Work Text:
As the sun rises on the twenty-second of March, as does Stanley Marsh of Zaron. An elated buzz energizes him as he readies himself for the day of import. Today he wears his most extravagant leather gambeson, abandoning his usual hauberk in preparation of the plans he has laid out. Although his longsword would prove an equal burden to chainmail, he decides to equip the weapon anyway. It is his duty to protect the princess, after all.
Stanley had grown up in close quarters with the young princesses of Zaron as the eldest son of the king has been swept to and fro on business since his infancy. The second eldest child of the royal family, Kenneth, and he have played together as equals their entire lives, and no introduction of class politics could disway their friendship. For many years he had trained to become a sworn protector of the realm, and as he was deemed prepared to become an active member of the king’s watch, his closest companion became in need of personal protection. His duty was to spend every day and often night watching over the princess and overseeing her activities.
Tonight, her activities include a royal ball in celebration of her 17th birthday. Each year these lavish parties are hosted in the castle they both reside in, and every year Princess Kenny grows weary of the intricate traditions, the choreographed dancing, the detailed schedule of eating, drinking, and relieving herself. She tells Stanley it feels as though she is being punished for growing older.
Today, however, Stanley has crafted an itinerary of Kenny’s favorite things to do. Traditionally he would try to do something subtle to account for the deficit of annoyance her ball causes her, but this year he has acquired a small bit of wealth for his service to the crown, and has been able to purchase her a gift as well as plan her a day of frivolity.
Once prepared, Stanley sets out to the princesses’ chambers on the other end of the castle. He witnesses many servants bustling about, already making preparations for the evening. Close to arriving at Kenny’s bedroom, Stan is greeted by the princess’s handmaid, Bebe.
Stanley grants her a short bow, and she returns with a curtsy. The young, blonde, and beautiful handmaid curved her painted lips at him. “Good morning, ser Stanley. Have you come for the princess?”
“Good morning, milady. I have,” Stanley confirms, resting his arms behind his back. “Is she ready?”
Bebe releases a soft giggle, “Not exactly, ser.”
Stanley frowns, “Is she ill?”
She shakes her head. “Her highness is still asleep. I thought it best to let her rest on a day such as this.” Stanley nods in agreement, finding himself somewhat amused by his friend’s unusually long slumber. The knowing grin remains across Bebe’s lips, “Would you like to wake her, ser, or shall I?”
“I’ve got it, thank you.” Stanley proclaims, more willing than usual to coax the princess upright. Generally if she is not up on her own, she is not keen on being forcefully awoken.
Stanley taps on the grand, wooden door with his knuckles to ensure he would not be intruding on her in a state of indecency. When he hears no invitation or protest, he pushes into Kenny’s chamber and prepares to be cursed for interrupting her rest. He lays eyes on Kenny at last, and sure enough, she is sprawled out in her bed.
Humored by the soft snores falling from her mouth, Stanley strides across the opulent bedroom with its fine furnishings and decorations. Had he not done this hundreds of times over, it would probably seem a bit strange in their older age. In fact, it is perfectly expected behavior between the pair, and the knight even stands a better chance than Bebe at enduring a lighter wrath.
Unsheathing his sword and setting it gently on the leather ottoman before Kenny’s bed, he takes a seat beside her. The mattress squeaks under his weight but does nothing to stir her. Stanley allows himself a moment to admire his friend.
Through their lives, Stan has always thought Kenny to be the epitome of beauty. He adores the soft, delicate curls of sunshine hair that bounce all the way down to the small of her back. Now the hair is wild like a mane and splayed across her silken pillows. Her kind face is calm and still, heart-shaped lips parted and dragging in patterned breaths as her freckled nose whistles out the snores. Soon her large, violet eyes will be open, and Stanley will be honored with her sly, enticing smirk.
After a moment, Stanley raises a hand to her shoulder and gives it a firm shake. “Princess… Princess, wake up… Your highness… Kenny ,”
“ What ?” Kenny finally whines before swiftly flipping around, her mass of hair following.
Stanley huffs, placing a hand on his hip, “Come, Princess, it’s well-past dawn and time to be off.”
“I rather you leave me in my comfort and ask not any more of me.” She mutters, her words muffled.
“Even on such a day as your birthday ?” Stanley attempts to persuade her.
Kenny projects her voice to be heard more clearly, “Yes, of course, any day, my lord.”
With a chuckle, Stanley reels in closer to her head and says, “Then whatever shall I do with the strawberry tart intended for your breakfast?”
The princess’s head flips around again, and Stanley raises a hand to draw the curtain of hair from her face. She grins, “Chef’s strawberry tart?”
“What other is there?”
“Oh, Stanley,” Kenny hums, that smirk he loves curling her lips, “you truly know how to tempt me.”
“It’s not a temptation, Princess, it is an invitation.” Stanley assures, drawing away from the woman as she pulls herself upright.
She finally concedes, punctuated by a yawn as she pushes the quilt from her previously dormant body. Stanley’s throat tightens at the exposure of her thin frame outlined in a pure, white nightgown. He swallows hard and inquires, “Shall I fetch lady Bebe to help you dress?”
“That won’t be necessary,” Kenny assures as she stretches. “It is only a tunic. You’ve told me to dress comfortably for this day, yes?”
“Indeed, your highness. I have much to do, and most of it is outside the confines of the castle.” Stanley reveals, pride sweeping a grin across his face at the thought of their activities.
His smile fades into a straight line as he catches a glimpse of her clothless body a moment before she disappears behind the tall, accordion room divider near her bed. Heat creeps across his cheeks, so he pushes himself off the mattress and traces to the thick window. It would provide an incredible view of the castle’s intricate back gardens, but the glass is largely impeded by vines twisting up and living against the glass. Stanley does his best to focus on this instead of the undressed princess on the other side of the room.
“Would you fasten this for me, Stan?” Kenny inquires as she emerges from the other side of the divider. A burgundy tunic adorns her torso, leather riding pants on her legs to maintain the modesty her turnic denies. The material is not as expensive as what the princess generally wears, and she seems unfamiliar with the laces upon her chest. She huffs and glances up at him, “My fingers seem to be useless.”
Stan chuckles nervously and approaches her. He raises a hand and fixes the intricate loops. As he works, he finds her eyes again, and she is grinning at him. She says, “You look ravishing, my lord.”
“As do you, birthday girl.” Stan returns, cursing the returning flush he had just successfully extinguished.
“You merely humor me,” Kenny disagrees. “My mother would shriek in horror if she saw me in such trappings.”
Stan mutters, “Good thing she is locked in her chambers with the kingdom’s supply of meade.”
Kenny scoffs amusedly. “If only that were not completely accurate.”
“Then you would not be free to accompany me,” Stan argues, eyebrows arched.
Kenny hums, “With all of these astute assertions, I fear your intellect is wasted on my perpetual protection.”
Stanley snorts, “Believe me, Princess, a scholarly mind is mandatory in determining how to cater to your reckless whims.”
“You had better silence that quick tongue, or put it to better use,” Kenny asserts with a wink.
The suggestion causes yet another lump in Stanley’s throat despite the knowledge that she is teasing. He plays it off with another chuckle, “It is again lucky for your mother’s inebriation, so she hears not her daughter's promiscuity.”
“Yes, thank Heavens for her destitute brain, lest she experience what a disappointing knave you have raised in her stead.”
“I cannot be blamed, your worship; Princess Karen is delightful, and dare I say I’ve had a hand in her upbringing as well.” Stanley jests.
Kenny rolls her eyes and, finally finished with dressing, makes her way to the vanity. She begins to brush her tousled golden curls into tame waves. Stanley ambles toward the entrance of the bedroom, watching her out the corner of his eye in awe. She sets an extravagant, golden headpiece over her forehead to finish off the look.
The pair flee from the space together, giddy at the prospect of a delicious pastry breakfast. Many people bid Kenny greetings and well wishes on their way to the kitchen. Kenny buzzes with glee the entire way, and Stanley is glad to see her so chipper on a day that will inevitably leave her exhausted and annoyed at the end.
On entering the large space designated for the preparation of food for the entire castle, the teenagers bustle up to the individual who commands the space, a baker servant called Jerome, that most refer to primarily as Chef .
“Hey, Chef!” Stanley and Kenny exclaim in unison.
“Hello, there, children!” Chef replies with a grin. “Something strange happened to me yesterday, children.”
“What’s that?” Kenny inquires with a cheeky grin, watching as their friend turns to grasp a covered dish from the counter behind him.
Chef spins back round toward them, setting the dish down before them and pulling a cloth from the dish to reveal a delectable strawberry tart. Their mouths water at the mere sight. He explains, “A knight approached me to make the Princess’s favorite tart. Gave me what I need to make it as well. What could be happening?”
Kenny hums, leaning her elbows against the space before them. “I cannot be certain. Perhaps it is something to do with her 17th turn around the sun…”
Chef releases a hearty chuckle and gives her a bow, “Happy Birthday, your highness.”
She grants him a broad, gracious smile. “Oh, I owe you my life! Come, both of you, share this with me!”
“Princess, you are kind, but I could never dishonor you or your family.” Chef promises with a grin.
Kenny frowns, scoffs, “Oh, forbid it! You are a friend, and I insist you enjoy this generous delicacy with us.”
“I’m afraid I also cannot on account of work. Thank ya, Princess. You are as kind as ever.” Chef insists with another polite nod.
The displeased expression remaining on her face, she nods in understanding and considers Stanley momentarily, “You will help me enjoy this, at least, my lord?”
“It is my duty.” Stanley agrees, an easy commitment to make.
They say their final thank you’s and farewells to their friend in the kitchen before whisking out into the pleasant spring day nibbling away at the sweet treat along their stroll through the vast, impressive land surrounding the castle. While the grand structure itself is a sight to behold, Kenny has always preferred the royal gardens and rolling, green hills of wild grass, housing an intricate, beloved ecosystem. As if a birthday gift from the land she loves so dearly, they are able to watch a pair of hares tear back and forth not far from them, engaged in a teasing wrestling competition. They are completely entertained by the animal’s playfight as they fill their bellies.
“So, ser Stan, exalted jarl of birthday celebrations,” Kenny begins with humor flashing in her brilliant eyes, “what does the rest of this fine day have to offer us?”
Stanley grins, “Plenty, your highness.”
He puts his weight back on his feet and holds a hand out for his princess to accept. Excitement flaring in his chest, he is relieved to finally reveal his fondest surprise, “I had thought we could begin with a horse ride down the countryside and into town…”
Kenny gasps joyously, “You must be pretending!“
“I am certainly not,” Stanley assures, crossing an arm over his chest, “King Stuart himself has blessed our travels. Of course, we will be accompanied by a set of royal guards,”
All of a sudden, Kenny is upon him. Her arms wrap around his neck so abruptly he nearly trips, but luckily his reflexes are quick, and her momentum instead brings her off of the grass. Stanley holds her tightly, shutting his eyes to savor the moment.
“Not even looming sentry fools could ruin this delightful gift, my lord,” Kenny promises in a knee-weakening whisper against his ear.
Before his heart officially bursts, he places the woman on the soft earth and withdraws from her grateful embrace. His smile becomes vaguely sheepish, “Your robust spirit comes as a relief, your highness…”
“What makes you say this?”
Stanley inhales deeply as he delivers the news, “Your father has assigned Sers William and Fosse as additional security.”
Kenny’s eyes instantly become purple slits. After allowing herself a moment to express exasperation, she easily forces a pleased expression across her fair face. “The more, all the merrier.”
The statement quickly proves to be wishful thinking when they reach the stables and prepare for the journey. Ser William—or, Bill , as he prefers—and Ser Fosse have already arrived, feeling particularly entitled in their finest cloaks that bear Zaron’s sigil. They hurl irritating comments to Stanley, comparing their higher quality trappings to his. Princess Kenny is bursting at the seams keeping her quips to herself, but she had already promised Stanley she would be civil as to enjoy the day to the fullest extent. He also may have promised some sort of revenge once the fate of her special day is not at stake.
After Stanley has helped the princess mount the royal family’s exquisite black stallion, Mysterion, she cannot help but comment distastefully, “Shall we tell them that you own several versions of their precious cloaks?” Stanley just smiles as he turns to situate himself on his own mare.
Kenny has always had an affinity for equestrianism. She and Stanley spent a considerable amount of their childhood on saddles, braving the wiles of the King’s land. In their youth, the land seemed endless and trotting along with the aid of the magnificent creatures was synonymous with freedom and joy. Lately, however, Kenny has been forced to spend much more time indoors, preparing for the life of magehood ahead of her.
Throughout their realm, many individuals are blessed (or burdened, depending on how one sees it) with the gift of innate magical capabilities. It is completely arbitrarily decided by whatever Godly entity a person believes in; lowly peasants to royal daughters are equally likely
to possess the ability to wield magic. Established sorcerers for generations have maintained a system fit to weed out any gifted creature and enroll them into one of many thaumaturgical temples—or, special schools that teach the gifted how to harness their powers and use them for the betterment of humanity. Kenny happens to be one of these individuals, and because of this and her royal statehood, she will likely become a courtly mage that serves a kingdom.
Through admittedly hyperfixated research, Stanley has surmised that Kenny’s magical capabilities are incredible and rare. The royal family first became aware of the gift when the young child fell ill and tragically passed away. The following day, however, she reappeared unscathed as if nothing had happened—but she was plagued with remembrance of her death. Several more subsequent occurrences of Kenny dying just to be reborn the next day haunted the royal family for years, and countless mages,
sorcerers, enchanters, and so on were unable to reverse the child’s curse. Finally they called upon the wizard king of the distant kingdom of Kupa Keep for guidance. He claimed to be able to cure the child’s condition, but warned the theory was experimental and costly. There was a way to cheat the curse, but it involved a complete change of body.
This is when prince Kenneth became Princess Kenny.
The wizard king’s incantation proved successful (and immensely monetarily costly). To her family’s surprise, Kenny was delighted by her physical transformation and thoroughly enjoyed her newfound femininity, and the King was not at all pressed about the loss of a second male heir to the throne. He claims it was merely a relief that his child escaped the shroud of death.
Though Kenny’s painful curse had been taken from her, she was left with her gift, and continued to conjure magic with ease.
Stanley’s first encounter with Kenny’s gift was well before her transformation and curse expungement; his dear friend healed his pet dog’s fatal snakebite. For this, he had felt indebted to Kenny all his life. For this and much more as well, he feels their hearts are tethered.
As their horses clip and clop down the rocky terrain, Kenny blissfully gazes westward, admiring the seemingly endless pastures of foliage outlined with vast, snow-tipped mountains. Not only do the landforms provide a tactical advantage against seizures of Zaron, they are immensely beautiful to Kenny. She has mentioned many times how she wishes to climb one and see the world from its peak. Stanley always asks why she does not just fly herself up there. Kenny claims she has yet to learn that spell.
“With all due respect, your grace, what in the world do you want to go to visit a buncha peons on your birthday for?” Bill questions, interrupting Kenny’s peaceful revere.
Fosse adds with an obnoxious chuckle, “Yeah, that’s queer.”
Stanley hardens his tone to be heard over the pair’s irreverent laughter, “What makes you think the princess will appreciate such distasteful discourse toward her subjects?”
Bill snorts, “What taste is there in peasantry, Ser Stanley? Dung and smallpox?” Fosse’s subsequent guffaws set Stanley’s teeth on edge.
The princess jerks Mysterion’s reins abruptly, forcing the animal to perform a 180-turn that allows her to confront the pair with her fierce gaze as she fires back, “And what taste is there in your ghastly attempts at comedy? If you wish to be a jester so miserably, I can certainly arrange that.”
Bill’s eyes widen, and Fosse does not laugh after he says, “My apologies, your grace.”
Kenny nods and gives her stallion a gentle but meaningful pat along the side of his great neck. He returns to his previous position, leading his fellow horses along the dirt path in a steady canter.
Stanley’s face turns red as he holds in his own laughter.
Once the congregation arrives at the bustling, little mountain town where the citizens of Zaron reside, they allow their horses to rest and rehydrate in a stable. Though it is considerably rare, the citizens are accustomed to being graced by the presence of the royal family. The seclusion of the town and treacherous course to reach the kingdom proves it safer to travel openly than in other regions. Kenny immensely enjoys visiting the town and mingling with common folks. The kingdom is charmed by her kindness and humble demeanor, though for a while many considered her an abomination due to her transformation from prince to princess. Eventually most came around to accepting that it was merely who she is , though there remain occasional hecklers.
“You two shall stay and keep watch over the horses,” Kenny announces casually after bidding Mysterion a farewell.
Bill stammers for a moment before coming to a somewhat sensible reaction, “Your grace, we are sworn to protect you, not these animals.”
“You are sworn to serve the royal court. As meager guards, this is your position, yes?” They did not deny the differentiation. She gestures to Stanley, “Ser Stanley, as a genuine knight, is the only one sworn to my protection. Therefore, he will be the only one accompanying me into the streets of Zaron. If you take issue with this, I can also arrange that the pair of you become dogs to lick each other’s cocks in peace.”
Stanley took a few paces in advance to let his laughter out without Bill and Fosse witnessing his loss of composure. When Princess Kenny catches up, adjusting her long curls back into style after the wind had swept them every which way, she grants him a smirk, “Do I amuse you?”
“Very much so, Princess.”
She hums, “I do hope that is not the only sort of excitement I inspire.”
Stanley’s throat tightens at the lewd comment that he feels he should be completely accustomed to at this point in his courtship with the Princess, but it never ceases to make him squirm. Perhaps this is why she insists on continuing.
The pair exchange pleasant chatter as they roam down the town’s main promenade that is lined with lively street vendors. When Stanley was younger, he would often accompany Chef into town to help him make and sell a famous dessert of his out of a cart—they were delicious homemade balls of salty chocolate. Chef would even be so kind enough as to offer Stanley a portion of their earnings, but he always refused, knowing he was much better cared for as a knight in training than Chef was as a cook.
Not only that, but for much of his life, Chef served as a somewhat surrogate parent in the absence of his father, who used to be a member of the royal court and therefore close to Stanley. One day, and quite abruptly as well, his father decided to give up his position as a cartographer and become a traveling bard, singing horrible songs about the most mediocre of daily tasks. Though he had essentially disappeared from Stanley’s life altogether and achieved fame and fortune, he did manage to catch word that recently his father again abandoned his craft, and is now a farmer of medicinal herbs.
“Stan?” Kenny begins softly, curious gaze drifting off, “Will you think me completely sheltered if I ask what coffee is?”
The term also sounds unfamiliar to Stanley. He follows Kenny’s eyes to a shabby, wooden merchant stand a few paces away with a large sign that reads, “Tweek’s Fresh Coffee”. He shakes his head, “I am equally uninformed, your highness.”
“Shall we embark on this discovery together?” Kenny asks, offering him a stiffened arm.
“Undoubtedly,” Stanley confirms, accepting her gesture. Their limbs relax around one another’s as they walk toward the curious merchant stand.
There is a young man preoccupied with wiping out a strange-looking pot with a burlap rag. He nearly jumps out of his skeleton when Stanley clears his throat. “ Gah !”
Once he’s recovered the pot with a sigh, Stanley says, “I apologize, good sir, I did not intend to startle you.”
“That’s quite alright, man, I—“ The man stops completely dead in his tracks, his already large grey eyes widening at the sight before him. He gasps, “your highness! Oh, Merlin have mercy, I am so—I’m deeply sorry—oh, Merlin , I—“
Before he can fumble through any other phrases, the young man drops to a knee behind the stand. Kenny and Stanley exchange looks that indicate a combination of bewilderment and pity at the man’s behavior. Kenny announces, “You need not bend the knee to me, dear. I merely enjoy privileged blood, I am not holy.”
With that, the man springs upright, looking only slightly less frightened than before; however, the beginning of a smile curls his lips. He lets out a sigh and runs his fingers through tangled, straw-colored hair. “Thank you, your highness. I have heard of your kindness, but it is my privilege to witness it firsthand.”
“Oh, you charm me!” Kenny giggles. The simple exchange embarrassingly plants a seed of jealousy within Stanley. He straightens out and keeps his eyes fixed on Kenny as she asks, “What do they call you, dear?”
The man replies un enthusiastically, “I am called Tweek, your highness.”
Kenny nods, “That explains part of this message here,”—she points to the merchant’s sign—“but pray tell, what is this coffee ?”
Tweek gestures to another translucent pot situated over a small, open flame, and on the other side is a display of small, wooden tankards. “Coffee is an elixir of my father’s design. It gives the drinker lasting energy and joy, as well as cures certain aches of the head. Would you like to try it, your highness?”
Kenny hums, “It is a potion?”
“Is it enchanted?” Stan poses.
Tweek shakes his head negatively, “It is crafted similarly to tea, your highness. You see, my father fed our goats the pip of cherries as a snack—and he noticed they became very excitable from them! He started to have me eat these seeds and I too would become excitable. Eventually, we devised a way to make the seeds into liquid. We crush them to powder and treat it with water, as you can see… I apologize for my rambles, your highness, I must admit, I am a bit…”
“Energized?” Kenny guesses with a kind smile. Tweek sighs, chuckling softly as he goes to work brewing the drink. “Either way, your rambling suits us fine, dear Tweek.”
While the coffee merchant works, Stanley meets his princess’s violet gaze. She wiggles her eyebrow at him, managing to return the humor to his expression.
Soon the pair are sipping on a warm, bittersweet drink. Stanley is surprised to be instantly soothed by the coffee, as if it’s magnificent properties take effect right away.
Kenny is equally impressed. She licks her lips and flips her eyes to Tweek, “This is brilliant !”
A visible sigh of relief leaves Tweek. “Thank you, your majesty!”
Just as Stanley begins to agree, a voice sounds from behind Tweek, roaring his name upon approaching. The man shares similar facial features with Tweek, but possesses an opposite disposition.
He greets Tweek with a firm slap to the back of his head, “Why didn’t you bleedin’ tell me we had customers?! You know you aren’t allowed to tend the brew! Sod off and feed the goats!”
Stanley had a bad feeling about it all, but especially Kenny’s reaction. He peeks over to find her lovely nose scrunched furiously before she announces, “Excuse me, sir, what purpose have you accosting this poor boy?!”
“He’s my worthless son, s’why!” The man turns challengingly to meet Kenny’s wild gaze, but in similar fashion to his son, his entire expression shifts when he recognizes the girl’s identity. “Oh,” is all he is able to utter before he bows to her. “Princess Kenny. It is an honor.”
“I cannot say the honor is shared. You should value Tweek’s talents—he has given me and my beloved knight a divine experience. I have half a mind to offer him work up the mountain, providing this coffee for the royal court,” Kenny says, eyebrows raised as she takes a long sip of the steaming beverage. Both Tweek and his father’s jaws are agape. “I will pay handsomely.”
“I—oh, Merlin , take me if you can, gracious Princess,” Tweek exclaims, grey eyes pleading.
Kenny smirks against the rim of her tankard as she ingests a final sip. She places the container on the merchant stand, and then turns to Stanley, holding out her glove-clad hand, “Dearest, would you fetch me my pieces?”
Stanley obliges, retrieving the sum of currency Kenny always travels with from his leather satchel. Tweek and his father nearly faint at the largest amount of money they had ever seen. He smirks himself when she inquires, “Should this about cover it?”
“Your highness—of course payment is not necessary!” Tweek’s father exclaims.
She holds up a hand. “Forbid it, I inist,” she peers kindly at Tweek, “dear, would you honor me with your presence at the royal castle come nightfall, to celebrate my birthday? We could further discuss your employment,”
Tweek stammers through the beginning for a few different sentences before finally settling on, “Of course, your highness!”
“Brilliant!” Kenny exclaims with a clap of her hands. “We shall return to collect you shortly.”
With that she curtsies and turns to continue through the town, Stanley shadowing her. He waits until there is a respectable distance to wonder aloud, “Princess, are you perhaps short a marble?”
Kenny barks a laugh, “I’m sure I don’t know what you speak of.”
“You may want to glance back on your very last encounter, in which you invited a complete stranger into the castle without any permission whatsoever.”
“It’s a large place. I hardly think anyone will notice.”
“I find it difficult to rely on those odds.”
Kenny shrugs, “Is it so unthinkable to separate an aspiring coffee-maker from an abusive household?”
“Well, when you put it that way,” Stanley deadpans.
The princess turns to him and grasps his hand. His heart gives a series of flutters at her closeness and her beauty. She explains seriously, “All my life, I have never had to worry about security. It is plain to see I have had my own hardships and pain, but never am I concerned I will not be safe, or looked after, or saved. These people… I’ve heard of their struggles. Some have riches, but do not possess this safety I speak of. Some do not have riches, and still, they experience no inclination of a steady, reliable world. I am beyond lucky to be gifted this life, and to not extend my resources when I can would be heinous. Even when I can help… nobody is so lucky as me to have you at their side.”
Stanley’s chest is constricted with the strong adoration he feels for the girl standing before him. He instinctively runs a thumb across her kidskin-clad knuckles and returns, “You are the rarest treasure in all the realms. And I have all the luck to be simply acquainted with you.”
The knight feels a swell of pride in his chest as he witnesses Kenny’s face develop a rosy tinge at her cheekbones. It is rare he bests the hopeless flirt in her own game, so he relishes it when he does.
Kenny returns, “You only say these things because I have used my dark gift to bewitch you.”
“You’ve certainly enchanted me, but you know not you have done so.” Stanley admits. He knows he has lost his momentary upper hand, as he feels a familiar flush cross his own cheeks.
Grinning earnestly and casting a sobering, violet gaze, Kenny speaks without her usual hint of irony, “Do you know not you harness the very same power over me, my lord?”
A lump forms in Stanley’s throat. He curses his own plans that left them vulnerable to the public eye, for this feels like the perfect moment to finally sweep his princess off her feet and profess himself to her. Instead, as he is accustomed to after a lifetime of holding back, he contains his passion for the girl and settles on bringing her delicate hand to his lips. He presses a kiss to the leather of her glove and wishes desperately it was her sweet ivory skin.
The knight wonders if his companion has the secret ability to read thoughts when she glances down the busy cobblestone path and asks, “Do you reckon there is a less visible place in this town, dearest?”
“Perhaps… we could venture a bit beyond Zaron’s official border…” Stanley tentatively suggests. As the princess’s protector, he realizes he is inclined to keep her in the eye of the public, where potential any attempt on her would be highly contested with plenty to witness such a crime. But fuck if he very much wants to be alone with he.
Kenny’s expressive eyebrows raise, mischief returning to her face, “Would you truly let this transpire? Would you not suffer harsh consequences if caught?”
Stanley thinks of this. He has been explicitly warned numerous times by the princess’s team of handlers to not cater to her adventurous personality. Time and time again she has begged to join a voyage or tour the realm, but all requests have been affirmatively denied, her caretakers (often including, or primarily, the knight himself) claiming it is too great a risk to put her in harm’s way. He always thinks of the era of peace that Zaron enjoys. Relationships with foreign powers are strong, war of any kind is far from neigh, and the courtly mages and articulterers of Zaron predict a bountiful harvest for the mountain town and kingdom.
As well as this, and unlike most, he dares not underestimate Kenny’s gift. He has seen the young woman whisk away undesirable weather with the wave of her hand when she wished to not be drenched by an oncoming storm. He has witnessed many times she turned her palm, and a delicious dessert replaced her and her sister’s meals. Kenny also blessed him with a spell that renders his hair the perfect length with no need for painful trims with straight razors—as the knight has always despised his sessions with his barber. The rugged style is a bit longer than if he had control over the magic, but he grew to appreciate his wavy black locks as the princess has expressed her own fondness of it. Not only is she more than capable of all of these feats, great or small, Stanley is aware of her more manipulative powers as well; she can charm any creature into submission with a small bout of concentration and the batting of her eyelashes. It comes quite in handy for her when she is being scolded.
Despite his genuine consideration of their livelihoods, all logic dissipates as he feels her violet stare scanning his face. He wants nothing more than for it to never wander away from him. He smiles, “A moment with you is worth a thousand lifetimes of harsh consequences.”
“Now you are just flaunting your feathers,” Kenny teases, though a giggle falls from her lips as she reels in closer.
Stanley curls an arm around her waist and steers her down the way toward a side street. It has been a while since he last navigated the town, but he quickly recovers his mental map and successfully leads them to a dirt path. The narrow ally becomes a winding gravel road, which leads to the farming district of the nation.
“Should we have fetched our horses?” Kenny wonders aloud.
Stanley shakes his head, arm still encasing the princess’s thin frame as they trek along, endless rows of crops approaching on either side of them. “Does walking not suit her highness’s delicate feet?”
She peers at him with moon-sized eyes, protruding her bottom lip, “It is murder on my royal toes. Considering you’ve technically kidnapped me, perhaps in exchange for my cooperation, you could carry me,”
“Is it actually kidnapping if you specifically requested this?” Stanley scoffs amusedly.
Kenny points at him, “I only asked if there were any places out of the public’s eye, my lord. You sought to bring me out into the wilderness where any fate could befall me.”
Stanley shakes his head and smirks. For a moment he stops in his tracks and gazes down at the princess. It seems as though every action he performs today reaffirms how he would truly do anything for her—especially when he squats down to hook his arm around the bend of Kenny’s knees and the small of her back. She lets out an adorable yelp as he whisks her off her feet. One hand grasps the collar of his gambeson, and the other falls to his chest. She flattens her palm just below his neck and throws her head back as she laughs, “What have I got a steed for when my own knight serves equally useful as transportation?”
“ Equally useful is unrealistically generous, your highness.” Stanley assures.
She hums, “Fine, but you are far more comfortable.”
“That, I grant you.”
Kenny’s endearing giggles ensue, encouraging Stanley’s own giddiness. They travel only a short distance farther, the knight keeping himself well aware of their way back to the town. Soon, the pair come upon a picturesque grove situated atop a grassy hillside. The pointed tips of the evergreens and the slight incline make the small collection of trees appear like a crown around the landform.
“Is this where you bring all your maidens, Stanley?” Kenny jests as he sets her back onto her feet. She peers curiously into the thicket.
“Of course not, princess. I take my maidens to the meadow; it’s much more beautiful there.”
Kenny knocks her shoulder into Stanley’s as a small form of protest. He reaffirms his insincerity by draping an arm around her shoulders. She responds in kind, twirling her arms around his middle. Warmth and a sense of security is transferred between their beings, pressed up against one another as they venture forth, crunching loose twigs beneath their feet soothes him.
“Stanley…” Kenny starts, taking a moment to find his gaze as if debating on whether or not to continue. She decides to finish the thought once their eyes reconnect. “Do tell me… has there been any others for you?”
“Any other…?”
She scrunches her nose, then answers tactfully, “Another that you love. Or even another that you have been with.”
Without hesitation, Stanley assures, “Never.”
The corners of Kenny’s heart-shaped lips curl, “You speak with such assurance.”
Stanley pauses, withdraws from their half-embrace and replaces his hands in hers. Her deep, glowing eyes capture all that he has ever loved. He smiles, “It is because this I am sure of. All my life, I have only ever wanted you. Loved you,”
The princess’s chest rises and falls noticeably faster, and the knight briefly worries he has overwhelmed her with his unrequited proclamation of love. This fear is swiftly thwarted as she raises her hands to his cheeks. She smoothes her thumbs against his skin and parts her lips as if to speak; however, no words come out. Stanley’s chest aches with anticipation for her to voice her reply. But what she does instead is perhaps preferable.
Kenny leans on her toes to reach him, and crashes their lips together. It’s a bit ungraceful, but neither care in the slightest, least of all Stanley. He encases her in his arms and pinches his eyebrows together, reciprocating the term of endearment with everything in him. Just as he has been imagining for years, her lips are soft and sweet and seem to lock with his perfectly. The immeasurably delightful sensation helps him to forget that he has absolutely no clue how to kiss or how to hold her—not really , at least. He merely does what feels natural and hopes for the best.
He quickly deduces the best has yet to come. Kenny fingers fondle his collar as she slips her thigh between his legs. The knight has no choice but to be pressed against the sturdy trunk of a tree behind him for balance. The princess’s passion and intensity is riveting. He only hopes he is able to reciprocate in the way she deserves.
In attempts to do so, he drops all pretenses of honor and discipline and treatment of the royal daughter and unties the greatsword’s sheath from his waist. It falls to the forest floor with a muted clatter as he presses his chest to her’s, lifting both hands to cup the sides of her face. Her golden hair is silk between his fingers. A soft, intoxicating sigh of pleasure barely escapes her preoccupied mouth, but it is enough to twist the knot of desire building in his belly even tighter.
Before things escalate as Stanley is pitifully eager for them to, Kenny creates a bit more space between their bodies and slowly withdraws from their kiss, though she leaves her lips to ghost against his as she whispers, “So long have I been yearning for this moment, Stan…”
“You’ve got no idea,” the knight assures her in the same low, lustful tone. He opens his eyes to Kenny’s stare, intrigued by the way her pupils have almost completely commandeered her vivid, purple irises. Letting their forehead touch, and his fingers feed deeper into her hair, he adds, “Not one single fantasy I’ve conjured is a substitute to this, though.”
This sentiment earns him another firm, warm peck on the lips. He savors the flavor even though it lingers on him. Kenny and her lithe body and lavender scent and her idiosyncratic eyes has never clouded his judgement so, but all that holds his attention is this and his desire to experience more.
“I adore you,” Kenny sighs in a seemingly relieved manner.
“And I you, beautiful princess,” Stan returns, eyes slipping closed as he pulls her close to him for a loving embrace.
After several more moments longer than wise of the pair exploring one another’s lips and bodies, they resolved to return to the town before any suspicions could possibly be raised. Even though they are not by any means far from civilization, it could easily prove disastrous to be caught outside the bounds of approved territory. However rare, danger does lurk in the world, and the knight would surely be hanged if anything happened to the one he is sworn to guard with his life.
On gallivanting back into and continuing their exploration of it’s establishments, Kenny is rendered completely distracted by the soothing sound of a music. Someone closeby strums a lute, and she urges Stanley to accompany her in following the noise.
“There once was a maiden from Stoneberry Hollow,
She didn’t say much but boy did she swallow.
I had a nice lance that she sat upon,
The Maiden from Stoneberry who was also your mom,”
The eccentrically dressed bard seems thoroughly surprised when Kenny applauds his performance. She approaches the young man with hands still clasped, praising him, “That was wonderful!”
The bard grants her a friendly, lopsided smile. “Th-Thank you, ma’am! And what a terrific audience!”
She grins widely and regards the instrument with great interest, “I’ve always wanted to learn the craft of music. You make it look so simple,”
“Oh, believe me, it took a gr-r-reat deal of schooling, as you may be able to s-surmise given certain traits of mine,” The bard replies.
It is then Stanley recognizes that of which he speaks. The man requires two long, wooden staffs to remain upright, due to a physical disorder. Stanley has merely heard of such a condition, as likely Kenny has, so it does not faze their consideration of him.
“‘Tis all the more impressive, humble sir,” Kenny assures with a kind smile. “What do they call you?”
“Jimmy, they call me. Usually immediately followed by the bard .”
“Well, Jimmy the Bard, I should like to hear more of your comedic melodies, if it is all the same to you,” she turns to Stanley, “and to my dear companion, of course,”
“It would be my ge-genuine pleasure, m’lady!”
As Jimmy strums another tune and rests against the mossy, cobblestone side-wall of a run-down tavern, the princess begins to sway along to the soothing music. Stanley watches in deep adoration as he free spirit enchants a growing number of fellow spectators. Merely a few songs later and a circle of lively dancing breaks out around them, including the previously reluctant knight. It may just as well have been an all-out celebration when the bard switched to a flute to provide the melody for a drinking chant the townsfolk all sang together.
When eventually the dancing and music died down, Kenny generously gifted the bard all the coin that was in her physical possession. Stanley was of course happy for the musician, but also felt slightly responsible for the near panic attack that befell him when he learned all this time his biggest fan was one of Zaron’s lovely princesses. She assured him it was quite honestly preferable to be inadvertently incognito and insisted he properly house himself and upgrade his delightful instruments with the money.
After considering the position of the sun, Stanley consults the princess, “We ought to be heading back to the castle, your highness.”
Kenny frowns, “I suppose you’re right, dearest. Alright, then, let us collect the rest of our party and begin up the mountain.”
With a nod, Stanley escorts her back toward the young coffee-maker’s merchant stand. The knight implored her to reconsider this impulsive act, but she refused to leave the man behind. Stanley no longer even thought to disagree with her when they arrived to find Tweek outside the residence with a massive, red welt beneath his eye. The two escort him to the stables where Bill and Fosse are taking turns firing rocks at the grazing cows currently enclosed in a pen. Furious by the maltreatment of the innocent beings, Kenny cast a charm that gave the pair two curly, pink pigtails and refused to reverse the magic until they stopped behaving like foul swine .
Though there was plenty to feel joyous about this day, Stanley cannot manage to ignore a great swell of despair that interrupts his jovial mood. Even when (and perhaps especially) he casts his gaze upon the princess, glowing with pride and joy, he cannot stop the negative emotions from plaguing his mind and sitting heavily in his stomach.
The miserable feeling of course only increases when he and his fair princess are forced to part ways, even just for a brief period. Perhaps this is because when they are able to return to one another’s presence, it is no longer as dear friends and lovers, but as a royal family member and her professional protector. There is no frivolity in the matter despite the nature of the event.
Thankfully Tweek was graciously taken in by Chef without even the king’s knowledge, but Stanley remains skeptical at how Kenny will manage to hide him forever, or convince the king to allow him to stay. His mind flutters from this thought to the next throughout the mundane ball, as his duty is to stand guard beside the royal family’s dining table. Princess Karen has become so bored she appears to be dozing off. Kenny is putting on a brave face; her now painted heart-shaped lips display the room an impressive faux smile. For a solid hour of the event, he stares at Kenny’s enticing profile and mentally relieves their passionate endeavor in the grove outside of Zaron mere hours earlier. How quickly their lives can alter borders on troublesome.
Stanley’s poor, lovestruck heart clenches unpleasantly in his chest when a charming suitor asks the women of the hour to honor him with a dance. He does not even know the red-headed prince from a distant elven kingdom, but he deeply despises him. It is cruelly unjust that he should be so lucky to openly woo the woman he loves for all eyes to see. In fact, it is encouraged by the king and queen, or else it would not be so.
The only factor that makes the event liveable is the occasional flash of violet that graces his undeserving blue gaze. He even manages a small grin when the princess sends him a wink. It helps to remind him of the reality of his situation, which is that he and Kenny do share a profound bond, but it is difficult to ignore that this too is his reality; he is a knight, and she is the princess. Their love will never be granted legitimacy. He will be lucky to even correspond with her when she is inevitably promised to the high elf prince and becomes the kingdom’s beloved mage. He bitterly imagines the incredible dynasty they would create as he fiddles with the gift he impulsively bought from his chambers in case he would have the opportunity to give it to Kenny during the celebration. Those odds are increasingly grim.
When the night finally comes to a draw, he watches in sadness as Bebe escorts Kenny to her chambers to free her from her extravagant yet suffocating gown. Stanley follows orders and sees to it that all guests are either escorted out of the castle or shown to designated guest chambers for sleeping. It takes everything in him to be purely professional when bringing the prince who danced with Kenny to one of the castle’s finest rooms.
Stanley is nearly finished with his shift that requires him to stroll the halls of the castle at night to ensure the safety of the royal children. The three reside in the same wing of the massive building, so it is a short, monotonous march. He idly wishes he was assigned to roam the entryway, as it is the closest to the fresh air and decorated most intriguingly.
These thoughts are pushed aside when the sound of a knob turning perks his ears. He instinctively reaches for the hilt of his sword despite the knowledge that it is more than likely a handmaiden finished with a chore and heading off to bed. He is taken aback when he sees a familiar curtain of sunshine curls vacating Kenny’s room.
“Princess,” Stanley calls in a hushed tone that still manages to spook the girl as she starts to light her lantern. With a look of bemusement, he approaches her as she sets the object on the ground beside her. “What are you doing out of bed at this hour?”
“Going to find my knight, of course,” she reveals with a warm smile as she scans their dark environment. Her voice is a sultry whisper when she places a hand on Stanley’s shoulder, “I believe we have some unfinished business to tend to.”
Rather than dwell on the rather disappointing conclusion to the princess’s birthday, the pair slip seamlessly back into their comfortable routine with one another. Kenny slinks her arms all the way around Stanley’s neck and he tries not to moan at the glorious sensation of her silken nightgown against his hands.
“How is it I miss you so dearly when we’ve just spent nearly all the day together?” She muses before planting a sweet kiss against his lips.
“I miss you when I blink, my love.” He declares in the brief moment that their mouths do not touch.
“Such a poet,” She giggles. “Come into my chamber and say more.”
Stanley hesitates, “I’m sorry, Kenny, I cannot abandon my post.”
She lifts a disbelieving eyebrow, “It is merely a cruel flex of power that makes my father force our knights to roam the castle at all hours of the night?”
“Sleep deprivation is a miniscule price to pay to ensure your safety. Especially when foreign guests remain inside our walls.”
Kenny frowns as she gently rubs the side of Stan’s face with the pads of her fingers. “What if I propose you explore a different set of walls?”
Stanley’s eyes widen at the offer that he knows will take all the willpower in his entirety to refuse - especially when Kenny is tracing his jawline and gazing fixedly at him. He peers around and wets his lips, weighing the potential whirlpool of consequences he could face for leaving his position. Especially for what beckons him to do so.
“Fuck,” he curses beneath his breath when her other hand lingers down his front. “you’ll be the death of me, Princess.”
Kenny laughs softly before coaxing him down for another passionate kiss. She then turns and hooks arms with Stanley, pulling him into her chamber and securing the heavy door shut as silently as possible. In seconds, they are upon one another again, and Kenny graciously helps the knight remove his heavy armor. The accursed metal ignites Stanley’s temper, but Kenny is gentle and patient with the attire.
“What is this?” Kenny wonders, procuring the small parcel the knight had stored inside his armor.
He catches his breath and answers, “This is my gift for your birthday.”
The princess eyes the gift and Stanley quizzically, “Was our journey into town not gift enough?”
Stan shakes his head affirmatively, “Open it,”
Kenny does just this, and with the snap of her fingers, produces a roaring blaze in her fireplace. Together they kneel beside the warm source of light to better see the gifts contents.
“Oh my, Stanley!” Kenny gasps, awestruck as she lifts the necklace from its wrapping. It is a piece of rose quartz put on a chain pendant. It sparkles in the firelight as Kenny gingerly runs her finger along the smooth crystal. “This is magnificent!”
He smiles, “It is said to emit positive energy and good health.”
“And, if I’m not mistaken,” she adds, “this particular stone represents love ?”
“Subtlety is not my strong suit.”
A musical chuckle escapes her lips before they attach to Stanley’s once more. He cups her soft face in both hands and holds her tenderly in place. This kiss is innocent and full of the pure love they share. Soon their smiles are too wide to maintain the term of endearment and they pull away just enough to gaze into one another’s eyes.
“Thank you for this,” Kenny whispers. “Will you help?”
Stanley wordlessly agrees by gently removing the jewelry from her clunch. She turns her back to him and uses both hands to pull her mass of beautiful blonde hair away from her neck. Stanley drapes the chain around her neck and carefully fastens it, not wasting a second afterwards to pepper her exposed skin with kisses. She hums and leans back against him, letting her hair flow to the side. He wraps firm arms around her and cranes his neck to kiss her cheek.
“I shall never remove it again,”
Stan grins against her skin, breathing in her scent and forgetting all his troubles. “Then I will be with you always.”
“Thank goodness,” she sighs happily, eyes fluttering closed as well. “because you are my world.”
Within a few minutes, slumber overtook Kenny, to Stanley’s surprise. Instead of finishing what they started, he spends that time staring at her beautiful profile as she snores softly. She looks so at peace. He hopes to remember it for all his days.
When he decides he is pushing his luck too hard with the abandonment of his post, he gently lifts Kenny from the floor and places her on her grand mattress. He pulls her sheet over her dormant body and takes one last look at her—at the pendant hanging loosely against her collarbone. He thinks of what she said, and how he could not agree more—she is his whole world as well.