The Queen and The Knight

The King

*Queens pov*

I kept a steady pace as I walked to the dining hall. Eric stayed close behind me but not too close. It was nice to finally see his eyes and features. He had beautiful blue eyes, slightly messy blonde hair. He's honestly quite handsome.

He kept fidgeting with his helmet. Clearly, he didn’t know what to do with it. It was like he had never taken it off before. Which I know he has because sleeping with a helmet on can’t be comfortable. I looked back at him to see that frustrated look on his face. It was really nice to know how he was feeling now.

I dismissed his frustration though, as we made it to the dining hall. I slowly pushed the door open and walked in. Eric moved to put his helmet on but I stopped him and shook my head. He gave me a slight panicked look.

“Trust me.” That's all I said before he straightened himself out. Showing false confidence instead of the panic I had seen mere seconds before. I turned my attention away from him and looked at The King.

I started making my way towards the usual chair I sat in. It was the one opposite Lucas's. Lucas always sits at the head of the table. It created a distance between us but I was fine with that. Just as I reached my seat, Lucas cleared his throat, making me look at him.

“Ari, come sit next to me.” He signaled at the chair beside him. I hesitated, since when did he want to be so close to me? I made my way over to him and a servant moved the chair out. I sat down before adjusting my dress.

Eric stood in a spot where he could see me clearly. I noticed him fidgeting with his helmet outside of the corner of my eye. It made me smile. I then saw Lucas glance at Eric before he gave me his full attention.

“How has the knight been treating you, My Queen?” My smile faltered at his question. I looked at him and took a deep breath.

“He has been great company. He has been given my schedule and I have set many rules and boundaries for him.” I stated firmly.

“Well, that is good. I have some rules of my own for knight. Just extra precaution since he is guarding my wife.”

“I thought you would want to set some rules. Maybe we can discuss them after dinner.”

“Yes, yes, it could be one of the many things we discuss after dinner.” He looked me up and down. It made me feel uncomfortable. “You didn’t forget about the walk afterward, now did you, Ari?” I shook my head.

“No, I remembered that you had mentioned it in the war room.” I looked around the room nervously as the King seemed to move closer to me.

Luckily, as I looked to my right, I noticed the servants carrying in the food. I started eating as soon as they placed the food in front of us. I made sure I didn’t give Lucas a chance to talk with me throughout the entire dinner. Eventually, I could no longer stuff my face and he was clearly running out of patience.

“You ate like you haven’t had food in weeks.” Lucas stated a bit harshly.

“I’m sorry, It's been a long day after all. I haven’t been able to take a break. Especially not after finding out about the threats and being assigned my personal guard.” I glanced at Eric, who looked oddly uncomfortable.

“Well, since dinner is over. We can discuss the rules I have for the knight, then we can go for a stroll.” He looked at Eric. “Come sit Knight.” Lucas signaled at the chair across from mine.

I watched as Eric looked at me before walking around and sitting in the chair besides Lucas. He gently sat his helmet to the right of him on the table. Once he was settled, Lucas started to state his own rules for Eric.

“1. You will not go into Ari’s room unless I say so or unless she is in grave danger. 2. You will listen to everything she or I tell you to do. 3. You will only address her as my queen or my lady in my presence. 4. When you are not watching her, you are resting or eating. As soon as you are done doing those things, you will report back to her immediately. 5. Unless I give you direct orders to leave her side, you shouldn’t leave her side. 6. Do not share anything about her with anyone besides me.” He paused as he was clearly thinking. “For now, that is all I have for you. Do you understand?”

“Yes sir.” Eric nodded before standing.

“Good.” Lucas stood up as well. He moved over to me and gently pulled out my chair. I rose to my feet right as Lucas offered me his arm. I gently locked our arms.

We left the dining hall. Lucas and I had our arms linked and I could hear Eric following us closely behind. We made our way through the halls until we reached the door that led to the garden. At the door stood two guards that moved to open the doors as soon as we approached. As we exited the castle, I could see the stars and the flowers that were in full bloom this time of year.

“This place is so beautiful,” I said as a smile spread across my face.

“Not as beautiful as you, dear.” Lucas complimented me and I quickly looked up at him. Why was he being so nice? Why did he want to be so close to me at dinner? This all felt so odd. I spent 2 months of this marriage dealing with him barely looking my way. Why now was he wanting to be kind and close?

“Thank you, Lucas.” He smiled at me, it stunned me. I genuinely didn’t know how to react to this man smiling at me.

We walked a bit further into the garden to find a beautiful bench. Lucas signaled for me to sit, so I did.

“Ari?” Lucas sat next to me.

“Yes?” I gave him a curious look and he seemed to be getting nervous.

“We have to discuss the matter of…” He cleared his throat. “Making an heir.”

I coughed as if I had started choking on water as he said that. Even though I hadn’t touched a drop of water since we were sitting at the dinner table. He really wanted to talk about this now! I looked towards Eric, who was a few feet away from me. I think I had a panicked look on my face. Though the look on his face was no better. Anyone could tell that he was very uncomfortable. I mean who wouldn’t be after hearing that? I finally looked back at Lucas and took a deep breath in an attempt to calm myself down.

“I knew that would come up, but so soon?” I stuttered for a moment once I started to reply.

“I’m sorry for springing this on you, but if I don’t produce an heir it could be bad.” He took a deep breath and I tensed up. “I fear that war is approaching quickly. I want to fight alongside my men, but I want to be sure that I will have a successor before I risk my life.” I looked at him stunned.

“I don’t know what to say to that.” He nodded at my response, then stood up.

“I will give you time to think about it.” He offered me his hand. “I do want us to try soon, Arianna.” I put my hand in his and stood up.

“I will think about it.” He linked our arms.

“Let me walk you back to your room.”

“Of course, Lucas.” I mustered a small smile.

We walked out of the garden, down the great halls of the castle, and approached my door. My mind was racing. I couldn't get my thoughts straight. As we came to a halt, Lucas let go of my arm and made me face him. He looked at me, then he looked over at Eric.

“Knight, give us a moment.” Lucas said sternly, but Eric didn’t move. He looked at me as if he was waiting for me to say it was okay. I nodded, he bowed and walked down the hall. Far enough to where he couldn’t hear us, but not so far that he couldn’t see me. Lucas looked back at me once Eric was far away.

“I am giving you time to think. I will also be getting closer to you, dear. In a week's time I want you to meet me in my bedroom after dinner.” I nodded at his comment and he got closer. He was mere inches away from my face. He was going to kiss me but I turned my head before he could, causing him to plant a kiss on my cheek. After, he backed away with that irritated look on his face.

“Goodnight, Your highness.” I curtsied and he turned away from me. He let out a sigh then walked away.

I looked down the hall to see that Eric was walking back. Once he was beside me, I smiled. Oddly enough, he returned the smile.

“I’m sorry that you had to sit through that.” I said to him and he shook his head.

“I’m sorry that you have to deal with this, My Qu- Lady.” I smiled as he corrected his mistake.

“It's not like I have a choice. I married him after all.” I sighed, then put my hand on the doorknob. “You are allowed to wear your helmet while I’m in my room.”

“Thank you.” He smiled, which made me laugh. I shook my head as a smile lingered on my face. Before either of us could say anything, I slipped into my room and closed the door.

Today was a long day. This next week is probably going to be the longest week of my life. Luckily, having Eric made it a bit more bearable. Even if I barely knew him, I was glad to have someone.