INDULGENCE - KILLER X READER (Medieval AU)

CHAPTER FIVE: Suitors

"Oh, come on, Your Grace. Do you really believe I was on board with this-yoi?" 

As Marco tried to step into my line of sight I turned my head quickly, showing just how upset with him I was. 
"No, but your vote was swayed nonetheless. I understand that your hands were tied, but that does nothing to ease my hurt right now, Marco." I leant back as far as I could go in my seat, focusing on the lords and ladies getting prepared for the event, chattering away in the pews below. 

"Yeah, My Lord! You..You stampcrab!" Perona, who was fluttering around me, fixing my hair, snapped at the blond lord, completely unphased by their status difference. She knew just as well as I did that Marco would never lose his temper over some harmless words like most others would. 

"I completely understand. I may not have been able to stop this, but you know I will do anything in my power to assist you moving forward. Believe me-yoi." Bowing low in sincere apology, Marco left me with my handmaiden, who stuck her tongue out after him like a child. 

"Believe him? Ugh, he's a lord. All lords are liars and cheats." Perona muttered, patting down a stray hair on my head. "How are you feeling, anyway? I know you hardly slept last night. Can't imagine how scary this must be." 

Hardly? I didn't sleep at all... 

Shrugging my shoulders, I reached to pat her arm to try and ease her valid concerns. 
"I feel poorly, but I will be fine. This is my life, so I guess I have to learn to live it." I sighed, escaping breath shakier than I would have liked. Perona narrowed her eyes skeptically before looking over the back of my royal chair, raising her hand to snap her fingers. 
"Hey, helmet head! Bring your princess water!" 

"Perona! Do not call him such a thing! That's rude!" I scolded, nearly flinching when Killer appeared at my side, offering me a goblet filled with water, just as he was so rudely asked to do. "I sincerely apologise for Perona's behaviour. Say you are sorry, Perona." 

My handmaiden rolled her eyes, obviously annoyed that I was telling her off and making her say she was sorry when she wasn't. 
"I apologise for calling you a helmet head, Ser..." She muttered, not offering him any form of eye contact. 
"It's fine. You can call me what you want." Killer replied, not sounding at all bothered by her attitude. 

Hopefully she'll learn to accept him eventually... 

"Your Grace," My blond protector took back the goblet once I had taken a small sip and straightened his back. "I assure you, there's nothing to fear. Today is just one day."

His words eased me a little, and I tried my best to give him a smile, but it was smaller than I would have liked.
"Thank you, Killer." He bowed and returned to his post, to the wall behind the throne with the other guards and Perona nudged my arm.

"Uh, pardon me, but what was that?' She wiggled her brows teasingly, but before I had any chance to defend myself the sound of trumpets rang through the throne room, the girl scrambling to double check my hair before skittering away so she wouldn't get into trouble.

"Lord and Ladies of Marineford, we humbly welcome you on this fine day!" The Royal announcer spoke loud and clearly, standing with his back to us. My father and my step-mother sat in their places, center and left, whilst I sat to the right. "Let us begin this wondrous affair, shall we?!"

Shall we not?

The large double doors opened, knights standing tall and ready for anything on either side, and two men walked into the throne room.
"May I present Lord Garp and his ward, Lord Koby, of Marineford!"

The larger man held his head high, chest puffed proudly as he walked. I knew him already, which was at least something. Salt and pepper hair, and a scar over his left eye. He was a big-shot knight with a spotless record.