Honor or Love (closed)

[Belvino]

The laughter permeated the hall and echoed so persistently it seemed as if there were dozens of children playing. However the voices to which those belonged to was just a boy and a girl. At the present they seemed to be engaged in a game of tag and their footsteps followed them through the hall the boy running close behind the girl. His arm was outstretched as his fingers just barely grasped on to the fabric of the girls dress. When the girl turned to look a fresh burst of giggles erupted from her lips. With that sudden stop the boy was able to reach her, but his feet slipped on the smooth floor and they both tumbled headlong into a tapestry adorning the wall.

The girl felt the fabric graze across her forehead just seconds before she remembered the wall behind it while her forehead crashed into it. The giggles were soon replaced with cries from the girl.

“What’s the matter?” The boy inquired thinking only that she was crying because he had run into her. When she turned to face him he saw the scrape on her forehead and grimaced.

“My head hurts,” the girl said while touching the tender spot.

“Here, I know what to do,” the boy leaned forward and pressed his lips against her temple just briefly.

“Gross!” the girl exclaimed and shoved the boy backwards. “What did you do that for?”

“My mother always did that for me. She said it would make it all better,” the boy said looking hurt, but shoved the girl back to make up for it, “It’s your turn.” He stood up quickly and took off again taking one last look at the girl……
**************
“Princess!”

A moan sounded from the pile of blankets a slender arm peeked beneath the covers to pull them higher up the bed.

“Princess!”

Again there was a moan and a muffled, “Please leave me be!”

“Princess! Your father has arrived and he is waiting for you! You must get up!” A sudden flash of bright light illuminated the surroundings as the curtains were withdrawn from the window. An auburn head poked above the duvet followed shortly by a pair of dark green eyes.

“He has returned from the battles?” the Princess asked pushing her blankets off her in a sudden flourish. “I suppose that means he has brought his Knights as well?”

“Yes, but I think he has something to tell you. He wanted you up and dressed so that you could break your fast with him,” the handmaiden answered while she rummaged in the wardrobe, drawing out everything that was needed. When she took out the headdress the Princess shook her head.

“It has been too hot for that. I have enjoyed having my hair loose.” The Princess sighed softly to herself thinking of only one thing. The young man that she had not seen for so many years. For a long time she had wondered if he was even still alive, but had finally heard word when her father sent a letter back to the castle. When she turned her attention back to her handmaiden it was time to get dressed.
**************

 

[Belvino]

“Princess Alys Maria Bourneville!” The servant near the door to the main hall shouted as the young woman entered. She was clothed in a cream-colored dress with gold embroidery throughout with a heavy jeweled belt adorning her waist, the long end draping down the front of her gown. Upon her brow rested a silver coronet designed in elegantly woven patterns and crusted with green gemstones. Her long hair was left to hang in a loosely woven braid down her back.

Alys smiled as she stepped into the hall, spotting her father rising from his seat. She walked quickly to him her dress trailing behind her. Alys did not care that it was improper for her to rush. The only thing that she wanted to do was hug her father who she had not seen for some time. His arms opened for her and she rushed into them wrapping her own arms round him.

“I have missed you father.” She squeezed him a bit tighter than she anticipated and he coughed with her onslaught.

“It appears you have,” he said kissing the top of her head and laughing softly. “I have missed you as well, and I have much to tell you,” he said pushing her away to look at her at arm’s length. “You are so beautiful my daughter.”

“Thank you father,” she curtsied in front of him bowing her head just slightly. When she stood to her full height again she noticed the men standing behind her father and recognized them as his personal guardsmen. She searched their faces trying to find one that she knew, her long lost friend....

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

“You are nervous?”

Alex scowled ignoring his friends words, he dipped the razor into the water one last time cleaning it of the soap before drawing the blade across the last bit of stubble adorning his strong handsome chin. He checked himself in the small mirror in the inn making sure he got every last hair before nodding to him self and leaning back against the bed.

“I’ve seen you cut down a legion of men with a smile on your face” Tim said snorting and drinking his wine “yet the thought of her sends you all in a tizzy”

“Shut it!” Alex growled rising out of his bed and kicking his friend “She is the princess any one would be nervous about meeting her and the king” He retorted trying to believe it himself as he went over to his simple closet and pulled the wooden door open.

If only it was that simple

Alex hadn’t seen the princess in years, not since he had been a squire yet he still could recall every second of their time together with perfect clarity. Growing up as a squire in the castle was both a thrilling situation and a nerve wracking one. He wouldn’t have survived it without her friendship and the day he was forced to leave had been the most terrifying of his life. Yet he went to battle out of duty any ways with the hopes that one day he would become a high ranking knight and come back to her.

To do what though he wasn’t certain

“Princess Alys certainly has grown into a pretty woman” Tim said ignoring his friends words and munching on his cheese “and I hear the king is looking for a partner for her……” he trailed off.

“Some thing tells me it won’t be a knight” Alex said stepping out in his best armor, shined to a polish that made Tim squint a little. Alex was a striking person even without the armor tall and tan with muscles born in the battlefield. He towered over most people even without his armor and when he put it on he easily gained another couple of inches. The armor was a gift from the king himself for defending him in the last battle during the marauder attack. The savages would have killed the king if it weren’t for him and his quick thinking, the king was a very kind man and Alex had been rewarded with the second highest rank you could be given and a offer on his war council.

Alex didn’t want the war council seat though; he wanted to be The Royal Protector to the princess. He was tired of the war, tired of fighting people over and over again. He wanted to live in peace with the princess be a friend to her again and maybe…… Well maybe more.

“Are you not coming then?” Alex asked raising an eyebrow at his friend “you were invited as my guest”

Tim scoffed and shook his head nodding at the prostitutes declaring their wares outside of the inn

“I have more important people to see then kings and princesses go on”

………………………….

Alex felt the carriage come to a stop and he got out thanking the driver and paying him handsomely. The man thanked him and left leaving Alex in front of the large castle he had once called home. It hadn’t changed a bit since he last saw it, the stones were still the same color they had always been and each of the crystal windows shone softly as the groundskeepers tended to them. It was like he had never left the place or that it had frozen in time the minute he had.

He walked through the halls expecting to be a stranger, but to his surprise he wasn’t. Most of the old staff still remained and even though he had grown they recognized him and immediately began hugging him and making fun of him. Alex loved each and every one of them and considered them part of his extended family. He made sure he gave every one a hug before turning thanking them as politely as he could and hurrying towards the throne room.

He saw every one gathered and winced realizing he was the last one to show up, he ignored the kings amused eyes and pulled his helmet on falling into his place among the guardsman and waiting.

Waiting for her

When she finally came in he resisted the urge to gasp or stare. She had grown as well since they last laid eyes on each other into a beautiful woman who captured his every last nerve. He felt his heart swell inside of his chest and he straightened watching her and her father talk and keeping his eyes locked forward as protocol dictated.

Even though every thing in him screamed to gaze at her

He watched out of the corner of his eyes as she searched for him, Alex couldn’t help but wait his entire body on fire as her eyes finally slid onto his. He looked into her eyes and he felt himself falling falling and falling……

In love

His only thought was uh oh

 

[Belvino]

It seemed to take Alys an eternity to study every face before her until finally a flicker of recognition crossed before her gaze. He looked so different she almost passed over him, but then there were those familiar eyes that stared into her and she knew. Her heart fluttered in her chest and she suppressed a smile before returning her gaze back to her father.

“How were the battles? Did you force the enemy back?” she asked her father as he held her hands in his own.

“They were fine my dear. We did manage to make them surrender, but both sides have lost many lives,” he paused his eyes seeming to go unfocused for just a moment, “I would have lost mine own life if it were not for Sir Alex.” The King turned and gestured for his Knight to come forward. “I have made him my guardsmen now and I know he will serve me well,” the King beamed proudly.

Alys gasped upon hearing of her father’s close call, having not known this detail before. When Alex moved forward she bowed her head to him, “Thank you dear Sir for keeping my father safe,” she said looking up into his eyes once again, thinking of the memory she had dreamed this morning. It made her sentimental all at once, and yet she realized how much both of them had grown since then. He probably did not want much to do with her and she imagined that he had some slattern waiting for him.

The King interrupted there gaze by clearing his throat as he smiled at the two, “Please lets break our fast. I would like Alex to join us as well. We have some things to discuss.” The King crooked out his elbow towards his daughter and waited for her to take his arm. When she did Alys glanced over her shoulder briefly before turning her gaze forward.

They strode through the halls together, Alex close behind and the rest of the guardsmen following. The King led his daughter to the main dining hall, escorting her to a seat at the large banquet table. He took one at the end of the table near her gesturing for Alex to sit across from Alys. “Now Alys, there is an important matter I have to discuss with you regarding your betrothal.”

The King paused for a moment as servants bustled in and placed dishes of roast ham, apples, fresh bread, boiled eggs and many others on the table. They waited for him to make his selections before turning to the Princess and finally to Alex. “The Queen and I have arranged a marriage for you with Prince Dorian of Esterwhile.”

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

He started to speak to tell her that it was his honor to defend the king. He was a knight trained and forged in battle but his loyalty to the King who had acted as a father to him as a squire was some thing he had always had, the father he had never had nor ever imagined. His loyalty to him was unquestionable as sure in his body as his beating heart, he would take a bullet for him follow any order he was given if needed not because it was his duty or he had swore and oath but simply because this man was every thing to him just as much as his princess was.

Oh his princess…..

Alex followed them trying to banish her from his thoughts and not succeeding, he knew he would have some feelings for her but he had never expected to be so…. Smitten. It was like she was a flaming sun or some other burning inferno that had captured his heart so. Being around her made him feel a barrage of emotions both simple and confusing, he had wanted to be her guardsman but now the thought of being by her with these feelings made him nervous. What if he couldn’t control himself? What if he dishonored himself?

What if he began lusting after her?

He banished the thought away and squared his shoulders drawing upon his resolve and clutching it like a drowning man would clutch a piece of driftwood. He would not succumb to his emotions! He would remain in control!

Or else he would perish

They finally reached the main dining hall and he waited for the rest of the royal family to sit down, his king gestured for him to sit down next to Alys and he gave her a kind smile trying to resist the urge to run out of the dining hall screaming. Instead he sat pulling his helmet off and running a hand through his black hair as he sat down next to her. The scent of her reached him and he tightened his fist maintaining his control and waiting until the king began speaking to make his own selections.

His words shocked Alex and his eyes grew wide looking at Alys before back at the king.

“My King” Alex said clearing his throat “Esterwhile is our enemy and prince Dorian is the head of the barbarian army” he stated looking at Alys and shaking his head “We have all heard his reputation on the battle field and I shudder to think of what he might do to the princess or a peace between the brute he craves war to much for his own good” He said his words coming out in a rush as he forgot who he was speaking to for a minute.

 

[Belvino]

Alys was just about to take a bite of her ham when her father’s words reached her. Her fork slipped from her hands and crashed to her plate. She did nothing but stare at it seeming confused that she had lost control of it. Shock settled within her and she was unable to speak.

On no please she thought to herself feeling her stomach turn in protest. Just about when she felt like she was going to be sick at the table Alex spoke up next to her and she directed her gaze at him. He seemed equally horrified and the fact that he had spoken against her father had not crossed her mind until she heard the gasp of a servant nearby. This startled her and she cringed, waiting for her father to speak.

The King’s jaw worked as he glared at Alex for speaking against him, “I have invited you to my table, but you are still just my Knight. Do not dare to think that I have given you permission to council me.” The King glanced over at his daughter and offered her a weak smile, “You must understand that this is for peace. Prince Dorian has agreed to the surrender and ensuing peace on the condition that he has your hand in marriage.”

Alys shook her head, feeling her coronet shift as she did so, “You cannot do this father. Alex is right. The Esterwhileans are our enemies, you yourself have fought against Prince Dorian’s forces for many years. How can you give me to the very man you hate?”

“Damnit Alys!” The King shouted slamming his fists on the table, “You are going to do this. Our people have suffered too long and we have lost too many men. If we can get this chance at peace I will no longer hesitate to take it, no matter the cost!” The King pressed his hands to his face and rubbed at the tension building in his forehead. In all truth he wanted this no more than his daughter, but his country needed peace. “I have brought Alex here today to inform you both at the same time. I intend for Alex to be your escort to Esterwhile. He is to protect you in your travels and will remain with you there as your personal guard. I trust the Prince no more than a rat in the kitchens.”

Alys’ stomach was no more settled with her father’s “reassuring” words. Although the prospect of having Alex for her guard was certainly appealing, the shadow of her betrothal to the Prince hung over that delight. “I am sorry father, but I need to be excused.” The King nodded and she stood quicky, grabbing on to the back of the chair when a wave of dizziness washed over her. She strode swiftly from the hall refusing to look back at Alex or her father. She needed to get some air as soon as possible and found her feet carrying her to the grounds outside. There she stopped at the edge of the gardens her fingers trailing over the flowers, but not really absorbing their beauty while her mind was so focused on the events of the morning.

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

Alex continued to stand trying to force the shame back; he had talked back against his king shamed himself and his family by uttering his protest. He may have been a high-ranking knight but he was still just a KNIGHT not a commander and certainly not a member of his council. He knew better than to speak up like that to try and tell a king what to do.

Yet he had to try

Because he had been on the battlefield enough, knew Prince Dorian as the beast he was. The barbarians he commanded both feared and respected and the thought of disobeying him was enough to make a Esterwhilean resist even the most extreme torture devices. There was no way this man would make a good husband to the princess and there was no way she would be happy in Esterwhile.

But there was nothing he could do about it

“I will go speak with her” Alex said grabbing his helmet and bowing “then I will submit my self to my commander for the punishment for speaking against the king” he said stiffly trying to force himself to be polite as possible. His entire body screamed at him to kick and scream to make a big fuss about this until the king gave in and said the marriage wasn’t going to happen. Instead he turned following the princess out of the dining hall and into the gardens.

She was playing with the flowers and Alex felt his heart stop once again, by the gods she was beautiful. A radiant flower amongst the other flowers in the garden. He felt his entire body screaming to go take her into his arms and kiss her until all her fears went away.

But he couldn’t

“The flowers look lovely” Alex said coming up behind her and looking around “ I remember when Ms. Elise tried to teach us how to grow them the way she did and we both just ended up wrestling in the dirt until she sent us away she got so angry at us she refused to talk to us for a week so we planted her a special flower” Alex said frowning before smiling “that flower right there” he said pointing at the one nestled in the middle.

 

[Belvino]

Alys could hear footsteps behind her and then felt the presence of the man looming over her. She turned just as he commented on the flowers and a soft smile crept across her features. “I remember you throwing large clumps of dirt at me. Ms. Elise was so furious that she had told father and I was forced to write lines for a week, but she felt bad after we gave her the new flower so she let me come back and help her take care of it.”

Alys glanced at the flower that was so mismatched among the others but had survived and grown rather large. This brought her attention back to the horrible events of the morning and she frowned looking away from the flower. She lifted her gaze to match Alex who had grown just like the flower. “You are so different I almost did not recognize you.”

Alys felt the urge to reach out to Alex, but instead focused on studying his face instead. His boyish features had been replaced with a man’s and there seemed to be so much history behind them. He had grown taller, and his wiry figure had grown into a lean muscular one. She noticed the difference in his arms and wondered if it had been from use of the greatsword. “I cannot believe how long it has been since I have last seen you. For a long while I was worried that you had died in battle.”

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

“And you have grown as well” Alex whispered trying not to make his voice sound to husky or betray what he really though of her new maturity. He was trained in discipline yet it took all his strength to draw upon that training as he gazed upon his princess’s beauty.

Of course soon she would be some one else’s princess

“I am sorry to have worried you” Alex said smiling slightly “I wished to write to you but it would not have been very right of me to, that and the battles I waged were far away over the great border it was only sheer luck that I was by your fathers side on that faithful say” he mused scratching his jaw and looking out at the flowers.

“This marriage” he said wincing at the word “I won’t try to hide it from you Alys but it is very worrisome, I have heard the tales of the Prince’s bestial side and I fear giving him you in any form I wish I could convince your father not to do this but I can’t” he said looking down sadly “I am sorry Alys”

 

[Belvino]

I wished to write to you but it would not have been very right of me to, he said.

His words concern her, and she begins to wonder if her fears from earlier were true. Perhaps he was no longer interested in maintaining their friendship and truly had found a lady to entertain him. The thought made her swallow back the emotions that threatened to spill out and she let her hands curl at her sides forcing her gaze away from him.

“Why would you say such a thing. We have been friends since we were small children playing in the castle, but as soon as you leave you decide that it is not right for me to know if you are still living?” She was still not looking at him pretending to be interested in the flowers, but he brought her focus back to the reality of her betrothal.

For a long while she was silent considering all he said and then finally she turned to him, “I am aware of only so much that he is our enemy. The fact that my father will give me to him in hopes for peace only shows his dedication to his people, OUR people.”

“These are my people too, and equally I must be dedicated. Although it pains me to think of what I must do, I know it is my duty as Princess to this kingdom. If I can be a part in the peace we need then so be it!” She sighed and gave him a weak smile, boldly taking his hand in her own before she spoke again, “Besides you will be my guard, my protector. Does that not ease your fears?”

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

She held his hand, and Alex felt a love so powerful course through his body that he had to resist the urge to choke back a gasp. There was no way he could feel that……. No way he could be this in love with his childhood friend. They knew each other since they were toddlers, wrecked havoc in the halls that made them fearsome. Yet here he was standing with her in a garden trying to resist the urge to take her in his arms and……

“I did not mean to cause offense,” Alex said holding her hand and giving it a light squeeze “what I meant to say was that I did not know how your father would approve of me sending you letters he is like a father to me but in the end he is my king and some boundaries he might even warn me against” he reminded her smirking a little and bringing her hand up to his lips brushing them against her smooth hand before letting it drop from his.

He turned back to look at the flowers and sighed looking up at the sky and watching the sun “I will be your guard but when we get there I can not guard you from your husband and some thing tells me your new husband to be will not be the type to allow a foreigner to guide his latest prize” He said before rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

“I wonder where my place will be in this new world of peace” He murmured to himself running a hand through his hair “I am a warrior bred for war but with out a war I suddenly find my self lacking a profession don’t get me wrong I welcome peace…. But for a solider like me there is not much work to be done in it” He admitted

 

[Belvino]

Staring into his eyes made her nervous, and a ball of anxiety settled in her stomach. She could not fathom the reason why she was having this reaction. She was so comfortable in his presence, always had been but now …. she thought that perhaps she was no longer just seeing him for the friend he had been. As a young, grown man he had developed the looks of someone who could send her heart a flutter and knees weak. She knew then that her emotions had crossed into very dangerous territory.

“It was no big off-“ she said her words catching in her throat just as her lungs stopped inhaling air. His lips had pressed against her skin and left behind only a burning fire. She smiled slowly trying to adjust to everything. Her cheeks blushed a beautiful rosy pink and she looked away, not wanting him to see how flustered he had made her.

This could not be happening. He was only a Knight and she knew that he was not born of exceptionally high noble birth. Regardless, her father had already had his heart set on selling her off for peace with the enemy. She looked back at him with his warning and realized how worried he was. It showed in his face, and this warmed her heart.

“Please, do not worry so much about me. I know a bit to protect myself if need be,” she said listening quietly as he spoke of his woes about war. “Certainly you are not lacking for a profession for as my guard you would protect me from all manner of dangerous men? Or do you think that I am not a woman to be considered for a ravaging?” She laughed heartily at that knowing full well that the question would make him uncomfortable, but she did not regret it.

“I am sorry that the offer may not be as exciting, but you should have hope. You may never know what will happen in the future. The world is such a volatile place anyhow,” she shrugged trying to ease his worries.

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

“Like I said before princess” Alex said turning back to her and giving her a slight smile “I will not be your protector forever” he said looking at her sadly. In truth there was more to his sadness then the thought of peace, he knew the king had some thing in his sleeve for peace and that was why he returned from the battlefield. Alex had welcomed the peace at first in the hopes that it meant he could be the princess’s lord protector, in doing so he would have stayed with her throughout her life and they could have been friends for as long as they wished.

Know she was to be carted off to some far away, given to some man who didn’t even know what he was about to posses much less deserve it. Alex was never one to have a temper but he had to clench his fist to stop the rage coursing through his body. How dare he take her! How dare he take her from him!

Him

Alex knew that this was what it was truly about he wanted to claim some sort of ownership on the princess make her his in some way. Yet he couldn’t and worse those feelings were basically treason. Yes he was a high ranking knight and a noble man by a technicality but his mother was a tavern wench and his father was dead before he had even stood for the first time. He had earned himself enough honor in the battlefield and the military for it to not matter any more but if he even looked at the princess in that way he would immediately become a bastard again in the eyes of his fellow soldiers.

“If any thing you are to much of a woman princess” Alex said rolling his eyes and smiling at her “You are beautiful captivating and alluring and you have the innocence of some one….. With lesser experience” He said not calling her a virgin (even though they both could guess she was) “Any brute would love to claim you because of beauty alone entire armies of men would kill to also claim your inexperienced” he reminded her.

 

[Belvino]

His compliment brought a fresh glow to her cheeks and she laughed softly, shaking her head. “You are quite the charmer! I don’t recall you being this way when we were young, but I do appreciate your kind words.”

“If only my maidenhead was not worth a kingdom..” Alys trailed off letting the thought hang in the air as she watched him a small smile on her features. “I have been wanting to go for a ride. Would you care to join me?”

Alys did not really wait for his response and simply took his arm, expecting him to lead the way to the stables. They walked slowly their bodies so close to each other that she could feel his warmth radiating from his clothes. The feeling brought thoughts of him without his clothes, her soft fingers tracing the hard lines of his muscles. She blushed a deep scarlet, blinking back her thoughts. Where did that come from she asked herself while glancing at him from the corner of her eyes.

It did not take them long to reach the stables and when they arrived one of the young stable boys came out to greet them. “Are you wanting to ride, your highness?” the boy asked his gaze turning to Alex as he studied him with curiosity.

“Yes, please ready my horse, and prepare a mount for Sir Alex,” she said watching the boy turn and run back towards the stables. When he returned he lead a beautiful white gelding adorned in the royal tack and colors, behind him followed a darker gelding led by another stable boy.

Alys released Alex’s arm at the last possible moment and strode forwards to her horse. She mounted swiftly adjusting her dress so that her legs did not show and it did not drag along the ground. She was not exactly wearing appropriate clothing for a ride, but did not care to change.

Alys pressed her heels into her mount while she squeezed him between her thighs looking back briefly to see Alex just mounting his. She laughed and leaned forward a bit, her long braid bouncing against her back and just touching her horse’s rump as they raced across the ground. “You have gotten slow in your age,” she yelled back at him completly ignoring all decorum.

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

So he had gotten slow?

Alex smiled, it was just like the old days just like when they were children, back then they had been merely children and not a princess and a knight. When they were children they did whatever they wanted with no fear of their status or their nobility. They were closer than brother and sister and every one knew that they were never far apart. Of course things were different now….. but the minute she took off Alex couldn’t help but feel a rush of nostalgia course through his body.

“All right” Alex said shifting his position on the horse and scratching’s its neck “I know your don’t know me but lets try and see if we cant give the princess a run for her money” he said before urging the horse on after her.

The horse wasn’t the fastest but he had a fair bit of endurance, which Alex pressed and used to his advantage. Soon they were thundering down the packed dirt path kicking up dirt as they both raced neck and neck. Alex turned to her and winked before gaining a little and leading her down a familiar dirt path. It was one that was rarely used any more but one they both had a great deal of memories in.

Alex led her to a seemingly grassy wall and pushed through it parting the vines like curtain. He gently tightened the reigns and guided his mount to a stop on the soft grassy floor. Their “Secret” place was just as it had been the last time they were here, the small bed of flowers were growing brightly and the small lake that hung on the far side was as clear as a mirror. It was a place they had found as kids when her horse went out of control and they had never told any one about it, instead they went all the time disappearing for hours together inside of the quite paradise.

 

[Belvino]

The exhilarating rush of air took her breath away. She did not look back to see if Alex was beginning to catch up, but she did not need to. She heard him and his gelding the hoof beats pounding the earth behind her. Alys closed her eyes and leaned forward clutching the reins tightly in her hands. She felt the horse beneath her each muscle moving with an elegant grace. Her own body responded in kind as she became attuned to the animal. She squeezed her thighs together and felt the surge of energy between her legs.

The gelding’s hooves picked a different tempo, and she opened her eyes in time to see that Alex was right next to her. She smiled at him, but he had gained the distance between them, and was now starting to pull ahead. A short burst of laughter escaped from her and she shook her head in amazement. Ahead they seemed to be running towards a great green wall, but Alys knew better. She lowered her head against the Gelding’s neck preparing to crash straight through that green wall. The horse did not falter and rushed through the shrubbery emerging upon the quiet little paradise they had known for so long. Alys circled her mount around Alex until the gelding slowed to a speed she could dismount. She led the horse to a tree and lashed the reins over a branch checking to make sure that her circlet was still safely resting on her head.

Alys turned around in time to see that Alex was dismounting, but she did not immediately go to him. Instead she strode over to the edge of the lake, and carefully lifted her dress and underthings. She kicked off her boots so she could dip a toe in the water. The chill shocked her and she shrieked deciding to brave the sudden cold anyway. She waded into it about knee deep before she glanced back at Alex.

“You know, I visited here just about every day while you were gone. It helped sometimes…” Alys trailed off and looked away her gaze focused instead on the little waves that lapped at her legs. “I can’t believe we are back here now, together after all this time. I thought you would have forgotten about this.”

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

“How could I ever forget about this place” he said shaking his head and looking around the clearing. The memories were coming back to him even as he spoke filling his head with a simpler and happier time in his life. He had so many fond and happy memories of this place that he didn’t even know where to begin.

“I still remember the first time we found this place” he said softly “you and I were racing and trying to hide from the nanny but you got to cocky and drove the horse straight into the trees I thought you were going to get hurt but instead you disappeared I followed you and we found this place and spent all day exploring it then after wards we decided to keep it as our secret and no one ever found out about it”

He smiled at her “your going to ruin your pretty dress in the water” he remarked shaking his head slightly “do you want to take it off and wear my shirt?”

 

[Belvino]

Alys smiled and looked up at Alex noticing that he seemed to be lost on the history of this place. She could see the look in his eyes as old memories flooded back, and it gave her some hope. She had thought she lost him to the war, to other women, but the way he spoke so tenderly of things that they shared together was something else. Alys knew that somewhere inside all the hard exterior he had developed he was still the young man she had fallen in love with.

I still remember the first time we found this place…

He was looking at her as he brought back that day from so long ago. Alex described it like it had happened yesterday and not many years before. She smiled again, and moved a little closer to the shore holding her dress in hand.

“You remember much,” she said walking to the edge of the water as it lapped around her ankles. She kicked at the waves sending up a spray of water that disturbed the mirror-like effect of the lake.

You’re going to ruin your pretty dress in the water. Do you want to take it off and wear my shirt?

Alys tilted her head to the side and tried to see if Alex was serious. He was watching her, but his face did not betray his emotions so she stepped out of the water and let her dress drop to the ground as she strode towards him. Her bare feet sunk into the soft grass, and her dress trailed behind her before she stopped just inches from him.

“You have certainly grown quite forward. I am surprised my father trusts you enough to leave you alone with me,” Alys laughed softly as she pressed her hand against Alex’s chest. Her fingers stroked against the fabric wondering what he would feel like without the covering. She knew that she was being forward herself, but she couldn’t help it. Things were so much different now.

“Do you want me to take it off?” she questioned him, one brow slightly raised while she studied his face.

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

He was treading into dangerous territory

So was she (technically) but then again he was a knight and she was a princess. She could afford to be flirty like this she wouldn’t get in trouble for it. Alex knew she wasn’t doing….. Whatever it was she was doing because she wanted to get him in trouble but that didn’t make it any truer. They were best friends had been best friends for years. If he acted on his feelings he could lose her forever.

And she was a PRINCESS

“I uh” Alex said looking into her eyes and fighting every urge to kiss her “I do your dress is to pretty to get ruined in the water” he said before gently taking her hand off of his chest. He turned and grabbed his tunic pulling it off. He revealed his tanned back to her, hardened and bronzed from long hours practicing during his training there were some bruises but nothing to serious but it gave his back a dangerous sexy look.

“Here Alys” Alex said handing her his short still keeping his back to her so she could get out of her dress.

 

[Belvino]

Alys was too distracted by the sight of Alex’s naked back to see that he was waving his shirt at her. He was all hard lines and muscle, and there were only a few scars and old bruises fading away. She wanted so much to come to him, but instead reached absentmindedly for his shirt. She held the fabric in her hands for a moment studying the embroidery that had been worked into the edges, and the royal sigil sewn into the breast. It marked Alex as a Knight of the household. Someone untouchable for her especially now that she was betrothed to the enemy.

With a sigh Alys worked at the laces on her dress and eventually got the fabric loose enough to slip down past her shoulders, and hips. The fabric pooled at her feet and she discarded her chemise and underthings as well. She could not very well come back to the castle soaking wet. Her father would disapprove, and would question where she had been, and why. A mischievous smile spread across her lips as she looked back at Alex. She tossed his shirt in the air and it fell on his head.

Alys took off running towards the lake, ripping her jeweled circlet off her head in time to throw it into the grass. With a splash, and a cackle of laughter she disappeared beneath the water swimming as far as her breath could take her. She reemerged somewhere in the middle of the lake tilting her head back so she could look up at the sky. In the distance she could hear Alex calling out to her in confusion.

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

Oh god

She was naked

Alex should have known she would have pulled a stunt like this. She had always been rebellious at best. The rules meant nothing to her for the most part and she preferred breaking them as often as possible. Of course Alex had always bended to her schemes more eager to make her happy then to not get into trouble. Of course he probably should have cared more after all he had more to lose if they got in trouble.

But he loved her to much to stifle her spirit

“I don’t think this is wise!” Alex called going over to the water not bothering to put back on his shirt, he knew where this was going and even though he was trying to resist he could already feel himself starting to imagine joining her.

“Skinny dipping is not wise for a princess” He joked watching her “Especially around a knight” he murmured to himself.

 

[Belvino]

Skinny dipping is not wise for a princess

Alys had not heard the rest of what Alex had said, but already her head was raised from the water and she was looking at him.

“When did you become such a responsible man? I seem to remember you starting the mischief just as much as me when we were younger,” she said as she swam closer to him and eventually reached the point where she could touch the sandy bottom of the lake.

She raised her hands in the water and quickly sent a wave towards Alex. She could see that his boots took the brunt of the impact and chuckled as she quickly spun away from him. She dove beneath the water and kicked back knowing that the water probably had gone back to splash him again. Her hair trailed behind her whipping like a snake beneath the water. She resurfaced some time later her breath coming out hard and fast. She had been beneath the water a little too long she turned back to Alex and smiled as she spotted him still on the beach.

“Come! This may be the last time I am to have any fun before I get married,” Alys said. She closed her eyes and floated just a moment, lazily treading water to keep her head above the waves.

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

“I really shouldn’t” he murmured to himself. He was already up however pulling his pants down while she had her eyes turned. There was a part of his mind that screamed to him not to do this. Skinny-dipping with a princess? He couldn’t be so dumb. Yet here he was pulling his boots off and wading into the water. Part of it was that he wanted to prove he was still mischievous. She had always been able to get him to do some thing by teasing him. There was just some thing about her that caused him to rile up and prove her wrong.

He waded down the sandy beach before stopping and debating about going over to her. If he did they would be very close and very naked. So far he hadn’t seen any thing yet and she knew she couldn’t but if he got to close that would all change. He was way to attracted for her to consider himself stable and if he got to close to her there was really no telling what his body would decide to do.

He finally decided to go over to the waterfall. He quickly waded and swam over to the entrance to the water fall and let the washer crass against his shoulders for a second. He finally turned and knelt against a rock stretching out on it and watching as the water dripped lazily down his pecs. He could still see the princess form where he was at but not enough to see any thing he shouldn’t.

“Enjoying your self are we?” He called to her splashing her

 

[Belvino]

Alys heard the splashing in the water before she knew that Alex had finally joined her. When she raised her head her suspicions were confirmed, and for a while she just floated in the middle of the pond watching as he swam over to the waterfall. She was admiring his form, and another heartbeat later realized that she had been staring.

Alys quickly averted her eyes and felt a blush creeping up to her cheeks. She really had gone too far this time. They were no longer the young children they had once been. If they were caught now there would be serious consequences for both, and most likely death for Alex. A splash of water caught her in the face and she looked up at him, unable to resist the giggle that escaped her. Although her thoughts had been dark a moment ago her mood quickly changed when she looked at him.

He had that effect on her. It had always been so, and even now it was still the same. She splashed water back but it was not effective. The waterfall had blocked her spray of water. She swam closer to him and felt her head become submerged beneath the water of the falls. When she remerged on the other side there was a slight indent in the stone that allowed them to be mostly shielded from the falls, and the eyes of anyone that stood on the shoreline.

Although Alys knew they were alone she still looked through the haze of water to the shore in order to soothe her nerves. Her gaze flicked back to Alex shortly after and she smiled.

“Did I mention how much I have missed you?”

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

Oh god

Alex didn’t know why but for some reason he hadn’t expected her to follow him. Of course in retrospect he didn’t know why she wouldn’t, she was brash and headstrong if any one was going to follow him regardless of the consequences it was she. Of course SHE wouldn’t get anything more than a firm talking to while he on the other hand would get the executioners ax.

But was he really complaining?

She was naked and so was he they were alone as well. Wasn’t this what he had been dreaming of? Could he really complain about it? He loved her as more than a friend and he knew that to be sure. Even during his training he had pined for her wanted her and whispered her name far into the night. First it had been lust but then it had grown into love and now he was completely smitten.

“I missed you to” He said hesitating before reaching out with one large nimble hand he quickly found hers and took it giving it a soft squeeze even as he continued to look any where but at her nude body.

“I love you” he said not sure if he was trying to say it friendly or in a romantic way

He just knew he needed to say it