summary: the 'Mad Dog' just won't leave his owner alone.
a/n: i love him so i wrote a 1.2k word continuation😛
[part 1] [part 2] [part 3]
You weren't exactly running away from the huge estate or from him. You simply... needed some fresh air. After finishing all the books in his desolate library, you were longing for some entertainment in the too quiet mansion. Even the palace wasn't as boring as this.
This was it. You studied the routines of all the staff, noted down the possible escape routes, everything. You even thought of backup-backup plans for your backup plans.
All you wanted to accomplish was to travel to the neighbouring town, stay at a random inn, visit the bookshop, and wonder around the market for some new things to experiment with. If any of your 23 plans were executed correctly, you would be back in Sir Isaiah's estate by the next afternoon, with him none the wiser.
As you sneaked out of your room with nothing more than a small bag and a hooded cape, you timed it just right. Careful not to make a sound, you climbed over the fence and made a quick escape.
Maybe it was the feeling of freedom, maybe it was the adrenaline, but you couldn't stop the small smile forming as you ran towards your destination.
You reached the packed inn, panting and exhausted from all that running. The other weary travellers in the lobby paid you no mind as you made your way to the counter, renting out a room for the night.
'Act natural', you reminded yourself as the innkeeper handed you the keys to your room.
As the door clicked shut, you sunk to the floor, letting out a breath you didn't know you were holding in. You could barely feel your legs from all that running and your lungs still burned. If you knew how tiring this would be, you would've trained a little beforehand.
You dragged yourself to the tiny shower and washed off all the sweat and grime from your body before crashing on the bed and drifting off to sleep.
------
The first thing you noticed was the sounds.
It wasn't bustle and chatter of the people downstairs, nor the leaky faucet in the shower. It sounded like scraping or scratching against wood. Whatever the sound was, it was too close.
Somebody is in the room.
You tried to keep your breathing steady, to not let it slip that you were awake and to give yourself some time to think.
The knife you placed next to your bed should be just within reach. If you moved quickly...
"I know you're awake." A familiar voice spoke from beside you.
You shrivel up and curl into yourself as the recognition sinked in. If you don't see him, technically he's not there. Turning ever so slowly, you changed positions with your back facing him now. Maybe he'll just go away, your half-awake delusional self said.
The sound stops. "Are you making space for me, princess?" You could practically hear the cocky grin on his face.
Your movements come to a halt. You hear the clatter of the abandoned metal dagger on the table and the sound of his chair scraping against the floor, jolting you right up. "I'm awake!" You exclaimed in panic, holding a hand out to stop him. "I'm awake, so sit back down!"
His smirk widens by a fraction before he sits back down on the chair in his usual relaxed confidence.
You shouldn't have underestimated him. This 'Mad Dog' didn't earn his name from nothing. He discovered your absence and hunted you down in one night. And who's to say he didn't follow you the entire time and watch you sleep through night? You wouldn't put that past him, if you were being completely honest.
And yet, curiosity killed the cat.
"How did you manage to find me, Sir Isaiah?" You asked, not even bothering to hide the disdain or frustration in your voice.
"What kind of hunting dog would I be if I couldn't even manage to find my own master?” He says easily, while staring straight at you.
You frowned at his implication. This dog thing again. It didn't seem like he'd ever reveal how he actually managed to track you down so quickly. Knowing that pressing the issue would be futile, you curse him inwardly.
“Keep glaring at me like that, princess.” His voice suddenly all low and sultry. “Gets me all hot and bothered when you do that."
He catches the pillow you fling at him with an annoying ease.
He rose from his seat, walking towards you in slow, measured steps. “Didn’t know the precious crown princess was always so violent,” his cadence sounding more teasing than surprised.
You shuffle back on the bed, your back pressed against the wall behind you.
“It seems I don’t know a lot about you, my vicious little master.” His eyes gleamed at the panic on your face.
Leaning in with one knee on the bed and an arm caging you from the side, he turns your face towards him. "Say for example...why did you run?”
His face was impossibly close to yours, forcing you to meet his gaze.
"I wanted to visit the bookshop here.” You admitted flatly.
He narrowed his eyes at you. “There are books in the library at home.”
"I finished them."
"Hm," he curls a lock of your hair around his finger. "And after the bookshop?"
"I was planning to return by tonight,”
"Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?"
"Because I don't want a bunch of knights following me around." You replied bitterly.
The conversation had practically become an interrogation. Were "dogs" supposed to be so nosy?
You pushed against his chest, trying to put some space between you and him. Obviously he didn't move an inch but eventually backed off at your persistance.
He sat back down, crossing one leg over the other. All things considered, he seemed pretty calm about this whole situation. It seemed that he knew if you truly intended to run away, you wouldn't stop at a town so close by. However, judging by the frown on his face, he wasn't exactly pleased about it either.
------
The journey home was unexpectedly quiet. He sat beside you in the carriage as you clutched the small stack of books you bought just before leaving the town.
Isaiah stared out the carriage window, deep in thought.
He knew you had a tendency to wander. Ever since you've been staying here, away from the war in the capital, you'd find every opportunity to roam around the gardens, the training grounds, and anywhere within the compound worth exploring. Initially he paid no mind, discreetly trailing behind you or accompanying you and striking up a conversation as you explore. But now, with every inch of the manor thoroughly inspected, he honestly saw this whole "midnight adventure" thing coming.
He just wasn't expecting to be so... bothered by it.
Should he just chain you up? Lock you up in your room so that you could never escape again?
Or should he threaten you? Scare you into never leaving his side?
The urge to act on his impulses was haunting. What kind of expression would you make? Would you hate him?
He started a war and now you're living with him. All that's left is to figure out a way to make you stay.
summary: you end up stuck with the notorious 'Mad Dog' who won't stop pestering you, his new owner.
part 2 is out now!
Ever since the Solaris kingdom started their attacks and accusing your country for committing acts of war, your father assigned Sir Isaiah to be your personal knight. He even had you move to Sir Isaiah’s territory in the countryside further south. One of the most well-known and feared knights, the ‘Mad Dog’, stuck right next to you and following wherever you went. Despite your refusals and attempts at reasoning with your father, he was adamant and refused to budge.
A week into this new arrangement and you were no closer to figuring Sir Isaiah out than when you were first introduced to him.
The 'Mad Dog’ only listens to you. The strongest knight who can take on an entire army and still win, but will only bite if you command it. If you so wished, he won’t even fight back and just let himself get stabbed to death.
Your gut told you to not trust this man. To run. Maybe if you lock yourself in your room, it would—
“You know, princess, I just saved your life right there,”
Your shoulders tensed as his words broke your train of thought. He was right. Those assassins nearly got to you this time, and they would have succeeded, if not for him. You slightly quickened your pace, hoping to reach your bedroom to escape.
He easily matches your pace. “I’m not sure if daddy dearest told you, but usually knights are rewarded for their heroism.”
You see it. Like a light at the end of a dark tunnel, your bedroom is just a few steps away.
The knight follows your line of sight and easily blocks your path.
You tilt your head up, only to be met with a satisfied smirk. “Going somewhere, Your Highness?”
Scanning his face for any hint about what exactly he wanted from you, your mind drew a blank. You notice his relaxed posture, the drops of blood he forgot to wipe off his armour from killing the assassins, and the crazed look in his eyes— waiting and watching.
“A reward,” you replied, not bothering to hide the flat tone of your voice. Your eyes flicked to the door behind him.
Isaiah took a step forward, using his body to block your view and forcing you to look at him. As you met his gaze, something dark flashed through his eyes. “Yes, my dear master,” his voice low and dripping in anticipation, dragging out the last word.
You frowned. It seemed like he had gotten wind about his own nickname and didn’t seem to mind. If anything, he was enjoying this way too much seeing how he had already started calling you ‘master’. Must’ve been an injury to the head. I’ll check his medical records later, you thought to yourself.
Isaiah leaned forward, lowering his head to meet your distracted gaze. Your eyes snapped back to his, trying to figure out what you could possibly reward him with.
“Something wr—" Impulsively, you reached out your hand and patted his hair, shocking him into silence.
Seeing his widened eyes, you took it as a sign to continue. Since he truly sees himself as a ‘mad dog’, this should work, you thought. “Thank you for saving me today." Your voice carried no warmth, but you could hear Isaiah’s breath hitch as you said it.
His body stilled for the slightest moment, before reaching for your wrist and moving your hand to place it on his cheek. He leaned into your touch, nuzzling your hand while his gazed remain fixed on you. You quickly withdrew, caught off guard by his display of affection.
If Isaiah noticed your discomfort, he didn’t show it. He returned to his full height, towering over you as he smiled. The sight sent a chill down your spine.
“I’ll accept this for now, princess."
He leaned down again, his face right next to your ear. "Next time, it won’t be enough.” He whispered.
He slowly stepped aside and you hurried to your room, ignoring the look on his face as he watched you go. There won’t be a next time, you told yourself as you shut the door.
As Isaiah watched you retreat to your bedroom, he could barely restrain his laughter. “Ah… my princess is just too cute…”
Taming this mad dog meant that he would do anything to stay by your side. He’ll slowly get you to lower your guard, giving you an illusion of control and a false sense of security by listening to your every command. Maybe he’ll even pick up one of those books you love reading and strike up a conversation about it. Show his gentle, caring side, to earn your trust.
Starting a war to scare his king into entrusting you to him? That was child’s play. He’d watch his country burn to ashes if it meant having you.
'mad dog' knight x crown princess reader part 4 (final)
[part 1] [part 2] [part 3]
You stared at the dagger in your hands. Blood dripped off the edge in a slow and constant rhythm, like a persistent reminder of what you've done.
"Murderer..." He rasped, so soft you could barely hear him.
You rushed forward to save him. But your hand was covered in blood. His blood. Did you do this?
"No...I-" you muttered to yourself, your heartbeat starting to race. "No, no, NO!"
You gasped, jolting awake from the sound of your own voice.
A dream. Right. That's all. That's all, you murmured to yourself, although it brought little comfort to you.
You brought your knees to your chest, curling yourself up into a tight ball.
'It wasn't real.' you repeated to yourself, over and over again.
Unlike the other nights, your usual method didn't work. Your heart continued to race, and the irrational thoughts continued to linger.
You found yourself getting out of bed, and walking to the room next door. You stood outside, hesitating. What, knocking on Isaiah's door in the middle of the night, just because of a stupid nightmare? How childish.
You found yourself knocking anyway. You just had to see it for yourself. That he's alive and breathing, in front of you. That the dream wasn't real. After confirming it with your own eyes, you'll go right back to sleep.
The door swung open, and you were greeted with a sleepy knight. "Princess..? Is everything okay?" Isaiah asked, his words slightly slurred and his voice lower than usual as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He wore a loose shirt and soft linen pants that hung low on his hips, a different look from the knight's uniform or metal armour you've seen him in.
You let out a soft sigh. Good.
Nodding, you replied. "Yes, everything's fine. Sorry I woke you. I just wanted to... check something." Heat started to rise up your neck, suddenly feeling embarrassed. "I'll just... go back now. Uh, goodnight then,"
He blinked once before stepping out of his room, now fully awake. "I'll escort you back."
Even though your room was only a few steps away, you didn't decline his offer.
--------------
He stood beside your bed as you tucked yourself back in. You moved slowly, adjusting and readjusting the pillows until they felt just right.
"How long has it been happening?" He asked as his eyes followed your movements, analyzing.
You brought your gaze to his, sighing. There was no fooling him, was there?
"Ever since we came back," You replied, finally laying down in bed.
Isaiah hummed. He didn't ask further about what you saw in your nightmares, or why you never mentioned it earlier. He simply nodded.
"Does it ever get easier?" Your voice, barely above a whisper.
"They'll stop soon. The mind needs more time to recover." He reassured. "You should try and go back to sleep. You have a long day ahead of you, master."
Isaiah turned to leave, but your hand tugged at the corner of his shirt, stopping him in his tracks.
"...Don't go. Can't you stay? Just a while longer, I promise." You asked softly, hesitant.
He looked down at your hand before running a hand through his hair.
"Just until you fall asleep," he sighed, his jaw clenching with restraint.
You shuffled over, making space for him on your bed before patting the empty spot next to you. This way, you could hear his breathing clearer, giving you all the confirmation you needed to trust that he was still alive.
Isaiah stared for a long moment. He let out another long sigh, resigned. "One day, master, you'll be the death of me. You know that?"
You stiffened. "I know," you replied dejectedly, a sad smile on your face. Working as your personal knight, the possibility of Isaiah facing his end while protecting you was something you have not fully accepted yet.
He shook his head. "What I meant was, what were you thinking, inviting a man up on your bed?" He sat down on your bed despite this, his back leaning against the headboard.
"You're not just 'some man', are you? I trust you. You would never hurt me." Your words seemed to have calmed him, seeing how he stopped pushing on the matter and let it slide with a non-committal hum.
Silence enveloped you, save for the sound of your breath intertwined with his. You felt yourself slowly drift away and welcomed sleep with open arms.
"Good night, princess."
--------------
The morning sun shone through the gaps of the curtains. Groaning, you snuggled further into the warm and firm pillow in an attempt to hide from the light.
"Master," the pillow spoke. You don't remember buying a talking pillow but the voice was rather pleasant on your ears, so you didn't question it.
"Hmm?"
"As much as I want to stay, I suggest you get up and remove your hands from me..."
You recognise this voice.
"...unless you're prepared to finish what you started."
The memories from last night flood back into your head.
Jolting awake, you release your grip from him, clutching your hands as if you've been burned. You keep your eyes fixed on his face, not daring to look anywhere below his neck. A familiar smirk greeted you as he lounged lazily against your headboard, one arm draped along the frame. Your felt a familiar heat warm your cheeks.
"And she has risen." Isaiah teased, resting his head on a closed fist. "Good morning, princess."
You cleared your throat awkwardly, nodding. "Well, uh- yes, I should go and um, prepare for the ball later. Goodbye." You tumbled out of bed, making a quick escape for the door as the sounds of his chuckles filled your ears.
--------------
Between getting ready for the ball and overseeing the final preparations for the night, you were swamped. Not that you disliked it, as it served as a wonderful distration from thinking about last night.
Isaiah, continued to follow you around as you went about your day, even helping out with sorting through the documents and relaying your orders. Everything was normal. Everything was fine.
Until you were greeted by the sight of your knight, your escort for the night, waiting patiently for you outside the ballroom. His hair slicked back and neatly styled. His suit, freshly pressed and tailored to perfection, complimented by an elegant and regal half-cape that draped from his shoulder. Your eyes travelled back up to his face. His features were sharp and deadly, much like the sword that was strapped on his hip. The usual smirk and devillish smile you were oh so familiar with was gone, only the dark and brooding expression of a veteran knight remained. The Mad Dog, in his full glory.
And yet, seeing this imposing figure waiting for you, seemingly lost in thought, made your heart race. Not from fear, but a kind of fondness and tenderness you had long forgotten the feeling of.
You set your fluttering emotions aside, filing them away for your brain to pick apart and process later. Your heels clacked against the marble floor as you walked, announcing your presence to him.
Isaiah turned, his eyes travelling up and down your figure unabashedly. "Master," he said at long last, bowing. "Shall we?"
You nodded, placing a hand on his outstretched arm, allowing him to escort you.
The double doors swung open, letting the light, laughter and music from the banquet surround you. It's been months since you last attended such an event but the muscle memory kicked in. Back straightened, smile platered on your face, and one hand waving to the crowd—you were back in your element.
Everything faded into the background as you made your way around the ballroom, your focus entirely on getting acquainted with the various nobles and royals from the Solaris kingdom. The familiar warmth from Isaiah grounded you, making everything easier than if you had been alone.
One after the other, you greeted your guests. At some point, you had lost count of how many people you've interacted with. Dukes, barons, royals from the Solaris Kingdom, your father and his ministers...
"A break," you finally declared, your voice soft enough so only Isaiah could hear. "If I have to talk to one more person I might just go insane."
"The balcony seems to be empty," Isaiah remarked, his gaze turned towards the quiet upstairs area.
You nodded, quickly excusing yourself from the current conversation you were stuck in for the past ten minutes with some random prince and escaping to the back staircase for a breather.
--------------
You breathed in the cool fresh air as you stepped out to the balcony. Resting your hands on the ledge, you titled your head up, basking in the moonlight. Isaiah stood beside you, gazing into the distance.
"Thank you." You said softly, breaking the comfortable silence you two shared. You watched as the clouds drifted in the wind, covering up the moon which plunged the sky into darkness.
"What for?" Isaiah replied, curious.
"For saving me that day." You paused, turning to face him but your eyes looking everywhere but him. "And for what happened last night. I, uh, don't really know what came over me but I just... I just needed to know you were okay. That you were alive."
You finally looked up at him, only realising how close you were.
"You don't have to thank me, master. It's what I'm here for." Isaiah reassured you. "Besides, I told you, I won't die so easily. Not unless you command it."
"Good. You're not going anywhere." You huffed. The clouds parted to reveal the full moon once more, illuminating the flush on your face.
Your breath hitched as he tucked a lock of hair behind your ear. The sliver of skin where his finger brushed past burned. There was no hope of hiding the blush on your face now. You could feel the heat rising up your neck.
"Careful, princess," Isaiah teased, noting your reaction. "Or I might begin to think you've fallen in love with me."
Time seemed to stop for those two seconds.
"...And if I have?" Your voice barely a whisper.
His eyes bore into yours, pupils dilated, flashing with longing and something darker you couldn't place.
"Then you should know that I've been waiting for you to say those lovely words," He replied, one arm snaking around your waist and pulling you to him.
"Since the very beginning."
***********
a/n: it's over... after four long parts that spanned way too many months, a happy ending! i've been procrastinating writing this for so long simply because i love writing isaiah so much and i didn't want things to end. but alas. i hope yall enjoyed this last part, thank you so much for all the lovely comments it really fuelled me and allowed me to write this. love yall!
summary: After months of staying with the 'Mad Dog', it's finally time for you to return home. Will he really let you out of his grasp that easily? (wc: 2.3k)
[part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4]
The letter crinkled in your hand as you read the lines of ink scrawled on it.
Finally.
"Pack my things up. We're going back to the capital." You ordered, not wanting to waste a second. The maids bowed before quickly leaving the room.
"I must say, princess," Isaiah spoke up from beside you. "I'm almost hurt to see you so eager to leave my residence. Did the time we spent together mean nothing at all?"
You could hear the smirk in his voice. Sighing, you began organising your desk, separating the things you needed to bring back with you and those you'd leave behind. "I've been stuck here, unable to help during the war while my father and my people risk their lives to fight. Of course I'm eager to go back."
"That's not entirely true," he replied, making you finally look up at him, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "You've been researching all those herbs and medicines, and sending your research back to the doctors in the capital. You never stopped helping."
You smiled sadly. It felt nice for him to acknowledge your efforts at least. But it didn't feel sufficient. If it was up to you, you'd be in the capital like everyone else, not in the far countryside, safe and sheltered from the bloodshed. "We'll depart for the capital as soon as we can. Get everyone ready."
"The sun is about to set, I suggest waiting till the next morning to depart," Isaiah suggested. "It'll be safer."
You gave him a look.
He shrugged. "Worth a shot."
An hour was all it took to get everything in order. You sat alone in the carriage, while Isaiah and ten other knights rode on horseback, surrounding you in a protective formation.
You stared out the small window of the carriage as you sorted through your thoughts. A habit you've acquired from young, organising and planning kept your mind clear and unclouded by your emotions. Soon, you had worked out every single action you'd take as soon as you returned to the palace. Including backup plans for every possible scenario you'd encounter upon your return.
The carriage ubruptly jerked forward, nearly lauching you out of your seat. "Wha-" You steadied yourself, turning to check the situation from the window. The sun had fully set by now, which made the perfect cover for some uninvited guests, judging by the clashing of metal and fighting outside the carriage.
You squinted, trying to force your eyes to adjust to the darkness outside. A splatter of blood covered your field of vision, painting the window a dark red. Immediately, you stumbled back, your breath quickening.
Deep breaths. Think clearly. Get to safety.
Before you could scan your surroundings to find a way out, the door yanked open.
"Princess."
Your eyes landed on a familiar face and you heaved a sigh of relief. Clad in bloodstained armour, Isaiah stepped into the carriage and closed the door behind him. The smell of iron filled the cramped space.
"What's going on, Isaiah? Do we know who's behind this?" You asked, skipping all formalities.
His eyes widened a fraction before he began explaining . "Assassins. Likely from the Solaris kingdom. They must've gotten wind of your return to the capital."
"But isn't father negotiating a peace treaty with them?"
"Which is why they aren't sending their own soldiers to attack us. They hired mercenaries so we can't trace their actions back to them." Isaiah scowled. "A desperate last attempt to gain the upper hand. It seems they're not as keen on a peace treaty as we are."
As you processed the information, he gently reached out for your hand and closed your fingers around a dagger. You stared at the weapon, the weight in your hand growing heavier by the second.
"I'm going back out there," Isaiah spoke gently. With his hand around yours, he guided your weapon towards him. A soft 'clink' as the tip of the dagger met his metal armour, right where his heart was. "If anybody opens that door, I need you to stab them right here."
You stared at him in horror.
"They have no armour protecting them, but the human flesh is tougher to pierce through than you think." He continued, his fierce gaze never wavering from your frightened one. "Put all your strength into it, right 'till their last breath. Even if they beg you for mercy, no matter how they cry and plead, keep pushing and do not let go."
"Can you do that for me, my precious little master?" He smiled. "I'll protect you so you won't have blood on your hands, but just in case—"
His grip around your hand tightened.
"Aim for the heart."
You watched as he reluctantly let go of your hand and returned to the fight, closing the door once more.
There was no time to agonise over the possibility of your death. Or the possibility of you having to kill someone. Or the possibility-
You shook your head. Enough. The knights outside, Isaiah, all of them were sacrificing their lives to protect you. You couldn't die here.
Deep breaths. Think clearly.
You extinguished the oil lamps in the carriage and the tiny space plunged into darkness. You shuffled to the corner, positioning yourself next to the door, leaning as far back into the wall as possible. If anyone entered, you would strike them from behind. That was your best chance at survival.
Clutching the dagger to your chest, with both hands on the hilt, you waited. The fighting seemed to go on forever but the adrenaline coursing through your body kept you alert.
Footsteps.
You pressed your ear against the wall, picking up the sound of crunching leaves and snapping twigs drawing near.
Someone's coming.
The door creaked open, allowing moonlight to shine into the carriage, casting an imposing shadow on the floor. The silhouette wasn't an armoured knight, but a man holding his sword, with blood still dripping off it. The outside was completely silent now. Was everyone dead? Were you next?
You held your breath as the shadow moved. Now!
You striked, swinging the dagger down towards the intruder's vital spot.
In one swift motion, the intruder grabbed your wrist, stopping your attack without even turning his head.
"Lovely attempt, princess." Isaiah remarked. "I was almost tempted to let you go through with it."
The dagger clattered to the ground. "Isaiah!" the tension in your body dissipated. "You're alive, thank gods."
The knight chuckled. "My life is belongs to you. I would never let some pesky assassins take it that easily."
You smiled despite yourself. "What happened to the others?"
He shook his head slowly. "We were outnumbered. I'm the only one left."
"Oh." You swallowed, trying to rid of the lump in your throat. In a blink of an eye, so many lives lost.
Isaiah tilted your head up. "Don't. They knew the risks when they joined."
"If we had waited till tomorrow-"
"But we didn't. It's—" He broke off, turning away in a coughing fit.
You grabbed his shoulder, turning him back towards you. "What's wrong?" He waved you off, but you caught sight of the blood on his hand.
Instinctively, you forced him onto the seat and lifted up his shirt. You scanned his body for signs of an internal wound, desperately trying to ignore how his toned muscles looked or how that one droplet of sweat was trickling down from his neck to his chest and all the way down...
"Enjoying the view, master?" Isaiah smirked, wiping the blood from his lips.
With a death glare and a click of your tongue, you tore a long strip of cloth from your dress and got to work. "Were you just going to keep quiet about this?" You nodded towards the long gash on his abdomen.
"It's just a flesh wound. Nothing to write home about." He shrugged.
You sighed deeply. "Right. A flesh wound that's making you cough up blood." You took a seat next to him, turning him to face you. "Hold up your shirt and don't move."
"Master, I didn't know you were always so demanding~" He teased, obeying your orders nonetheless.
"Don't you like it when I order you around?" You grumbled, leaning in to wrap the cloth around his waist.
Isaiah brought his lips close to your ear, his voice low and husky. "Oh, you have no idea how much I'm enjoying this right now..." He trailed down the side of your neck, his breath gently caressing your skin. "... and how much I'm holding back, my dear master."
Pushing him off, you averted your gaze. "It's done," you announced, promptly stepping out of the carriage before he noticed how flushed you were.
"I should've let them get one more hit in..."
--------------
Carnage.
That was the only word to describe it. Sending so many assassins...they must've been desperate. You could see the glimmer of armour scattered under the moonlight. The knights who died for you. After muttering a quick prayer, you set off in search of a horse to ride into the capital. With the carriage reduced to an unsalvageable state, it was your only way to get back home.
You checked the front of the carriage. Nothing.
"Master... you're too cruel."
You whipped your head around to find Isaiah with an oil lamp in his hand, likely having detached it from the carriage to use as a light source.
"How could you leave your poor, injured, patient in there all alone?" He stepped closer to you, giving you a clear view of his sad puppy eyes act.
"We still need to find a way back to the capital before they send any more people after us." You huffed, trying to scour for any traces of where all the horses ran off to.
Isaiah grabbed you by the arm, nodding in the other direction. "River's that way. We'll have a higher chance of finding one there."
Was he...sulking?
You tried to get a clearer look of his expression but he began leading the way into the forest. You raised a brow in confusion as you trailed behind him.
Luckily, both of you soon found a horse whose reigns had snagged on a branch on the way towards the river. Without wasting any time, you bent down, tearing the skirt of what used to be a very beautiful dress and creating a slit all the way up to your upper thigh. Satisfied, you grabbed the reigns from the hands of a stunned Isaiah, and hoisted yourself up onto the saddle.
You glanced down at the knight, who was still staring with his mouth agape. "You're injured, so just sit behind and rest." You explained, patting the space behind you.
"Master..." Isaiah swallowed. "Swear to me you'll never do this in front of anyone else."
You frowned. "Why?"
He hoisted himself up with ease, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you to him. "Because I'll kill anyone who sees you like this."
"You're insane."
"I'm surprised you've only realised this now, princess."
You didn't have to turn to know what kind of expression he was making.
----------
"I am beyond relieved that you are safe, my little jewel." Your father's voice echoed around the throne room.
It'd been a hectic night after finally reaching the capital. Isaiah was quickly escorted to the infirmary while you were taken straight to your quarters to rest for the night. You barely slept, thinking of all the things you wanted to say upon reuniting with your father in the morning.
"As am I, Father. We had been ambushed on our journey back to the capital, and the knights accompanying me had sacrificed their lives to ensure my safety." You bowed your head. "Please allow me to reward their families and lay the knights to rest." The words coming out of your mouth felt formal and stiff, but with so many ministers and nobility in your presence, you couldn't let yourself slip.
The king nodded slowly. "Yes, they have served you well. I will leave this matter in your hands."
"Thank you, Father." You stepped away from the middle of the room, back to your usual position at the side of stairs to the throne.
"Now, Sir Isaiah. You may rise."
Isaiah, who had been kneeling beside you, finally rose to his full height, standing confidently berfore the King wearing his usual commander's uniform. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"I've read through the report. You've done well in protecting the Crown Princess." The King remarked. "I will need you to continue doing so."
You stared at your father upon the throne. What?
"The war may be ending, but as proven yesterday, threats against the Crown Princess' safety continue to arise. As the strongest knight in this kingdom, it is your duty to protect your future Queen." He explained, as if sensing your shock.
You rushed to the middle to speak. There must be something more important, more useful, for Isaiah to be doing. Fighting battles and leading his soldiers— not stuck indoors playing babysitter. Once the peace treaty is signed, there wouldn't be anymore threats to your safety. This was too much of a waste.
"Father, you can't-"
He held up his palm, silencing you. "My decision is final."
Isaiah knelt once more, with a hand over his heart. "I pledge myself to the Crown Princess, future Queen of our kingdom." You turned to see him kneeling before you. "Till my last breath, I shall protect Her Highness and ensure no harm befalls her. May the gods strike me down should I fail to honour my oath."
You watched as he lifted his head and smiled up at you. Shivers ran down your spine.
The mad dog of the kingdom had officially declared you as its owner. Permanently.
And something about that smile of his gave you the feeling that everything just went according to his plan.
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a/n: finally... finally... guys i am SO sorry this took so long i hope yall like part 3!! after 2 parts of Isaiah driving reader crazy, i decided to let reader drive him crazy for a change. part 3 concludes the main arc of this story but hopefully this wont be the last we see of mad dog Isaiah! thank you so so much for all the love and support love yall
