Chapter Text
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Theodore Theodosia McCallister the Third was furious, angrily marching through the castle halls he made his way to his mother’s quarters. His mother, the queen, was making a big mistake, and for once he wasn’t going to sit down and take it. Ever since he turned thirteen, he imagined his life free from surveillance and unnecessary protection, his mother agreed that when he did turn older he would be the one in charge of his own decisions. So why in Fair Kingdom’s waterholes does his mother insist on a personal bodyguard?!
Glaring at his mother’s two outside guards they both looked at each other and agreed to open the queen’s chambers, letting the fuming princess inside. Inside the princess could see his mother writing on her desk. Clearly busy with her queenly duties, but he could care less with his own plight.
“Mother, may we discuss a certain matter?” He was containing his frustration, but wanting the queen to hear his angered tone he didn’t downright calm the attitude.
“What matter dear?” Queen Clarissa McCallister didn't turn her head from her writing. She was already used to her temperamental son barging into the room whenever he had an issue, so she wasn't surprised to hear his heavy footsteps approach her chamber.
“The matter that I'm to be assigned a watchful guard?! Mother, you said that when I turned older I would get much more freedom when it comes to my affairs.” Tobey yelled as Claire rolled her eyes.
“Tobey darling, you are still not yet old or responsible enough for such freedom.”
“But mother, I'm thirteen now. Surely I should be old enough to not be watched like a babe?”
“Well, perhaps you wouldn't be treated like a babe if it weren't for my lacking trust in you. Theodosia, for the past three years you have been tinkering with our technology, and going outside the castle walls to do who knows what with criminal ruffians.” She sternly barked.
Tobey felt silent on his mother's words. She was indeed correct. Ever since at ten years old, the mischievous Princess would gladly disobey his duties whenever he could, going outside the castle in disguise to discover the inside of his kingdom alone. Along with that, he would find himself doing whatever he pleased, that mainly was learning about the mysterious magical technology powering the kingdom. To obtain such knowledge he would find himself bribing criminals to steal information or gadgets. However, it wasn't long before his mother discovered the truth and dragged him by the ear to the castle whenever escaped. Luckily with his disguise and the lack of the public's knowledge of him, his scandalous adventures were never discovered. But it still left his mother ruffled.
That wouldn't make her decision any justified in his mind. “Mother, I haven't gone outside the castle in months, I'm not the troublemaker I used to be, a guard isn't necessary, I promise to continue on my best behavior.” He lied, there was nothing on earth that could stop him from his passion for technology. His plan of avoiding any trouble for months so his mother could once again turn her dreadful gaze away from him was working, but the idea of his mother now watching him at all times through a guard was going to put a wrench in his plans for good.
Sighing, the queen finally turned herself to look at her son. “Tobey I wish I could believe you, but trust me this is for your own good. And the good of YOUR future kingdom, you can't forget that you are a princess, next in line for the crown. Your responsibility is to your kingdom foremost, you shouldn't be getting into these scientific affairs.”
He wished he could argue back, his reveling in “these scientific affairs” would do much more good for the kingdom than learning how to play the harpsichord. As much as he would continue his protest he knew he could never sway his mother's final say. Right now all he could do was devise a brand new plan. He had to find a way to get rid of this guard.
“Yes, Mother.” Curtseying, Tobey was about to take his leave when his mother stopped him.
“Where are you going, princess? We are actually going somewhere now, you and I.”
“We are? Where?”
“To meet your knight.” Getting up from her desk the queen organized herself. Finishing up she joined alongside her son.
The princess was astonished. “Wait, Knight?! I thought you were getting me a simple guard?” He couldn't take out a knight, those chivalrous goody two shoes are too detrimental to the kingdom, his mother would definitely leave him a sore ear for months if he was caught in a scheme to get rid of his knight.
“Oh at first I did. But then I couldn't help myself when I met them in person at the knights' station outside of our grounds. I knew they would be the perfect candidate to keep you in check.” Waking outside her room, the princess joined in her fast walk as his mother and he made their way to the throne room. There the queen clapped her hands for their guest to enter as well.
“Well isn't this all too sudden? I mean how do you exactly know that this knight is the perfect candidate?” He skeptically asked, crossing his arms, although his dress made it difficult.
“Trust me I know, They haven't been a proper knight for long, being mostly an apprentice, but I know they will get the job done correctly.” Queen Claire focused her attention on the upcoming guest as a servant advised her on the arrival.
Ah, so they weren't the most experienced or important knights if they were only an apprentice when his mother met them. If the princess could guess, this individual had to be one of those pathetic squires turned knights out of pure pity, perhaps his new plan of getting rid of the knight could still be a possibility. Before he could think more upon his devious ideas, the opposite doors of the throne room opened as three individuals made their appearance before the royals. Two of the prominent figures seemed to be hiding the knight in question as they were not dressed in the proper attire, if anything to Tobey they looked like a normal noble couple.
His mother smiled brightly as she recognized the two. “Sally! Timothy! It's been quite a long time hasn't it?”
The two stopped their bowing, leaving the still bowing knight to continue being covered to the annoyance of the princess. “Oh, it has Your Majesty. We are eternally grateful to give Becky this opportunity.” Sally spoke as she grabbed onto her even more cheery husband.
“Indeedy we are! Our Becka-roo is going to take such good care of your wonderful princess. I just know it.” Tim turned his attention to Tobey, giving the princess a slight bow. The princess could only stop his groan from such an optimistic guarantee. The last he wants is for anyone to take care of him.
“Well, then Becky, why don't you introduce yourself?” Claire asked, directing the bowing third figure to stand up and reveal themselves to the princess.
About time he met this guy. The knight in question was indeed dressed as a proper knight, shiny metal helmet and everything. Their build and height are what Tobey could have imagined from a former squire.
“Aren't you going to take that gaudy helmet off? It's not a proper way to greet a princess.” he snared, while it earned him a glare from his mother he couldn't help the remark as the knight fumbled quickly to remove the headpiece.
Tobey began to prepare himself on how exactly this pathetic whelp of a knight would look like. All he could conjure up are faces of puny lanky shivering cowardice knights he's seen in jousting matches when he was but very young. He was ready to laugh at such meekness when as soon as the knight removed the helmet those images of puny lanky fellows were instead replaced by the reality of a young strong healthy girl.
Tobey's brain immediately stopped in its tracks, he didn't anticipate having such stunning beauty in front of him. The beauty in question has dark brown frizzy glossy locks. Her skin, a dark tan covered in small freckles adoring mostly her cheeks, with chocolate brown eyes shining almost golden. The most defining feature was the girl's ruby lips, as just focusing on them sent the princess's heart beating at such a rapid pace. He wished to tear his eyes away, but he was so shocked by this strange girl's charm that he just sat in unmoving silence. Wanting to do nothing but stare at possibly the most beautiful creature he has ever laid eyes on.
His lack of movement must have worried his mother as she put her hand on the princess's shoulder to make the young royal focus. Coming back to reality with his mother's interference, the princess could only bashfully apologize.
“Ah um hello–I–I mean Good day to you!” Tobey, trying to gather his senses, gave a bow to the knight.
Becky herself, also a bit awkward from his quick change in demeanor, continued the greeting as she got on one knee and grabbed the princess's hand to put a gentle kiss on it.
Tobey might have just died and gone to heaven, how could an angel such as her be his personal knight? Any previous idea of getting rid of the knight completely out the door as his mind filled with pure euphoria as her lips were on his hand. When she stopped and stood again the princess was left vulnerable enough to let out an unexpected giggle, surprising his guest. Noticing the weird outburst, he coughed composing himself properly.
“Well I suppose that is a much more proper introduction, I am pleased.”
The Knight was still confused, however, she didn't have much time to process as the Queen got closer to her. Stiffing herself to appear as professional as possible, Becky could only hope she didn't displease her highness.
“Now that you've met Tobey, I will send for the servants to guide you towards your quarters,” Claire said in earnest as she clapped her hands. Quickly her servants appeared carrying all the belongings Becky and her parents packed, taking them to the opposite side of the throne room to a hall.
Becky turned to the queen, where she also moved in the direction where her servants went, quickly bowing to the moving monarch Becky noticed that her parents followed suit. Deciding that she has to do the same, the knight even in her cluttered armor made pace after them.
The princess stayed for a bit in the room as he watched the beaut–the knight leave in such grace. Tobey had always thought of knights as either heavy brutes or overachieving buffoons, Becky had to be different since she was graceful like a swan. When the girl left his sight he snapped himself out of his daze and tried his best to catch up with the rest of them.
Going down the hall they all went into the very much recognized way, they were going to the area where his chamber resided in. Which could only mean…
His suspensions were correct as passing his chambers a bit he found the guest and his mother all in a room near his own! If Tobey's luck couldn't get better, he was only a few doors away from this beautiful girl, even though as his personal knight she would be by his side for most of the time anyway. The thought made the young princess blush.
Getting just outside the entrance he sees the servants making speedy work of Becky's room as they all unpack the knight's belongings. His mother was discussing it with the young girl.
“Your quarters will have to be near the princess's room of course, as your job is to protect and watch them at all times.”
“I understand your grace,” Becky replied. Hearing her voice for the first time the princess listened intently as he wished to hear her exactly. While her tone was very much dull and straightforward he still was entranced by the sound of her high octane voice.
“Do you need anything else, Becky?” Claire asked.
“No, I'm very grateful for this arrangement, your highness, thank you.” Bowing her head the girl looked over her room to analyze the area.
“That's good to hear, however, I have been told over a certain pet of yours.”
“Oh– I! You don't have to worry about Bob. I know you wouldn't accept him so I–.” Being a bit skittish, the knight had a bit of fear in her voice.
“Correct, I have nothing to worry about, and neither do you. I understand how important this pet of yours is by how your parents described him. So I'm going to allow him to board with you.” Claire interrupted.
To her relief, Becky sighed. “Thank you very much, your majesty, I promise Bob will be on his best behavior, and so will I. I will not let you down.” She nodded.
Queen Claire proudly smiled at the small knight. “I know dear. I'll take my leave then, I have some more papers to sign. You and your parents can say your goodbyes.” Leaving as she said, she stopped at her son in the doorway for a while. “Remember, behave like a proper princess.” Tobey looked the other way from her, nodding. Accepting his answer the Queen made her exit.
This left the princess still in the doorway as he watched Becky and her parents exchange words and hugs. The interaction was far too comfortable and polarizing for the royal. They felt as if she was very much intruding in a personal moment. So just like their mother, he took his leave to his own room.
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Closing the door behind them, he was inside back into her insufferable quarters, the room a glaring reminder of her imprisonment into this dull lavish life. They made their way to their mirror, examining their current appearance, minding how the knight could have been assessing his features as well. His blue dress, gloves, and glasses are intact. His shiny crown still glimmering, his shoes with no dust in sight. But his shoulder-length blonde hair wasn't so fortunate. The thing wasn't kept well as a princess haircut should, having most of it be unruly in split ends. Perhaps he should really take care of it.
Besides looking at his appearance, the princess gazed at his study. The desk is filled with papers and papers of sketches/formulas he's collected from the outside. Tobey's desire to understand the complexity of inventing has never waned, he doesn't understand why his mother objects to it. His father and previous rulers came from a lineage of brilliant minds, it would only be natural for him to inherit such a thirst for knowledge. He supposed that his mother's resistance to his passion had to do with his father's disappearance, but he wouldn't know for sure, she never speaks of him.
Sitting down to study his mind couldn't help but go to his new knight. He was very much conflicted about how he should feel about it. He should still feel anger about his mother's impetuous decision, having another being breath down your neck at all times, commanding his mother's order on restricting him. But, what if that restricting being was a pretty girl? Tobey wasn't going to deny how attractive he found the new knight, even if it was dearly embarrassing.
He had to shake out those thoughts, he was making himself a fool when he met her in the throne room. At the end of the day she was going to become the bane of his existence, never leaving him alone and snitching any misdeed he did to his mother. She might be his personal knight, but she was loyal to the queen first and foremost.
He just had to do something about Becky Botsford. He agreed that he should not harm her (how could he ever to a beautiful rose like her–), but there had to be another solution to prevent this dilemma.
…
A little scheming couldn't hurt.
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Watching from her new room's windowpane, Becky sees her parents pass the castle grounds too, leaving her in a most unfamiliar place. Becky's always dreamed of visiting the castle, however, she never imagined living in it. Devoting herself to knighthood, Becky's expectations on how her life would go were far from being a glorified babysitter. She could blame her beloved book of chivalrous tales to distort that reality of a Knight's duty, but she could never.
She trained really hard to receive the title of knight at her age, many doubted her abilities but she proved them all wrong. When the queen herself made an appearance at her station, she did all she could to prove herself. The queen was impressed, but she was even more delighted when Becky said her family name. Becky knew that her mother being the kingdom's chief prosecutor would give her ties to the royal family. But she underestimated the past friendship her highness and mother apparently had. Who knew all it took to get promoted was your mother personally knowing the queen herself.
At first, Becky could only imagine the possibilities she would have after that encounter, all those years of her and Bob's training would be put into use. Disappointment would only come when the queen gave her a major offer.
It wasn't to embark on a grand journey to retrieve a powerful item, or to slay a dragon terrorizing a cowering village. No, it was something far from exciting or heroic like in tales. She was asked if she could become Princess Theodosia's personal knight.
The queen told her that the offer was only an offer, she wasn't being ordered to accept, that she can't refuse. Except, how could Becky refuse such a thing? Protecting the Queen's own kin and the kingdom's future rightful ruler is possibly one of the most honorable tasks any knight could have, one that defines the main purpose of knighthood. Becky realized the reality of what being a knight really was, loyalty to the crown and not fulfilling any hero's journey on her part. For now, she had to put her dreams on hold.
Moving away from the window as she could no longer see her parents in view, Becky analyzed the room in which she would spend most of her days from now on. It was certainly bigger than her room back home…and cleaner. Though with Bob arriving soon it won't be long until food rations are everywhere.
Laying on her comfortable bed, Becky removed more of the heavier pieces of armor, wanting to relax. She's already read and memorized the instructions and schedule Queen Clairessa had written for her when she accepted the job. She knows that soon she would have to meet the princess again when she delivers them their supper. On first impressions of her liege, she found him pretty accurate to how Violet described it.
Violet and her mother work for the castle as their ground keepers, tending to the gardens. However, her friend when much younger is actually friends with the princess. The queen desperately wanted the young princess to have company and Violet, another baby in the castle, had been chosen to fill in the role of a friend until the princess was isolated more for punishment.
Violet often brought up her memories of the princess whenever they hung out. Recalling how they both met at four years old and that the princess would get upset if anyone didn't call them Tobey, their nickname. From most stories, Violet told it seemed the princess would get upset regardless, either from losing a game or not being fed sweets. Becky knows Violet didn't mean to describe the princess as an entitled brat, but she very much did. And it made much sense to Becky, of course, a princess-like Theodosia would be such a priss, he lives the most entitled life in existence.
So to hear that she would have to be interacting with such a person, only soured her more on the task. But Violet or anyone for that matter hasn't interacted with the princess in years, it still left hope in Becky that perhaps they changed and we're just a normal kind damsel that needed protection.
Becky noticed the first contradiction to her hope when one of the first strict rules queen Clairessa had written was to make sure the princess didn't sneak out to town and meet with criminals. This didn't relieve Becky in the slightest as now she was dealing with an entitled and rebellious princess. Their first meeting was the second contradiction, their gaze upon her as she entered was nothing more than an annoyance, and the comment about her initial greeting with the helmet as well.
Then something strange occurred, as soon as she removed her helmet the princess then began to stare at her in awe, his tone even became much friendlier? Becky had no idea why just removing her helmet and giving a proper greeting made the princess change so quickly. Was their highness just surprised that their personal knight was young as he? That's very possible, he probably anticipated being watched over by someone older. The young knight hoped, (sinking more into her bed), that this wouldn't give the princess any ideas that she was going to be easy to push around. Becky Botsford has never failed in duty. No matter how bothersome the princess might be, she won't back down from her responsibility.