Descending Love

* 3 * The First Knight

*Continuing Last Chapter's Story-In the morning*

After Dominic had left Scarlett, she got dressed and went down to the dining room for breakfast. While approaching the grand-staircase, she tripped on her dress. Falling head first, she tries to grip onto the banister. As she closes her eyes, she feels her finger just brush by the hand railing, but not enough to be able to grab. Scarlett braces herself for the impact when out of no where, it all stops. She feels as if she's floating. When Scarlett opens her eyes, she is facing downwards looking at the steps and notices she's midair. Suddenly, Scarlett is pulled back and she steadies herself.

Still scanning her surrounding unaware of what just happened, a voice from behind breaks the silence. "We really need to stop meeting like this Princess."

Scarlett still hasn't turned around to look at her savior, but she smiles already knowing who that husky voice belongs to. Looking down, she sees a hand plated in armor around her waist. Scarlett turns around and hugs her Knight in Shining armor (literally).

"Thanks for saving me Gavin." She looks up, seeing as how he is 6 ft tall, to those Jade-green eyes and smiles.

"Anytime my princess." With that, Gavin bows and kisses the top of her hand.

"Gavin , you know I don't want you to call me Princess. Only you and Dominic actually do."

"And that is because me and Dominic truly treasure you." Scarlett just roles her eyes. "Now, I know I am your Knight, but that doesn't mean you can't be careful. I will always be there, but you also need to take care of yourself."

"Yes I know. You're no different than the day we met."

***

Scarlett, now 13, was spinning around in her beautiful blue dress. It was her birthday and each birthday spent with The Queen, she would receive a one-of-a-kind blue dress that was always more beautiful than the last. While showing it to all the servants, she tripped. Before she hit the ground, she felt an arm wrap around her. Opening her eyes, she saw the most beautiful pair of green eyes. So mesmerized, she didn't realize that owner of such eyes was asking if she was alright until he started to shake her. Snapping out of the haze, young Scarlett answered yes.

The boy, and servants, all sighed in relief. They went on with their busywork, leaving Scarlett with her savior.

Still focused on such a perfect set of eyes, she didn't notice the boy had kneeled until he took her hand and kissed to the top of it. Scarlett, not one to usually be embarrassed or shy, blushed at his actions. The boy, who seemed older, looked up at her and flashed her the warmest smile she had ever seen. It brought her more warmth and comfort than she had ever know, even that of Dominic's.

When he let go and stood back up, The Queen entered. He bowed at her entrance and said the proper greeting. The Queen smiled at him, for she saw much promise in the boy. Looking between her step-daughter and him she forgot she needed to explain.

"Right, Scarlett I take it you have already met Gavin." Scarlett, as she was taught, did a small curtsy and greeted the unknown boy. He smiled back at her, and blushing, Scarlett turned away. Looking at her stepmother, The Queen continued, "He will be your Knight from on. Where you go, he goes. You will always be together from now on. Though he is older, he is still young. But no worries, Gavin will still be training as your Knight once a day. During which, you will be having your lessons. Understood?"

Now looking at him completely, Scarlett noticed he had some armor to him. He was much taller than her, around 5'7" and slightly toned; with dirty blond hair. "Yes step-mother, I understand. But one question. Why am I receiving my personal Knight. Besides, I already have Dominic and we are always together." Behind her, she noticed that Gavin tensed a bit.

"Well, my child, as tradition says, at the age of 13 all Royal children will receive their own guardians on said birthday. This will continue until the adult age of 16. So, Gavin here, is your first Knight. You will have three as you grow, totaling to four personal Knights. As for Dominic, though he and Gavin are of the same age and he does have strength, he is still only your butler. And it is also up to him how long he chooses to serve you. Tonight however, Gavin will swear an oath to you, that will leave him boned to you as long as you both shall live." Scarlett felt stunned to such commitment, even though he is already 16, the usual age to enlist. She couldn't help feel bad that she will be taking the rest of his life. The Queen brought back her attention, "Now you do look simply beautiful, I must finish preparations for the night. Do stay safe. And get to know your Knight. Bye my sweet child." With a peck on her head, Scarlett was once again left with Gavin.

Unable to shake of the feeling of ruining his life she asks, "Gavin, is this what you really want?" Even though 13, Scarlett already mastered sensing for one's emotions though to all the hardships she has endured.

At first, Gavin seemed taken aback. He wondered why a girl much younger, and a princess on top one who is always at risk, would not want protection. Then he noticed the caring nature in her blue eyes, causing him to smile. "Yes Princess, I am sure. I would want nothing else than to serve you for the rest of my life, it would bring me great honor if you'll have me." At first, coming from a family of Knights, Gavin was simply fulfilling his duty. After actually meeting the Princess and laying eyes on her graceful beauty, he couldn't imagine doing anything else. He saw how young she was, yet already so passionate.

She smiled at him fondly, "Alright then, if that is what you desire." Gavin then knew, she will be a great ruler, for he felt it.

That night, Gavin pledged his sword to her in front of all the Kingdom at the end of the celebrations. They have been together ever since. When they got older, Gavin remained looking over her. Watching her interact in life, growing beautiful each and every day. Eventually, he brought it upon himself to watch her in the shadows for the day that he knew would one day come. The day that would be arriving soon...