Archive of Our Own

Fingers once pale ran themselves through the red hair, as if desperately trying to unmat it. In and out, in and out, in and out. It was a losing battle, no progress ever made, but she didn’t know what else to do.

Not when it wasn’t only hair that slipped through her fingers.

Not when she wasn’t sure if the eyes below would ever open again, or the mouth make a beautiful smile, or hand hold that ever present scythe again.

Not when the uniquely gorgeous red hair only got redder, and redder, and redder. . .

Weiss has been told all of her life that it was unbecoming for a princess to cry and beg, plead like a child. That it was beneath her station; reflecting poorly for her and the queendom. But she didn’t know what else to do.

And if maybe somehow it would help, some god would hear her and have mercy, she would do anything. Give anything.

Even all she had to give.

She knew what everyone would say about how important she was, her life. How the queendom depended on it. Probably some stupidity about Royal blood.

She also knew that she wouldn’t have accepted it. That there was a reason they were in the places they were. Anyone could have seen it coming.

But Weiss wished with all her heart and soul, that this one time, Ruby hadn’t saved her.

Weiss hadn’t wanted a guard at all. She didn’t think she needed one; sure she was a princess, but she was far from some damsel in distress.

Princess Weiss of House Schnee, heir apparent, was as skilled a fighter with sword as any man in her mother’s realm, and as good a rider too. The tournaments showed that well enough for all to see, even when opponents didn’t know who she was. She made a point to ensure those she fought wouldn’t hold back out of some silly sense of honor. And it was made clear this profficentcy was useful; by her 21st year the princess had even fended off more than one assassination attempt on her own.

She didn’t need anyone following her around, as if she was a child. A stranger who would be a physical manifestation of privacy invasion and lack of independence. And more than likely some hotshot idiot who thought this was the best way that he could become prince consort one day.

But her mother insisted.

And even those that would argue with a queen, find their own mother harder not to heed.

“Now that you are of age, things will only get more dangerous,” Queen Willow had told her, a certain worry in her voice, “Especially as you will be expected to travel and take part in diplomacy. You know I have great faith in you in all areas, you are stronger and probably smarter than I ever was. But every mother’s heart is fated, doomed to worry,”

When they were alone, like they were then, the formalities of position were dropped to a large degree. And so the queen was allowed outside of prying eyes to hold her little girl close when she asked;

“Weiss, could you please allow this, for me?”

No matter how much she disliked the idea, the princess couldn’t be the one to cause her already burdened mother such distress.

“Very well, Mom. I shall have a guard.”

Then soon came the question of who she would be the protector of the heir to the throne. The position was not wanting for aspirants, quite the contrary; the issue was that every knight who could hold a sword wanted the job. And even some who couldn’t.

And Weiss could tell every single one of them she saw wanted something. Either something from her in the future in a position or riches, or in fact, her herself. She couldn’t trust them, and found the idea of being stuck with any simply nauseating.

Thankfully, it wasn’t quite her who had to find her future protector. As it would turn out, it was almost the other way around.

As the process was taking time, the world continued to rudely move about them, So duties had to be undertaken. One of them would be to travel to the island of Patch; a small nation on very friendly terms with the queendom. To keep these, every so often a diplomatic mission has to be sent.

And Weiss was undertaking her first one.

It should have been easy, as to why this was chosen as her first. It was not very far all things considered. The roads were well traveled and none through hostile territory. All that Patch wanted was to meet the some-day but hopefully not soon  to be ruler of their ally. She would have a suitably large entourage, and of course she could take care of herself.

But nothing ever seems to be that simple.

It was on the border that they were beset upon, in the night under a full moon. It was quicker to go by both day and night if one had enough personnel to switch in and out of needed positions. Being constantly on the road, through even when late hours became early, was more dangerous. 

Weiss had expected bandits when with a jolt in there was a sudden stop and she could hear there was a commotion. At that moment she was, and forevermore would be, thankful she had chosen to not attempt to sleep on what was at that point an uneven road. In the dark night, the clash and spark of steel was expected outside, but when she looked through the window of her carriage, what Weiss saw was yellow eyes and sharp claws and blood. Monsters.

The realization not stunning her for long, she grabbed the jeweled rapier kept always by her side and burst out. Her soldiers were fighting the beasts already, but there seemed to be an endless amount of them. Until the second before, Weiss had only ever seen a few of these beings from afar, and never had seen what they did. They weren’t the first men she had seen die, but they were the first so brutally. But she pushed the horror away, it didn’t matter; she was as much a fighter as she was royal, and now was a time to fight.

For her part, Weiss slew the first that tried to prey upon her, proving gems did not make it ornamental . And also the second, and the third, and the fourth. But one woman, no matter how lethal, with allies being whittled away could only do so much. As the fifth leapt at her, it too fell on the point of her blade, but this one was limp before it even got there; an arrow through its head.

She looked around, and saw that a few more were falling without her group seemingly doing anything to them. Then, there was a red flash.

A few more of the remaining beasts, standing abreast ready to make an attack, were halved in an instant. Then another was, and another. Until she met her men and women could withstand the number.

And then those left too were slain, mostly in a red flash.

As the last monster fell to the ground, the crimson blur finally stopped. In fact, it did so right in front of her; still holding a bloodied weapon somewhere between a scythe and crossbow. And Weiss could see it was a woman; the well crafted and caped armour she wore most definitely meant a knight. One who she could see was beautiful even in just the moonlight, a knight with silver eyes and red hair.

“Is there any more I can do to help?” The woman, who had saved them all, asked

When morning came, Weiss set out back to her own lands, no longer having the supplies and personnel for the original mission.

And along with her, came the knight. There had been enough salvageable to give her a reward, generous even for what she did, but it was refused. Instead, the hero came along simply because she couldn’t be sure the princess would be safe accompanied by so few men returning home. Such a request, seemingly so selfless, was too good for the princess to believe: Even if this woman had helped them, Weiss kept a hand on her rapier for the first day. Could this all be a ruse to get to her somehow? But the princess’s fears of malicious intent soon faded away.

It didn’t take long through their talking for Weiss to realize she had actually heard of this mysterious woman before. She had said her name was Ruby, and Weiss knew she must be Ruby of the Rose. A woman slightly younger than her who had become almost a legend in short order; known for being the best fighter Patch had, but more so her heart. She caught bandits and slayed beasts, but never asked for reward. She was said to always be on the lookout for those she could help.

“It’s reward enough seeing you safe princess.”

And it seems some legends are true.

Over the time it took for them to get back to the palace, she and this woman had become friendlier than she had thought she had ever been with another. Cold to most as a defense, Weiss had done the same to the woman after thanking her for the assistance.

But despite that, and initial worries about this being a facade. . . She seemed like genuinely the most chivalrous and kind person Weiss had ever met. Maybe the happiest knight too, as after the first day a smile never seemed to leave her face. Every action seemed genuine.

Like a character from one of the faetales come to life.

She didn’t pry, but Weiss couldn’t help but open up and talk to her in a way that royalty never was to do even with knights. Over the time the trek back took, they talked extensively, they shared laughs and a few stories. Whenever she needed to attend something, Ruby came along with her but was never a burden.

Hooves trotted along the path, not walking but not a full gallop. The ground was even yes, but the issues were that it was unfamiliar; so with purpose it was skillfully traveled, but not recklessly.

On the road, back, with a reduced and in large part beat up complement, it meant that some things had to be done in a less than conventional way. And that was how Princess Weiss found herself one day riding ahead of her entourage to the town ahead; to ensure that such things as stables and lodging would be sufficient. It was decided that the heir herself going would ensure all knew the truth of the matter. Not that she had anything against this; she was more than happy for the excuse to go off on her own. Or well, not quite her own.

“You know, a lot of people back home didn’t believe the Princess could actually ride!” The knight cheerfully quipped as she strode up on her own horse beside Weiss, wind blowing through her red locks, “But it looks like I was right!”

“Thank you,” A complement, but one without the pomp she was so used to. It was honest, and one that wasn’t the usual attempt to simply curry favour. It was refreshing.  Weiss couldn’t help but smile, and then try to hide that smile, instead of having to make up an appropriate reaction. “You don’t ride too badly yourself.”

“Thanks!” And the knight smiled too, happy to accept, but clearly not holding such a small complement from royalty as precious as many. Again, it was refreshing. “So, who taught you how to ride? I’m sure you had the best knights in the realm as personal tutors!”

Weiss didn’t have to say anymore. Just nod and let Ruby believe what she did; such was usually the way that a princess was to interact with more common folk, especially those she did not know well. But, for some reason, Ruby made Weiss want to say more.

“There were those, and they were without a doubt proficient,” She paused, enjoying how her listener was hanging on her words, “But the only one who I truly can thank for my ability is my mother.”

It was something Weiss took some pride in; that her mother and herself might be royalty, but they were more than a head wearing a crown on a throne.

“The queen taught you how to ride? That is so cool!” The wonder in her voice seemed almost inconsistent with the deadly warrior she knew Ruby to be, “I didn’t even know that the queen could! . . But I guess she would be expected to if we ever have a war again. . . But anyway: My mom taught me too!”

“Did she teach you how to fight as well then? From what I saw I dare say you are even better at that; tales told of you are evidently not exaggerated.”

“Hahaha. . .” Ruby’s laugh was a nervous one, “It’s always so embarrassing to hear people talk about me.”

That confused Weiss

“I fail to see why it should; whenever it's about Ruby of the Rose I’ve only heard flattering things. Things I now either know or believe.”

“Thanks, but still. . . . “ 

The faintest dusting of color appeared on the knight’s face, confirming how she felt. The princess realized that to her, it was just a normal thing to be talked about to her. But far from it for others, and that had to be a strange thing.

“I guess I’m just used to it. . .” Not wanting Ruby to be uncomfortable, she changed the subject; “Back to what I was saying though; did your mother teach you how to fight?”

“She did!” The embarrassment seemed to instantly disappear,, “Did your- uh, did the Queen teach you how to use your sword? From what I saw with the monsters you’re amazing with it. How did you become the ‘Princess Knight’?”

“Oh is that what they call me?” Weiss couldn’t help but laugh a bit. It wasn’t that she didn’t like the name, in fact the opposite: it was just that she had never heard it before, no doubt because others feared her response. But Ruby didn’t. “No, not my mother, that was my sister; General Winter. My mother is rusty when it comes to the blade.”

“I have a sister too, but she’s only interested in punching with gauntlets. And fire. So my Mom taught me nearly everything!”

“Your mother must be one hell of a horsewoman and fighter then.”  

“She was. . . .” There was not the exuberance Weiss had expected from the reply, instead it was almost somber. She looked over, and saw the knight looking ahead, her face having dropped at whatever she was thinking. But then just as quickly, she bounced back and a grin returned “Oh! Princess, I think we should be getting near the village soon if my map is right.”

She was pointing ahead; Weiss looked and saw that there was a road splitting off to the right, and the one they were on seemed to get wider and better traveled. 

“Excellent. This may take even less time than I thought.” Weiss’s mind immediately went to planning; exactly what to do and say once she got to the village. Before this was interrupted;

“What do you want me to do when we get there?” Ruby looked to her, somewhat expectantly. It had honestly caught the princess off guard. 

“I had figured you would want to stay with me, considering your reason for coming in the first place.”

“Yeah, but, I’m sure you don’t need anyone to protect you when you’re just working out lodging and food!” Ruby laughed at the idea she saw as an absurdity; she had seen this woman take out a dozen monsters after all!  “I just thought you shouldn't be alone, especially on the way. And I want to help however I can best.”

Weiss paused, but quickly had an idea;

“Then, could you simply have a look around?”

“Check for threats or potential issues like that?” It was the type of thing she expected to be tasked with, it was logical, and would be happy to do it, “That’s a good idea.”

“Yes, indeed that,” The princess affirmed, and chose to clarify further “But also things like the conditions of the stables, and if there is enough open room for all horses and boarding for ourselves.”

“That too. . .” The sound of the horses still trotting became the dominant sound as Ruby’s voice trailed off in, as could be seen on her face, some confusion “But I didn’t think royalty would have to worry about open spaces, I assume you could just make them?”

“I could,” Weiss admitted, and then sighed and continued, deciding to share a little more of herself than she had with almost anyone before, “and most proprietors would do it for me without question. . . But that could force others out, you know we’re not close to the next town. . . I might be royalty, other people might think that means something different, but to me what that really means it is my duty is to help the people, not hurt them. Even in smaller matters such as this.”

Ruby seemed to study her for second, before a cheerful reply,

“I think that's a great idea.” But there was something different in it this time, compared to everything she, or almost anyone else had ever said to her, “Your wish is my command Princess.”

Admiration. Not for her position, not for her title, but for who she really was as a person.

The village soon lay dead ahead, and they each did their jobs.

Which is how Weiss found herself at the front desk of an inn just a little run down, as most things became over time, but she would still describe as almost cozy.

“And so you only have that much room for our party?” Slight fingers tapped the wooden counter in thought, looking at the innkeeper from under a concealing hood. The man in front of her had already given off an air of sincerity and kindness, soft eyes but a face weathered more than his age told a story along with his demeanor.

“My apologies Miss,” He said, seemingly trying to solve this problem for himself as well, and having as much luck, “We normally aren’t this full, but there were a few pilgrim families needing to stay. I suppose especially with such a group, you probably are too. I wish I could help, but we only have one room left. There’s some room in the stables out back, if you really need. I won’t charge full for that either.”

Weiss sighed. Now, she could only wait for Ruby to return and tell her there was anything she saw that could-

“My lady?” The knight said as she came up, the comment clearly seeming to be strange to the innkeeper, “There are enough stables, and they are as good as any we could hope for.”

“But that still leaves an issue of board,” The princess lamented, “Especially the injured deserve some good rest.”

“Actually,” Ruby spoke up again, “I think that I have a solution for that too: I found one of the families staying here. I explained that we had some hurt people who needed rooms, and they offered to give up theirs. Even before I said that I could compensate them, from the award you still want to give me by the way.”

Weiss smiled, in part at the generosity this warrior had yet again shown, and took off her hood. “No need for that, both you and they shall be awarded for good deeds.” She turned back to the innkeeper,

“Princess!” The surprised man was trying to figure out how to quickly show his respect, like finding a suitable place to bow.

“There is no need for that,” She waved off his franticness, with the cheerful disposition of her companion helping, “Please, I just would like help preparing things for my party to arrive. As you must have heard, we have some injured.”

The man straightened himself out and bowed courteously, “At once you grace.” 

With coffers a little lighter, but everyone feeling better than they had before, in a few days the part was again off. It took a few weeks to get back to the capital, and by then, Weiss had two things she had never had before: a real friend, and a choice made.

Thankfully letters had made their way to Willow before her daughter, so she already knew what had happened. And it wasn’t a surprise to her when Weiss made her suggestion. 

Thus it came to pass that there were three in the throne room, the two royals stood in front of the throne, Ruby facing them and a step below. This affair was to be a fairly private one, but this was the only place that was acceptable for her majesty to meet a knight like this. It always seemed so empty with so few people; and to Ruby especially it felt like a white and blue cavern brought to elegance by the finest carving and silver fittings. Even the marble floor seemed to almost shine.The knight’s red cloak and hair made her stand out in the room's expanse, and would have more so if not for the red crystal chandeliers. 

“Ruby of the Rose. . .” The Queen had said, soft but still encompassing like the light of sunrise. Her words felt as though they had power, almost as if she were one’s, everyone’s own mother, and had been divinely fashioned so by something even above her. Even all considered, Weiss heard that there was a strangeness in her voice. Like she was. . . Reminiscing. 

“Even my ears have heard of you in passing,” The weight of the words was given by the mouth that spoke them, “You’re quite remarkable for one so young; renowned for slaying the beasts that haunt too many of the lands both in my kingdom and Patch. On occasion, the monsters who walk on two legs, but only when forced.”

“Thank you my Queen, I just do what I can to help people.” Ruby said as respectfully as she could, which was a great deal. Years of practice let Willow discern genuine humility, and she heard nothing else. 

“Including as it would happen; my daughter.” There was gratitude in it, but it was also almost a test, to gage the reply. 

“It was just chance honestly, I saw people needing assistance I could give.” Sincere yet again.

Willow smiled, one that was true and usually reserved for family,

“But even after the attack, you stayed to travel all the way here. And along the way earned her appreciation; that I can say is not an easy feat.”

“Your daughter and her entourage seemed like they could use more help. So I did what I could.”

“Most in this world would not believe such chivalry actually exists. Cynicism misplaced I say, if only slightly. I am not like most, because I’ve seen it before.” Again her tone seemed to drift to a time gone by, softening with her face as she closed her eyes and let out a sighed. Now as she continued, there was a tinge of. . . Maybe sadness,  “Do you know it was I that gave your family that title, and the knighthood they hold?”

“Yes, my Queen.” Ruby respectfully replied.

“Do you know why?” The question hung in the air for a moment, filling the large space.

“It was my mother,” A sadness was present Weiss had yet heard in the woman’s voice, “She was part of your guard, many years ago.”

The queen continued to as Weiss looked surprised, not knowing of this. But saw the warm ice of her mother’s eyes grow bittersweet:

“Yes, she was. The best I could have asked for,” Then even more shockingly, she stood up and put her hand on the shoulder of the young knight, “There are days I wish I never had released her from my service, so that she might still be here. . . . But she always had to do and go where and what she thought would help the most people, and that was no longer by my side. The title isn’t enough to compensate for your loss, it’s been a long time, but I offer you my condolences.” She looked then to her daughter who tried to look more as she should, “Recently, I had decided my daughter needed a guard of her own. She would like you to be it. If you are half the woman your mother was, and a third the tales about you are true, I do not believe she could have made a better choice.”

Weiss stepped so that she too was in directly in front of her knight, and looked into silver eyes she couldn’t help but believe beautiful, “I will not order you to take this position, I only ask you accept if you want to.”

Ruby knelt before her, “I will protect you with my life, princess.”

And that was how it started. The princess had found her knight.

Everywhere the Royal would go, her protector would dutifully follow. But it wasn’t a burden like she had thought it would be; not when Ruby had become someone she truly trusted and enjoyed being around.

Every feast and ball was more fun with a friend around. She could look busy simply by talking to Ruby so others wouldn’t annoy her, and that was something she liked to do anyway. Ruby could even pull her away from situations she didn’t like at a subtle, saying things looked suspicious. Or just stand there intimidatingly, which worked against a great number of annoyances. There was even once or twice that she got out of dancing with some lord or lady by finding a better partner.

“Princess,” Ruby’s uncharacteristically anxious voice was only audible over the chorus of the rest of the encompassing party due to how close they were, “I am honored, truly, to have been given a suit as beautiful as this and even more so the opportunity to dance with you, but I fear I will only embarrass you.”

“Ruby, you don’t have to give me that,” Weiss replied as she led Ruby deeper into the room, “You’re doing this for me, okay? I don’t want to dance with any of the idiots here, and you’re helping me with that. I promise I’ll make it up to you later. And as long as they don’t notice your muscles, your beauty should fool any of these fools into believing you’re a high lady.”

Royalty need not make such promises to those in their charge, but it only seemed right if this caused Ruby discomfort.

“Thanks. . . But it's not like that. It’s not that I dislike this,” Ruby quickly tried to explain, “At least not entirely. . .” When Weiss looked at her then, she seemed a little. . . Embarrassed; “You see, uhm, I don’t actually know how to dance. Never learned. . . And I’m barely able to walk in these heeled shoes.”

This gave the princess pause, if in mind and not body, but not for long.

“Then now you shall learn.”

“In front of everyone?!” The knight’s composure seemed to be cracking as they marched nearer to the fate that lay at the the center of the floor, “But how will you look when-”

For the first time since they entered the room, they stopped. And Weiss stared Ruby in the eyes, her voice reassuring;

“When you follow my lead and just be careful, you will do and look fine.” Weiss’s face softened, “It’s just like fighting Ruby, you should be okay. . . I just ask you to try, for me, no matter what you will have my gratitude. Please.”

“Okay,” Ruby took a deep breath and summoned a beam to her face, ”If it means that much to you; we’ll do this.”

Weiss nodded, and began to lead Ruby the rest of the short distance to where she was expected to be the point of attention in front of everyone. Soon everything seemed to open up as all gave them space to dance, and for themselves to watch. Almost before she could worry about the situation, Weiss deftly took Ruby’s hands, showing them where to go. And then Weiss quickly eased her into an easy step.

“See? Is this too bad?” The princess whispered as they swayed, focusing on subtly moving her partner as needed,

“No, it’s not.” The knight now admitted, clearly relieved.

“And this way you don’t have to worry about being too far away in the crowd to guard me,” Weiss pointed out, “Like you’ve complained about before.”

“Yeah, though I can’t even have a sword right now,” The smirk said she wasn’t really complaining for some reason, “But I still have a dagger strapped to my thigh.”

“Of course you do.” Weiss shook her head.

“I need to make sure I can keep my promise.” 

Maybe it was something about hearing the sincerity of those words, maybe it was something else, but just then, Weiss looked at Ruby, really looked at her, and felt the moment they were in. She realized just how nice Ruby did look in the suit; it was well fitted, but there was more. And she noticed how different she felt from every time she had danced before: even if already leading and steering her partner, she felt the want to get closer. She enjoyed feeling the hand in hers and arm around her instead of it just being necessary. Swaying back and forth, looking in those beautifully soulful silver eyes framed by that gorgeous red hair, made her stomach feel rather strange.

But it wouldn’t be tonight she would know what that meant, instead she just let herself enjoy it.  

Every trip within the realm or to a foreign land less tedious and less a cause for anxiety even as they became more frequent. It was her duty after all as princess, and the incident of her first attempt wasn’t going to stop her. No, indeed her next diplomatic mission was a repeat to Patch; just this time with a little more help.

“We’re getting pretty close to the place where we met.” The knight sounded more cheery than one would think for reference to a monster attack. But all who knew her, knew it wasn’t from irreverence; it was just who she was.

“Let us hope that we get farther this time.” The princess replied from inside her carriage, clearly infected with some of the joy Ruby emitted, “But with you here, I don’t believe that monsters should be much of a concern.”

“Thank you for such praise Princess.” Ruby accepted it with a little bow as they continued along, Ruby on top of her horse alongside the carriage, red hair blowing in the slight breeze.

“It is my duty to speak the truth, I need no thanks for it.”

For a short time after that, neither said a thing. Yet, even without the chain of words and answers tying them together, and indeed with feet between them, it was times like this they could feel a. . . closeness.

It was something that could be basked in like the sun through Ruby now rode, but not blocked as by the roof of the carriage. It was a feeling foriegn to them both before each other, but that didn’t mean they didn’t embrace it, and want to let these moments happen. But it was something that had to come soon to a close; there was more to discuss.

“Without having to worry that much about beasts and other such unpleasant things, I think that our attention should be directed to what we’re doing when we get to Patch’s court.”

“I can stay with the rest of the retinue.” Ruby quickly, almost offhandedly responded as she looked back at the road in front of them. Weiss’s reply was more measured;

“Ruby, I would like you to stay with me as I meet the royal family.”

The knight look back to her lady, near confused,

“I don’t mean to question you Princess, but I don’t think my services will be needed. Patch will have their own guards, and with how good relations are, I don’t think you’ll have to worry about them.”

“You won’t necessarily be required for my safety, that is true. . .” Weiss admitted, “But, nonetheless, I would like you to come with.”

Ruby looked as she was; conflicted as to whether keep up the debate, but her own feelings came out in sound and a bashful expression;

“I just don’t want to get in the way.”

The utterance almost made Weiss laugh as she waved the worry off,

“Nonsense. You never get in the way.”

That made the knight think for a minute, a small grin growing,

“Well. . . There was how at the beginning I didn’t really know how to do this and you had to tell me what to do every minute, and that one time I accidentally stepped on your gown train and made you fall,”

It was embarrassing at the time, that happening in front of everyone, but now they could look back at it in good humor,

“But you’ve only improved, and that was only just once.”

“And when you tripped and fell in your room, I heard you tell out, so I broke down your door and sent that painting crashing to the ground and-” 

“Because you were worried about me. You heard that I might be hurt or in danger and you rushed to my aid.”

A little bit of the excitement turned to embarrassment in recollection, explaining some of this reluctance,

“I still destroyed some expensive royal possessions for nothing.”

But it was for not; swiftly put down by the future ruler,

“It’s not nothing; I could have actually been hurt and you would have saved me even if you only had a faint warning.” Weiss looked Ruby in the eyes, then said sincerely and as softly as the distance between them allowed, “Which is part of my point. Ruby, you make me feel better, safer, when you’re around even if there are others because I know you will always have my back.”

Especially when feet apart, eyes seem like such small things. That made it even more amazing all the things, some things she didn’t fully understand, that Ruby could see in the ones looking at her. But she understood enough, and with the words felt even more than that.

The knight shrugged and smiled again, warmly and honest;

“I guess I’ve done my job pretty well then.”

And she, as tended to happen, received one in return,

“That you have. . .” They allowed themselves a small moment again, before Weiss continued “And, there is also the issue of the business we are planning to attend to; being how to best help the border region.”

“Royal politics and stuff like that is no place for me.” Ruby stated it as a fact, not with worry like before.

“I disagree.” But yet again, Weiss was determined to inform of the truth she saw clearly and convince of her error, “I might have witnessed it myself, but you know more about it and how to help the people there than anyone else. You’re the one who informed me of just how much of an issue there really is. There is no one better to advise us on this matter.”

“If you really think so,” There was a thoughtful tone to her words, one of beginning to understand but not fully persuaded, “I’ll do what I can.” 

“I know you will.” Weiss knew her confidence would win out, especially when she brought evidence, “Like I am sure you know better than any of us how the roads get in the winter, and how they can be improved.”

“Actually,” The knight spoke again factually, this time more accurately so, “Unless it’s in the mountains most of the roads are good in the winter. It’s the spring thaw that usually causes issues, especially on a couple old, low bridges.”

Weiss held out an open hand, gesturing to the evidence to her case that had just now been in the air around them.

“Okay, maybe you’re right. . .” Ruby sighed and finally looked more content, “Thank you for having this type of faith in me.”

“You’ve only ever given me reason to have it.”

“And I know that it doesn’t mean as much coming from someone like me to you; but I have faith you won’t only do amazingly at fixing this. . . But with how smart and kind and just you are. . . You’ll be an amazing queen.”

A smile given warmly was returned in kind,

“Ruby, that means quite a bit to me.”

Even on normal days, the world seemed a little brighter; the princess not knowing how lonely it was on the top until she wasn’t lonely anymore.

She wasn’t lonely anymore, like when she was working for hours in her study.

“Princess Weiss? In my most humble opinion,” Ruby said knowing now full well her opinion now held some weight, “I think that you should take a break.”

Weiss didn’t even look up from the stacked sheet of parchment she was reviewing and signing and stamping, “I’m almost done with the seals for these documents.”

“You’ve been at it for a long time.”

The princess attempted to wave her off, “It takes a long time; I need to analyze, ensure absolutely that everything is correct before I put the Royal approval on them, for the sake of the realm and my house”

“Indeed. But. . .” Ruby moved over to Weiss, put her elbows on the dark wooden desk at which she was working, and smiled at her, “Remember what the Queen said; that you should enjoy your time as a princess while it lasts..”

Weiss glared indignantly as only a royal heir, attempting intimidation but failing as in reality she wasn’t really against this, at a face that already knew victory and sighed, 

“. . . Fine. . .”

“Good.” That glare was met with it’s polar opposite from the knight, “Now, what do you want to do?”

“Hmm. . .” Weiss put down her quill and started to get up, thinking for a moment, “How about a ride through the woods, to the spot we spar at? If I must take a break, a fight is the best way to blow off some steam.”

“Sounds great to me!” Ruby cheered, as the princess got up to prepare herself to leave, “A little practice is always good for the next time someone tries to get you.” 

“Isn’t the very reason I have a guard, namely you,” Weiss pointed to Ruby with feigned accusation as she retrieved her sword from its place nearby, “So I don’t have to worry about that kind of thing?”

Ruby leaned waiting on the doorway of the room, a grin on her face,

“Are you saying that you would ever leave your personal safety up to someone else, even me?”

Weiss looked back to the knight with a smirk, sword now fixed to her waist, 

“Not even you.”

“Now then:” Ruby waited for Weiss to make her way out of the room before following her out, and proclaiming, “To the place where everyone can’t see the princess beating her own guard!”

“Oh please.” Weiss scoffed, but it was clearly with some jest. She always enjoyed this. “You usually beat me unless you let me win.”

“But not always!”

Of course, there were also the times that Ruby’s services had to be used for their intended purpose.

A couple more monster attacks occurred, but those were few and far between as they usually are. None nearly as bad as the first either. No; the actual damage was assassins.

House Schnee was as well loved now as any royal house could be, considered just by nearly all, but there were those who still had grudges from the days of the previous tyrant. Some were paid for by rival powers, wishing to topple the queendom from the top down. Some just wanted to say they killed, or worse, a princess.

But each and every time, Ruby was there for Weiss. She could have handled almost all of them by herself, but she had never needed to. The scythe became red, another villain cut down, but no one else harmed. And Ruby by her side, making sure she was alright.

It was a horrible thing, the fear that always came with the threat even if Weiss knew they wouldn’t succeed. And the death that would occur, of even an evil person, so close at hand. But at least she had Ruby. And it did lead to the rather humorous, and to Weiss something she realized she found it even. . . More. . . in the sight of the knight wielding her weapon on her nightgown more than once. 

^

“Are you okay?!” They both once yelled in unison from either side of the shattered window they had defenestrated the latest bad guy through.

The knight was expected to say such a thing to her protected, much less so for a princess after she was the target of an attack. But. . . 

“Are you sure you’re unharmed?” Concern and worry, radiating through in the dark corridor like the moon and few candles.

“Yeah Weiss, he didn’t hit me. But you-”

She quickly cut her off, trying to put back to bed the emotions like her own she saw in silver even in the darkness, 

“He was less adept at getting through my door than you are.”

It earned the relief of tension she hoped it would, the memory earning a slight upward curve on both of their lips, barely visible,

“Good. . .” Adrenaline and weariness in combination meant her mind was working nowhere near as quickly as her body, but eventually she found what she wanted to say, “Alright, we should go to the Queen’s chambers to make sure she knows and in case anything else happens.”

“It might be best if you went to help the guards;” Weiss willed her mind to come up with the optimal thing to do, even despite the circumstances, “You’re usually good at organizing them in times like this.”

“. . . Princess?” Ruby asked almost cautiously, looking with almost uncharacteristic earnesty at who she spoke,  “I don’t mean to impose, but I request staying with you. . . I know you shouldn’t need me, but. . . I want to ensure your safety.”

This stopped Weiss for a moment.

From the very start, the last thing she wanted in a guard was one that felt the need to protect her. It was why she was so reluctant of the idea in the first place. Someone who didn’t trust her ability to defend herself, thought they were needed, and thus wouldn’t leave her alone. That even with the best intentions, they would invade her privacy and insult her skill. 

But. . .

Weiss looked down at her hand. Despite her subconscious attempt against it, it was still shaking after what had just happened. She nodded to Ruby,

“Of course.”

But most of that was at first. It seemed that too many had fallen to rapier and scythe that most had simply stopped trying. Not that that was a bad thing for the two.

With less of that to worry about, and simply more time to get to know each other and even grow together, over the last couple years Weiss and Ruby had become very close. Closer than Weiss had ever been with another person, even family.

Close, with so much care and what she could only ever describe, despite combing through tomes to find another answer, love. The princess had accepted not long ago that she had fallen for her own guard. And. . .

And she wasn’t upset by it. It would cause some issues, especially if she was able to get their relationship to be official, but. . . She had found someone who made her happy. That she loved.

This love never made her sad or angry or depressed even as she kept it inside for now. Over it, the lovely future with her guard still by her side, Weiss wept no tears.

Until today.

It had been just a normal day, no different from any other. The princess had her duties to perform and her knight went along with her. And together, they were happy.

Today, she was to meet a dignitary from Vacuo. They hadn’t been on good terms with the queendom, wars several decades over are wounds slowly healed, but an envoy like this was a good sign. Weiss was excited as she took the place of her mother in greeting them in the throne room, the queen on business elsewhere.

She greeted the nobleman, who donned dress armour in his state’s traditional yellow and bronze, who had come with a fair sized party of his own. They each similarly wore their colors, which made for a nice contrast with the blue and silver that almost all of those in this queendom were in, as well as the grand walls and fittings.

It was so soon after pleasantries. . . One which seemed to be going so well.

The plan must have been one conceived to take them all by surprise, and it nearly succeeded.

In a moment, as Weiss and he walked further into the room, one of his men pulled a sword. Instantly he yelled at the man to stop whatever he was doing, apologizing to the princess between commands.

A fight broke out between them and the palace guards, Ruby went to go help, as he took Weiss’s hand and led her further still.

Ruby almost didn’t realize fast enough that something was wrong. She had an uneasy feeling, so she had just been forced to cut an attacking man down before looking back and seeing Weiss, looking at her.

And the man behind her’s hand drawing his sword.

She didn’t have time to be sure she could stop him in time. But she was the fastest knight in the queendom, and she knew she was just fast enough to push Weiss out of the way.

And take the blow instead.

The red blur Weiss had seen first years ago came at her, and shoved her to the floor. She didn’t understand for a fraction of a second, until that red blur, Ruby, fell next to her.

Weiss saw the blood on her head.

And the blood on the man’s sword.

She pulled out her rapier as she stood, so many emotions making the world seem fall in slow motion. She didn’t know how hurt Ruby was, and didn’t want to think about how much blood she saw drip down.

But what she did know, was that she was going to make sure Ruby’s blood wasn’t the only one on that floor.

As could be expected for a man who was given this job, the assassin was quite an adept fighter, his long sword slashing away and causing many times the princess to fall back or even be slightly wounded.

But he wasn’t good enough, not after what he had done. A rapier parried nearly all of it, and eventually gained an upperhand. 

He stabbed straight at her, the tip being set skyward by a skillful maneuver by the princess, followed by a kick that this time sent him back. He charged at her in anger, his cut high enough that with just a little parry she ducked underneath. 

He quickly turned, and once again he came back with rage and hatred, faster than he had before,

The mighty blade he held was brought up, and then down where the princess stood. She knew she couldn’t block it completely, and a parry would only make this last longer, where eventually he might land the one hit he needed.

Inside his swing she brought her blade almost in line with his, using her crossguard to deflect it just enough away to merely cut into her shoulder, as opposed to where her fine edge embedded itself.

The final blow was straight through his heart; even in that moment the irony wasn’t lost on her.

He had barely hit the ground when Weiss to retuned there, though her at the side of her dearest knight.

“R-Ruby?” She stammered out, on her knees the fine gown she wore would be ruined by the blood. But she didn’t care.

She only cared about her guardian, her best friend, her. . . Love . . Who lay in front of her. And she wasn’t moving.

“Ruby!” The whole castle and city must have heard her scream.

No reply to her name, Weiss carefully touched her, but got no response. Another still nothing.

Fear over powering caution, she grabbed her knight by her armour and hauled her up into her lap. Looking down at her, blood painting many of her features, Weiss couldn’t help but think she was still so beautiful. But her heart clenched and soul mourner that the true beauty behind them might be gone.

She raked her fingers through the red hair as her life felt like it too was bleeding away.

It was only now that she truly realized what Ruby was to her. She, Weiss had figured she loved her before, but not all that it meant.

However every decision she made was with this woman in the back of her head. How it would affect her and them. What Ruby would think of it. What Ruby would do.

How every future she could imagine had Ruby by her side. The ones when she was awake, as her dutiful knight until the end of her days. And the ones at night where she dared to let herself dream; a queen alongside her.

How when she imagined happiness, it was her smile.

How when she imagined what made her happy, it was the same thing.

The embodiment of a knight, like she had been so sure she wouldn’t find. One who protected, and others as well, only because she truly cared.

One who was willing to give her own life, when she has a choice, to save hers instead.

“Don’t you dare die on me!” She knew she screamed it, her burning throat told her so, but she didn’t hear any of the words.

She could only hear fingers snagging on wet hair.

Weiss as with everyone else had been raised to believe royalty were better in some way than others. Even if only by a little. Worth more, even if only for stability. She had thought she believed it.

But right now, Weiss knew she didn’t.

Ruby was worth more than anyone else in the world. The best person on this whole planet, a loyal protector and honest warrior. A hero like only books and stories tell you about.

And, she loves her.

. . . Loved?

The word sunk in like the sword she had been spared, but it was her soul that was torn.

And she wished, prayed it had been the blade instead, that Ruby was here cradling her. Maybe it was selfish, she knew Ruby would have, no does, want it this way. . . But she knew Ruby deserved so much more.

Tears cascaded down her face like they never had before. A part of her thought they could wash the blood away, before realizing that that wouldn’t help.

She hugged Ruby tighter. On the ground, covered in blood, wailing. They would speak of this for decades how unprincessly it was.

She didn’t care.

Nothing seemed to, not the queendom, not her future crown, not her own life. Nothing except the one thing she couldn’t have; the one in her arms.

But there was one thing she still could do that mattered.

“R-Ruby. . . I. . . “ she choked out, knowing each passing second might be too late and every lesson on speaking failing hers.

She just let go, and bore her heart

“Ruby. . . I . . . Love you.”

Fingers stopped running through red hair. . . And she just cried. . .

Until. . .

She felt her hand go through the hair again.

But she didn’t cause it.

She opened her eyes and looked down, waiting a moment before. . . Ruby moves her head again.

She wanted to scream, but had no energy left for even that.

Then, slowly, and only seen through a watery blur, silver eyes opened.

And a smile spread across lips that spoke once more.

“Weiss. . . I . . . I know I’ve always. . . Said. . . I don’t need a reward. . . For saving you. . . But that. . . Is a pretty good one.”

And from that day forth Weiss learned another truth of fairlytales:

The happily ever after.