Forbidden Love; Its The Best Kind (Link x Reader)

|| Chapter 27 || A Friend or a Knight?

(Y/n) was more than shocked when Ethan came to her, explaining how they'd go on with her plan. She thought he was joking at first. It was hard to believe her father, after just being so angry about it all, decided she was right in the end. Even when the day truly came, she remained shocked, haft expecting her brother to come in saying it was a joke after all.

One of the maids pulled at the Princess's hair with a comb, humming sweetly while (Y/n) simply stared into the mirror, feeling a sudden wave of nerves run through her.

"...Your highness?"

"Oh! Did you say something?" She blinked, snapping out of it which caused the maid to giggle.

"I asked if you're excited for today. You'll be signing the law yourself. It's a huge honor, after all," the maid hummed her words, braiding a piece of hair with little effort.

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it. Signing your first law is astonishing, but also nerve-racking..."

"You'll get over that. As a princess, chances are you'll end up signing multiple laws in the future. It will become nothing but a short flick of the wrist soon. You'll see~" The maid finished tightening the neat bun, smiling happily at her work," absolutely stunning. No boy will be able to keep their eyes off you!"

"Thank you, Viva," (Y/n) smiled herself, moving her head around to get a pleasant view of her hair," but there's only one boy I want to catch the eyes of."

"Oh~ You have a boyfriend, your highness?"

(Y/n) hummed, sitting back in her chair," I think that's what we are. I've never asked directly..."

"You two must be beautiful together. I can't wait to do your hair for the wedding."

"Even if we're dating, it hasn't been long enough for him to proposal," The Princess blushed, however, she wasn't too embarrassed not to giggle herself.

"Well, you are a princess. It'll be good for your love to get a ring before someone else does."

(Y/n) smiled awkwardly," he's already got my heart. That's much better than a ring, isn't it?"

"I suppose. He must be a true gentleman if you're so stuck on him."

"He is."

Viva, after a knock echoed over the room, hurried to the door, opening it with a short gasp. Liam stood there, holding a velvet pillow with Princess (Y/n)'s tiara set carefully in the middle. Viva studied the tiara from where she stood, grinning," are they handing them out already?"

"It is custom for the Royal Family members to wear their crowns and tiara's during events like this."

"Then this ceremony truly is important," Viva stepped aside, curtsying to Liam while he walked inside the room over to the Princess who stood up quickly.

"Liam!" She was both happy and shocked to see him. Over the last ten days, her knight had either kept his distance or stayed quiet around her. He was acting like all the other Knight of Honor's acted. Like he was just there to do his job and nothing more.

Liam bowed, holding out the tiara," each Knight of Honor has been asked to present the family crowns to the one they serve. It is asked that you wear it proudly during today's events, showing the kingdom who it's proud leaders are."

Those words were a part of a script stated almost every time the family members were given their jewels. By the way he said them, (Y/n) would've mistaken him for Cameron's dead sounding voice.

She stared at the knight, not taking the tiara like she was supposed to. Instead, she turned her attention to Viva who watched with a dreamy smile by the door," Viva, could you give us some privacy for a moment? I need to speak with my knight for a moment."

Viva didn't hesitate to curtsy once more," of course, your highness."

The second the door shut, (Y/n) went back to staring at Liam who kept his eyes closed as if he refused to open them and risk meet the Princess's," what's wrong with you?"

"Nothing is wrong with me, your highness."

"I hate lairs, Liam. You know this. Ever since the day I made my announcement in the Capital, you've acted like we don't know each other. Are you mad at me because of what I said back then?"

"No, your highness."

"Then what is it."

"..." Liam said nothing and kept his eyes closed still. (Y/n) bit her lower lip, narrowing her eyes.

"Fine then. I order you to answer me and my questions," She watched Liam flinch slightly, and when he said nothing, she reminded him," you are my Knight of Honor and I am your Princess. You are not to disobey orders unless you want to lose your place. It can be considered an act of treason."

Liam stayed quiet for only a moment longer before speaking," that's exactly it. I am your Knight of Honor and you're my Princess. We're not to be friends or anything of the such. My job is to protect and serve you alone..."

(Y/n)'s eyes were wide with shock. Slowly, she shook her head," that isn't necessarily the rules, besides, you've been my friend all this time. Why would you stop now?"

"I don't want to forget the job I have. If I fail to protect you..." He didn't finish his sentence. His lip quivered a bit which was all (Y/n) need to know that he was on the verge of crying.

"Then don't forget your job. You can be my friend and my knight. There's no need to pick one," The Princess kneeled down, meeting Liam's eyes which were finally opened.

He stared at her for a moment and for that moment, (Y/n) thought her words had gotten through to him. She was wrong.

"I'm afraid I have to pick only one, your highness. I'm your knight. I'm the one who will place my life before yours and do whatever it takes to keep you safe. It's the job I've signed up for."

Liam stared into (Y/n)'s eyes, wanting to look away so he wouldn't have to see the hurt expect he couldn't. He was glued to them like always. It hurt him to see how sad they looked, to see how sad she looked.

He loved the Princess. He loved her more than she would or could ever know. That's why he had to do this. He was forcing himself to choose to be a friend or a knight...

"I will stand proud in front of my people as I always do," (Y/n) took her tiara, but didn't put it on," now, I have a ceremony to finish getting ready for. You are dismissed."

"Of course, your highness," the words stung. Liam stood, exiting the room and letting in the three maids who waited patiently outside.

They hurried in, dusting (Y/n)'s face with make-up and wrapping her in a beautiful yellow dress they made special for the ceremony. The whole time, she said nothing, she only kept her eyes forward.

When they were finished, she put her tiara on then studied her reflection in the mirror.

"...I am Princess (Y/n), the second daughter of King Adrian II, only child of the late Queen Rosaleen, and 3rd heir to the throne of this Kingdom. Today, I remind my people that."