Chapter Text
“Your royal highness, it is time to wake up.” A comforting and familiar voice echoed softly throughout your chambers, causing your eyes to flutter open reluctantly.
You hadn’t even remembered falling asleep, nevermind how you got into your own bed last night.
It had been ungodly late the night prior, and you had decided to work out all your restless energy in the royal study. You tended to do this rather frequently, so it wasn’t unusual to recall yourself getting gently awoken by a servant passing by and being guided back to your chambers.
But this morning, you couldn’t remember a single thing.
You remembered the study. The piles of work strewn across your desk as the seemingly endless stack of paper slowly dwindled with each stroke of your pen. It was a productive time, but definitely contributed to the migraine you currently felt dully throbbing against your skull.
Blinking the grogginess away, you immediately recognized the petite figure of your court lady shuffling across your bedroom, her arms stretched above her head in an attempt to turn out last night's candles. Her backside faced towards you as you forced yourself to sit up, your back gently resting against the soft headboard of your bed.
The room was neat and tidy, just like it always was. It lacked in every aspect in terms of personal embellishments, mainly due to the fact that it was probably the room you spent the least amount of time in.
Your chambers were distinguishably noble and luxurious, the closet even had its own smaller room to your left with enough space capable of housing a single citizen. Two dark gold nightstands sat on either side of the red canopy bed you had rested upon, both intricately engraved with the Zaron emblem.
As you groggily wiped the crust out of your eyes you couldn’t help but notice a faint pain shooting through your right shoulder, causing you to cringe in slight discomfort. You attempted to relieve the aching by massaging it gently, pressing and digging your fingers slightly into your nightgown covered shoulder blade.
“I was going to allow you to sleep in a little, your majesty, but we got a letter this morning about an urgent visit from a certain ambassador.” Your lady in waiting spoke softly, focused on her task of removing the heavy brown curtains to the room’s only window.
Your brow furrowed in slight concern, ambassadors typically only ever came by the kingdom once every six months, and last you recalled no one was due for a visit for at least another five weeks.
“Which ambassador? Did they state a reason for their visit?” You spoke hoarsely, the effects of just rising from sleep still incredibly evident in your voice.
The court lady yanked the curtain open with great effort, causing you to wince and involuntarily cover your eyes at the generous beam of sunlight that poured into your chambers. She turned to face you with a frown, walking over to a cart she had wheeled in that was piled high with breakfast and refreshments. Taking a pitcher from the cart, she moved beside your nightstand to refill a glass of water that stood empty from last night.
“Unfortunately the letter was incredibly vague. The Royal seal was stamped so we have no reason to doubt its authenticity, but the only thing it spoke of was an ambassador arriving today.” She spoke with a sigh, bowing slightly. “I do apologize for not having more information.”
You let out a yawn, stretching your limbs out and wincing once more when your arm prickled with pain. Giving your lady a reassuring smile, you gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
“No need to apologize Heidi, thank you for waking me and updating me on the situation. I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about.” Heidi looked up towards you with a gentle grin, nodding and moving to place your breakfast on a silver bed tray. You raise your hand slightly in protest, causing her to hesitate.
“I think I’d much rather get up and settle this situation before eating, if you can bring my food to the dining room it would be very appreciated. I’ll head there after I deal with our visitor.” You spoke calmly, throwing off your blanket and moving your legs to hang off the side of the bed. Heidi’s face flashed a look of concern but nodded slightly as she set the tray back on the cart.
“I will make arrangements for you to eat in the dining hall then. Is there anything else you’d like me to assist you with, my lady?” Heidi asked, head bowed slightly as you took a sip from the glass of water on your nightstand.
“That will be all, thank you. Please see to it that the letter is delivered to Lord Tucker, I’ll want to read it as soon as possible.” You handed the once more empty glass to Heidi who in turn placed it on the food cart.
“Of course, right away your highness.” Just as silently and quickly as she had entered, Heidi shuffled out of the room with the food cart in tow.
Taking an extra moment to circle your sore neck with a sigh, you eventually stood from the bed. With just a few long strides you made your way over to the closet, mentally preparing yourself for the day ahead.
You had established early on into your ruling that you would not allow anyone to dress you. It wasn’t the norm, for most people in power actually refused to spend any extra effort doing things they deemed as tedious. This meant that most lords and ladies got bathed, their teeth brushed, their outfits picked out, etc. by their royal servants.
In all honesty, you found the whole thing ridiculous. Whatever energy rulers and royalty spent running their kingdoms, you figured their servants worked ten times as hard. Forcing your servants to do tasks that could just as easily be done by oneself, the whole concept implied that your comfort was a higher priority than their own.
You quickly threw together an outfit consisting of your finest day shirt topped with a dark grey waistcoat, pairing it with some black trousers and a navy blue coat with the gold royal crest sewn into the right breast pocket.
Feeling satisfied, you finally exited your room to find the royal guard standing outside the door. After slightly nodding your head in acknowledgement, you both made your way down the grand hall.
“Sleeping into nearly the afternoon again my lady?” Your guard questioned, his voice remained monotone but you knew him well enough to sense a teasing edge. “One would think you could practically sleep the entire day away.”
You cracked a small smile, peering over at the taller figure walking beside you. His face was blank, empty even as his eyes focused straight down the hall.
“Perhaps I could.. in fact just the thought sounds heavenly. I’ll go ahead and assign you all my royal duties then, I’m sure you can get by as King for a day without any instruction.” The guard snorted softly at this, and you suddenly felt the ache in your shoulder throb once more. “Did you receive the ambassador's letter? I wish to read it myself.”
He took a moment to dig into his inner breast pocket to retrieve a folded piece of paper, the Royal seal broken to show that it had already been read. Without so much as making eye contact, the guard casually extended it out for you to take.
“I swear, you’re the only one who refers to me as ‘Lord Tucker’, there’s no need to be so formal.” He spoke with a slight chuckle as you grasped the letter in his stretched out hand. “I’m not used to all this fancy crap, it makes me uncomfortable.”
“Would you rather I refer to you by your given name instead?” You smirked, noticing him stiffen unconsciously. “Would that be more comfortable… Craig?”
“Y-you… you know that’s not what I meant.” Craig let out a loud cough into his fist, obviously trying to downplay his own embarrassment. “I’m a thief, a scoundrel who terrorized the town for years.. Half of the castle guards simply refer to me as ‘that thief’, Lady Heidi is just polite enough to call me Feldspar.”
“And now, you’re my personal guard. A very high ranking official among those here at the palace.” You spoke seriously, any remnant of joking gone from your tone. “You deserve respect. From me most of all, as my life is now in your hands. I will call you Lord Tucker or Craig if you’d like, but I refuse to treat you as lesser than myself.”
“You regard me too well, your majesty. I—“
“And I would rather like to know the names of these individuals within castle walls who regard you merely as ‘thief’… If you’d care to tell me I will be more than happy to get the execution chamber back up and running—“
“All right, all right. I’ll shut up now.”
You couldn’t help but giggle at that, which was imminently stifled by the pain in your shoulder acting up once more. Craig took notice of this and turned to look at you for the first time as you rolled your shoulder back, relieving some of the discomfort.
“Are you all right, your highness?” Craig spoke with worry, pointedly staring as your left hand currently dug deeply into your shoulder blade. “Should I fetch the royal doctor?” You waved your hand dismissively.
“No need, I must’ve just fallen asleep in some god awful position last night.” Your face scrunched up as your fingers prodded a particularly painful spot. “Last I recall I was working in my study, I don’t even remember getting back to my chambers truth be told.”
“Is that why you slept in today?” You frowned with a nod.
“I had to write out some responses to our watchmen last night, apparently there’s been a severe spike in civilian deaths within Kupa Keep.” You explained passively, remembering the frantic letters from the head constable. “Rumor has it King Donovan is up to something again.” Craig’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.
“Lord Donovan? He hasn’t been a threat to the kingdom for years, what makes you think he’s involved?” Craig asked as you unfolded the royal letter in your hands, nose scrunching as you confirmed its contents.
“The constable found remnants of a green substance nearby every single victim's body, it reminded them of the very same toxic waste used in the battle for the Stick of Truth.” You read through the letter, sighing as you realized Heidi had indeed told the truth about it being incredibly vague. “It could very easily be some random criminal drumming up trouble within the Kingdom, it might not even have any connection to Donovan at all. But it never hurts to be prepared, I’ve already notified our cavalry to be on guard for possible threats.”
Craig nodded hesitantly at your words, his lips spread thin in a tight line. Folding the paper once more you handed it back to him, walking together into the long corridor that led directly to the infamous throne room.
“Just make sure to pace yourself your highness, there’s only so much you can handle on your own.” Craig uttered deeply, slowing his steps with yours as you both arrived within a few feet of the large overarching doors.
“Whether I take it one conflict at a time or all at once, I’ll see to it my duties are fulfilled just as efficiently and effectively.” You spoke proudly, turning to face the guard beside you as you both made eye contact for the first time that day. “Thank you for your concerns Lord Tucker, I will take your advice into consideration.”
Turning away once more to take a step towards the door, you felt a hand quickly yet firmly latching on to your wrist. Twirling you to bring you closer and face him, Craig narrowed his eyes downwards at you in concentration. You felt yourself inhale sharply at his surprising action, both of your faces mere inches away from each other.
“My words weren’t meant to come across as a mere suggestion, your majesty.” Craig uttered with a slightly stronger tone. His eyes scanned your face carefully, and you had to refrain from shivering as his ice blue eyes seemed to dissect you. “As our ruler, your health is of utmost importance. You must take care of yourself, the nation of Zaron depends on your well being. If you fall, we all do.”
Bringing his other hand up, Craig softly placed it along the back of your shoulder. You felt your face instinctually scrunch up in slight discomfort as he squeezed it slightly, his eyes immediately taking notice.
“I admire you for your independence, I would never try to strip that from you. But for the sake of your health I am asking, as your loyal subject and friend, to give yourself a break sometimes.” His stare returned to your face, blank as ever but somehow swimming with emotion. “Do you understand my intent, your highness?”
Taking a deep sigh, you unlatched Craig’s hand from your shoulder. Giving him a small nod, you looked into his eyes directly.
“Very well, I will have a doctor look into my shoulder pain as soon as I can. I’ll also try to refrain from visiting my study if I have trouble sleeping.”
You couldn’t help a smile that broke out as you noticed Craig release an exhale in relief. Quirking an eyebrow at him, you raised your wrist which was still being gripped tightly by Craig’s hand. Forcing him to take notice of his own action, you let out a scoff.
“However, I am still the ruler of Zaron for your information.” In an attempt to intimidate him, you stepped even closer. “Therefore if you ever try to pull a fast one like grabbing me ever again, I won’t hesitate to use my authority. I heard the dungeon prison makes for a very comfortable sleeping arrangement. Do you understand my intent? ”
Your words were full of empty threats, and Craig knew it. Rather than bowing deeply and profusely apologizing as any other subject would, his face broke out in a genuine smile.
“ Thank you for your concern my lady, ” His words echoed your own from earlier. “ I will take your advice into consideration. ”
Rolling your eyes, you finally turned and headed towards the throne room doors. Craig moved to turn the doorknob, allowing you to walk in first.
The throne room was expansive, in fact the royal seat itself was rather small in comparison to the grandiosity of the space. Large marble pillars stood tall on each side of the throne, with ebony curtains embroidered with the royal crest hanging down from the ceiling
The maroon-gold carpet covered every inch of flooring from door to door, save for the elevated platform on which the throne sat. Two rows of benches lined both sides of the room, readily available for anyone who wished to have an audience with you.
You were taken off guard to find an individual already standing in the middle of the room, his helmet removed and tucked under his left arm. He adorned a sleeveless brown tunic with an olive green cape, a belt securing both his blue trousers along with pockets that fastened his sword and weapons across his waist.
“Knight Marshwalker?” You uttered in awe, watching as he quickly turned to face you with a large grin. He immediately went down on one knee, a hand carefully crossing his chest as he spoke.
“Your Highness, it’s a pleasure to visit you again.” He looked up towards you and smiled even wider. “I do hope I haven’t caught you too off guard.”
“That would be an understatement, no one told me you had arrived. Nonetheless that you were awaiting my presence here.” You released a small smile but couldn’t help the worry prickling in the back of your mind. “Please, stand. No need for such gestures between comrades.”
Stan nodded his head and stood with your insistence. His once gleeful expression darkened slightly, boring his eyes directly into your own.
“I’m afraid that was on purpose. My presence here must be of the utmost confidentiality.” Stan released a breath as you raised a brow in questioning.
“Were you the one who sent that ambassador letter? Usually the Elven King sends someone of a lower rank, like Bard Valmer.” You narrowed your eyes, concern had coated your words. “In fact, you’re not the kind of person who typically leaves the Elf King's side..” Stan chuckled softly at this.
“Very wise and observant as always, your majesty.” A slight grin broke out once more on Stan’s face. “In fact, if I could also add, you seem to be even more beautiful than last I recall—“
“Flattery will get you nowhere, Marsh.” Craig interrupted flatly, causing both you and Stan to snicker.
“Oh Lord Tucker, it’s nice to receive compliments every now and then you know?” You brush his words off, quirking up a lip when you notice Craig roll his eyes. “Why, it wouldn’t hurt for you to suck up to me a little more either.”
“Is that an order?” Craig grumbled out, making Stan bark out a laugh.
“Of course not, I’m not that cruel.” You chuckled, giving Craig a soft pat on the back.
“I for one, would be honored to bless our stunning ruler with more compliments than she could ever ask for.” Stan wiggled his brows playfully. “Why, if you ever find yourself looking for a husband—“
“Stan!”
A loud voice broke through your playful banter, and you found your eyes widening in shock to discover the High Elf King himself entering the throne room. Walking towards the three of you in a few long strides, he huffed as Stan bowed his head slightly in apology.
“My apologies my lord, we got a little off track.” Stan grinned lopsidedly, and the King shoved his arm playfully in return.
“Yes, I could see that.” The King muttered in joking distaste. Turning to look at you, his green eyes sparkled brilliantly. The brightest smile you’d ever seen grew instantly upon his freckled face, in turn allowing a smile to grow on yours. “Your Highness Y/N, I am honored to once again be in your presence.”
The King outstretched his hand to which you daintily accepted, watching him carefully lean his head down and plant a soft kiss on the back of your palm. It was a customary and sweet greeting, causing your chest to warm.
“Elven King Kyle, it’s been so long!” You couldn’t help but allow your warm feelings to break the proper greeting etiquette, allowing your arms to fling around the man’s back in a tight embrace.
Chuckling a little, Kyle quickly reciprocated the impulsive hug, pulling back after a certain stoic guard cleared his throat loudly.
“What in the world has brought you both to my kingdom? What’s with all this secrecy?” You reminded yourself of the circumstances regarding their arrival, and in turn questioned the two men.
Stan and Kyle made eye contact with one another, both with a somber look. Kyle looked away, placing both arms behind his back as Stan spoke softly.
“We have reason to believe there is a traitor within our own kingdom.” Stan stated clearly. “An unknown individual had prepared the King's breakfast a week ago, and out of pure luck he had decided to skip breakfast due to an upset stomach. A few servants chose to split the meal amongst themselves rather than waste it, each one of them passed away shortly after.”
You raised your eyebrows in shock.
“Poison?” You questioned, Stan nodded.
“It is not the first time, after we discovered this we decided to schedule additional sparring lessons to aid the King's self-defense. Two days later, we came upon a multitude of weapons lined with similarly concocted poison in our armory. Our King had been sparring with individuals who held poison coated swords and daggers. If one small accident had occurred, our kingdom would’ve fallen with him.” Stan released a sigh, Kyle stared at his feet. “It has to be someone within castle walls that is targeting him, if not a group of people. Whoever is behind this is determined to put an end to our King, and they haven’t shown any signs of giving up any time soon.”
Your fist clenched in anger, the Elven Kingdom has been a place of prosperity and kindness for decades, mostly due to the gentle yet firm leadership of the King that stood embarrassed before you. Any individual who desired to assassinate the Elven King must crave the downfall of the entire kingdom, it would provide no benefit but to create panic and chaos.
“I see, but why is it that you’ve chosen to come here?” You questioned, still confused as to the nature of their visit.
“Asylum. For the King.” Stan stated. Your eyes widened. “It’s not safe at our castle anymore. The assassination attempts are becoming more and more dangerous, it’s at a point where he must be monitored 24/7. Typically it would be fine and we’d simply triple the security, but we can’t even trust our own palace guards to watch over him right now.”
You nodded in understanding, feeling nothing but pity for the kind King who refused to look your way. Being torn away from his kingdom, forced to seek refuge nearby when all he wants to do is lead his citizens. It was clever of Stan to sneak him away, but if Craig were to do something similar you weren’t quite sure you’d allow it.
“We’d like to ask if you’d be willing to shelter our King for a week or so, at least long enough to find whoever is responsible for these acts of treason.” Stan bowed deeply, and Kyle finally raised his eyes to bore them into your own.
“I am.. so sincerely sorry for burdening you, your majesty.” Kyle then suddenly went down on one knee, placing a hand on the ground to steady himself.
You glanced over towards Craig, a look of sympathy and surprise etched on his typically stoic features. Feeling nothing short of pure concern, you placed a light hand on the King's shoulder.
“Apologies aren’t necessary at all, my dear King Kyle. Please rise, you as well, Knight Marshwalker.” They both stood straight, Kyle dusting his knees as he rose. “It would be an honor to house the High Elf King in our Kingdom for as long as he so desires. You have my oath that your presence here will be of the utmost secrecy within palace walls. You shall have every privilege and wish granted as if this were your own castle.”
Kyle began to shake his head profusely, eyes softening but a small smile of appreciation forming on his lips.
“You are very generous, Your Highness. But please, there is no need to treat me any greater than you would a typical guest—“
“You are not just a guest, you are King of the Elven Kingdom. You will be treated as such within my own.” You assured him, refusing to let him utter a single word of protest. “If I may ask however, who will be taking over your duties while you reside here?”
“I shall.” Stan grinned triumphantly. Kyle muttered to himself anxiously, obviously discomforted by the idea. “It took a lot of convincing and assuring on my end, but seeing as how I spend the most time with the King sitting through his meetings and helping with paperwork, it’s only fitting that I’m the one to take over in his absence.”
You nodded with a smile, turning to Craig once more.
“You see, Lord Tucker? You’re more than fit to take care of my duties for a single day.” You teased lightly. “Maybe I should spend a whole day catching up on my sleep.. You are the one who told me to give myself a break…”
“Suddenly an assassination attempt doesn’t sound like such a crazy idea.” Craig spoke bluntly, causing the three of us to chuckle lightly.
“Thank you once more for your understanding and hospitality, your majesty.” Stan smiled, obviously fighting an urge to bow. “We will forever be in your debt.
“Nonsense, it’s my pleasure.” You said with a grin. Turning to Kyle, you took a step closer as you noticed a tinge of red blooming on his cheeks.
Reaching out your hand to shake his, he looked down at this and you noticed decisiveness take root in his eyes. He brought his hand downward to accept, but rather than let it sit idly he pulled you into his arms for yet another embrace. After overcoming the initial surprise, you relaxed into his warm arms and patted his back softly.
“Thank you… Thank you very much, Y/N…” Kyle all but whispered into your ear, causing your heart to thump. He was the only one allowed to call you by given name, the only person you explicitly gave permission to, all those years ago during the fight for the stick.
“Of course, Kyle..” You whispered back, pulling away gently to put some distance between you both.
“Welcome to our Kingdom, High Elven King. It is a pleasure to have you.”