A couple weeks later, the boys had settled in well to Musketeer life and they were slowly learning the ropes day by day. Princess Serena had barely left the palace, however, as she did not believe they were quite ready yet to protect her. Giovanni was fuming, but decided it was better to bide his time, rather than get too frustrated and expose himself stupidly. Kalos was now in the middle of a very hot summer anyway. So, Serena was bound to leave some time soon, he thought. She wasn't overly concerned about going out, though. She was quite happy staying safe for the time being. Plus, getting to spend every day with Kanto Boy was an unexpected pleasure. She found him so fascinating and got to know him quite fast over the last few weeks. And of course, she now knew Kanto Boy's name and ever since she had learned more about him, she couldn't quite stop herself admiring him even more. He was but a commoner, but the most interesting one she had ever met. Ash had more charisma than any lord or gentleman in the land. And he was by far the most handsome to her.

Despite all this, there was still one important thing she still hadn't got around to. Serena remembered Ash from her childhood, but did he remember her too? That was the burning question on her lips. It was very unclear, as he had not mentioned their chance meeting once so far. Serena was in her room, debating how to approach it. She shook her head in disbelief and was amused just how much one man was getting her so worked up and nervous. It was a very unfamiliar feeling. For God's sake, she was the ruler of the land! She should have felt confident asking him as soon as they met. But for some reason, she was reduced to a gooey mess whenever he was around. She could order everyone else around and say whatever she wanted to them just fine, but it was different with Ash. Serena didn't know how to be normal around him at all. And even when he wasn't around, he was still all she could think about. Serena let out a frustrated groan. Then she became impulsive and just decided to seize the day while she could.

She summoned Shauna and asked her to fetch Ash, who was carrying out his guard duty with Brock at the palace gates. Some time later, she heard a knock on her door. It surprised her a little and quickened her heart rate, even though she was expecting it. She quickly fixed her dress and looked into her mirror, to make sure she was presentable. Serena almost never did this for anyone else, but she felt she had to look good for someone so incredibly charming as Ash.

'C-come in!' she said, a little shakily.

Ash walked in slowly, a little tense. He feared he could be in trouble, being summoned by the princess, so out of the blue. Serena turned around to face him. He bowed and tipped his hat to her. Serena nodded her head at him and then there was silence for a while, as she just stared at him. She always enjoyed seeing him in his uniform. He was so dashing and heroic looking, that it sent flutters throughout her entire body every time she saw him. And each time, she became more and more attracted to him, even starting to lust after him a little now. Serena licked her lips and tried to retain some decorum. Ash tilted his head at her, almost a little concerned.

'Er… You summoned me, Your Majesty?'

Serena snapped out of her trance and looked down to the floor. Anywhere but in his eyes. If she stared any longer, she may have done something a little too un-lady like.

'Oh, yes. That's right…'

'I-I'm not in trouble, am I?'

Serena giggled and shook her head.

'No, of course not, Ash.'
Serena never called Brock or Gary by their names. Not because she didn't like them or anything. She just preferred to keep the relationship between them professional and instead opted to call them "soldiers." For now anyway. Maybe when she trusted them more and they proved themselves, she would begin to use their actual names. But Ash was a unique case. She saw him as so much more than just a soldier. In fact, she often wished he was lord or nobleman. Not because she believed her partner should be of high status. She wasn't that shallow. But merely because it would be so, so much easier… She technically shouldn't even be looking a commoner the way she was with Ash, according to the rules of the monarchy. A commoner shouldn't even be in her quarters for that matter! But here Ash was. By her request, no less.

'Please, take a seat…'

Serena motioned to her bed. Ash looked a little taken aback and was surprised the princess was allowing him to sit upon her royal sheets. He gulped a little and then sat down gingerly. But he only sat on the edge of the bed and was as far away as possible from Serena. In actual fact, he would have loved to have sat closer to her. He had his own personal dilemma himself. Ash was unquestionably attracted to her too. Which was rare for him, considering he'd only liked one other girl in his whole life. So his feelings were a mixture of not knowing what to do around such a pretty girl and not wanting to overstep the mark. After all, Musketeers and Princesses weren't meant to be anything more than associates. Serena giggled again, finding Ash's awkwardness quite cute.

'Come closer, silly. I don't bite.'

Serena immediately regretted saying that. She was getting a little too affectionate there. But the damage was already done now. Besides, no one else was around, so it would hardly have any consequences. At least not for now.

'Umm, okay.'

Ash scooched up closer, but still left a gap between him and Serena. Now he was significantly closer to her, Serena was starting to lose her breath a little. There was more silence, as Serena tried to muster up the courage to ask that all important question. Their eyes awkwardly danced around the room and then they accidentally locked onto each other's gazes at the same time. Serena looked away quickly and blushed. Then she began to speak, but very quietly.

'So, this might be a strange question, but… D-do you remember me by any chance?'

The relief that filled Serena in that moment when she finally got it out of her mouth, was truly unexplainable. But she didn't get the initial response she'd hoped for, as Ash just looked at her perplexed.

'R-remember you? I'm sorry, Your Highness. But I think I would have remembered meeting a princess such as yourself. But I do not recall such an event...'

Ash wouldn't usually talk quite as proper as that, but he felt he needed to act posher around Serena, to impress her and not sound so common.

'Please, when we're alone, call me Serena…'

Ash was shocked to hear that. He knew that was quite unheard of, for a monarch to allow a commoner to address them by their birth name. Ash was stunned, but smiled a little. Serena was so much more human to him now in this moment and it was absolutely beautiful to see.

'And, well… Of course you wouldn't recall it. I was hardly dressed like a princess on that particular day.'

Ash was really struggling to keep up here now and furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

'But I remember you. As clear as day, Ash.'
Serena snuck a quick side-eye look at him to see if his reaction had changed this time. It was a slightly better one now.

'But, how?'

'Okay, let me remind you...'

Serena reached over to her bedside drawer and pulled out the old handkerchief.

'8 years ago, you rescued me from a nest of Beedrill in Viridian forest and wrapped this very same handkerchief around my injured knee. Then you very kindly took me back to the party and then we never saw each other again. Until now…'

Ash's lips parted, as they quivered ever slightly. His eyes popped out a little, staring intently at the handkerchief. He started to remember owning it and wrapping it around a girl's knee, as his brain unlocked an old memory, deep in his mind. Then he turned to Serena and looked at her face for a while, studying every detail of it. Serena kept a fixed stare on him too, hoping he would finally remember her.

'Oh! Yes! I remember now! Straw hat girl! You were wearing a straw hat that day, weren't you?'

Serena nodded happily and couldn't contain her joy.

'Yes, yes, yes! That's me. All grown up.'
Ash gasped and grinned wide.

'Wow. Really? I just wanted to help someone in need. But I didn't know I was helping a princess! That's… That's amazing!'

Ash took his hat off and tried to process it all. Serena giggled again. That was becoming a habit around Ash now. She never giggled this much. Ever. Not even with Shauna. Being a princess didn't give you much time to giggle too.

'Well, I was in disguise that day. So you could never have known! But I wish to know this... A-Are you happy to see me again?'

'Oh, of course I am! I just can't believe it.'

Serena smiled and nodded.

'That's understandable. I can't quite believe it myself either. But I'm really happy we've crossed paths again.'

'Y-you are? Why? I mean, I'm just a commoner to you.'
Ash raised a curious eyebrow. He never expected any kind of royal to be this kind to a commoner.

'Oh, you're far more than just that to me, Ash. And if I'm being honest, I've sort of always been hoping and waiting for us to meet again…'

Ash smiled warmly, feeling even more affection for her now.

'Oh, really?'

'Yes, I'm glad you're here with me now.'

'Well, it's definitely a pleasure to be by your side again and a great honour to serve under you now, Your- I mean Serena.'

Serena chuckled and was happy to finally hear him call her by her name. It made her feel good, as her heart began to sing once more. Her cheeks rose too and heated up a little. She had to admit to herself that hearing her say her name for the first time, in his heavenly deep voice, was actually pretty sexy. But the most important thing to her, was that they had finally broken the silly formalities. And they were equals at last. At least for now. While they were alone anyway. Then there was more silence. Neither of them knew what to do or say next. They just both felt connected to one another, now they both remembered everything and it seemed like the perfect moment for something special to happen. They both held their breath, seduced by temptation, as they shuffled a little closer. Then Serena suddenly cut the tension.

'C-can I hug you?' she asked nervously.

Ash wasn't expecting that at all, but was relieved.

'Oh. S-sure.'

Serena didn't hesitate and pulled Ash as close to her as she could. Ash embraced her back and wrapped his arms around her tight. The hug lasted a fair while, as neither really knew when the appropriate time to stop was. But then Serena withdrew, telling herself she'd gone too far already and it was best to leave it there.

'Well, that was nice. Thank you, Ash.'

'You're welcome, Serena. My pleasure.'

Ash and Serena put their hands back on the bed and were quite close to touching, as Serena's fingers crept a little closer to Ash's. She was a millimeter away, when she thought better of it and stopped. Her hand clammed up and clenched into a fist, and then she suddenly got up and straightened her dress. She thought of everything she would have liked to have done, but quickly dismissed the notion and restrained her inner desires. Then she walked over to the door and opened it. Ash almost looked a little disappointed watching her open it, as he knew what was happening next. He wanted to stay with her longer. Away from the rest of the world.

'Right. Well, thank you for that, Ash. You may now return to your duties.'

Ash nodded, got up and bowed to his majesty. If the circumstances were different, something more may have happened between them that day. But Ash had to remain professional too. He walked over to Serena. But he slowed down as he passed by her, as he turned his head and his face got a little close to hers. Serena's heart started right out of her chest now, a little overwhelmed by the close proximity. She cursed to herself just how easy it was for this man to have THIS much power over her. Serena would never act this way around any other man. There was just something about this Musketeer that was too god damn sexy. She wanted him carnally. But it was strictly forbidden. She turned away, a little reluctantly and almost by force. It wasn't what she truly wanted either. She wanted him to stay too. But he couldn't.

'I'll be at the palace gates if you need me, Your Majesty…'

Ash left the room, almost whispering those last words in a deep husky voice, that completely finished Serena off. She nodded at him and then quickly shut the door behind him. Serena leant against the door and let out a huge bout of air from her cheeks. Then she allowed herself to fall onto her bed, face first and buried her face into her pillow. An overdue, built up, muffled groan escaped her lips. Then she said something in her native language, that would make her instantly die on the spot out of embarrassment, if anyone heard it.

'Pouah! Il est juste trop irrésistible!' she moaned.

A couple more weeks later, things were a little different. Serena was starting to trust and have more faith in her new protectors and even tested them by taking short trips away from the palace. There was mostly no danger, except a few lowlifes trying their luck against inexperienced looking Musketeers. But the boys passed the test with flying colours, successfully keeping Serena safe. Serena was impressed, but they had yet to come against anyone particularly threatening, let alone the assassins who tried to take Serena out. The real test was coming up just around the corner, though. In another few weeks, Serena was due to attend an important royal event in Shalour City. This of course, meant travelling a fair distance away from home. And Giovanni knew this all too well, as he counted the days down…

The boys were training intensely for it and were determined to be as prepared as possible, when the time came. They had been thrusted into the business of Musketeering very suddenly and had to learn everything a lot faster than any Musketeer in history ever before. But it was their biggest dream, so they adapted to it very well and were improving greatly by the day. On a particular day, in early September, Princess Serena decided she wanted to see their training for herself in person. The Musketeer training ground was perhaps the safest place she could be, but she still allowed Shauna to escort her there. The Musketeers prepared for her arrival with great consideration, as they presented a royal march for her. Ash, Gary and Brock were at the very front of it and led the way with their commanding general. Captain Giovanni watched on from a high balcony and kept a close eye on the princess and his three knights.

Then the Musketeers broke out in song and started singing the Musketeer anthem, "All for one and one for all."

All for one, hey!

All for one and one for all

Musketeers sing

All for one and one for all

If you dare to

Cross our path, prepare to fall

'Cause we'll fight you

All for one and one for all

And all for one and one for all

And all for one and all

So, if you think you'd care to

Kick some derrière, you

Know that as a musketeer, you'd be so fearsome

If you believe you're manly

Come and join our family

Soon we'll make sure you're a musketeer

All for one, all Men of honor,

Hear the call

Musketeers sing all for one and one for all

All for one, hey, all for one and one for all

All for one, hey

All for one and all for one

And all for one and one for all

And all for one and all!

Brock demonstrated just how they would kick "derrière," ending the song, by stabbing a training dummy with his sword. But Serena's eyes were firmly fixed on Ash the whole time, as she tried to stop herself from giggling at how bad a singer he was. The only thing stopping her, was her unquenchable desire for him. And it only intensified, when the Musketeers dispersed and got back to training. Ash's physique was making Serena weak at knees, as she began to sweat. It wasn't just the heat that was at work here. She fanned herself with a fancy Kantoian fan that her mother bought for her as a present, when they last visited the region. Shauna raised an eyebrow, as she was beginning to notice just how much Serena was staring at Ash. She did wonder why Serena wanted to visit the Musketeers, when she'd never had any interest whatsoever in them before until recently. But she didn't quite suspect anything yet and just shrugged it off. Serena continued to watch until the sun set and the training ended. Even though it was autumn now, it was still quite mild, as the boys were dripping in sweat after an intense workout.

Gary caught Shauna's eye, as she found her own eyes now lingering too. She didn't really understand why, but ever since Gary winked at her the day they met in pretty comedic fashion, he had rather annoyingly imprinted himself in her mind. Shauna mostly thought he was an idiot, but there was still something about him, drawing her in. And then he had her nerve to wink at her again. Shauna puffed out her cheeks and shook her head disapprovingly. Then she folded her arms and turned away, not allowing Gary to get in her head again. Shauna was not quite like Serena and was much more against the idea of interacting with a commoner. Period. But Gary just smirked and mopped his brow. He sniggered and then whispered something to Brock, who also smirked and nodded in agreement to what he just said.

Serena walked slowly over to the boys, then acted like she was inspecting the rest of the Musketeers, before leaning her head closer to Ash. She didn't want to make it obvious that she was only there for him, but she wanted to get him alone again. She was ever so impatient for it. Thirsting for it even. There had been a few more times since their first talk in her bedroom, where Serena had gotten some golden alone time with Ash, so he was used to being summoned on a whim by now.

'Meet me back at the palace, in the secret room I told you about. As soon as you can,' she whispered in his ear.

Ash smirked a little, hoping and almost expecting she would summon him again tonight. He really did enjoy spending time with the princess, away from everyone else. Ash even depended on it now to make his days brighter.

'Of course, Your Majesty. I'll be there,' he whispered back.

Serena's cheeks flared up a little, hearing his smooth whisper and feeling his hot breath against her ear. Even just being close to him got her excited. And she truly couldn't wait to be alone with him once again. Up until now, they had only been having friendly chats and getting to know each other, with some odd subtle flirting here and there. Mainly on Ash's part, rather bravely. Serena was desperate to flirt back and just kiss him already, but she was still struggling with the whole commoner thing and the amount of secrecy it would need if she pursued her repressed feelings. It was complicated and Ash wasn't sure where he stood one bit. But he still enjoyed the time he had with her anyway and loved to see just how flustered he could make the princess - without going too far, of course.

Half an hour later, Serena was back at the palace and making her way down to an underground room, no one knew about except her and Ash. Like Giovanni's dungeon, it was accessed by pulling a particular book out. It was in Serena's personal library, so it would be hard for anyone to know exactly which book it was. Serena walked down some stairs and was met by a manly broad back. She sighed and cleared her throat, to announce her arrival. The man turned around and it was of course the man she couldn't get enough of. Ash smiled at her and held his arms out. Serena didn't need to say a word, as she fell into his arms and hugged him tight. Ash stroked her hair and rested his chin delicately on her head.

'I missed you,' said Serena.

'I missed you too. I wish there was a way we could spend more time together, instead of hiding away like this.'
'I wish that too…'
They broke apart and sat down on a bed in the room. Serena noticed Ash's brow was still a little sweaty and used his old handkerchief to wipe it off. Ash thanked her.

'Then why can't we?' asked Ash.
Serena sighed and looked down at the floor.

'I wish it. I really do. But I don't want to attract too much attention. Even me just talking to you like this… it would be frowned upon. My family, my friends, all the lords and ladies, my subjects… No one would approve.'
Ash sighed and tilted Serena's chin up to see her face. He did not like such beauty to be kept from him.

'Well, we are only just friends, right? So, what's wrong with that?'

'Everything, unfortunately, Ash. I want to be with you more often. I really do. You're the most wonderful person I've ever met. Yet… I am only allowed to be among the company of those of high class. No offence.'

Ash chuckled.

'None taken. I know you do not look down upon me or anyone. That's what I like about you.'

'No, I do not. I didn't even ask to be a princess, let alone a queen. I was just thrown into it. Believe it or not, I sometimes wish I could be like you. A normal citizen.'

'Oh, I believe you. And I understand why we cannot be seen to be too friendly together. But all that matters to me, is that you're in my life in some way still and we can continue to have moments like this. Even if they are few.'

Serena's face lit up after hearing such comforting words.

'Yes, I feel exactly the same way. You know… You really mean a lot to me, Ash. Thank you for understanding.'
Ash smiled and rubbed her back lovingly.

'Aww, you mean a lot to me too, Serena. And I want you to know, this past month has truly been the best of my life. Just knowing you and being able to be your protector is an absolute privilege. And I want to prove just how far I'll go to keep you safe, when we leave for Shalour City in a couple weeks. I won't let anything happen to you, Serena. Ever. I promise.'

'Oh, I don't doubt that at all, Ash.'
Ash slid a little closer to Serena and grabbed her hand. Serena immediately blushed and looked down at his hand, a little astonished. His touch was exactly what she wanted, but maybe not what she actually needed right now. She didn't want to get too sucked in, knowing it would be almost impossible to go back if she admitted defeat. Admiring and fantasising about Ash was one thing. But actually acting on it was another matter entirely. Who you fell for could not be helped, however and the temptation was way too strong to ignore it. Serena tried to fight it, but then Ash decided to take a chance, which only made it harder.

'Good. Because I mean every word of that. Because I really do care for you so much. And I… I said we were just friends, but I don't know... Maybe. Maybe we could be more than that. I see the way you look at me, Serena. And you know how much I adore you…'

Serena was wordless and instead started to breath heavily and fall into Ash's eyes. She could not resist, as she was being pulled in so easily, without much of a fight now. Ash put a hand on her knee and Serena put hers on his. Ash leant forwards slowly and closed his eyes. Serena watched, as his perfect lips came closer to hers. Then she closed her eyes and appeared to be letting the unabating want consume her. Their lips got dangerously close, until they eventually pressed together, with a faint wet smacking sound, but it was only a mere peck. Ash moved in for more, but then Serena pulled out and leapt up off the bed.

'I'm- I'm sorry. I can't. I just can't!'
Serena paced about the room, contemplating everything.
'Hey, hey. It's okay. We can take it at your own pace…'

'No, it's just… No.'

Serena turned her back to Ash and began to walk away.
'Wait! Come back! We can talk about it! Stay with me, please.'
Serena turned her head back around ever so slightly. Ash smiled fondly and extended his hand for Serena to hold. She froze and stared at his hand, but then she put her head down and ran out of the room, holding her dress up and hiding her face from him again. Ash looked dejected, as he helplessly watched her leave. He hung his head and put his hand down, which now felt heavy all of a sudden. Heavy with regret. He thought he may have gone too far with the "more than friends" suggestion. It wasn't Ash's fault at all, though. It was all on Serena. There was much conflict inside her, stopping her from pursuing the man of her dreams. She was holding herself back from her own happiness. All just because of a few dumb rules and some crusty old, judgy aristocrats. Why couldn't a princess be with a commoner? If that was who she truly loved, then why ever not? Of course, it wasn't that simple. But that didn't mean the rules couldn't be bent to their will. It was just a matter of making the decision and risking it all for the sake of romance. Serena would have to see Ash near enough everyday, so there was no escaping it. And there was a massive chapter coming up in their story, that could decide everything…