A Loyal Knight

The day after his meeting with his father was a hectic one. Between packing his belongings, making the necessary preparations for his future endeavors, and choosing the people he would bring along with him, there didn't seem to be any end to his worries. There were so many things he needed done; which was only made worse by the short notice.

What if he forgot something? What if he fucked up and put them all in danger? He just couldn't shake the worry off with people's lives on the line. As he attempted to jam his belongings inside his luggage, he paused and stared at the mess before him.

His room looked like a storm had passed through. He had spent much of the day preparing, but he was nowhere close to being ready to leave. Books lay strewn, clothes folded haphazardly, and all manners of nicknacks he had collected over the years lay scattered across the room. If anything, he'd made it harder for himself as he struggled to find what he needed

"Damn it, what the hell am I even doing?" He questioned himself as he gave up and plopped down on the bed, exhausted. Struggling to keep his eyes open, he turned his head and glanced at the things he had packed. He should've been gathering the essentials, things important for his future journey, not luxuries like the novels he had lovingly collected…, but could he really give those up?

Sitting up, he turned and looked around the room and everything within, he wondered if he had it in him to go through with his plans. "Am I really going to do this?" He asked himself as he jumped out of the bed and paced around, "I don't even know what to bring, much less who I'm going to bring!" Resting his head against the cool glass of the window overlooking the hive below, he muttered, "This is impossible…" He didn't know what to do.

"Well, If you are in need of a knight, then let I, Oriane Valerie of the House of Lancel, shall be your sword and shield!" A familiar voice called out, making him jump in surprise. Whirling around, he found himself face to face with none other than his childhood friend and self proclaimed Knight Errant, Oriene.

"God damn it Ori!" He hissed out as he clutched his chest, "How many times have I told you to knock before you come in?" Glaring at the unapologetically smug blonde tomboy, he added, "You of all people should know how much I hate it when people just barge in unannounced." Was it really too hard to knock? He really didn't want people seeing what he had written down.

Smiling back at him, the girl leaned close before bopping him lightly on the nose, "You say such, my Lord, but you leave your doors unlocked." Looking behind her, he found the open door where a familiar key was slotted in.

Giving her a flat look, he fired back, "I gave you a key." He was already starting to regret that as she was proving to be a nuisance. Pulling away and slipping past her, he walked over to the door and grabbed the offending key, before closing the door behind him.

"Then if you don't want me in, why give me a key to your innermost sanctum?" She questioned him as she popped up behind him, "Are you trying to hide something from me, my lord? Perhaps a secret lover?" Gasping, the girl clutched at her heart ever so dramatically as she asked, "Are you cheating on me?!" Taking a step back, she yelped as she tripped over one of his many luggage trunks.

Snorting, he walked over to the thoroughly embarrassed knight before offering her a hand. As she reached up and he pulled her up, he scolded her lightly, "Oh get your head out of the gutter, Ori. Your brothers would have my head if they found out." As silly of a girl she was, she was the only daughter of the only Imperial Knight House loyal to his house as well as his betrothed and future wife.

"So you don't deny such accusations!" The girl replied as a smirk stretched across her lips, "For shame, my lord! You could at least introduce her to me so I could personally vouch if she's worthy in bed-!" Delivering a precise chop to her head, he cut her off before she went into one of her tirades.

"Bad Ori, you go on the couch for a week," He scolded her as the girl held her head and pouted. Looking at the key in his hands, he briefly considered pocketing it, before he sighed as he gave it back, "You're lucky you're adorable." Depriving her of the key would only invite more headaches as she'd see it as a challenge. A determined Lancel was a dangerous opponent.

"I try, my lord," The girl replied as she slipped the key inside the jacket she wore on top of her skin tight jumpsuit. With how form fitting it was, it left little to the imagination as it hugged her lithe and athletic frame, a fact she was all too happy to flaunt as turned around.

As he turned away, she walked over to his desk before bending over. "So the rumors are true then," She whispered as he saw her grab the letter from his desk; the one that his father wrote designating him as the holder of the Trade of Writ, "The House of Julii will once more take to the stars and they have chosen you…"

Her jovial tone gave way to worry as she looked up to him. Unable to hold his gaze with those golden eyes, he answered, "I… yes, I am." For better or for worse, this was the path that he had chosen.

Walking over, she leaned in close before she wrapped her hands around her. As she laid her head against his chest, she asked, "Why?"

"I… honestly don't know," He answered, holding her tightly against his chest. Feeling her tiny form against his arms, he told her, "I've yet to fully pack, much less assemble my retinue, nor have I the slightest clue of what to do. Yet, if I don't do this…" He trailed off, pausing briefly as he considered things, before he continued, "Things could get bloody…"

"I understand my lord," His knight replied before she pulled away. He reached out, trying to pull her back, before he stopped himself as she knelt before him. "Sometimes, we have to make hard decisions for the good of all, but know this," She added as a smile stretched across her lips.

Grabbing hold of his hands, she made her vow once more, "Whatever path you'll take, whatever challenge you might face, and whatever hardship you might find, I'll be by your side, always." She squeezed his hands tightly and as he stared into that warm, adoring gaze of hers, he felt everything was right in the world.

Unable to hold himself, he smiled back before asking her, "Really Ori? You're still holding onto that vow?" It was a silly vow, but one he still remembered word per word. "You made it when we were, what? Four years old?" He asked, remembering the memory fondly.

"I made it when we first met on your third birthday, Otto, and I meant every word I said," She replied as she got back to her feet, "After all, what good would a Knight be without her word?"

Feeling the warmth rising to his cheeks, he sighed as he asked, "You're not going to stop until you join me in my quest, huh?" Was it because she was his loyal vassal, his betrothed, or perhaps it was because she truly loved him? Whatever the case was, all he wanted was her sweet yes.

Grinning, she answered, "Never ever." Pulling away, she started picking up his clothes and sorted through his belongings. "Even if you say no, I'll just ignore it and become a stowaway!" She declared, "It'll be hard, but it's a far better alternative than being abandoned by my lord."

"Ok, fine, you win," He replied as he joined her, his mind clearer with her encouraging words. Unpacking one of the bags and separating the relic that had somehow mixed up with his books, he asked, "And can you stop it with the talk about abandoning you? Did you really think I'll leave my right hard woman back home?"

Humming, she replied "Well, there was one time when we were being betrothed where you left for the lower hive and left me behind when you didn't come back," He paled as he remembered his first misadventure, "So naturally I searched for you, which ended in a multi day affair," She chuckled as she let out a fond smile. Shaking her head, she sassed back, "I'm sure you never left me behin-!"

Pinching her lips so he didn't have to relive such embarrassing memories, he let out a pained smile as he asked, "If I make you my knight officially then will you stop?"

"Mhmmm," His fiancee nodded, looking satisfied with the apparent victory.

Rolling his eyes, he pulled away before grabbing the nearest sword like object he could find; That of the arm of a local saint. "Kneel," He commanded and she got to her knees. Tapping her lightly on the shoulder with the relic's arm, he took her in as his first true follower, "By the powers granted by the Trade of Writ and with the God Emperor of Mankind as my witness, I, Octavius, first son of the House of Juli, Rogue Trader and loving fiance, hereby grant you the title of Knight to serve under the banner of the Enterprise. "

Beaming, his fiance bowed, "I, Oriane Valerie de la Lancel, renew my knightly vows and swear fealty with you once more, my Lord and Love." Standing up, she placed her hand over her chest as she added, "I hope to serve you as much as I serve the Emperor."

"I'm glad to have you on board, my knight in shining armor," He replied before his smile took on a more teasing note. "Well, Knight without her armour, but as if that'll ever stop you," he chuckled. She couldn't have all the fun here.

"I still have my Rocinante!" She fired back as her cheeks turned red. Crossing her arms, she huffed, "And it's not my fault that my mother keeps on having sons!" Sighing, she shook her head as she complained, "I really shouldn't have asked for a sister because now I'm stuck with twelve brothers!"

Snorting, I reached out and gave her a pat on the head for her troubles. "I swear I'll get you a Knight one day," He promised her, "But it's not like we'll be in need of such heavy firepower right now." An Imperial Knight wasn't just a mere mech, but a god of war, that could turn the tides of battle on their lonesome.

"We are just starting out and it'll be some time before I even think of getting near an active warzone," He quickly pointed out as he got back to sorting his things. As powerful as an Imperial Knight was, he wasn't comfortable having her in battle, at least not until he had proven himself to be capable enough to provide her with the adequate support needed for a Knight.

"Fret not, my lord," His loyal knight replied, taking the news well enough, "I shall make myself useful elsewhere! Like here, with your luggage!" Re-doubling her effort, she chipped away at the pile scattered about.

Watching her, he chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. Nothing could ever keep her down and that was one of the things he loved about her. As the last of his belongings were neatly tucked inside the last luggage, he found himself fully packed and ready to go.

"Now that that beast is finally conquered, we can finally move on to the next monster to slay!" She cheered before asking, "You are in need of a crew, yes?"

"Yes," He sighed as he crossed his arms, pursing his lips as he did a quick mental calculation of the people he'd need. "I won't just need serfs and sailors to man the ship, but also loyal soldiers and staff to keep things running as smoothly as possible," He told her.

A void faring ship wasn't just a simple vessel, but a floating city on its own rights, and a single point of rot could possibly bring it all crashing down. Feeling the healing burn marks on the palm of his hand, added, "And I'm not sure where to begin." Who could he trust? Who could he bring with him without over burdening his ship.

"Why not start hiring in the Palace?" His fiancee suggested, making him pause as he turned to her. "You have had a hand in picking the best and the best and the brightest after all, and I have a feeling that they would want to return the favor," She added with a smile. What did she mean by that, he thought before she opened the door once more.

There, outside, was a crowd that gathered before him. Men and women, serfs, servants and guards alike along with various clerks and ministers stood there, waiting. As his wide eyed gaze fell upon them, they all knelt. "My lord, we heard of the news and we wish to pledge our service," A deep powerful voice declared as a ripple of muttered agreements and pledges echoed out behind them.

"Lord Captain?" He replied, taken by surprise on who led the crowd. Looking behind him, he asked, "and are those the Guards and Servants of the Palace?" He could scarcely believe his eyes. Were they all here for him?

"Most of them my lord," The scarred man replied with a wry smile, "We already sought permission from your father and, now, all we seek is yours." These were all the loyal men and women that served his fathers court, those whose loyalty he knew was unquestioned.

"But why?" He asked before quickly he clarified, "Not that I don't want your service, I really do! But this is just a bit of a surprise." He knew that the good will he fostered would eventually be repaid, but not like this. He expected just a handful, not almost the entire staff!

"Do you really have to ask that, my Lord?" His betrothed chuckled, "They want you as their lord!" Grabbing hold of his hands, she added, "And nothing as simple as becoming a Rogue Trader would ever change that. In fact, I think it made things easier for them."

"Lady Oriane is right, my lord, and we wouldn't want anyone else," The Lord Captain reaffirmed his loyalty, "You have helped us even when you didn't need to. Now that you need help, it seems appropriate we answer the call and help you in kind." His words were followed by a ripple of agreement from the others.

Shifting nervously on his knees, the man asked, "And if you'll allow me to be frank with you, my lord?" As he gestured for him to continue, the Lord Commander answered, "I really don't want to serve under your brothers and sister." This time, the voice of the crowd was clearer. Bowing before him, the Lord Commander and the crowd pleaded, "So please, take us with you!"

He stood there in awe at the sight before him. Feeling all sorts of emotions well up inside his chest, he stood proudly as he smiled back. "Can I really say no to you all?" In his worry, he had almost forgotten the people closest to him, those willing to ride with him till the end.

Nodding, he asked, "If you're really set, I want you all to make a straight line." The crowd answered in unison as they formed an orderly line with Oriane at the head. Chuckling, he told them, "I want to get this done before the end of the day!"

As expected, it took most of the day, but by the end of it, he had quite the number of people. Of course, that'd depleted the servants in the palace, which meant more work, but he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. There was more mischief to be had now that the families of those who'd served his House faithfully were on board.

Sitting on the balcony as the sun started to set, he turned to the woman that made this all possible, "Hey, Flayne?"

"Hmm?" Turning to him, his fiance asked, "Is there something you need, my lord?" With the setting sun's rays shining on her golden hair, she looked absolutely radiant, like a saint straight from the tapestry adorning the house of worship. Truly, he was a lucky man to have her..

"Thank you for everything," He thanked her as he held her hands, "I couldn't have done this without you."

Smiling warmly, she asked, "Do you really have to thank me, my lord?" Squeezing his hands reassuringly, she turned back towards the red star as it slowly descended down below the horizon, "All I did was give my best friend a push since he was being silly, worrying about every little detail."

Pulling her hands away, she reached up and punched him playfully on the shoulders. "Come on Otto, just be yourself and we'll get through this!" She laughed as she looked back at him, "Trust me."

Losing himself in those eyes, he shook his head before he asked, "What would I do without you." Half the time, he felt lost, but with her, he felt his spirit calm. As they sat there, he made a promise to himself. He was going to make sure that smile of hers never faded.

"Probably in a ditch, my lord," Oriane answered and the two of them laughed together. Grinning, she raised her pinky up before as she asked,"Together Forever?"

Deciding to amuse her one last time, he reached up and hooked his pinkie with hers. "Together Forever," He answered before she leaned in and captured his lips. Closing his eyes, he leaned into it as they shared that most tender moment together as the glimmering crescent moon rose to the sky. That day and the next, they were together, and he hoped that never changed.

A/N:

Meet Oriane, the MC's most trusted friend, companion, his lancer as well as his Waifu all rolled into one! I originally intended for them to be friends early on, but the accidental chemistry between the resulted into a runaway reaction. I think I liked it better this way because I got to write them being adorkable with each other. Thoughts?

With that out of the way, I'd like to thank vyor cause without him, the stupid ideas win

Now if you want to support me or want to read some fic chapters in advance, consider dropping by either Pat reon or Ko-Fi. I couldn't have done this without the support. Links in my Bio