Her Hero

Chapter 6

*Hannah's P.O.V*

It's been about a month since I moved into the palace. Everything was great, I was treated like royalty, but I still felt out of place. I knew very well that I didn't belong amidst the glitz and glamor of the upper class, but I was here for Grace. She asked me to protect her and that's exactly what I was planning to do.
It was a quiet morning and I woke up early to get a head start on today's training. I went out to the stables and found my sword, which I had hidden in a box of supplies. I smiled as I felt the cold metal on my hands. I had to admit. Being the princess' personal guard came with some pretty cool perks.
Turning quickly with a sword in hand, I came face to face with someone I had never seen before. Her red hair turned almost orange in the morning sun. Her eyes, green, were almost glowing in the dim light of the stables.
"You must be the new recruit."
She said with a smile.
I stayed quiet, not knowing exactly what to say.
"You sure are quiet. I'm Mamrie."
She said extending her hand for a shake. Cautiously, I took her invitation.
"But a good strong shake. I like that. Says a lot about you. What's your name?"
I took a deep breath and tried to process the situation.

"I'm Hannah, Hannah Hart."
Her eyes went wide and smiled.

"What a small world, my last name is Hart too. You are probably wondering why I'm asking you all these questions. I'm your fight instructor for today."

I was a little thrown off, but this was fine. She seemed nice. A little crazy, but nice. I was sure she and I would become good friends very quickly.

"Enough introductions, let's get to work!"
I smiled. Before we did anything, it was obvious that I was going to need a little bit of liquid courage if I planned to keep up with this girl.
She took one look at the bottle of gin that I pulled from my bag and a wide smile spread across her face.

"Now you're speaking my language!"

Never have I laughed and worked as hard as I did with Mamrie. I was scarred up a bit, but nevertheless, she was making me better.

After our session was over, and we were walking back to the stables, our conversation started to die off. I decided to keep it going with a few questions about the princess. Maybe not my best idea.

"Mamrie?"

"Hmm?"

"What can you tell me about the princess?"
She stopped dead in her tracks, as if my words had offended her.

"First of all." She began.
"You will not get anywhere with her. She is already betrothed. To that guard, Chester. Second of all..."

I stopped listening. Of all people, Chester? He was sweet and all, but she deserved better.
I tried to pay attention to what the red head was saying, but I found it inreasingly difficult.
Mamrie soon realized that I wasn't paying attention and placed a worried hand on my shoulder.

"You okay, dude? You seem a little green. Was it something I said?"

When I didn't respond, it was as if a light flicked on and quickly put the peices together.

"Oh. You didn't know. Look dude, sorry that you had to find out this way. But really, what chance did you think you had? After all, she is the princess and you're just... well you."

I knew she was right. It made me feel awful but, she was right. Who was I to  try and capture the princess's heart. What would a gorgeous girl like Grace want with a commoner like me?

A/N: Hey guys! Sorry this is such a late update, but I hope that you enjoy!

-Liz