The Fairest One of All- an LGBT Fantasy Novel

Three- The Princess

"Avalon? Oh, thank Goodness," Queen Lorelei replied. "What in the world were you doing out alone this late?"

A tear fell down the Princess's cheek. "I needed to get water for Emilia. I never did. I wanted to help her..."

"You! Nurse!" Bellowed the mother in her familiar tirade. "You are to attend to Emilia this instant. Why have you not watched over a lady in waiting? Do you think I'll risk my daughter's health, her voice, all for a commoner's sickness? Tend to this, now."

As the old wench quickly paced to the Princess's corridor, Lorelei took Avalon into a brief hug. "Please don't do that again, sweet girl. You're all I have."

"I love you, mother. I'm here now."

"All thanks to this wonderful man!" She retorted. She then took the knight and embraced him. "What is your name?"

"Alexander Bianco, your Highness," he replied.

"I will never be able to repay the debt of my daughter's welfare. Perhaps you'll accept an offer that would be unbelievable not to take..."

Avalon was perplexed. What did her mother have in mind? This sort of thing had never happened before.

"Well, I'm certainly listening, your Grace," Alexander chuckled.

"It would be my pleasure to offer you a position in this kingdom."

"Oh, Queen, I could never accept such a generous-"

"I haven't finished," she smiled. "My daughter has always been a bit... Rebellious. I'd like you to take her under your wing," Lorelei said.

"Mother," Avalon persisted, "I'm not a child, I've sixteen years."

"And so have I," Alexander smirked. "Your majesty, it is my honor to accompany your daughter anywhere."

"Very good, then. We will attend to your contract in the morning."

"Thank you so much, my Queen," Alexander breathed.

"Thank you, Great Knight. Let us sleep. You may rest in the Princess's wing."

"Very well. Come with me, Avalon," he said quietly.

The princess was ambivalent. As much as she had appreciated being saved, she now knew that the freedom she had experienced in the dusk was fleeting. Any liberation had now been given to her savior.

"I'm not sure how I feel about this," she said irritatedly. "I've only known you for less than a night."

"Oh, I'm sure after a night in a feather bed instead of the bottom of a well, you'll absolutely love the arrangement!" Alexander replied sarcastically. "Want me to tuck you in, Princess?"

"Excuse me! That's Princess Avalon Skye of Wilbramden to you. Just because you're my new Knight doesn't make you my best friend.

"We'll see," he replied. "I'm determined to get under your skin... Get to know you." He walked her to her door, adjacent to his new quarters.

"Goodnight, Alexander."

"Goodnight, Avalon."