The Fairest One of All- an LGBT Fantasy Novel

Twelve- the Knight

It was amazing, in a good and bad way, to think of how the last night had progressed. Frankly, it was unbelievable to Alexandra that the princess could reciprocate feelings so soon, if at all. After the initial outburst, she had thought that she would be asked to leave by the Queen, or that Avalon would tell her mother in angry haste. Everything about this moment in the universe, as minuscule as it turned out to be, seemed like the perfect celestial arrangement. The Stars had aligned for this very moment, and all that Alexandra could do was contain her joy.

She wanted to climb into the Princess's bed, and hold onto her. Breathing into her neck, feeling her soft waist encapsulated in her muscular arms. Feeling the familiar squish of a child when she raked her fingers down Avalon's back. She wanted to be brave, to touch her.

But not tonight. Or today, as it seemed from the window. The sun was about to rise in the next hour. They would have breakfast soon, sipping coffee with suppressed grins and little secrets between them. Queen Lorelei would talk to her constituents while her daughter had coffee and cream and the knight had a cup of tea with a shot of whiskey and sugar. Things would have to pass as usual; minimum chatter, most of the sound coming from silverware clinking on saucers.

When the Queen finally sat for breakfast, asking about their plans for the day, they would formulate an elaborate web of plans that would never be pursued. Avalon claimed that her knight would train her in the history of their nation, as Alexandra was a true history buff. Alexandra then claimed that she would watch the princess do her piano exercises, as well as her daily arias.

Princess Avalon was barely finished spreading raspberry jelly on her bagel before her mother furiously stormed into the dining hall.

"Of course I was last to hear the news," she started bitterly. "Why didn't you tell me that you didn't hit it off with Oliver?!"

Alexandra was petrified of this anger. At least the prince hadn't explained their absence.

"I'm sorry, mother," Avalon replied, bowing her head. "I shouldn't have lied to you."

"No truth is worse than a lie. I'm sure you were once again rebellious to Alexander's good intentions..."

Just as Alexandra was about to protest, the girl nodded eagerly. "I did... I disobeyed him."

"Well, that only means he'll be around you twice as much," retorted the queen. "I'm sure you won't mind?" She asked in the knight's direction.

"Of course not, your majesty. It is my.... My utmost pleasure to take care of your daughter."

"A good man you are!" The queen smiled. "I'm off to business. Avalon, know your place. Alexander, keep her safe. I love you, dandelion," she told her daughter, pulling on her coal-black cloak and tucking her short brown hair into the hood.

"I love you too, mama," Avalon replied wistfully.

As the door closed, Alexandra moved her chair closer to her princess. She tucked a piece of Avalon's mahogany hair behind her ear. "Did I do alright?" She asked.

"Oh, more than alright! I'm tickled pink. We get to spend all of our time together," she smiled, taking Alexandra's gloved hand into hers. "Thank you for staying."

"That's very trivial, my Princess. I will always stay for you. Not just as my obligation."

"I know it must sound silly," she answered. "But the simply painful truth is that everyone else important in my life, besides my mother, of course, has left me. My father, my brother, my friends. And yet despite our conditions, you are still here." A tear fell down Avalon's cheek. Alexandra tried to wipe it away, but the princess slapped her hand from her face. "I'm truly fine," she feigned a smile. "Thank you," Avalon repeated. "You are the only one... Thank you for staying."

As the princess nestled herself into Alexandra's chest, quiet sobs began to echo from the metal. While the knight tried to hush her, she led her to her room, but the sobs continued.

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you," Avalon repeated.

"Always, princess."

This became their chant until they could no longer speak of the subject and no tears could be shed. While Avalon cried, Alexandra cried because she felt the pain of watching the one that she cared about suffer.

Thank you. Always. Thank you, always.

An incessant brag, a heart beat.