane glared at the pig, "Because I dare you to say one more smart ass comment."

Once again Hawk looked terrified. From the way Diane was towering over him, you'd think she'd attack him. But something told me she was only playing. That she was prodding at Hawk for being such a smart ass all the time. Like how Hawk always calls Meliodas a pervert or bastard every time he gropes me.

"Oh look, scraps! I'm gonna go clean it up," Hawk trotted off, saying piggy trot as he disappeared from the kitchen.

"Hey, you shouldn't scare Master like that," Ban frowned, "He's a talking pig for crying out loud."

"Yeah, but he has a smart mouth," Diane huffed, folding her arms, "Plus he just insinuated that we support incest."

"She has a fair point," I nod, "But still you shouldn't have scared Hawk like that."

Diane just shrugged, her pigtails spilling over her shoulders. She clearly didn't mind, probably because the pig often said such things.

"Can you all get back to work?" Merlin slunk in, her face clearly fatigued. Her usually tucked in shirt, was escaping the wait of her skirt and her tie was missing. Strands of her raven hair fell into her eyes, giving her expression more of a scattered and exhausted effect, "Captain had something to do tonight so he asked me to watch over you guys. Clearly he was right."

Even her tone sounded exhausted. It was hoarse and quiet, different from the senior's usual playful tone.

"Captain's out?" Diane raised a brow.

"Yes," Merlin answered simply, "Now get out there and work, you know it's bad to leave customers waiting."

Everyone seemed to agree with Merlin as they all filtered out of the room, leaving Ban alone to cook. I stayed put, trying to clear my head of flustered thoughts while telling myself to stop blushing every time Diane teased me. Merlin quirked a brow as she looked at me. Her hazel eyes were unreadable.

"So...you and the Captain are a thing?" Her tone was cat-like, but not patronizing. She gave me weary a smile, "Who knew my bet would be right?"

"Wait, you bet on it?" My eyes widened as another blush threatened to show.

"Of course I did," The female smirked, before tilting her head towards Ban, "He did too. It's hard to hide things from us."

I just nodded, giving her a smile.

I then headed out of the kitchen, only to bump into King. He seemed slightly happier today, maybe even lighter. He had a small smile, replacing his usual straight face, and his eyes seemed to have a bit more of a glimmer to them. He was probably sneaking glances at Diane.

"Hey King," I greet him.

"Hey Elizabeth," He nods in my direction. He was cleaning some mugs, making sure everything was in order behind the counter. He soon moved to wiping the counter top, working in a scattered but methodical way, "Can we talk?"

I took a seat on one of the stools, watching as he cleaned the counter. Thought seemed to cloud his eyes as a calm silence settled between us. I sat there waiting enjoying the serene atmosphere around the counter, as the fairy cleaned. The only distraction being the cloth he was using. Then the silence broke, a small voice shattering the peace.

"I just wanted to thank you for earlier," King looked at me a small smile on his lips, "You and Captain giving me the chance to tell Diane how I felt really helped me to realise what I needed to do."

"It's no problem," I say as I look at the auburn-haired student. He seemed to be focusing on something else. I followed his gaze to meet Diane. "She means that much to you?"

"Yeah," A small blush dusted his cheeks, before he cleared his throat, "I've known her for a long time and she's one of the few people who don't view me as a monster for what I've done."

I nod, though not understanding why people would see King as a monster. He seemed like a normal person, maybe a little more cautious than most, but he was still pretty normal. But it seems like he switches into a different person when Diane's around. He goes from precise and conservative to flustered and easy to tease. Is that why he's often the butt of the other Sins jokes? Because he's so easy to get a reaction from when Diane's mentioned. Maybe that's why Diane likes teasing me about Meliodas.

My face heats at the memory of a few moments ago. Diane had really embarrassed me back there, but she seemed to do it out of fondness not nastiness. It was just the way she was.

"Why would they think you're a monster?" I look at King, curiosity in my gaze. "You seem pretty normal right now."

"Well, that's not a story I don't want to share right now," King spoke his tone emotionless, but not cold as he reached for his neck. He looked at me sheepishly, "It's something I left behind years ago."

"I understand," I smile softly as I get up from the stool, my fingers drumming against the counter top, "I'm just glad you and Diane are happy. You guys deserve it."

"Thank you Elizabeth," The words are easily accompanied with a smile.

"Don't mention it," I say as I head towards the tables, "That's what friends are for, right?"

I didn't get to see his response because I had already turned around, but I'm pretty sure I saw him nod.


"Only a few more tables left," I sigh as I lean against the counter.

It had been a busy night and with Meliodas' absence, my mind has been wondering way too often. It feels overworked and weary, begging me to just take a nap and never wake up. But I couldn't do that. I have to help out at the Boar Hat. It's the least I can give the Sins for being so kind to me.

"I know, tonight was really busy," Elaine was beside me, floating. Like her brother she's often floating in random positions, often going upside down or looking playful insinuating that she was younger than she was. It didn't help that she had such a childlike face either. It made her look cute but young, contrasting with her personality.

"At least it got us some good tips," Diane grinned as she grabbed some notes from her cleavage or third pocket as she called them.

"Boobs are natural pockets for women," She told me when I asked her why she often used her cleavage to store her phone, "Why have 'em when you don't use them for their purpose."

It was true, they could be useful pockets. The customers had given us some pretty good tips tonight and Diane and I had to store them in our third pockets because we had nowhere else to keep them. (I'd have to think of a solution for that later). Granted, it wasn't exactly a pleasant feeling, or sight, having people know you have money shoved between your breasts, but we had no other option.

"Yeah, because money solves everything," Elaine chuckled rolling her eyes, "You know it's easy for you to get tips because of that bust."

"But you get more from how tiny you are!" Diane pouted, "I wish I could be small."

"What's wrong with being tall?" I raise a brow.

I always thought being tall would be amazing. You'd be able to reach the top shelf, see past crowds and more or less do amazing things. But apparently being tall isn't all it's made out to be, well that's what Diane tells me anyway. She always says being tall is tiring.

"Being tall is annoying," The brunette huffed, "You know how many guys wouldn't date me just because I was taller than them? All they cared about was their ego. I'm so glad King isn't like that."

"That must've been hard," I say. Nothing hurts the ego more than being rejected for your height.

"I got over it," Diane shrugged, "Plus I have King now! Speaking of that, we have got to organize that triple date."

"How could I forget?" I sighed as I watch King reemerge from the kitchen carrying a tray, "Can we talk about this after Saturday? We still have that pool party to go to."

"Saturday, perfect!" Diane grinned, "We can make that bitch from the locker rooms jealous too."

"I'd better get my cute swimsuit then!" Elaine nodded enthusiastically, agreeing, "I was saving it for the next beach trip."

"We can do that too!" Diane beamed.

I just sighed as I took my tray from King. Those two always got carried away with plans, I wonder what they'll think of next.

"I'll see you two in a few," I say as I walk away from the counter.

"Yeah, just makes sure to bring a bikini on Saturday!" Diane smirked, winking, "I'm sure Captain will appreciate it."

I blushed, but continued on towards the table anyway. However I couldn't help but smile as their voices faded. At least Diane and Elaine's crazy plans are distracting me from the stalker.


A/N: Summer is here! Sorry for the long wait, my laptop wouldn't work and I started stressing but I managed to fix it.

Anyway, I worked really hard on this chapter I made sure to proofread and everything. (There's probably still mistakes) Also thanks for following, favouriting or reviewing if you have! I looked back and noticed I haven't really thanked anyone. Sorry about that.

Silver - Hmmm, I don't know if we'll ever meet that girl. Maybe. The idea of having someone punch her is tempting. Oh, so tempting.

Oh, nearly forgot thanks for over 200 visitors! It made me smile to see that.

Make sure to stay safe and well,

D.L.D