The Queen’s Successor Part 2:

The Queen’s Successor part 2:

Hey guys this is my part 2 to the series of an OC Epic character named Liz or Poppy x another OC Epic character I made (a leafman named Michael). I hope you enjoy it, it’s the most I’ve write in a story before so I hope it turned out alright.

Warnings: angst, slight blood and death

Word count: 7.2 k

6 years later: 3rd person

It was a beautiful summer day. Poppy had been begging her mom and dad the last couple days to bring her to the pond so she could jump on the lily pads. They finally agreed so long as Ronin kept a close eye on her. Tara had work that needed to be done around the palace and couldn’t come with them today. She was jumping as high as she could and then letting the water move her around like a trampoline. She was having lots of fun even just playing by herself giggling as she landed each time. “Look daddy; did you see how high I went this time?” she said smiling. Ronin smiled lightly “Yes princess, but please be careful. you haven’t learned to swim yet.” “Yes sir” she says going back to giggling and jumping until a voice called out to her.

“Princess Liz!” An eager little boy called out as he ran to spend time with his friend. The two had only become friends recently with him coming to the palace a lot more because of his parents being leafmen. His mother has been one of the Princess’s personal guards ever since she was a baby. According to her it was because of her generous efforts the day the Queen was gifted Princess Poppy. “Hi Michael!” She called out excitedly waiting for him to come join her on the lily pads. His father had come to speak to Poppy’s father about the plans they had to expand the borders of Moonhaven in the next moon cycle. Michael reached out and hugged Liz tight when he got onto the lily pad she was on. They began bouncing on the pad while talking to each other.

“How are you and how’s your little brother” the Princess asked. “Nod’s good, getting bigger everyday. And I’m doing great! Dad says if I start working on my shooting and swords skills I can start training to be a leafman in a few years from now” he said with a big grin. “Leafman? But what if you get hurt. They do dangerous stuff a lot.” Poppy said as she stopped jumping. Michael stopped jumping too so he could reassure her. “Well yea, I might get hurt but that’s okay. It’d be an honor to protect the Queen, my kingdom and you of course. I’d make it my duty to look after you, so we can always spend time together!” “As long as you stay my bestfriend too” Poppy said pouting and holding out her pinky waiting for Michael to seal the promise. “Deal” he said linking pinkies with her. “Okay” Elizabeth said going back to jumping. “I bet you I can jump higher than you” she challenged the older boy. “Can not! I’m taller than you” he argued back.

While Ronin and his best friend were slightly occupied with their conversation and catching up, Michael and Poppy jumped at clashing times, sending Michael on his butt but sending Liz off the lily and into the water. “Princess” he yelled out in fear as he dove in after her as she was sinking rather quickly. He swam to her and pushed off the bottom of the pond as hard as he could to get them to the surface. When they reached the surface, Ronin and Michael’s father were there to pull them out, Ronin pulling Poppy close as she cried, scared about what had just happened. Both parents made sure to check over their kids thoroughly before they walked off the lily pads and headed back to the palace. Before the two families parted ways, Ronin put a hand on Michael’s shoulder and told him. “Thank you for saving the Princess’ life today. One day you’re going to become an amazing leafman.” Michael smiled with pride and looked to his father to make sure what he was hearing was real to which his father nodded and ruffled his hair.

Embarrassed about what had happened but greatful for Michael’s bravery, Poppy took her face out of hiding in her father’s neck and waved goodbye to him when Ronin started walking home. “We gotta start teaching you to protect yourself and look after yourself don’t we sweet girl?” Ronin spoke to his daughter softly while rubbing her back. He was terrified of there being another incident like the one he just dealt with. He kissed her temple and put her down as she nodded. She held his hand as they walked the rest of the way home; her thinking of the next adventures she’d get to experience with Michael would be, him thinking of how lucky he got today with his baby girl and ofc his over thinking kicking in of how he could take care of her better.

11 years (almost 12 years) later: Poppy’s POV

I was in the garden, working on my healing abilities to make them stronger; while simultaneously avoiding my mother and at this point my best friend as well. He had gotten so stoic since his father died a couple years ago. Ever since then it’s nothing but leafman duty this leafman responsibility that. The true him comes out here and there but I swear, sometimes it’s like hanging out with my father.

Regardless of his sometimes stick in the mud attitude, I can’t help but to be falling for him more and more everyday. His handsome looks, the way he makes me feel safe, but also not suffocated either, the way we spend so much time together with him taking over his mom’s duties as my head guard once he was of age. I even love his family; his mom being so sweet, wise and kind, his little brother, who could be a handful, especially for my father but I loved goofing around with and getting into mischief from time to time. But idk, he’s so hard to read sometimes. Some days I catch myself in moments with him where he holds my waist while we read, kissing my head occasionally, holding my hand when I’m scared or just the way he looks at me like I’m the only woman around, no one else catching his eye or heart. Other times I can’t get as much as a smile out of him, like trying to get feelings out of a brick wall.

I was pulled out of my train of thought when I heard footsteps coming closer. I knew the sound of those footsteps well enough to know I had been found. “Princess Liz, your mother wishes to speak to you immediately.” Michael said looking down at me and what I was doing. I stood up wiping my hands as I started walking that way. “Michael how many times have I told you, you don’t have to call me Princess. Unless you want to” I said flirtatiously with a wink. He tried to keep a straight face while his face turned a shade resembling one of a sunburn. “I’m just trying to-“ he started before I cut him off as we were almost right outside of the Queen’s throne room “ I know I know trying to uphold my duty as your personal guard. You promised you’d still be my bestfriend even when you became Captain” I mimicked pouting looking down at my shoes. He stepped closer to me before tilting my head up to look at him softly. “You’re always going to be my bestfriend” he said quietly enough for only him and I to hear it. He pulled me into a hug and as we started to pull back, I felt the urge to want to ask him for more. My 18th birthday ball was coming up and everyone had been constantly asking me who I was going to be bringing with me. I couldn’t see myself going with anyone but him. “What if we were to be more than bestfriends?” I asked only slightly above a whisper my cheeks glowing a soft peachy color. He pulled me back from our hug his arm around my waist lingering while staring into my eyes with adoration but also surprise for my question. It seemed gravity was bringing us closer together until…

“Elizabeth you can’t avoid me forever” my mother said with a smirk as she waited at the throne room door. Michael pulled back from me quickly to stand at attention for my mom. “Your majesty, I was just walking her to you -“ Queen tara waved him off before he could freak out anymore. “Please Michael, just Tara is alright. And it’s no problem. I’m sure my daughter was a hassle to find. She learned evading the guards from the best.” She said with a smile and a wink. “Ronin however wanted to speak to you about the protection plan for Poppy’s ball, if you could go meet with him. I’ll take it from here with Liz.” She spoke as she linked elbows with me pulling me towards her throne room. “Of course your maj- Tara, I’ll get right on that. Princess” he said bowing slightly to the both of us before heading to see my father.

My mom let go of my arm as she closed the doors to the throne room just for us to talk daughter to daughter. “Well he sure seems serious” she said with a giggle. I sighed and giggled with her “trust me you have no idea”.

Talking daughter to daughter only seemed to last so long when the topic I was avoiding for so long got brought up again. “So, have you given it any thought as to who you want to bring to the ball. There’s plenty of princes that-“ I let out a frustrated sigh and complained “Mom I don’t want to go with any stuck up princes. They’re all boring and never talk about anything but themselves and how great their families are. I’d rather just go by myself.” She nodded a silence filling the room as she seemed to collect her thoughts as to what she was going to say next.

“Is it that you want to go alone or that you want to go with a certain leafman who you didn’t know is an option I’d allow?” She asked with a gentle smile. “How did you? How did you-“ I stuttered nervously before she cut me off with a voice of amusement “oh please, I am the Queen. I see all; and you’re not as quiet about your feelings as you think you are. I see the way you two look at each other. It reminds me so much of the way your father and I used to pine after each other before we got together.” She said as she smiled fondly. Her smile faltered as she saw tears in my eyes threatening to spill over. “What’s wrong my sweet?” She asked bringing me into a hug. I finally let the cat out of the bag, all my feelings that had been bundled up. I just needed to tell someone.

“I want to tell him I love him, but I don’t want to ruin our friendship. I love him so much, but he’s so hard to read. Does he feel the same or does he only see me as a friend?” I say tears of anxiety rolling down my face. “ “He’s the only one my heart belongs to mom. I don’t know what id do if he were to reject my heart.” I continue. She dries my tears and runs her fingers through my hair. “Did you know your father rejected my heart before too?” I looked up at her in shock “but he’s like head over heels for you!?” My mom laughed and said “it’s true, but your father has never been one to express and feel emotions. It was easier for him to push them down, to hide them away and put on an icy cold exterior. Sound familiar?” I nodded. “My point for telling you this is if Michael is the one; meant to be for you, you two will always find your way back to each other, even if things don’t happen the way you would hope. But you never know until you try.” I took a deep breath and nodded “okay, I’m going to ask him” I say with a small smile giving her a hug. She clapped cheering me on telling me to let her know how it goes.

I took a couple of days to gather my thoughts and to figure out how I wanted to ask Michael. It was finally my 18th birthday. The ball would be in 2 days. I woke up late that morning to a really beautiful surprise. Flowers on my bedside table, with my favorite tea and breakfast and a letter from Michael. The letter talked about how much he cared for me and the plans he had for today to make my 18th birthday the best one yet, just me and him. He took me to spend time with Mub and Grub, we took a nap in a really cozy petal hammock, then we went for a ride on his hummingbird where he took me to field; a field that had a dinner time picnic set up already with all of my favorites. To finish the evening out, we ran in the fields at sunset watching all the fireflies scatter around. It truly was the best birthday I could ask for. It’s why asking him to come to the ball came so easy once he was walking me back to my room.

We were joking around pushing each other and giggling. It was so nice to see him smiling again. He has the most amazing smile. Warm eyes, kissable lips, ugh he drives me mad. He gave me a hug and a kiss on the head telling me Happy Birthday again, but before he could walk off I grabbed his hand. “Come to the ball with me, please?” I asked looking up at him. He looked at me confused. “Isn’t that a ball where you’re supposed to be bringing a suitor?” He asked me, a hint of jealousy in his voice. I nodded. I grabbed his other hand softly. Holding both of his hands I took a deep breath and started to tell him how I truly feel about him. “Out of all the people in the forest, you are the only one I want to go with” I told him quietly, still scared of how he will react. “I know we’re bestfriends… but I want to be more than just your bestfriend. I love you; and I think you love me too?”

I looked up at him waiting for him to give me an answer, anxiety starting to flow through my veins. I saw so much adoration shine in his eyes for a split second and just like that his eyes hardened pulling his hands back gently. “You know I can’t” he said at a whisper level. I inhaled brokenly trying not to let the tears in my eyes spill over. “And why not” I asked. “It will be a big event. It’s my du-“ I scoffed as he started to explain “really? You’re on about your duty again? You can’t just do it because you are my bestfriend? Wouldn’t I be safest with you by my side?” I said sadness there but starting to be overpowered by anger. I could tell he was trying to keep his composure with the pause he gave before saying “I am best making sure no one comes in to ruin your big day. To make sure you’re safe. The Prince of Sungrove is coming and so is the Prince of Rainblossom. Why not go with one of them? They fit into that whole royalty type thing, not…someone like me.”

My eyes softened a little. “Is that what this is about? I thought you knew status means literally nothing to me. I want to go with you because you are the one my heart beats for. Not some stuck up smelly privileged kid who still picks their nose.” He cracked a tiny smile before his face became serious again. My eyes filled with tears, a few falling down my cheeks. “Please come with me” I whispered pleadingly. He looked me in my eyes and told me “I’m sorry Princess Elizabeth. I can’t accept your invitation.” This made the dam burst I started crying heavily. He went to grab my hand. I pulled back and told him quickly “Fine. Don’t come.” I opened my door quickly, slamming it shut rather harshly. I slid down the door crying as quiet as I could, which was still rather loud.

One of the maids came to check on me after an hour or so where I was still sat in the same place just staring off at the same spot for minutes on end. She asked if I was alright while jiggling the handle, realizing I had locked it. I wrote a quick note reading “he said no.” I rolled the note up and slid it under the door. “Please give this to the queen” I said. She grabbed the note and then I heard her footsteps subside. I fell asleep in that exact spot, crying; not understanding why he couldn’t just come with me? Had I read his feelings wrong all this time? I feel humiliated, embarrassed, heartbroken.

My mom came almost immediately to come check up on me, but I was already asleep due to how exhausted I was from crying. She figured I need some space and just let me be, noting to herself that she’d come back in the morning.

The next morning: Michael’s POV

I felt really bad making Poppy cry last night. More than anything I wanted to be her date, I want to be the one she loves just as much as I love her. But if I have to love her in the shadows to protect her, that’s what I’ll do. I can’t lose another person I love. Commander Ronin and the other leafmen have been getting numerous reports of attacks happening at the border. He suspects something big is going to happen at the Princess’ birthday celebration. Ugh, could this day be getting any worse?

I was pulled from my train of thought when I was tying my bird up at the end of the day after a long day of patrolling. I figured it was best I stay out of the palace for the day, give the Princess some space. My younger brother came running up to me with a look of bewilderment on his face. “Dude. What. Did you. Do?” He asked me with a tone in his voice that says “you’re in trouble”.

“What do you mean Nod? I haven’t done anything. I’ve been patrolling all day.” I said exhausted. “The Princess is in a horrible mood. She’s like a thunder cloud. She’s been snapping at people to leave her alone left and right. The only person she’ll only really let around her is her dad, and sometimes her mom. But rumor has it from one of the maids last night she got her heart broken and now she doesn’t even want to go to her ball. I went to go see her today and she even ripped my head off. I told her I could come find you if it would make her feel better and she started crying and pushed me out the door telling me to leave her alone.”

My blood ran cold hearing all of that. I hadn’t meant to hurt her. I just wanted to protect her. I looked down at my feet not being able to make eye contact with my brother. “I didn’t mean to.” I said quietly, a tear running down my cheek before I explained what happened. “Dude the Princess is badass. And hot. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, why not take it. You’d be able to protect her up close.” He says trying to reason with me. “She wouldn’t want me to come anymore anyways” I say sadly. He gives me a pat on the shoulder and tells me just to apologize. So that’s what I decided to do. It was dark out already but I figured she’d still be up. It wasn’t too late.

I knocked on her door waiting for her to come out or at least come to the door. “Princess-..Poppy. I want to apologize for yesterday. I never meant to hurt you. I promise.” I started since she hadn’t come to the door yet. “I was too-“ I stopped in my tracks as the door opened but not to reveal Liz, but her father, who did NOT look happy. “You.” He snapped pointing at me as he closed the door behind him, leaving us both in the hallway. “Of all the people to act stupid and break my daughter’s heart I NEVER thought it would be you. I didn’t tell you about the need for extra security tomorrow for you to play hero and leave my daughter refusing to have a date and without her personal guard. She doesn’t even want to go anymore. She’s been crying in my arms all day, only just fell asleep.” He paused when he saw the shame that was on my face, the tear falling down my face. “I just want to know why? I see the way you look at her. I see the way you treat her. Do you not love her the way she loves you?” He asked a bit softer this time, hand on my shoulder. He lead me to a bench that was in the hallway for us to sit.

Shyer to tell this to my Commanding officer and her father I took a deep breath before telling him how I truly feel. I didn’t have my dad to talk to anymore so I know he was trying to be here not only for her but for me in a way. “I love her more than anything sir. She is the life of this forest and the light of my life. I just wanted to be able to protect her. I didn’t want her to be a threat at the ball for coming with a high ranking officer, so I thought I’d be best on the front lines to make sure no one gets through.” He listened to my words before asking me “have I ever told you about how the Queen and I got together?” I shook my head no.

He smiled nostalgically. “Well, you aren’t the first idiot to reject your bestfriend and person of royalty.” He started. “I spent years like you; super serious, never acting on my feelings. Showing my love for the Queen solely from the way I protected her. That was until Poppy came into our lives. She was the blessing that brought us closer. I got to spend so much time with the two of them and a few months in of taking care of Poppy, the Queen professed her love for me. It felt almost too good to be true. I didn’t want my position as commander to put her in danger. I was afraid of not being enough for such an amazing woman. So I rejected her advance, and I stepped back from taking care of Liz.”

He looked down feeling the disappointment of his past actions before he continued “I was too in my own head to see how much love both of them had for me and who I was really rejecting. This was the woman I’ve been in love with since we were kids, and somehow by Mother Nature herself I was blessed to raise a child with her; a child who missed me so much she didn’t sleep until I returned. And Tara never let me live that down. It took almost losing both of them to finally allow myself to love them; To feel the feelings I have for them both. Also don’t underestimate the Queen and Liz, they have been trained by the best. I see how the two of you are together and I see so much of my wife and I in you two. I wouldn’t want my princess with anyone other than you.” The queen at this point had come out of Poppy’s room looking exhausted and came to stand by Ronin’s side.

She put a hand on my cheek and told me jokingly, “you’re so serious sometimes. I think you get it from a certain mentor” “I’m sorry for hurting her, I just wanted to do what I felt would keep Princess Liz the most safe.” Queen Tara nodded and told me “I know you didn’t mean to hurt her. What you need to understand is there’s more to life than just protection and safety. Love conquers all. And I know what Poppy wants most from you, is your love.” “How do I fix this?” I asked nervously. “Liz could never stay mad at you. Just let it simmer down first before you go and apologize to her.” Tara started. “Tomorrow, go and be with the front lines. I will keep Poppy safe. it’ll give you time to gather your thoughts and feelings. Before the night is up, come with a gift for her and ask her for a dance. I’m sure it would mean the world to her if you were still able to make it, but you’ve already made a commitment to being on border patrol tomorrow.” Ronin finished. “Wow never heard romantic Ronin in action before” the queen quipped elbowing him lightly. Ronin rolled his eyes putting his arms around the Queen pulling her close.

While they were off in their own little world passing banter back and forth, I figured it was a good time to make my leave. I wished them a goodnight and thanked them both for the advice and comfort before getting up and heading home. Before I got too far I heard Ronin call out “Oh and Michael?” I turned around to face him while he talked. “Yea?” I asked.

His face lost all brightness and turned cold. A face left emotionless I had only ever seen him use towards the Boggins. “If you ever hurt my daughter again, I’ll make sure you end up in Boggin territory, stripped of your weapons and armor and stranded.” He said menacingly. I nodded quickly and told him “I promise, I won’t hurt her like this ever again.” He nodded, face softening a bit but still holding his famous stoic expression. “Good. Goodnight Captain.” He said heading back to his wife who was reentering Princess Poppy’s room.

The next day: party time and patrol time

I’ve been at the border for the few hours, the party having started about 2 hours ago. I already wanted to go, be there to try to make things right and be with the one I love. Regardless I was here to do a job. Something felt off though. Day in and day out for the last week we’ve been having Boggin attacks, suddenly today, it’s like radio silence. In the corner of my vision, down under the ground, it looked like there was some type of creature burrowing it’s way across the border until one of my men shot an arrow down at the moving dirt. A Boggin riding a mole surfaced the mole throwing the Boggin off its back before it went back underground and back the way it came. The soldier was apprehended and a few leafmen attempted to get information out of the Boggin, but it was no good.

“Strip him of his weapons and armor and send him back to tell his leader to stop trying to come over the border.” I ordered. As they went to do as they were told, the Boggin chuckled evilly. “He won’t be there. He has other more important matters to attend to. We hear there’s a celebration in Moonhaven tonight. For a certain Princess right?” I turned around, anger running through my veins as I grabbed him by the front of his armor. “What are you on about” I gritted through my teeth. He smirked at me and told me “Oh nothing, it’s just we wanted to be generous, kind neighbors and pay her a visit.” He said sarcastically. My eyes widened knowing exactly what he was saying. “Keep him detained. We’ll let the Queen decide what happens to him” I said quickly. I whistled to call my bird. As I was getting on the soldier called out to me “You’ll never get there in time. They should already be there.” He said taunting me. I pushed my hummingbird to go as fast as she could but it seemed he was right. As I arrived, guests were pouring out of the palace screaming in fear, looking to flee to safety back in their homes.

Poppy’s POV: an hour or 2 into the party

I don’t want to be here. I really don’t. I would rather be in my room, not having to socialize. Not having to make small talk with these Princes and Princesses that only want to talk about themselves or what new thing they have. I hate that I miss Michael. He always makes these events more comfortable, even if he’s working the whole time. He always tries to make little faces at me when no one’s looking to make me smile. At least my mom and dad looked like they were having fun. My mom was trying to make my dad smile and even at one point forced him to dance with her even though he was in hawk mode making sure there was no danger lurking.

“Princess, would you like to dance with me?” Someone called pulling me out of my thoughts. It was Nod. He looks so adorable. I’m sure my dad put him up to this with his stuffy dress clothes. Nonetheless it put a smile on my face. We started dancing together; it’s crazy how he’s only 13 and almost taller than me already. “Do you wanna get out of here and roam the castle? I know you hate these types of events. We’ll sneak away when Ronin isn’t looking.” I smiled with relief. I love his sneaky behavior sometimes. I looked over at my mom and dad who were busy dancing and caught up in each other. I really wish I had a love like theirs, true love. Love that makes you forget everyone else around you. “Let’s go, they aren’t looking.” I said ushering him towards the exit.

I took a deep breath finally feeling free as I headed back towards my room. We joked around a little before I got to my room. I changed back into my regular dress, making sure I had my pockets full of what is normally in there as Nod sat on my bed. “So are you gonna forgive Michael?” He asked addressing the elephant in the air. “Probably” I said with a sigh. He always has to make things so difficult. Even through that argument, I never really got a read on his feelings for me. I don’t care about the party. What I care about is I opened my heart up to him and I got no response. I must’ve been zoned out for quite a bit as Nod shook my shoulders bringing me back to the present and out of my head. “Hey you alright?” He asked me. I faked a smile and the responded “yea, I think I just need a minute alone. I’ll meet you in the courtyard after. I probably shouldn’t leave the palace on the night of my own party.” He gave me a gentle hug and told me softly “it’s gonna be okay, I’m always here for you even when my brother’s being an idiot.” I gave him a small genuine smile thanking him for comforting me, before he went back downstairs to the party.

Queen Tara’s POV:

I was having a fun time socializing, dancing, being with the one I love, but I could tell Poppy wasn’t enjoying herself. The secret eye rolls when she would speak to the royalty her age, the constant staring off into no where, the deep frown on her face. One minute I’m dancing with Ronin and the next minute she was no where to be found. “It seems our daughter has disappeared once again” I whispered to Ronin, amused but a little sad. He looked around super soldier mode turned on. “What? Where is she?” He asked starting to panic a bit. I hushed him trying to calm him down a bit. “It’s alright, she probably just needed some air. You know she doesn’t really like these kinds of events, especially being around so many people “ I tried reasoning.

Within minutes the ball became a disaster. Boggins attacked from every angle filling the party. Civilians ran out of the palace as quickly as possible, sometimes running over one another. Some leafmen were assigned to protect the royalty that came to visit and we made our way to one of the safe rooms in the palace. Ronin was attacking Boggins left and right who came to try to harm me as he guided me towards the throne room. We all piled in there, the leafmen spreading out to make sure if any Boggins were to make it in, they’d be attacked immediately. I could tell Ronin wanted to go after Liz. But as my lead guard, his duty was to be here. In a strict voice he called out to a few of the soldiers that were in the room with us.

“My job is to stay here and protect the Queen. If something goes wrong then that is on me. Go find the Princess and bring her back here. Make sure she is safe if not in this safe room then another.” He demanded. They nodded before drawing their swords and exiting the room. Ronin came to stand by me to ease my nerves, hand resting on my lower back. “It’s alright, she’s gonna be alright. She has them coming to protect her and she’s spent years training and preparing for a moment like this. If anything the enemy soldiers are the ones in danger right now.” He said placing a kiss to the side of my head.

Princess Liz’s POV:

I figured it was time to head back to the party. I didn’t want my mom or dad to get mad that I had left for so long. I made my way down the stairs and down the long hall making my way back to the party hall. It was quiet. Too quiet for the party to still be going on. That’s when I saw what looked like a soldier dressed in a dead rat running at me from where the party was supposed to be going on I threw one of my throwing thorns at him hitting him right in the neck. In pain he cried out yelling out weakly to the others “I found the bitch. Get her” I ran back the way I came trying to make it to my room. If I could get there. There’s a protective mechanism in the door to make it a safe room. I threw more knives trying to give myself more time to escape. I made it about halfway up the stairs when 2 soldiers came from down the steps, blocking off my path.

I hid the last knife I have just in case I had a chance to escape, but I let them hold me captive. One of them, I’m taking it be the leader of all of them grabbed me by the back of my neck/ hair and pulled me up towards my room. I panicked trying to dig my heels in. “Please don’t do this, I haven’t done anything. Please don’t hurt me.” I began to babble. The soldier who had my hair pulled a knife by my face and growled “shut up. If you’re good we’ll go easy on you. It’s not really you we want Princess.” He said with a voice like venom. He pulled me to sit on the bed, hand staying on the back of my neck as if her were waiting for something.

I heard a few soldiers call out of my name trying to find me and make sure I’m alright. The man who was holding my scruff nodded at the woman by the door before I heard scuffling, battle cries and then silence. Tears came to my eyes as I realized those men risked their lives for me but to no avail.

It was a little while later (maybe 10 minutes) when I heard a voice call out sounding concerned. “Princess?” He called out. My eyes widened an inaudible gasp coming from my lips. No not him, please not him. I heard scuffling outside once again. Tears ran down my face the longer it went on. There was silence once again until the lady who was at the door with fire in her eyes snapped at no one in particular “how is he not dead yet?!” She left the room and then the sounds of another fight pursued. When the palace was brought more silence and then the call of my name, the man holding me yanked my hair up with just the word “stand.” He pulled me to the door, knife by my carotid, him standing behind me like a shield. I stepped out of the room by the railing where I saw Michael, he was about halfway up the stairs.

There were bodies, both Boggins and leafmen laid life less all over. “Don’t look at them Princess look at me.” Michael said trying to put my mind at ease. I looked at him. He looked exhausted. His blood or someone else’s splattered on his armor, split lip, split eyebrow and what looked like a newly forming bruise on the side of his face. But his eyes remained the same eyes I fell in love with. Full of life, adoration, kindness. The officer behind me was mouthing off to Michael talking about killing as many leafmen as possible, including Michael. When the Boggin wasn’t paying attention I pointed a finger at his hand that had the knife in it telling him to shoot there with his bow and arrow. He gave me a questioning look and so I mouthed to him “trust me.”

He took the shot shooting straight through the man’s hand. The man started hollering and I moved away from him getting behind him, using my last knife to stab him in the back before pushing him over the railing as he fell head first to his death; not before slicing me pretty good from where my ear and jaw connect to my chin with the knife that was in his hand. Michael ran to me holding me in his arms. He held me close using reassuring affirmations and kissing my head (whether those affirmations were used to calm him or me down, one will never know.) He tilted my chin up to look at me before he started to panic again “oh you’re bleeding, quite a bit. He got you good.” He said trying to find a piece of fabric to put pressure on the wound. I grabbed his hand to stop him from freaking out before I used my other hand to place on top of my would, healing it so all that was left was a scratch. I then took my hand that was holding his hand and placed it where I could see the bruise forming and on his eyebrow to heal up his wounds.

“It looks like my healing studies have come in handy.” I said lightheartedly. He looked at me with so much love in his eyes. He grabbed my waist and pulled me closer. “I thought I was going to lose you” he said quietly. “I’m not completely helpless y’know.” I said giggling lightly. “I’m aware of that.” He said acting unamused. He pulled me into a passionate kiss. My hands went to wrap around his neck, one hand playing with his hair that was showing out of his helmet. We pulled back from each other only when we both needed air. He placed his forehead on my own and told me the words I have been dying to hear for years. “I love you Elizabeth. I’m sorry it took me so long to tell you-“ he said before I interrupted him with another kiss.

“Well it’s about time” I heard a familiar voice say interrupting us as we pulled away from each other. “Haha it’s good to see you too brother. Glad you’re safe. Michael said walking over to his little brother and pulling him into a bone crushing hug. My father walked up behind them a sigh of relief being audibly heard when he saw I was okay. I ran over to hug him. “Thank the spirits you’re okay.” He said hugging me tight kissing the top of my head. “Your training paid off. That and Michael came to save me” I said pulling a bit back from the hug. My dad looked down at me with such adoration a tear slipping down his face. He caressed my cheek softly, thumb moving back and forth as a form of comfort. “You really are all grown up my sweet girl.” He said with lots of love. He looked up at Michael and went over to him, locking forearms with him in a handshake before pulling him into a hug. “Thank you for coming back for her.” He said relieved I have someone looking after me, someone who would be willing to die for me if that were what needed to be done.

I let them have their moment while I went over to the fallen leafmen soldiers to see if any of them were healable. For the ones who had passed I closed their eyes and laid them in a way that was considered honorable. (Their body would be laid the same way when it was time for their funeral) I then healed the ones who were in critical condition as much as I could. They would still have quite a long road ahead of them, but it was better than a road that didn’t end prematurely. My mom came to join us all since the palace was deemed safe again. She came to stand over me as I healed the last soldier I could heal. “You’re going to make an amazing Queen one day.” She said kindly pulling me into a hug as I stood up. “I’m so glad you’re okay” she said into my hair as she kissed the side of my head. I hugged her back telling her, blushing a bit “I would’ve been a lot worse had Michael not come back to protect me.”

He came to stand by me holding my waist. He bent down a bit to kiss my cheek as he told me “it’s kinda in the job description but it’s my pleasure.” My mom squealed saying “Ronin are you seeing this too?! Finally.” We all spent a bit more time together talking and dealing with matters such as taking the wounded soldiers to the infirmary, taking the bodies of the enemy away, preparing the bodies of the fallen leafmen away, and so many other clean up procedures of that disastrous ball before I decided to turn in for the night, Michael insisting on escorting me back.

My mom was right; things hadn’t worked out exactly how I planned it, but I was still just as happy with the outcome. It was worth the wait and worth the initial hurt. I drifted off to sleep thinking about how happy I was finally getting to be with my divine love, my bestfriend.

A.N: there is a smut part to this but I’ve taken it down until someone lets me know they even want to read it 👍🏻. Not going to continue to deal with hate comments. Hope you enjoyed.