Castle Guard by greenflowerpot

Chapter 3

- NOT MY STORY!! ALL CREDITS TO @greenflowerpot ON A03!!
-
The king and queen were beside themselves with relief that Hermione was safe.

They were then—immediately afterwards—furious that she had almost gotten herself killed in the name of research.

Again.

Hermione lost the privilege of indefinitely delaying marriage talks. She had been previously permitted to devote all her energy to her projects—postponing again and again meetings with prospective matches—but only because she'd agreed to follow her parents' rules to keep her safe. No more.

Arrangements were made for her to leave on a tour of the continent the next morning, owls sent out informing the royal families of neighboring kingdoms that West Haven's princess was finally ready to meet her suitors. The responses poured enthusiastically back in and soon the remainder of Hermione's month was spoken for.

Though she was disappointed that her parents' marriage-minded patience had worn thin, Hermione knew they were being fair—fairer than they had to be. Most women of royalty didn't even get to pick who they married, let alone when. Unlike them, Hermione was still free to choose among the princes who had formally indicated interest—still free to marry for love. The most her parents did was subtly make their preference known by suggesting she visit the kingdom of Noxelm first.

"You and Prince Jacob played together as babies, you know," the queen said. "And if you get along, maybe there will be no need for you to travel further after that."

They had meant for their daughter to go alone, but then the king and queen spotted Hermione taking neat, copious notes on the vegetation around the famously dangerous Noxelm Crumbling Cliffs. They decided to send a Royal Guard along for the journey as well, after that. Probably the one who had saved her in the lakelands would be best.

Truthfully, Hermione was more excited than she wanted to admit to learn Malfoy would be coming. She had not forgotten how it had felt to open her eyes in the lakeland to see him, how good he had been to her when he carefully took care of her injuries, soothing her cries the entire time. He had just been doing his job, but it stood out in her memories just the same.

She turned eagerly when she heard him approach the carriage they would be taking.

"Your highness," he said, smiling at her.

As he moved closer Hermione saw two long, thin cuts that stretched from his cheek to his jawbone from the Serpent's Tongue.

"Oh no!" Hermione said, taking a step forward. "Not your face!"

For some reason, this made him laugh. He seemed unbothered but held still to let her examine the cuts.

"I'll take that as a compliment," he said. "Unless, of course, it means you don't like looking at me anymore?"

"Of course—of course that's not what I meant," she stammered irritably. "Does it hurt?"

"Not at all," Malfoy said, smiling lazily down at her.

Hermione wasn't sure if she believed him. The injuries seemed to be healing but still looked painful.

"Will I have to wait much longer for you to tell me how brave I was?" he asked politely, but the corner of his mouth twitched.

"Oh, stop it," Hermione huffed, but she couldn't keep her own smile from showing. "And you were very brave, so there. You know I know that. Thank you for saving my life."

"There's no need to thank me."

"Well, I at least have to thank you for being nice about having to tag along at the last minute."