Chapter Text
Pendragon Royal Palace, DC, Maryland, a.t.b. 2026
It was a stunningly beautiful afternoon at the royal palace, where the sun bathed the grounds in a warm golden light. The skies stretched overhead in crystalline blue, dotted occasionally by fluffy white clouds that drifted lazily in the gentle spring breeze. As the tranquility enveloped the palace, a sleek royal car drove smoothly toward the imposing gates, its polished surface gleaming under the sun. The attentive security personnel recognized the vehicle instantly and stepped aside to let it pass through. They guided the car to the palace's grand entrance, where ornate stone steps awaited. With practiced ease, the chauffeur exited the vehicle and strode to the rear passenger door, opening it with a respectful flourish. Out stepped Crown Princess Guinevere de Britannia, Duchess of New England, a vision of elegance and grace. Her pale brown hair, softly tinted with purple strands, cascaded over her shoulders, framing captivating green eyes that sparkled with warmth and kindness. She wore an exquisite all-pink midi dress that hugged her figure perfectly, its fabric flowing delicately in the breeze. Her low white heels added a touch of sophistication, elevating her as she stepped out of the car. As she approached the front steps, the chauffeur bowed his head slightly in reverence, fully aware of the royal stature he served. At the top of the steps, the head housekeeper, Sayoko Shinozaki, waited with a small yet graceful curtsy, a gesture of respect for the princess beloved by all within the palace walls. The scene blended beauty and serenity, capturing the essence of royal life on that perfect spring afternoon.
Guinevere followed Sayoko to the grand office. "Do you know why my uncle and aunt want to see me?" she asked.
Sayoko replied firmly, "No, Your Highness, I cannot. Your aunt specifically instructed me to inform you that she wishes to speak with you. I also noticed your uncle with a book file. Let's hope it isn't anything serious."
Guinevere was engulfed by worry that weighed heavily on her heart. Once dubbed the "Marie Antoinette" of the kingdom, she had earned a reputation as a pampered royal, indulging in luxury goods and lavish celebrations that often landed her in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Her extravagant lifestyle painted a picture of carelessness and excess, casting a shadow over her royal duties. However, everything changed after the tragic deaths of her brother Odysseus, her sister Carine, and her dear cousin, Lelouch. As she stepped into the role of crown princess, she underwent a profound transformation. The weight of responsibility and loss compelled her to look beyond herself, fostering a newfound humility that reshaped her identity and purpose.
Sayoko and Guinevere arrive at the grand office. The head housekeeper knocks. "Your Majesties, Crown Princess Guinevere is here."
Guinevere steps inside and performs a small curtsy to her uncle and aunt, King Charles and Queen Consort Lady Marianne, who bow their heads in respect. She approaches them and kisses them on the cheek. Charles and Marianne sit in their chairs while Guinevere settles onto the sofa, crossing her legs in a Duchess slant.
“How was your brunch today with friends?” Marianne asks Guinevere as she sips her tea.
"It was good. Just having some girl time and gossiping, that's all. I'm actually quite surprised that you both wanted to see me at the same time. Look, I haven't done anything scandalous. My partying and rebellious ways are a thing of the past, despite still having my rose tattoo on my left breast," said Guinevere as she took her cup of tea to drink.
Charles brushed his sandy brown hair back before speaking in his deep voice. "Guinevere, I hope you can forgive me for bringing up painful memories, but your relationship with Luciano Bradley was quite tumultuous. I've heard he’s been trying to get close to you again, which is a cause for concern for us."
Guinevere squeezed her eyes shut, her heart pounding as the name echoed in her mind. Luciano Bradley, her ex-boyfriend, belonged to a powerful family that controlled one of the largest investment firms on Wall Street in Britannia. Although he was initially destined for investment banking, he chose a life as a military officer, gaining notoriety as a reckless, feared pilot. His sadistic nature was infamous; he exhibited no compassion, mercilessly toying with both enemies and allies. The gruesome thrill of witnessing others' suffering earned him the chilling moniker "The Vampire of Britannia." Throughout their turbulent relationship, Luciano subjected Guinevere to a barrage of mental, emotional, and physical abuse, leaving her feeling trapped in a nightmare. Fortunately, she eventually broke free from that torment with the unwavering support of her uncle, aunt, and sister, Cornelia, who rallied around her during her darkest moments. But now, a wave of unease washes over her as Luciano makes unwelcome attempts to reenter her life. He bombards her with extravagant gifts, floods her mailbox with relentless letters, and sends men to watch her every move surreptitiously. Whatever twisted motives drive him, it is both alarming and foolish of him to think he could approach Guinevere again.
Marianne sits close to Guinevere, softly taking her hands and gently rubbing her back to comfort her through the pain she's facing. "It's okay, my dear. I know how difficult it is to confront those memories of the person who hurt you."
Guinevere calmed down with her aunt's soothing voice and touch. She didn't want to relive that trauma. "So, I assume this meeting is about assigning a knight of honor?"
Charles and Marianne nodded in agreement. After clearing his throat and taking a sip of his tea, Charles began to speak. "You're right; this is about you having a knight. Your aunt and I both believe it's time for you to have someone by your side to protect you at all times. We’ve considered various candidates, and after careful evaluation, we have selected the one we feel is worthy of being your knight. Take a look for yourself."
Charles hands Guinevere a file to examine. She opens it and sees a picture of a man with dark brown hair, blue eyes, and a strong jawline. He's undeniably handsome. Guinevere looks at the information, which states:
Name: Hunter McGrath
Age: 28
Height: 6'4
Weight: 218 lbs
Branch: Army
Rank: Captain
Assignment: Mounted Cavalry Knights, 1st SFOD-D Battalion
"Oh my, he's a cowboy, rancher, or whatever you call them. He’s around my age and looks like a formidable and respected soldier. That last name sounds familiar. I believe he’s the son of Sir James and Lady Rebecca; is that correct?” Guinevere asked.
"Yes, he is. This is James and Rebecca's son. He's from Tennessee. His parents were once distinguished military officers who retired and became ranchers. He seems to be following in his parents' footsteps. Considering he is already a part of an elite knight unit, I feel that he was the best candidate to be your knight," said Charles.
Guinevere was initially hesitant to agree, but recognizing that this decision pertained to her safety and well-being, she chose to take a calculated risk. Moreover, she found herself captivated by the image of her potential protector, who was undeniably striking. "After careful consideration, I have decided that Captain Hunter McGrath will serve as my knight."
Charles and Marianne were happy and relieved that Guinevere said yes. "Oh, that is wonderful to hear, darling. Why don't you keep the book? After all, I did see you staring at his picture with those eyes of love you have."
Guinevere's cheeks flushed at her aunt Marianne's remarks about Hunter. "Aunt Marianne, that's ridiculous. Yes, he's cute, but he's a cowboy and a soldier—not my type at all. He's merely my knight, nothing more. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go. I’ll see you both at dinner."
Guinevere stood and walked over to her uncle and aunt to kiss them on the cheek. She walks to her room with the file book in hand.
“Well, that went better than expected,” Charles said.
“I can’t believe she didn’t recognize the man she once played with as a child. It’s such a shame that, if it hadn’t been for her mother, Maria, Hunter and Guinevere might have formed a beautiful bond together, much like the one Cornelia shared with Logan,” Marianne said, her voice filled with understanding.
"I get it, but once he arrives, there's a chance she will remember," Charles said, holding onto hope.
Once she steps into her room, she collapses onto her soft bed, her gaze fixed on the blank ceiling above. Her thoughts swirl around one person: Hunter. What kind of man is he? Is he genuinely good-hearted, a simple-minded cowboy who fits the stereotype, or is he just another cold-hearted bastard like Luciano? Only time will reveal the truth. One thing she knows for sure: his name is Hunter. The name resonates in her memory, though the exact reason escapes her—her childhood is a foggy haze, no doubt influenced by her mother's relentless attempts to dictate her life since infancy. For now, all she can do is wait for the day their paths will cross. That meeting promises anticipation and intrigue, a moment she longs for amid her uncertainty.