Author notes : This is a chapter fic I have on A03 and have edited. I hope you enjoy ❤️
You mounted the large black horse, gently kicking his sides with both feet to make it move forward. Holding the reins, you yelled "YA" and kicked harder to indicate you wanted him to move faster. He went from a steady walk straight into a canter as you had directed. You rode deep into the forest when you slowed your horse to a steady walk. "Easy, boy," you spoke to your horse as you petted his soft neck, feeling his rapid breathing underneath your legs from the exertion of running. The sun was setting, painting the sky with orange and pink hues. As you had your horse slowly walk up to a tree, you saw another slightly smaller horse tied to the same tree. You dismounted, tying your horse to the tree next to the other horse.
Your boots crunched against the grass as you wandered slowly into a nearby clearing. "Arthur?" You said, exiting from the dark curtain of the trees. He rose from the large rock he was sitting on. Giving you a carefree smile, he lifted you off your feet. You put her hands behind his neck, and he pressed his lips against yours and let your feet return to the ground as the kiss deepened.
When you finally parted, gasping for air, you smiled at him, and he pressed his forehead against yours. "I missed you, my love." You closed your eyes, feeling the peaceful pace at which your heart pounded. "And I missed you." He took your hand and led you to a blanket he had laid out on the grass. You both laid down on the blanket. Arthur rolled on his side, resting his head on his hand. His deep blue eyes searched yours. He combed your hair behind your ear, then placed his hand on your cheek, letting it linger there.
"I want to be with you, really be with you." You rolled on your side to face him, "I know it's hard, Arthur." You ran your fingers through his dark hair. "I'm not even next in line. My sister is. I wish they would let me be with who I want." Arthur smiled sadly, "My darling, you are a princess, and princesses don't marry scribes." You took his hand and kissed each one of his knuckles. "That won't stop me from loving you." He gave you another sweet kiss, "And it won't stop me from loving you either." Attempting to take the heaviness out of the air, he gave you a cheeky smile and attacked you with playful kisses and tickles.
Laughing, breathless, you laid your head on his chest. "This…This is my safe spot. I love you, Arthur, always, but I must go". You said as you looked up at the dark sky. Arthur nodded and helped you up from the ground. Arthur looked up as you sat atop your horse, taking your hand. "Be careful, dove. It's dark." As much as he wanted to keep holding your hand, he reluctantly let go. "I always am." The corner of his mouth lifted ever so slightly. "Doesn't mean I can't voice my concern for your safety as a reminder for you to be careful?" You snickered, "Never stop." He smiled tenderly at you, and you rode back towards the palace.Your relationship was strange, but you hoped the love you held for each other would prevail over all the hardships you had and would encounter. Arthur passed you in the hall the following morning, bowing, " Good morning, your highness." You hated that he had to hold such formalities in public. However, knowing your lips were touching his the night before made your cheeks heat up until Sebastian interrupted your oogling of Arthur.
"Your Highness," he bowed gracefully, "the King and Queen have requested your presence, Highness." You nodded, and Sebastian turned to Arthur, "Your presence is required as well." You squinted your eyes and looked at Arthur briefly. "What is this all about, Sebastian?" You asked, skeptical of what your parents needed to see you and their scribe. "I cannot say I am sorry, Your Highness." You shook your head. "Of course, you can't. What good is an advisor if they never tell you anything?" You rolled your eyes. "I'll go if I must."
Your father grinned as soon as you entered the room. "Ah, my youngest daughter has arrived at last." He motioned for you to sit, and your mother got straight to business, wasting no time for small talk.
"It is time for you to do your duty to this family." She said sternly. Your heart sank. Did she mean what you thought she meant? "What does that mean exactly, mother?" Her mother took a breath. "There has been a marriage offer, and we will accept." Your mother turned to Arthur, "I would like you to write the letter of acceptance." He bowed. "Yes, your Majesty." You noticed his expression and his face's white appearance when he stood up. Your mother had just crushed his heart to pieces, and there wasn't a thing he could do about it except write this letter to your future husband and accept that you had to leave him behind."
"Here we go," Your father said as you fisted her hands. "No! I won't do it. Why can't my sister marry him? She is going to be Queen." Your mother raised a hand for you to stop. "Because he won't be king, you are both second born. You will do this. We have already prepared for your dowry to be sent to his castle." Arthur watched as you fought for the love you shared, but it was in vain. You were fighting a losing battle. You ran your hands through your hair in frustration. "Why are you doing this all of a sudden? I'm sure this wasn't some random offer of marriage. You must have done something." Your mother scoffed, "Absolutely not. You are young, beautiful, and of age; don't think suitors haven't offered themselves to be your husband before. This just so happens to benefit the kingdom. You will learn to love him like your father, and I did."
You stood up and pushed your chair over, startling everyone, even Arthur, making him jump a bit at the sound of the heavy chair hitting the stone floor. "And you are Queen! I don't have the honor of being Queen. I. won't. Do. it!" You turned to leave. "Who is he?" Your father said quietly. "You love someone, don't you?" You turned to look at the one ally you had. "Papa, please! I'm begging you!"
Tears ran down your cheeks, "Whoever he is, say your goodbyes. It is time for you to be a Princess and do what is required of you. Now go clear your head, and when you return, be ready to do your duty as Princess." It was a stab to the heart. You glared at your father. You Turned and rushed out of the room, slamming the door as hard as possible
. Arthur closed his eyes as the door slammed shut, knowing you had just lost each other. You sprinted through the castle, not caring who you bumped into. Finally, once you were outside, you took in a shaky breath, the tears never ceasing. You sobbed as you saddled your horse. When you mounted, you kicked hard, making your horse go straight into a gallop. Your long hair flowing behind you. Arthur watched from a window as you galloped away. Your horse kicked up dirt behind him. You were always reckless with your riding.
He had to stop worrying about you and focus on writing this letter. How was he supposed to write it when he was so in love with you? If you were more accepting, less hurt, maybe then he'd be able to write it with clear intention. No…not even then. It was his Achilles heel.
He had to stand on the sidelines and watch you marry another man when his heart beat just for you. He finally let himself feel as he watched you from the window of his room. Tears formed in his eyes as he threw the first object he could find, then another, and another…And another until he fell to his knees a sobbing mess, grabbing fistfuls of his hair.
