His White Knight - Prince!EnglandxOutlaw!Reader 14

(Y/n) and Eliza raced through the forest as fast as they could on Eliza's horse, with the former gripping her arms tightly around Eliza's waist while the latter did her best to keep her balance as her mount galloped through the maze of trees. (Y/n) had come across her best friend soon after she left the arena, and she had since sent Gwen away on her own, confident she could find her way home and provide a distraction for the king's men. But it still wasn't that easy to evade their pursuers. The men had split up into two separate units, one of which (y/n) and Eliza desperate to escape as they started closing in on their home. Fortunately, they had found a secret path through a cave when they managed to lose sight of them, and now it seemed they were home free, or at least with enough time to find some of the spare hiding places at the encampment.

And yet, through it all, (y/n) was perhaps for the first time in her career as the White Knight more concerned for Arthur than with escaping him. The look of painful horror that appeared on his face the moment he was shot seemed to strike through (y/n) more than anything in recent memory. She'd wanted to stay with him, help him. But her instinctive tendency to flee from situations such as this rather than toward them pulled her back, even as she assured herself that, as a prince, Arthur would receive the best possible care. Even as she and Eliza came upon the familiar area that was their home, (y/n) knew she had to do something, anything, to help him.

They quickly hid Eliza's horse in the cave stable and changed clothes before making sure it was safe and quietly emerging. And the whole time, as they walked to the men's shelter in very telling silence, (y/n) also knew she was going to have to face Ludwig and her teammates just like she did last night, and that they were more than likely going to be even more angry with her. But if she could take on the prince himself in a sword duel, she could certainly face this. She hoped.

Once they were safe and sound, (y/n) couldn't resist throwing her arms around Eliza's neck in a hug. "You're the best friend a girl could ask for, you know that?"

But even though she tried to smile, when she looked at her, Eliza was only frowning. "I made an oath," she said. "Besides, you are like my sister, even if you get yourself into trouble."

"Vich she should have known better to not do!" an angry German accented voice suddenly rang through the room. Both girls flinched a little bit. They hadn't expected him to make it back so soon. But (y/n) quickly straightened up, reminding herself she'd been preparing for this moment. She stared her (e/c) eyes down Ludwig's blue ones as he strode over her, and again reminded her of her height in comparison to his.

"Have you gone mad, (y/n)?!" he asked, the heat in his tone matching the redness on his face. "Vat do you have to say for yourself?! Vat in ze vorld vere you zinking?!"

Knowing very well he could talk like this, (y/n) replied in a more steady voice, "I was zinking about doing what none of you were willing to do! I was taking action!"

"By valking into vat might as vell have been a var zone?!" asked as he threw his hands up. "You could have been arrested, (y/n)! You could have been hurt!" But once he saw he wasn't doing a good job at getting through to her, Ludwig only put his head in his hand and sighed as he added, "But, I suppose you are going to tell me you zought of zat anyway."

"I did," (y/n) nodded in agreement. "I thought through it very thoroughly from the moment I came up with the idea. And I don't regret having gone through with it."

By now, she could tell he was wanting something to take out his rage on. Yet she could also tell how pained he felt by the conflicted look in his eyes. Despite his beefy appearance, Ludwig was a gentleman. And fortunately, he soon proved it by firmly but gently taking hold of (y/n)'s shoulders. Looking her straight in the eye, he said, "(Y/n), you know how much I care about you, ever since ve first met. But I cannot deny ze straight up foolishness of vat you've done today! And neizer can you."

(Y/n) could only let out a sigh. "Okay, I admit it, it was a little stupid to go without backup," she said. Then she looked right back at Ludwig again and added in a defensive tone, "But it's not like you were going to give it to me if I asked you!"

And she knew very well he wasn't going to give it now either. Shaking herself free of Ludwig's grasp on her shoulders, (y/n) moved passed him and started marching for the exit. But right before she could make it to the steps, (y/n) looked over her shoulder when she felt his hand on it again.

"Und vere do you zink you are going?" he asked, his eyes daring her to take one more step. "I am not finished viz you yet!"

"Well, I am!" (Y/n) retorted as she now jerked herself free. "Prince Arthur is hurt! And he was hurt during a duel I asked for! I have to take responsibility and at least try to help him!" She then turned to the woman watching from nearby and asked, "Eliza, do you still have a good amount of healing herbs? Rare ones?"

Although somewhat surprised, Eliza still nodded and replied, "Igen, I do." Suddenly though, she interjected, "But (y/n), there is no need for you to do this. He is the crown prince. I am certain he is already being well looked after."

"Und besides," Ludwig took the opportunity to speak up. "You are talking as zough you are asking to be arrested!" Before (y/n) could object, he behaved as he did before, taking her by the shoulders and looking at her with imploring eyes. "(Y/n), I am begging you," he said, his voice slightly unsteady. "Please be reasonable! You cannot let your emotions get in ze vay of making decisions!"

(Y/n) continued to frown at Ludwig. "No," she agreed, "but I can let them motivate me in this case." Being more firm with him this time, she quickly took both hands off his shoulders and stared him down, despite their clear difference in height.

"I don't care what you think of Prince Arthur!" she went on to say. "You don't know him like I do! I know he'll help us and our cause if I can get on his good side. If helping him with his injuries is a step in that direction, then I'm taking it, with or without your support!" She then narrowed her eyes at him. With an ever slight change in tone, she added, "And the only way you can stop me is by chaining all four of my limbs to a wall. And even then I might find a way out! This is my decision, you hear me! I'm the White Knight, not you!"

And with that final statement, she turned around and hurried up the steps before throwing open and then shutting the door to the shelter. Without stopping even for a second, she rushed to the women's shelter. Once there, she rummaged through the cabinet where Eliza kept her herbs, and took out all that she needed, silently thanking the woman for teaching her which ones were for what ailments. She then changed into her peasant's dress and then headed for the cave stable, where she relieved to find her beloved Gwen finally home and unharmed. But she couldn't take her. As much as the White Knight stood out, so did her rare white horse. Once she led the mare in, (y/n) quickly found and tacked Eliza's horse. And in less than ten minutes, she was on horseback searching for a pathway that wouldn't seem too conspicuous.

And the whole time, the one sensation that remained dominant throughout was the pounding in her chest, which seemed to be feeling that way all day. While (y/n) did feel bad for having to leave Ludwig and Eliza behind in a rush like that, she also knew she would never forgive herself if Arthur suffered a terrible injury. With that thought in mind, she couldn't help but wonder who fired the arrow in the first place. But that was of little consequence, because (y/n) told herself she was going to find out who it was before the day was done.
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Arthur let out a moan laced with pain as he was gently laid down on his bed, on his stomach. He had no idea how much time had passed since he was shot, but he guessed by the yellow-orange glowing light flooding through the windows that it had to have been at least four or five hours. Either way, his memory since the early afternoon was very hazy.

By the time that accursed White Knight left him, after giving him a kiss – a kiss! – he would not soon forget, the pain had spread through his entire body. It burned and ached so much, it was no surprise he passed out soon after. When he first regained consciousness, Arthur's blurry vision and the sense of being carried told him he was being transported to the castle on a stretcher. The second time he came to, he was in a dimly lit room, hearing voices, both calm and urgent, all around him. Probably the infirmary. Arthur also remembered having a sort of herbal tea administered to him, which quickly made him drowsy and numbed the pain long enough for the physicians to get the arrow out without him struggling.

But the burning ache had returned in a good amount now that he was lying in his bed, and he only now realized the upper half of his torso was bandaged. He also noticed, to his mixed comfort, that Alfred was next to him, giving orders like the prince he also was.

"That's enough guys, out, now!" he said, waving at the people who helped bring him in. "He needs a break! Give him some air!"

The next thing he knew, Arthur realized he was alone with his brother. And he wasn't about to look like a shot down boar in front of him. Planting his hands onto the mattress, he slowly but steadily started to make himself sit up, gritting his teeth as he tried to ignore the pain that immediately shot through his back.

"Hey, bro," Alfred then said as he gently put his hand on his brother's shoulder, "I wouldn't do that. You don't want to make it worse."

Arthur let out an annoyed sigh before he breathed out, "I'll be fine, Alfred…really. I appreciate your concern…but I'm a grown man."

"You gotta let me help you with some things," Alfred gave a concerned frown. "For one thing, you look cold. You want me to get you a shirt?"

"Oh…fine," Arthur said as he realized there was a bit of a chill in the air. Before too long, Alfred was helping him into a clean shirt.

"Seriously, dude," he then said, "can't believe you had a duel with the White Knight, and took a frickin' arrow to the back! You must be exhausted."

Arthur had the sense that Alfred also wanted to mention that momentous kiss, but apparently thought better of it. Wise choice. "Now there's an understatement," Arthur said. Despite the literally painful situation, both he and Alfred then couldn't help but chuckle. Alfred did have the rare skill of being able to lighten things up at just the right time. It only seemed to prove that, as much as Arthur wouldn't outright say it, he loved his brother as much as he was sure he loved him.

"I gotta hand it to you though, Arthur," Alfred went on to say. "You were crazy good out there, just like I said you'd be." He then gave a cheeky smile, but Arthur had had enough humor for the time being. Fortunately, his brother seemed to notice, as he once again looked concerned. "Hey, you need anything else? You sure you're gonna be okay?"

"I will be if I have anything to say about it," Arthur stubbornly said. "Look, I just want to be alone now. Need some time to think about things."

"I had a feeling you'd say that," Alfred smirked a little bit. "But, okay. You deserve it. Just holler if you need me." He then got up from his spot beside his brother and the bed and headed toward the door. Once there, he turned around to say one more thing. "Just for the record, even if the White Knight was responsible, I'd say you should be grateful there wasn't poison in that arrow. Otherwise…" He shrugged his shoulders uncomfortably and added, "Well, you know."

Alfred didn't need to say anything for Arthur to get what he was talking about, he knew very well. And once his brother left, he somehow allowed his mind to replay everything that had happened just hours before. It seemed like just one successive shock after another. From seeing the White Knight in broad daylight for the first time, to participating the duel of a lifetime with the wanted outlaw, and of course, the undeniable yet stunning fact that the man kissed him in front of a live audience, which Arthur just now realized put him into a shock long enough for the villain to get away. So wickedly clever! Arthur made a mental note to add public humiliation of a royal to his list of charges, which seemed to be growing longer every time he saw him.

But it wasn't just that the White Knight had kissed him in front of everyone. Ever since he was old enough to understand the importance of it, Arthur had made the decision to save his first kiss for the woman he was sure he was going to marry. And now it had been stolen from him, and by a man! Another thing to add on the list of what he stole. But this one was especially damaging to Arthur's pride, almost as though he'd been violated.

Arthur was at the point when he was about to vent his anger in a most inappropriate way, when he suddenly heard a knock on his door. Thankful for the distraction, he said, "Enter."

"Your Highness," one of his guards said, "forgive the intrusion, but there is a young woman here who claims to know you, and that she won't leave without seeing you."

Arthur's eyes widened in genuine surprise and interest. If it was her, it would be an even better distraction! "Who is she?" he asked, itching to rush out and meet her himself. "What's her name?"

"Her name is (y/n), your Highness."

It was her! But still, Arthur restrained himself as he tried to sit straight and said to the guard, "Let her in." He then noticed the man's suspicious look and added, "I assure you, this is just a meeting between friends."

"As you wish, Highness," the guard bowed. He then stood back and waved his arm toward the open doorway. And to Arthur, everything seemed to fade as the woman he had grown so fond of in such a short amount of time hastened into his room, wearing the dress she had on when they first met and carrying a basket in the crook of her arm. Although she was in every way a commoner, for Arthur, she was right now the most beautiful woman in the world, an angel who had come to comfort him. "It's you!" he managed to breathe out, unable to say anything else.

As if to confirm what he was seeing wasn't an illusion, (y/n) smiled and nodded. "It's me." But suddenly, her lovely face grew serious again as she rushed to his side and sat next to him.

"What are you doing here?" Arthur asked as she began rummaging through her basket. While he was happy she was here, he couldn't help wonder what would make her so bold.

"Helping you," (y/n) replied as she took out a bottle of what appeared to be an herbal mixture before turning toward him. "I saw everything that happened earlier, at the arena."

Arthur's eyebrows shot up. "Is…is that so?" he asked, suddenly feeling his face grow conspicuously hot. As if knowing how embarrassed he was feeling by it all, (y/n) only gave an awkward smile as she nodded. As she then started opening the bottle, Arthur looked away and muttered to himself, "That cheeky bugger was right."

"Sorry?" (y/n) suddenly asked. Just as quickly, Arthur looked back at her and tried to smile as he shook his head. Even so, he had the feeling she heard what he said. Fortunately, his attention was quickly drawn by what she was holding.

"What is that? May I ask?" He then couldn't help but look at the contents in her basket and add, "In fact, where did you get all that?"

"I have a friend who's an herbalist," (y/n) replied. "She taught me a lot about how to treat certain ailments." She then took out what appeared to be some kind of powder, along with a mortar and pestle, before she placed them all on the bed and put the basket on the floor, out of her way.

Arthur smirked awkwardly. "Did she teach you how to treat arrow wounds to the shoulder?" he asked, suddenly thankful that he was wearing a shirt.

"She's seen a lot, I'll say that," (y/n) replied. She then looked at Arthur, somewhat hesitant about whether or not to take off his shirt. Arthur showed her he understood and proceeded to take it off himself, all the while doing the best he could ignore the stabbing pain below his left shoulder blade. He then turned his back to her, allowing her to slowly move aside the bandages. And he pressed his lips together, feeling her gaze as she saw the damage for the first time.

"It looks bad, does it not?" he asked. Suddenly though, he straightened a little when he felt her fingers gently touch his bare skin, and tried to ignore the slight sensation that traveled up it.

"Well," (y/n) said before she paused, obviously trying to find the right words, "it's definitely an arrow wound, I'll give you that."

Her hand then left his skin, which made him kind of miss it somehow. But he immediately shook any such thoughts free of his mind as he listened to her use the mortar and pestle, probably to mix the liquid and the powder together. To help himself focus on something else, he said, "I hope you have clean hands."

"Of course I do," (y/n) replied as though surprised he would ask that, "I washed them right before I came up here. Now sit still, this might hurt. But it's supposed to help prevent infection."

Arthur had already been in pain for a good while, he was almost getting used to it. Still, he steeled himself before he finally said, "Do it."

She touched his wound again, but this time it was much more unpleasant. It did hurt, just as she said. Although, instead of just aching, it stung, like someone decided to put a lit match next to his skin. Still, like the grown man he was, he grit his teeth and endured it until she was done rubbing the substance in. Only then did he finally start breathing again.

"Sorry, but I had to do it," (y/n) said as she started rearranging the bandages as best she could. But Arthur shook his head at her.

"No, no, I understand," he said. Just then though, he let out a sigh as he hung his head. "I'm sorry that you have to see me like this." Then, realizing what that probably meant, he clarified, "Damaged, I mean."

"You're hurt, not damaged," (y/n) replied as though frustrated. "There is a difference. And don't worry about it. I'm not bothered by it at all, seriously."

Arthur knew though that it had to appear as awful as it felt. But right before he was about to say so, (y/n) asked, "Do you have anything I can use to make tea with?"

"Um, I should," Arthur replied, gesturing toward the mantle above his fireplace where a pot and a jar of water were kept. "I usually prefer to make my own tea, so no one has to bring it up to me all the time. You can use those."

"Thank you," (y/n) nodded. Right then, she stood up and headed toward the mantle while Arthur watched. He wanted to follow her, but as he tried to get up he took a sharp breath as he felt another sting, which (y/n) quickly noticed.

"I know you're a prince but you should really do as I say and sit down," she said. "The tea I'm making should help rejuvenate your energy and lessen the pain."

Arthur sat back down and slowly pulled his shirt back on, smiling, and soon chuckling, at her words. (Y/n) also noticed that and asked in a suspicious tone, "What's so funny?"

"Nothing," Arthur shook his head at her. "It's just, you're not afraid to tell me what to do, even though I'm the crown prince. You're acting almost like my mo–" His eyes widened and he quickly stopped himself. But (y/n) silently asked for him to continue, and he said, "My mother, I meant to say." Then, seeing her start to frown, he added, "I mean that in a good way, though. She would've acted the same way."

(Y/n)'s smile returned, but only barely. "I take that as a compliment then." She then turned around to start making the tea, and added, "I'll bet she was a wonderful mother."

Arthur smiled sadly as he tried, yet somehow failed, to fully remember the queen's loving face. "Indeed, she was," he replied. He then looked back up at (y/n)'s just as lovely face, and said, "I think she would've really liked you."

But instead of smiling, as he expected, (y/n) only nodded and turned around to focus on her task. Barely loud enough for him to hear, she eventually said, "I'm sorry."

Arthur was about to ask what she had to apologize for, when he suddenly remembered that his mother's death from the plague was obviously no secret. But then he listened as (y/n) went on to say, "I also lost my mother, and my father, to the plague."

Arthur's eyebrows shot up in surprise, which quickly turned into sadness for her. "Oh (y/n), that's terrible. I'm sorry for you." He'd felt enough sorrow at just having to lose his mother. He couldn't imagine losing both her and his father to the same cause and at the same time.

"Thanks," (y/n) replied once she managed to start a fire and put the pot full of water over it. "I turned out okay though. I found loving family to stay with."

"Oh, well, well that's, good," Arthur said, hoping that didn't sound too insensitive. Suddenly feeling too awkward, he began to fish for something else to talk about, when he found one that quickly changed his mood from light to dark. And like before, (y/n) was quick to notice.

"What are you thinking about now?" she asked. Arthur looked up at her, but before he could tell her, it seemed (y/n) had already found out. "Oh, it's about what happened earlier, isn't it?"

"It isn't just that," Arthur replied. "But as wicked and clever as the White Knight is, I didn't think he would ever stoop to this level." Before (y/n) could ask what he meant, he said with a now heated tone, "He may not have actually shot at me, but I am certain he must have orchestrated or arranged for it!"

"Y-You don't know that!" (y/n) suddenly said, making Arthur look at her fully again. Oddly enough, she seemed rather concerned as she said, "I mean, like you said, he didn't actually shoot at you!"

Whatever she was thinking, Arthur had to disagree. "That doesn't mean he had nothing to do with it. We now know for certain he's not working alone. I'm sure he and one of his comrades planned to shoot at me while I was distracted. I despise admitting this, but it was infuriatingly smart!" Feeling the heat in his face increase with every word, he added, "And then he had the gall to kiss me and further distract me so he could get away! If I have to spend the rest of my life searching for him, then so be it!"

Just then, he turned to (y/n) as she sat down next to him again, her eyes looking even more concerned than before. "But Arthur," she said, with an almost imploring tone, "even if you did eventually get him, are you really sure you'd be willing to send him off to the dungeon, or even the gallows, without being willing to hear his side of the story?"

Arthur could only be puzzled by what this woman was saying. "What are you talking about?" he asked. "Don't tell me you're actually defending a criminal!"

"I never said that!" (Y/n) exclaimed. Then, she seemed to realized that she'd raised her voice too much, so she lowered it back down and looked at him with the same pleading gaze as she said, "I just don't want you to jump to conclusions too fast. I…" She trailed off before looking away from him and at her hands. "I want you to be a good king, before you're even king."

Despite his slightly hostile attitude toward her, which he was already regretting, Arthur couldn't help but be touched by what she said. "Really?" he asked. (Y/n) didn't look at him, but only nodded. Still, it was a satisfying answer, until she suddenly remembered there was something she had to return her attention to.

"Oh man, the tea!" she exclaimed, springing up from her seat and rushing toward the fireplace. Before long, she had put the fire out and fixed him an herbal tea, which she promptly gave to Arthur. Remembering what she'd said about it giving him more energy and making the pain more bearable, he quickly started drinking it, but slowed as he started savoring the hot and rather delicious drink.

He then remembered further that it was (y/n) who'd made it for him. With a smile as warm as the cup in his hand, he turned to her and said, "Thank you. Really, thank you very much, (y/n). I can't express enough gratitude for you going out of your way to come and do all this for me, personally."

(Y/n) smiled, but Arthur also noticed the blush emerging on her cheeks, which he couldn't help but chuckle a little bit at. It was so cute. "You're more than welcome, Arthur. It was a pleasure." She then let out a sigh and added, "I just wish there was more I could do for you."

Arthur was about to tell her that remembering to call him by his actual name rather than just his title was more than enough, when he suddenly thought of something that he knew would put him on unsteady ground. But he wanted to take the risk anyway. "Actually, um, there is something you and I could do together."

"W-What's that?" (Y/n) asked, stuttering somewhat, as though she was quickly realizing what he meant. But before she could pull away from him, Arthur quickly but gently wrapped his arms around her waist. And in the same way, he put his lips on hers. Almost immediately, he felt (y/n) resist. But Arthur only pulled her closer toward him, and she soon after gave in.

He'd wanted to kiss her for more than one reason. One was a bit selfish. He'd wanted to get over the fact that he'd been kissed by a man. But as for the other reason, while he was the crown prince and she was a peasant girl, Arthur couldn't deny anymore that he felt more love toward her than any of the noble ladies he'd ever known. Still, he wished she was also of high rank. Then he would've been able to properly court her, and maybe…maybe even ask for her hand in marriage. But if this one kiss was all that could ever be between them, then that was more than enough to satisfy him.

All these thoughts raced through Arthur's head as he continued to kiss her as gently as he could. Her arms were now around his neck and her lips were moving along with his, making his heart pound pleasurably against his chest. And yet, although he was certain this was the first time he ever kissed her, it almost felt as if he'd done it before. He couldn't explain it, but he'd been feeling odd when he was around her lately. Not in a good or bad way. But it was almost as if he'd known her longer than he already had.

Before he could think on it any further though, Arthur had decided this had gone on long enough, if the feeling of (y/n) tensing up a bit was any indication. With a bit of reluctance, he moved his lips away from her again. And the one thing that stood out to Arthur more than anything else was the very bright redness adorning her whole face. It might as well have been contagious, because he could quickly feel the same heat on his cheeks. Looking briefly away from her and rubbing the back of his head, he forced himself to say, "I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have. That was very ungentlemanly of me."

"N-no, you're fine," (y/n) assured him, even though she also looked briefly away from him. Then she slowly turned her head toward him again and gave the faintest smile before she said, "Actually…I kind of liked it."

Arthur reflected her smile back at her, although he barely knew what to say next, or if he should say anything at all. Just then though, Arthur's eyes grew wide as he just realized something very important, something he wanted to kick himself over for not having thought of it sooner.

"What is it?" (y/n) suddenly asked. Just as quickly, Arthur took her hand in his and started leading her over toward the mantle. "Wait, what are you doing?" she protested.

"My father might come in at any moment!" Arthur hastily explained while trying to keep his voice down. "We can't let him see us together!"

(Y/n)'s eyes widened just as much as his. But she wasn't done protesting. "And how is standing by the mantle going to help?" she asked with slight sarcasm. "There aren't exactly that many places to hide, other than the closet and under the bed. Besides, that'll just make it worse if we're found!"

"No," Arthur shook his head as he agreed with her. "But there is a place I can send you to safety." He knew he was letting her into a rather private area of his life, but he tried to ease his conscience by convincing himself it was for a good cause. He eventually found it within him to smile, and he reached for the brick under the mantle before pulling it out. And his smile grew wider as (y/n)'s mouth dropped open in surprise, watching the wall move aside to reveal the tunnel before her eyes.

"W-what is this?" she somewhat struggled to say. "Don't tell me you made this!" Arthur's smile finally broke into a bit of a laugh.

"I suppose I could have, if I've lived over at least a hundred years," he said, which to his delight made (y/n) laugh a little bit as well. But then, with a slightly more serious tone, he added, "Really though, you're the very first person I've ever told about this. I discovered it years ago when I was still a young boy, and I don't believe even my father knows about it. Even now I still use it every now and then."

(Y/n)'s eyes rose at Arthur's explanation, and with a change of tone in her voice as well, she asked, "Then why are you showing this to me, of all people?"

"Because I need to," Arthur replied, "to help you like you helped me. And also because…" He trailed off, stopping before he could say what had been on his mind ever since he kissed her: "I love you." He was not about to say something like that at the wrong place and the wrong time. So instead, he said, "Because you mean a lot to me."

"Oh, I see," (y/n) nodded. "So, how do I get through it? Where does it go, exactly?" Arthur was happy to explain it to her, and to have different words to say.

"Just go down the steps and you'll eventually get into a tunnel underground," he said as he pointed into the darkness. "After that, you'll reach what might look like a dead end, but there's a big rock covering the exit above you. All you have to do is move it out the way, if you're strong enough, that is."

"I think I can do it," (y/n) nodded again. Then, with a warm, sweet smile, she said, "Thanks a lot, Arthur. I mean, ever since we met you've been so kind and gracious and friendly to me. And I'm just a girl from the village."

"And yet, you're so much more than that to me," Arthur replied with a genuine tone. Then, daring to take the risk of teasing her one last time, he leaned toward her a little bit and raised his eyebrows at her. "After all, didn't we just share a kiss?"

(Y/n) frowned a little bit at first, until she realized he was joking with her. "Don't be cheeky with me!" she smiled again as she lightly pushed on his non-injured shoulder.

Arthur smirked at her and said, "I believe I'm the one who should say that!" He then did the same thing she did, giving her a little shove on her left shoulder. But instead of laughing, (y/n) grimaced somewhat, which quickly made Arthur frown. "(Y/n), are you alright?"

"I-I'm fine," she stammered. But by then Arthur had already let his curiosity lead him to pull up her sleeve, and his eyes widened in surprise when he saw what appeared to be a rather fresh looking scar. Immediately, Arthur had questions running through his head, but as he looked at a now wide-eyed (y/n) he knew he had to proceed carefully.

"(Y/n), you're hurt, too?" he asked. "When did this happen? How did it happen?" He couldn't really imagine how such a pretty village girl like her could receive such a wound.

"I-I'm fine, Arthur," (y/n) said again, more steadily this time. When he gave her a bit of a skeptical look, she added, "Really. It's nothing, just a little accident when I was helping my family work. Besides, you're the one who had an arrow sticking out of your back earlier."

Arthur quickly got the feeling that she was avoiding his inquiries, even though she technically still answered them. But something about the way she said it made her sound and appear nervous. He was about to ask her more questions, when he suddenly heard what sounded like a door closing in the hallway beyond. And despite his feeling that he still didn't have any clear answers, Arthur decided that helping (y/n) out of here like he intended was more important. Without wasting another moment, he quickly gave her her basket, lit a lantern for her, and then hastened her inside.

"Remember what I told you," he said. She nodded but he still went on to say, "If you reach a dead end, remember the big rock above you. Now go, hurry!"

Arthur then forced himself to look away from her and push the brick back in to close the wall again. Once he did, he immediately wanted to go and follow her into the tunnel, to talk to her more. Ever since he felt infuriated at the sight of that drunken imbecile being too touchy with her, he had the desire to keep any harm from coming to her. Even if it was an accident, as she said, he still felt a level of responsibility for her.

But before he could think on it any longer, the door to his room was suddenly opened, and in stumbled a guard who looked as though he'd run miles just to get here.

"Your Highness, please pardon me," he said. "But I've just been told to relay a very important message to you. I was told not to stop for anything."

Immediately feeling as though this had to with the only other person still very much on his mind, Arthur encouraged him. "Go on. I'm listening."
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Y/n) kept her eyes firmly on the road in front of her as she cantered Eliza's horse down the unmarked pathway toward home, but the rest of her mind was nearly overcome with emotion over everything that had just happened. From the gentle yet exciting thrill of truly being kissed by Arthur – and twice in one day! – to the fear she suddenly felt when he noticed the scar on her right arm. The one she received when he'd shot at her during their chase last week. The one thing she thought for sure would be a dead giveaway that she was the White Knight.

And yet, miraculously, it wasn't. Or at least, that was what she was desperately hoping. And yet, she couldn't believe that she had somehow gotten out of there in one piece. Nor could she believe that she had kissed Arthur, both as herself and as the White Knight. She pressed her lips together, trying to remember how his felt, at least when they were willing. She tried to recall how her heart made pleasurable beats against her chest when their mouths met. But the happy neigh from Eliza's horse reminded her she was getting close to home.

(Y/n) was wondering just how much more excitement she could take in one day, when she suddenly saw Eliza head straight for her before she had fully arrived.

"(Y/n)!" she exclaimed, waving her arms all over the place, trying to get her attention. The look of horror on her face immediately made (y/n) wonder what could've happened to make the usually calm and collected Hungarian woman freak out like this. The moment she pulled the horse to a halt, she jumped off and headed straight for her, trying to remain calm and collected herself.

"Eliza, what is it? What's wrong? Is someone hurt? What is it? Tell me!" (Y/n) implored her, the questions spilling out in quick succession.

At first, she wondered if Eliza had lost her voice, when the woman finally forced herself to say, "Feliciano has returned. And…he's brought terrible news!" Then, looking (y/n) dead in the eye, she finally said, "Francis has been caught! He's been taken to the dungeon at the castle!"

And at that moment, despite having thought she'd prepared herself, (y/n) didn't know if she ever felt so frightened for the only family she had left in her life.