#;shanks

[shrapnelsong]

     It all seemed like way too much trouble. All this effort the King had been putting into trying to keep the rumors regarding her heritage from growing. Everyone knew her mother had not been a princess, nevermind that her house was one of the oldest, strongest allies to the crown. She hadn’t been royalty; therefore less worthy, leaving her a stain in the bloodline. 

But now that the current queen was with child, talks began sprouting that her mother had been even less than noble. Such curious timing... But it was not her place to notice those things. Nor the suspicious circumstances of her mother’s passing. No. Her own life was apparently in danger enough as it was. So much so that her father had arranged for her to travel across the neighboring kingdoms to strengthen diplomatic ties. She knew he had hopes of marrying her off to prince in a faraway land where his court could not reach her. But she was starting to wonder if they all wouldn’t be better off if she just... disappeared.

Alice couldn’t entertain those thoughts for too long, the sound of the doors opening signaling the arrival of the knight who would be closely accompanying her on this trip. He wasn’t from the royal guard, not even from their kingdom, but he was a man her father trusted. One with whispers surrounding him as well. Turning to face him, the princess tugged at the skirt of her gown and offered him a courteous bow. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ser..?” She had not heard his name yet, only that he had red hair and distinctive scars on his face.

@chillin-at-partys-bar​ is a pirate knight! 

[shrapnelsong]

     It was fair to say that, away from the censoring eyes of her father’s court and under the protection of a highly unusual knight, the princess’ own sense of adventure had flourished well beyond what would have been seen as proper. That was how they’d found themselves riding further and further into the lush woods, led by her curiosity regarding a number of plants she’d only seen in books before.

Guiding her horse to a clearing by a gorgeous lake, she climbed down to allow the animal a bit of rest and fresh water, she finally noticed how high the sun was up in the sky, which had her stomach promptly pointing out lunch time was approaching. She apologized to her knight for the lack of foresight in not bringing a proper ready meal, but their saddles were all packed with provisions. All they had to do was cook them.

Golden lashes fluttered quickly at the sound of the knight’s little tale, first in surprise and then in amusement. Alice couldn’t help but laugh softly at the notion of someone she’d come to learn was so incredibly skilled at a vast number of things being so inept at cooking. “Worry not, I believe my own skills will suffice.” She reassured him, voice still fluttery with laughter as she began assembling a fire to cook over.

“When I was little, my grandfather took the time to teach me to hunt, fish, and generally how to survive off the land.” Much to everyone else’s chagrin. A princess. Hunting. The court found it outrageous, but the old General had been adamant about it. “I never thought I would actually use these skills, but I’ve always been glad to know them.” 

@chillin-at-partys-bar​

[shrapnelsong]

@chillin-at-partys-bar​ || cont.

     As much as she didn’t care for them, Alice was used to these sort of parties. It was required of her to make at least a few rounds, be pleasant, show interest and favor, and ultimately be a reflection of the best attributes of her father’s kingdom. Which was tedious and tiresome. Every now and then she met someone interesting, but they were few and far between. She’d much rather walk around the town and get to know the people.

Besides, no one could even compare to how interesting her knight had shown himself to be. The more he stuttered with the formalities required around her, the more endeared she became. And she was looking forward to finishing up with the nobles and returning to his side.

Finding him standing near the balcony, the princess took a drink from one of the passing servers with a thankful nod and joined him. “You look incredibly bored, Sir Shanks.” She mused with a smile, a fluttery quality to her voice that spoke of a barely restrained chuckle. “I’m sorry about that.” 

[shrapnelsong]

     “His energy..?” There was hesitance in the princess’ voice, which painted a soft shade of pink across her cheeks. It sounded silly even to her own ears. “His demeanor, perhaps?” Alice attempted to better explain it, but wasn’t quite sure if she’d been successful.

“Mister Shanks is... warm and bright.” Different from all the cold and austere royals and nobles hiding behind their masks she had grown up around, faintly reminiscent of the true family she once had that was now forever out of reach. “Like sunshine...” A comforting warmth she would like to stay close to.

@chillin-at-partys-bar​ [ send a 💖 and my muse will admit something cute about yours! ]