Hermitcraft Drabbles

The Monarch and Their Knight (Stresskall)

WC: 777

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A frown tugged on the monarch's face as they strolled through the trail in the woods. Their knight was beside them, but she was more focused on the environment, not on what was already there, but on what could be there. All Iskall wanted was to spend time with her on a lovely day, but all Stress could be concerned about was their safety.

Don't get them wrong, Iskall greatly appreciated it, but at the very least, they wish she could appreciate the nature around them.

"Nothing will hurt me, I'm okay," they assured her, reaching over to touch her armored arm.

With a sigh, Stress lowered her sword. "Apologies, your majesty if I'm putting you on edge. I'm just- I'm afraid I don't quite have an 'off' switch."

"No no!" Iskall waved their arms. "I just want you to relax and, y'know, enjoy the walk! I greatly appreciate you always looking out for me, but you need a break too, Gorgeous!" A smile tugged on their lips at how the nickname pulled a pink color onto Stress' cheeks. Although that was something they'd call almost anyone, they were particular to use it the most on Stress.

She nodded. "Right, right of course."

Iskall lightly touched the palm of her hand. "You may still call me Iskall, I don't mind at all," they sweetly reminded her as the pair continued to walk.

She nodded again, pursing her lips as she looked around. "It is quite beautiful," she breathed, adjusting her hold on their hand.

"Let's go this way!" Iskall eagerly suggested, veering off the path. Stress squeezed their hand as they carefully walked over large roots and around thorny bushes all to make it to a hidden field of daisies.

They looked at Stress, whose eyes were scanning the area from the flowers to the trees. "Did you know this was here?"

"Nope! Just wanted to go on a little adventure," they admitted with a light laugh.

The knight took a deep breath. "I'm- I'm sure this is- I'm sure it's safe here." She seemed to have been assuring more herself than the monarch, which caused them to smile.

"Stress," Iskall whispered, taking one of her hands. "Take a deep breath. We're here to relax."

She nodded, following their instructions. "I'm calm," she breathed.

Seeing as her hair was tied up in a ponytail with a small braid on either side of her head connected to the ponytail, Iskall picked a few flowers and wove them into her hair. "Am I pretty now?" She teased one they were down.

"You're always pretty," Iskall countered, pleased to see Stress blush.

She looked down at the flowers, carefully scanning them as she began to pick some as well. "S-So um, the spring ball is approaching; have uh- I assume you are being accompanied by someone?"

Iskall touched her shoulder. "If I did, you'd already know," they reminded her. "And, I'm sure you're aware that if I do not have a date for royal events such as balls, then it is the duty of my knight to go with me. Now, I could always find someone else if this is your way of requesting the night off." Despite knowing what Stress was going to say, they liked to tease her a little.

"N-No, that wasn't what I was going to ask, I promise!" She hastily insisted, which made them giggle. "I-" Glancing back down at the flowers in her lap, Stress began to weave the stems together. "I simply- if you- I'm more than honored to fulfill my duty as your knight," she assured them.

For once, Iskall hesitated. Alas, they found the courage to ask. "Well, what if I wanted to ask you properly. So to make it less like an obligation and more... like a- like a date?"

Stress stared at him.

"And- And do not think for one second you have to say yes. You have every right to decline, my position of power has no effect on your feelings," Iskall quickly added, but Stress took one of their hands and squeezed it.

"I'd love to be your date for the ball," she whispered, cracking a smile.

Relief washed over the monarch as they leaned forward to kiss her cheek. "I'll be looking forward to it then!"

A flower crown was gently placed on their head, causing their smile to grow. They coaxed Stress to rest her head on their shoulder. They began to make a matching crown, despite already the flowers already in her hair. With the occasional gust of wind and the warm sun illuminating the clearing, Iskall never felt happier and more at peace.