Assistance
Prince Caspian x Reader
Summary: You were going on a weekly trip for berries in the forest by your house, when you are greeted by a handsome stranger.
Warnings: None
Word Count: 2k
A.N. No physical reader description used. The time, canon wise, on this is a little strange, just have fun and don't think about it too hard
You woke to the sunlight caressing your face. Your cozy blankets were draped and scrunched all over your bed. You took your time in getting your eyes adjusted to the light. Mornings like there were not as common as you would have liked. It has been a very rainy spring, and though rain meant a bountiful harvest, you loved the sun too. You let the sun gently embrace your skin until you noticed how hungry you were. Some fresh strawberries alongside a small loaf of bread sounded amazing.
After dressing yourself, you headed to your small kitchen. You got your loaf, and when you looked for your strawberries, they had gone bad already. You weren't too disappointed though; you were already planning to go for a nice morning stroll. Now you would just be snacking as you go.
Grabbing your basket, you packed the rest of your breakfast and set off on your stroll. It was strangely quieter than usual. There should be birds chirping and squirrels rummaging for nuts. However, all you heard was the sound of the leaves crunching under your feet. You looked around the forest floor, after seeing nothing, you carried on.
Last year, you found this strawberry bush, but it was unfortunately already picked of berries. You thought you remembered the way to it, but now it feels like you have been walking for far too long. You looked over your shoulder in hopes you had somehow missed it, but unfortunately, you had not.
~
After some time, you spot something red out of the corner of your eye. You begin to walk to in that direction, when you here a sound. Hooves. No birds or squirrels but... horses? You brush it off and continue towards the bush. The sound of the scampering hooves grew closer to you, so you looked over your shoulder. Aboard a brown steed was a man. No, not a man, a knight.
What is knight doing here? You were a fair distance away from the Telemarie castle. By the look on his face, he too was wondering what you were doing out in the forest. He approached you and you saw how handsome he really was. His long brown hair lightly touched the neck piece in his armor, and his eyes were a shade of a very old tree. A color so deep and rich, you could lose yourself in them if you weren't careful. And he took a good look at you before speaking.
"These woods are no place for such fair maids as yourself. What might be your business?" He dismounted his horse and held the reins in his left hand. The sunlight touched his hair and it was like he glowed. His eyes were kind, but overshadowed by vaguely concerned eyebrows.
You did not want to pay him much mind, he may be a knight of a kingdom somewhere miles away, but here, he's just a man and a horse. "I am looking for a bushel of strawberries. Have you seen any?" You don't think he's hearing what you're saying by the way he's looking at you. His gaze was nearly glazed over as he looked over his face.
"I apologize." He shook his head a bit, as if to clear his mind. "What did you ask?" Great. He wasn't listening.
In a more direct voice, you remembered your manners to address a knight and repeated. "There is a bush of strawberries in this area. Have you seen any, Sir...?"
Realizing you have not recognized his title yet, he played into it. "Caspian, Goodlady. And I fear I have not spotted any strawberries on my ride." His tone was light, and his words were spoken much gentler than you would have expected.
You nodded. "Well then my quest is not over yet. Safe travels to you, Sir Caspian." You begin to walk off on to a new direction. Even if you can't find strawberries, there are still chances of blueberries being in bloom in this same area.
After a few steps you heard, "May I be of assistance whilst you search?" He came rushing up to meet you, horse reins still in hand. "Surely there is a better chance of finding..." he stared into your eyes like he could never get enough of them. "Berries."
You grinned but internally were unsure of this offer. Still, you obliged and let him join you on your quest of fruit. "I would have imagined that a knight would have better things to do, instead of assisting a simple woman with berry gathering."
"You're not simple," he muttered under his breath. The thought was meant to be internal, but it still was uttered. His eyes widened slightly as he realized what he said. "I mean, I would be honored to assist all within the kingdom I protect."
"So, you only assist the maids that catch your eye, I assume?" You questioned with a raised brow. You didn't really believe what you said, but you were curious as to how he would respond.
"No! No- well you sure are a sight, but- I would assist anyone who-" You cut him off with a loud and freeing laugh. He looked confused at first, but it soon dropped off his face.
"I was always told I kid far too much," you told him. Finishing off your laughter you spoke in a relieving tone, "I am sure you are the most valued aid for the Telemarines." He smiled and shook his head at that. How you did not know his title was beyond him, but he strangely found himself not wanting to tell you. Being able to simply be a man without the burden of behaving regal was exhilarating.
"You are too kind," he responded. "What brings the need of strawberries this early, might I ask?" You kneeled down to inspect a proper bush that may look promising. And he joined you, crouching a few inches away.
"Breakfast."
"You have not yet eaten?" He sounded more concerned than he likely should be for someone he just met. But then you remembered, he does help all those in his kingdom, according to him.
"I have enjoyed some bread, but I always enjoy some berries alongside it." He nodded in understanding. "I had already planned to explore these woods today, so today I just decided to begin earlier."
Caspian found your beauty enamoring. He didn't fully remember where he had seen those berries, but he was willing to force his memory if that pleased you. "I see. Earlier, I had laid eyes on some blueberries growing, I will take you there if you'd like."
You perked up at his words. "That would be lovely. Yes, please show me." You both stood up and as Caspian grasped his horse's reins, he had an idea.
"How would you feel if we rode there? It would be more efficient than walking." His steed had a beautiful coat and a sturdy saddle. Both looked very well maintained, there really was no reason to say no.
"Is it really that far? I would hate to have to impede on your schedule." Your eyebrows knitted together with worry. You already had this knight digging through bramble for some berries, and now you were going to have him give you a free ride as well! This was becoming too much.
"Nonsense. It would be my honor to assist you. And the ride itself will not be too long." He spoke with that same tone again. One that made you question if what he was doing was more than a simple favor. But you paid it no mind.
He helped you up and then got on himself. "Where do I rest my hands?" You asked out of pure curiosity. This was your first horse ride, but you didn't want to tell him that.
"May I?" You agreed, and he took your hands and placed them on his waist. You kept your composure outwardly, but internally you were flaring up at the idea of having to hold onto this knight so intimately. And such a handsome one at that.
When he took you both into a safe walk, you found yourself holding onto him much closer. You did not know what to expect when it came to a ride on horseback, but you never imagined it would be so... wobbly. You screwed your eyes shut and just waited for it to be over.
Caspian on the other hand was beaming at the feeling of you holding onto him so tightly. He had to hold back the laugh threatening to escape as he asked, "Is this your first time?"
'Is it so clear?" You were currently pressing your forehead against his back.
"Of course, not," he joked. You were so embarrassed, but luckily, he was right in how short the ride was.
"It is funny. I also wanted to ride horses at a young age. To feel the freedom of flying through the trees. But now, I am surprised by my fear." He helped you dismount, this time having his hands on your waist. And you ignored how it caused a flutter in your stomach.
"If it makes you feel any better, you were much more controlled than I was on my first ride. Or many people for that matter. And if you would let me, I would let you ride alone on the way back." He was being so sincere. His kindness was something you swear to remember.
"I would like that," you looked deeply into his eyes. Looking for doubt or any sign that he may not being completely serious about this. You found nothing.
The bush Caspian spoke of was perfect. It was overloaded with berries to pick. And with his assistance, you were able to fill your basket a fair amount. Once satisfied, you both approached his horse.
"You do not have to ride on the way home if you do not wish," his voice was laced with concern. As funny as it was initially, he really did not want you to be sick or uncomfortable.
"I have warmed to it, honestly. However, Sir Caspian, I do have a request though."
"Anything."
"Could I be returned to my cottage, instead of the clearing we were in?"
He looked relieved but also slightly disappointed that that was all you had to ask. And yet still he obliged.
When he picked you up and placed you on the saddle, your feet did not meet the stirrups, but Caspian told you not to worry about it. And you trusted him to be right.
He held the reins, and you held onto the mane of his beautiful stallion. Your basket was looped around your arm, and you were glad you didn't get too many berries or else they would have definitely ran over the edge.
Caspian led you slowly through the trees, and you could not stop looking around and seeing how different the world looked when high on horseback. "This is lovely. I see why this is a preferred mode of transportation. I could travel like this forever."
He chuckled and mused, "Yes. I assume it must be very nice to be seated and led everywhere you need to be." He made sure to turn his head, so you saw his smile and knew he was joking.
"You know what I mean."
~
After arriving at your cottage, he helped you down once more. You said goodbye to the beautiful horse as Caspian opened the door for you. "I must thank you for your kindness and assistance today, Sir Caspian."
He bowed, "The pleasure is all mine, Lady..."
"(Y/N). I am surprised I withheld that from you." He shook his head, as to waive the strangeness of the lack of introduction.
"Unfortunately, Lady (Y/N) I must return to my kingdom. Until we meet again," he took your hand and placed a tender kiss on the knuckles. You smiled and tried to think of something that could possibly make him stay longer. But nothing came to mind.
So, you let him go. "Until we meet again, Sir Caspian."
