Maybe a Princess does need a Knight

A long time ago, the king and queen were told by a fortune teller that their new-born daughter was going to get kidnapped by a neighboring kingdom at the age of 14. Scared for their child’s safety, the king made the decision to send their daughter in the deepest part of an enchanted forest. The witch agreed to place a spell on the forbidden forest as the bravest knight shall be the only one to enter and find the young princess. Every night, the king and queen made sure to spend their time with their daughter until the day she went away. “One day a knight will come for you,” the queen smiled to her innocent child as those big round eyes stared with amazement.

“But mommy, I want a prince to come for me like in those stories,” she whined, pouting her lips. The queen just giggled at her daughter’s words, ruffling the soft dark brown hair from underneath her fingertips.

“Alright, a prince will come for you.”

 

---

 

The young princess grew up nicely indeed, being the age of 14. She was a very kind person, helping out the poor and the weak. Her parents were so proud of her to see the kindness she offered to their kingdom. The Queen only sighed in sorrow as the time was drawing near. “I don’t want her to go.”

“I know, but we can’t have her taken away from us.” The king looked back at his most trusted knight as he gave him the nod, the figure exiting out the room to prepare the carriage. The young princess has just come back, rushing over to her parents, happily telling them her adventures helping the orphanage. But the look on the king and queen’s face made her stop. The smile dropped as the rumors of the prediction was in fact true.

“M-Mom...dad...you aren't seriously sending me away right?” her voice shaking with fear. No answer. The princess wanted to break down in tears but decided to pack her things to please her parents. After all, they were doing this for her sake also. “I’ll get my stuff.” Those were her final words to her parents as her journey to the forest didn’t brighten her mood at all. The tears that fell from her once innocent eyes were quickly dried up.

 

---

 

The birds chirped energetically as the only window near the top of the tower opened, the princess’s head popping out as the morning sun came to greet her. She giggled from under her breath as she stretched her tired arms, taking off her lilac nightgown to put on her already prepared dress. It was a simple white cotton dress with a purple apron around her waist as the strings were tied securely. Her flowing dark brown hair was put in a single ponytail, as her hands reached for a woven basket. “Today I’ll see what I can find,” she smiled to herself. Going down the long staircase she finally reached the wooden door and unlocked it, smelling the fresh air full of nature. It’s been four years since she was left near the border of the forest and was ordered to walk deeper inside to find this tower. Nobody could ever find this place, nobody except the bravest prince. That's when she heard footsteps approaching her, arms grabbing her body forcefully and a hand covering her mouth.

 

---

 

“Where’s my money?” The wealthy aristocrat brought their head up, a smirk placed on their face. Two pouches of gold were thrown onto the table, the unknown figure opening the bags to see if the reward was real. Feeling satisfied, the stranger started to walk away but heard his name being called.

“Alvin, I have another job for you.” His head snapped back at the greedy noble, clicking his tongue as his legs walked back. Inhaling deeply, the young man threw a knife towards the other, smiling as the metal was just centimeters away from the head.

“What do you want you greedy pig?” Alvin smirked.

“Haven’t you heard of the princess in the forest?”

“I have...what do you want me to do? Fetch her for you?”

“Exactly, I don’t mind having a princess for a bride,” the noble laughed, his image making the young man cringe. That’s when he started to laugh, alerting the older.

“You want me to kidnap a princess for you because you can’t find a decent woman who would even think twice before marrying you.”

“I’ll pay you twice more than what I have given you.” Alvin thought about it for a moment before taking the job.

 

---

 

How hard was it to enter a forest and kidnap a princess? In fact, it wasn't as easy as he thought because right when he grabbed her, she flipped him instantly on the ground. He smashed onto the grass, surprised as he blinked twice, raising his body up and scratching his head.

“Who are you? What are you doing here? How did you even get here?” the princess spoke out, holding what looked like a homemade broom. Alvin started to laugh, covering the left side of his face with one of his hands, glaring right at her. He didn't know how he entered inside the forest himself, he was just following a path and ended up seeing the beauty in front of him. “Only the bravest can get in here? D-Does that mean you’re my prince?”

“Huh?  What are you talking about? Do you really believe in witchcraft?” Alvin snorted, crossing his arms. That’s when he started to think of manipulating her. “But your parents believe that the threat is gone so they sent me to retrieve you,” he explained. He wasn't expecting her to believe that but saw her face lit up with excitement.

“Really? I really want to go home...it’s sad not seeing my family for this long. I can’t wait to go back home.”

“Gullible,” Alvin muttered to himself as he saw her run up the tower stairs, probably getting stuff packed. He really couldn't believe that he had tricked her. She was very gullible indeed.

“Okay I basically packed everything that I need. Should we go?” she asked him with a beaming smile as his was stepping back, nodding his head as he had no words to say towards her. Thought, he was watching her every move as she skipped down the path, humming something very familiar. It was a nursery rhyme, a rhyme that he heard plenty of times when he was a child. The princess looked back at him and smiled yet again which made him give off a brief chuckle. That’s when Alvin noticed that he was also smiling, which was a very rare thing he did.

“What is your name anyways?” he asked her, catching her attention.

“My name is Kianna and yours?”

“I’m Alvin,” he answered, stuffing his hands into his pockets. She hummed once again, apparently thinking of more questions as she tapped her fingers on his bottom lip, giggling.

“I was so lonely, I’m actually really happy to talk to you,” she confessed, spotting some berries and placing some in her basket. Just from hearing that Alvin was taken back. Kianna looked back at him, tilting her head.

“Sorry, I just thought of what path we should take,” he lied, seeing that she believed him. What he was really thinking was that she seemed really happy and carefree. How could she believe him? Did he look easy to trust? Was he a trustworthy person?

“Hey, what do you work as? As you know, I’m a princess but what are you?”

“I take certain jobs.”

“For money?” Kianna questioned, tilting her head.

“Yeah...the world revolves around money,” he laughed bitterly, walking alongside her as he felt her hand grab him. She clutched it hard, having a worried face. He didn't understand why she was making a face like, a confused look on his face.

“Alvin, money isn't everything right? You may not believe me but you’ll find something that money can’t replace.” He retracted his hand away from her, suddenly feeling weak as he started to fasten his pace, ignoring her. Kianna looked at his back side as it started to get farther away from her as she bit her lips, following behind in silence.

 

---

 

He arrived at the forest in a week but traveling with someone with him, it would probably take two weeks depending on their pace. Ever since her comment, she never talked, slumping her head down towards the ground. That’s when his stomach growled awkwardly, making her head perk up. Without saying anything, she started to collect some wood and found a place to make a fire. Alvin watched her try hard and succeeded in making a fire, the warmth washing over him. “I’ll cook something also,” she said, not making any eye contact. Guilt started to form in his stomach as he tried to get rid of this intense feeling, but it was no use as he was already used to seeing her smile.

“Kianna,” he called out, seeing her sadden face turn towards him. Just from seeing those gloomy eyes, he clenched his teeth together before grabbed her to face him directly. “Forget what I said earlier. You’re right. Money isn’t everything...just keep smiling like you were.”

“Alvin...you...I know but it’s my fault for stating my opinion.”

“No, Kianna just listen to me and keep smiling,” he snapped in a worried tone, making her flinch. Alvin looked away, clicking his tone as he sunk into the silence. She took out the berries she had picked earlier and found a running stream nearby as she started to prepare for dinner. Kianna found that this was the first time cooking for someone in a long time, which made her very happy. Then she couldn't afford to ruin tonight’s meal, rather, make it absolutely perfect.

 

---

 

“Sorry for the long wait,” Kianna smiled, feeling proud of what she had made. Vegetable stew with bread and the dessert was something she had made earlier and placed in her basket. Strawberry tarts with a little pinch of cinnamon she had taken from home. Alvin looked at the food in front of him, debating if he should eat it or not. But his hunger got the best of him and started to dig in. “Does it taste good? Even though I didn't put any meat in it.”

“It’s really good,” Alvin replied taking a bite off the bread as Kianna started to eat as well. She had forgotten the feeling of eating with another person, a feeling that she had missed. What she didn't know was that it was also the same for the other person eating with her. “There’s a little town near this area. That is where we’re going to rest later on alright?” he said, handing over his empty bowl.

“A town is nearby? I’m excited now,” Kianna smiled, carrying the dirty dishes with her as she started to wash them with the stream water, letting out a soft melody.  Alvin watched from afar, still tasting the stew from his lips, the flavor making him breathe out a chuckle. This princess was very interesting and...Cute. Cute and beautiful. Alvin covered his mouth, obviously embarrassed as she came back, looking at him with confused eyes as she tilted her head. “What is it Alvin?”

“Ah...nothing, it’s nothing. Shall we sleep?” Kianna nodded her head at his suggestion, digging into her basket to pull out a nice large blanket, getting out another one along with a pillow. She looked at him and smiled.

“Perhaps you want to sleep with me? I don't mind since I have a lot of space.” Alvin couldn't see why to reject this offer as he wrapped his spare blanket around his body, feeling a body close to his. The princess was already fast asleep, but was shaking in her slumber, groaning in sorrow as he held her closer.

 

---

 

The princess was the first to wake up as she faced the other, their faces just an inch away. Kianna backed her head away quickly, trying to calm down her beating chest as she covered her face. Alvin woke up slightly as he groaned and turned his body the opposite direction, wrapping the warm blanket around his body. Kianna stretched her arms, putting on her cloak and grabbed her basket to fetch for items to start on breakfast. By the time Alvin fully opened his eyes, no sight of the princess was near him. That’s when he felt this painful throbbing as he started to search around. “What’s wrong Alvin? You’re acting weird,” Kianna said as he turned his body around.

“You! Where were you?” he choked out, pulling her into a tight hug, feeling a wave of relief wash over his body. “Don’t ever leave my side like that ever again? Do you hear me?”

“I was just getting some breakfast items...I didn’t think that you would…”

“Of course I would get worried. Seeing you suddenly vanish, of course I would get worried.” Hearing those words make Kianna cling onto him desperately, her body feeling at ease as she buried her head deeper into his chest. Her heart was pounding, beating hard but she didn't care as being in this person’s arms was the best feeling.

“I should get started on breakfast,” she said to break the silence, trying to free herself from his sweet, captive grip. But his arms were still wrapped around her, still tight as he did not intend to let her go.

“We’re going to the town to eat breakfast. I don’t want you to disappear on me again,” his worried tone making her nod as they packed up things and started to make their way towards town.

 

---

 

They arrived at the town, their bodies heading towards a restaurant, Alvin going inside as the princess could feel that he was familiar with this place. Heading towards a table, a waiter already started to head towards them. She wanted to ask him many questions but kept her mouth shut as he was already placing orders. That’s when she let go one question. “Are you familiar with this place?”

“I come to this town a lot. There’s an inn also, we’ll spend the night there.” She nodded her head, their meal arriving shortly after a he began to eat. Kianna did the same, eyes scanning around the tavern. People were drinking heavily, making her suddenly uncomfortable. Alvin was still eating as she was done with hers and excused herself to find the restroom. “Over around that hallway alright?” he directed, watching her figure go into the crowd.

 

---

 

With every step, she still felt uneasy as countless eyes were staring at her as she passed through. Successfully getting inside the restroom, she was faced with many women, who as she figured, were prostitutes. “Is this the new girl the owner was talking about?”

“She dresses weirdly.”

“C’mon honey, we’ll get you new clothes.” Kianna blinked her eyes in confusion as many hands grabbed her and going out the bathroom and into another room with countless revealing clothes. Without hesitation, they started to take off her clothes as she tried to resist but it was no use as new clothing was placed on her body. “Her chest size is quite small but maybe some guys are into that.”

“Honey is this your first time?” a women asked, probably being older than the rest.

“I’m...I don’t know what you are talking-” her words were cut off by one of the prostitutes’ voice.

“A customer requested. I think he wants a fresh one, like a newbie.”

“This is your chance. Now what was your name?”

“My name’s Kianna but...but I really don't think I belong here. Can you let me go?” she desperately tried to speak as her eyes looked down at her clothes. Silk, lilac colored silk as her stomach and legs were showing, her chest was slightly exposed, her hair undone and slightly messy.

“Honey you look very alluring. You’ll get many customers tonight.”

“C-Customers? W-Wait I-I’m not actually-” she was once again cut off as one of the girls grabbed her arm and started to lead her out, towards this so called customers that has chosen her.

 

---

 

Alvin was tapping his finger onto the table, glancing towards the restroom. She was taking long, making him impatient. That’s when his eyes caught onto two girls, two prostitute that was zipping up stairs to the “service rooms” as the girl in lilac looked familiar. Than it caught him, it was Kianna. He instantly stood up, paying quickly as he followed the two quickly. Upstairs was dangerous for a princess like her. “She just had to get herself into a situation like this,” he groaned to himself as he spotted the girl pushing Kianna into a room, closing the door before hearing it lock from the other side. This was bad.

“I hope she has fun,” the prostitute smiled, walking away as she tossed the key, catching it as Alvin rushed towards her. Alvin grunted, chasing after her, cornering her.

“Hey, give me that key.”

“This key? I can’t,” she said, pushing the key into her bosom, giving out a smirk. “Unless you please me,” she chuckled, going closer to him. He sighed deeply, going for the second option in his mind. He went back towards the locked door, kicking it open as his eyes widen by the scene. Kianna was crying softly as the unknown man was hovering over her body, not caring that she was rejecting and resisting.

“You bastard!” Alvin yelled in anger as he punched the stranger off, grabbing the arm of the sacred princess and started to drag her off. But right when he looked at her currently outfit, he grabbed the wrinkled blanket and wrapped it around her body, leading the both of them outside. She was still crying softly, holding onto him the hardest, and her body still shivering.

“I’m sorry Alvin, I’m sorry,” she kept apologizing. He didn't answer to any of those words as he was still angry as they reached an inn, getting a room quickly. Once inside, he held her close, feeling his heart at ease.

“I should be the one apologizing. Letting you go alone when I should have escorting you. I’m sorry you had to be exposed to that situation.” Kianna shook her head, clinging tighter as she stuffed her face in his chest, as the feeling of fear slowly melted away. “You should get some rest as I find you some new clothes. I kind of left your basket back at the tavern.”

“Come back safely okay. When I wake up, I want to see you next to me,” Kianna said, going towards the bed as he tucked her gently. Taking one last glance at her, he turned off the lights and closed the door, leaving her alone once again. This time he went towards a certain room, giving it a special knock before it opened. A man opened it instantly, grey hair and a pipe placed in his mouth.

“It's been forever Alvin, come in,” the man smiled.

“Thank you uncle.” He made his way inside, barely closing the door as he seated himself down at the table.

“So why is a princess like her traveling with you?” his uncle said, staring at him. Alvin gulped hard, feeling sweat start to form on his body. There was no way someone would recognize her quickly, after all, nobody has looked at her since she was 14.

“It’s...it’s for a job,” he swallowed.

“It was your job to be a knight that would protect her. Yet, you stopped your training and became a mercenary. You were the youngest knight to have that high title and job to protect the princess.”

“As I said to them, I wasn’t ready to take that job-”

“Which lead you to using her for money? Are you sure you want to do this?” Alvin clenching his fists hard, leaning back onto his chair.

“A job is a job, I have to do this.” Kianna was on the other side of the door, hearing every word as she walked away, the tears once again falling from her cheeks. She knew this was a possibility that he would do this, yet, why did she felt so comfortable around him even though he lied to her. She didn't know herself as she made her way back to the room, resting her tired eyes as the moonlight illuminated the dark room.

 

---

 

Alvin opened his eyes to see Kianna already up and changed into the new clothes he had gotten for her. A white dress with a brown corset.  It really looked stunning on her as she gave him a smile that didn't seem familiar but he decided to shake it off as he also started to get ready. “What should we do today?” she asked him, placing a cloak on her. Alvin chuckled at himself before finally thinking that this was the day his job would be completed. The talk he had with his uncle was still a bit hazy but he grabbed her hand and started to lead them both into the outside world, heading towards a certain place.

“You’re going to like this place,” he breathed, feeling a pain erupt in his stomach, but he tried to ignore it. What he didn't know was that Kianna had been hiding something in her cloak, an item that belonged to him. She knew where she was going to get taken to, yet she still followed him as he was the person she trusted.

“I hope I do like this place,” a forced smiled placed on her face. All she honestly wanted to do was question him, to let him know her feelings. That was futile though as she knew that he didn't share the same emotions as her.

“Here’s the place, let’s go inside.” He opened the door and walked inside, the hallway dark as a single bright room laid before them as he went inside, dragging her along as a wealthy aristocrat appeared in front of them.

“So much beautiful in person Princess Kianna. I am lord Chad,” the stranger greeted, throwing four pouches towards Alvin, glaring right at him. “You did a good job Alvin, now get out.”

“Thank you for everything Alvin. I knew this was going to happen but I wanted to tell you that I…” her voice started to die out as she tried to hold back, stepping away from him. Alvin gave out a look of confusion as she told him to hold out his hand. He did the action to see a ring placed on his hand, her family crest onto the cold metal. He stared at it with widen eyes, looking up at her as she wore a bitter smile. “I love you Alvin. You were the knight who saved me, a knight that stole my heart. Goodbye.”

“Kianna...I…” He was out of words as this was one of the greatest mistakes he ever made as he glared right at the noble. Chad. He always hated that name. He instantly grabbed her arm, pulling her back towards him as he started to make his way out, leaving the untouched money on the ground.

“Do you think I’ll let you two go easily?” Chad smiled, snapping his fingers as countless guards surrounding them. Kianna took something from one of her secret pockets in her cloak, leather gloves covering her hands. She tightened her fist together, smiling towards Alvin as he grabbed a dagger. They were both expecting to get charged at as it never came, a loud yelp coming from the noble. Chad was pinned down by his own guards.

“Chad de Arcos, for threatening and disrespecting a Princess, you are hereby sentence to death.”

“S-Sentenced to death? What are you talking about? I’m rich, I have money. You shouldn't be taking me, you should be taking him,” the aristocrat grunted, pointing his finger at Alvin. Kianna held onto his arms, taking him away from the scene as the guards surrounded her.

“The king and queen will be happy to see you back, shall we go?”

“William,” Kianna called out, rushing over to give him a huge hug. “Alvin this is the head knight at the castle and also my caretaker, William Evans. He secretly trained me how to fight behind my parent’s back...please keep that a secret.” Alvin held out his hand to have a fair hand shake as Kianna returned to his side, making a smile form. Chad was taken away, his shouts and pleads echoing.

“Now princess, I shall take you home,” William smiled, taking her hand over to the already prepared carriage. She looked over at the mercenary, holding his hand as she dragged him into the carriage as the door closed, William directing the movement of the transportation.

 

---

 

Kianna looked towards him awkwardly as the silence was slowly suffocating her. She wanted to say things, but she didn’t know how to do so. “Kianna, I love you also.” She lifted up her head, staring, lips quivering as she bit her lips, looking away from him.

“I-I don’t think you really do,” she awkwardly laughed, turning her head away. Suddenly, she felt hands grab her shoulders to force her to look at Alvin, his face in pain. His soft lips pressed onto hers, their arms wrapping around each other. They broke apart, foreheads pressed together. Alvin showed off the ring was that placed on his finger, making a smile form on her face. “My knight,” she giggled.

“My princess,” he blushed, holding her tight, their embrace full with warmth. “I love you so much. Stay by my side forever, marry me. I’ll protect you as I won’t let anything happen to you,” Alvin gushed out.

“You’ll always stay by my side because my love for you will last forever.”

---

The kind, beautiful princess lived happily with her brave knight as their kingdom respected and loved them. 

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A/N:

I made my fixes on my grammar -smiles- Thanks for reading this story and I hope that I can post up more~