Saving Royalty: England X Reader 5

The first day of training came faster than you expected, but you didn’t complain.  It was a good break from the tutoring lessons, which you actually started to find interesting.  Arthur took the liberty of teaching you mathematics, and other sciences, while the both of you talked fondly about books you’d read.  You’d soon found out after your first lesson with him, that he liked the same pieces of literature you did, involuntary causing you to feel less nervous around him.  Of course that was until your first day of physical training.  You were told to meet the Brit in the little courtyard close to the front of Buckingham Palace.
“Ms. _______, whatever are you smiling at?” Arthur asked, rather impatiently, as he observed the innocent grin that adorned your face.
“Oh, my apologies, Your Grace.  It just feels so could to be back in trousers.” You couldn’t help yourself from telling him.  Not that you loathed the gorgeous dresses and gowns that were given to you from Victoria, but you grew up wearing pants, and you still were more comfortable in them.  Though these trousers were a bit itchy at first, you quickly got used to them.  Arthur just looked at you in confusion, and shook his head with a sigh, trying to figure out where he’d left off.
“Now, you’re going to start with a bit of classic sword fighting tactics.  Though it won’t be your preferred method of attack or defense, it’s useful in case of emergencies.” The Brit explained handing you a saber shaped sword by the hilt.  It was surprisingly lighter than you expected, but it didn’t seem completely balanced in your hands.  Maybe it was because holding a sword was completely foreign to you.  Your thoughts escaped you when Frederick came running in the courtyard, panting hard.
“Sorry I’m late, Lord Thomas kept me held up in his drawing room for hours, discussing some banking rubbish or what not.” He was wearing casual clothing like any other commoner, and he smiled brightly when his bright blue eyes laid on you.  You didn’t return the smile, as you were too confused as why he was here.
“Ah, Frederick, thank you for coming.” Arthur greeted, then turned back to see you looking at him for an explanation.
“You seem to be good friends with Lord Hayward, so I thought you’d pay more attention if he taught you instead of me.” He turned to Frederick, though this time addressing the both of you, with a straight face as always.  “I’ll be back in an hour to see how far you’ve gotten.” The Brit warned and left.  A moment of silence passed between you and the nobleman.  He coughed awkwardly, and drew his sword with a smile.
“Now then, where shall we begin?”

Time Skip…


“Now, parry. Good, make sure you beat at your opponent a little harder.”  After about three hours of repeated parries and footwork, it turned out that you were a natural.  Though being a little weak with the upper body strength, some of it due to the bullet you’d taken, you were quick and light on your feet.  That much was expected from a pickpocket.  Frederick was breathing heavily, finding it odd how you weren’t even phased.  He smiled nevertheless.
“Let’s take a break, shall we?” He offered, mostly for his own sake.  He sat on the shallow steps, wiping a drops of sweat that streaked down the side of his face.  You sat next to him, and fiddled with the sword in your hands, not really sure what to do now.
“My Lady!” As if mentally summoned by both you and the noble, Sophie swiftly walked down the steps carrying a tray with water and biscuits.  “I brought you and Lord Hayward some refreshments.  I thought you might need it.”
“Aw, you didn’t have to do that.  Merci, Sophie.”
“Yes, God bless you.  This one almost murdered me today, I could use some energy.” Frederick nudged you before chugging down his glass of water.  He didn’t notice when Sophie blushed and hid a small smile, but you did.
Everyone fell silent as a carriage rode up to the gateway, and stopped to let out a very angry looking Lord Kirkland.  He stormed past the bowing guards and you stood up to greet him with a concerned expression.
“Your Grace, is everything alri-?” Before you could even finish your question, he grabbed you roughly by the arm and threw you to the ground.
“Peasants never change, do they?! All of you are greedy savages!” Arthur spat at you.  Frederick was instantly at your side, throwing confused, angry glared to the Brit.  Sophie stood frozen in her spot, her hand covering her mouth so to not let out a gasp to match her horrified expression.  You didn’t move, you didn’t even make a sound, you were trapped in his ferocious glare.
“Just what in th-”
“Silence Hayward! This doesn’t concern you, step aside.” He demanded, drawing his sword, and pointing it straight at the other man’s face.
“Frederick, just listen to him.” You whispered, calmly.  You were confused, and you had been startled, but you weren’t scared for some reason.  Lord Hayward turned to you worriedly, and you just nodded.  He gave one last furious glance to Arthur, and backed off with his hands behind his head.  The blonde then turned his sword to you.
“Any last words, wench?” He hissed, and only waited a moment to see your glassy eyes make no movement.  He drew his sword back, displaying his plan to strike, and then sliced down.  Within one swift thought you rolled out of the way, hearing the blade make loud contact with the cobblestone.  You grabbed Frederick’s saber off the ground and stood up, readying yourself.  Arthur turned around to face you, doing to the same.
“Ah, I see you want to duel.  Well, a duel you shall have.” He charged at you with surprising speed, but you were faster.  Well, fast enough to get most of your body out of the way, only letting him graze your arm.  You felt a sting and then a little bit of warm liquid already seeping out of the fresh wound.
“Running away won’t help you for long, did Frederick teach you nothing?” Arthur attacked again, and again you tried to dodge, but he seemed to have expected the action from you.  Where you moved, he was already there.  His blade slash at your side, and you had to other choice than to parry.  You cut it a little close, but you managed not to get any other injuries from that blow.  In another fast movement, he swung at your head and you ducked, trying to keep your balance all the while.  You jumped back up and struck near his left shoulder with all your strength, but he simply parried with grace, and stepped to the right, to avoid further blows.
“Your attacks are sloppy, you’re thinking with your gut not your brain.  Just as expected from a commoner.” Arthur spat at you.  He was trying to make you angry, and it was beginning to work.  He attacked yet again and you jumped back, causing you to lose your balance and fall on the ground.  You heard Sophie gasp, but you didn’t have time to glance at her, as Lord Kirkland was coming at you to slash down.  You head parried his attempt, but he wasn’t taking back his bow.  Your arms struggled and shook to keep his blade from penetrating your skull.  Finally with one stressed groan, you were able to push him away for just enough time to stand up.  He was still regaining his senses, when you tripped him and pointed the tip of your sword at his eye.  You were both breathing heavily, and you mentally crooned at your heart to settle down.
“Good job, that wasn’t half bad.” Arthur complimented, and you gave him a utterly confused look.  He didn’t need to say anything else for you to suddenly realize that he was just testing your skills the whole time.  I mean, he could’ve been more gentle about it, but he just wanted to see what you were capable of.  With a relieved mixture of a sigh and a hum, you pulled back your sword.  The moment you did that, the blonde tackled you to the ground, letting your sword skid across the floor.  Both his hands pinned your arms to your sides, and he was on top of you in a way that your legs would deem useless.  You forced a blush down when you noticed the position the both of you were in.
“Never let your guard down.  When fighting with someone who’s actually trying to kill you, showing any mercy is an instant death wish.” He whispered, breathlessly.  His eyes trailed from your (e/c) hues down your body in a barely noticeable moment, then he stood up and walked away.
“Supper will be ready in about an hour, so I suggest you get cleaned up.” He called to you before walking into the palace.  You stood up and dusted yourself off, while both Frederick and Sophie ran to your side.
“ My Lady, you’re bleeding!”
“ _______, that was incredible.  You almost beat Arthur!” Frederick congratulated you.  You shook your head.
“I’m almost positive he was going easy on me, and it’s just a cut.  I’ve had worse.” You replied to both their remarks.

Time Skip…

“Sophie, how long have you known Lord Hayward?” The very question made your maid blush.  She continued to comb out your hair as she replied.
“Since I started working here, so ten years I reckon.”
“Ten years, huh? And what do you think of him?” She didn’t know that you were purposely trying to tease her.
“W-well, um, he’s sweet, and funny.  And very handsome.” Sophie smiled to herself and suddenly paled as you began laughing.
“Oh Lord, please forget that I said that, I’m sorry!” She exclaimed.  You calmed down a bit to respond.
“No, no its fine, its fine.  I was just playing with you.  I saw the way you looked at him today.” But that just seemed to make matters worse.
“ _______, please don’t tell him! I’ll do anything!”
“Sophie, calm down, I won’t breathe a word.” That calmed her down and she tied your hair into a messy bun.
“You must think it improper…”
“What? Oh, no, I don’t.  I thought it was rather adorable, in fact.” The comment made her blush, but she smiled and muttered a quick thank you.  You looked at the clock and sighed.
“Well, time for supper." You stood up and straightened out the skirt. "Let's just hope this cut doesn't bleed through."

Time Skip…

Dinner was uncomfortable as usual.  You could tell that Queen Victoria was just as bored with the similar arguments between the other nobles as you were.  Bless her for asking you to escort her to her quarters early.  Not wanting to go back, you decided to take a little walk in the garden, while the full moon was still shining bright.  It was enough light to see where you were walking, though you tripped on your own dress about four times.  You stopped at a little pond and watched a few small pale fish cause ripples in the shallow water.  It was the first time you’d seen live fish, because there was no way that anyone would be able to see through the Thames’ muck.
“It’s a bit chilly for an evening stroll, don’t you agree?” A voice inquired behind you, making you jump a little.  You turned around to see Arthur, standing tall with his hands behind his back, and a small smile adorning his face.  You could barely see it, but it was such a change that you noticed instantly.
“Did I startle you?” He asked through soft chuckles.  You just crossed your arms, and looked away.  You knew how spoiled you probably looked, and you didn’t really hold a grudge against the man, but he could’ve tested your skills in a better manner than slashing about like a crazy person.
“To what do I owe the honor, Your Grace?” You asked, keeping your voice steady with the slightest edge to it. He took the hint easily, and sighed, walking cautiously toward you, as if he was afraid that you’d pull out a knife and attempt to slaughter him.
"I'm well aware that my actions today seemed a little...unnecessary. But after a couple of years at this job, you learn that the element of surprise and a bit of fear is the best way to train new recruits." He tried to explain himself, but his tone gave the sense that he thought he didn't need to. Though you weren't exactly convinced, this was probably like pouring out his heart to him, so you let it go.
"Ms. ________, since we're going to be spending a large amount of time together. I thought it'd be easier...." He choked on his words, as if he'd rehearsed something and then screwed the whole speech up. "I should like to be friends." You almost laughed.
"Friends? You should like to be friends, with me." You gestured to yourself in such a dramatic way, that Arthur's smile grew a little wider. He really was beautiful when he smiled, it was a shame that he didn't do it more often.
"Would that be an inconvenience to you?"
"No, it wouldn't." You paused, " Her Majesty isn't putting you up to this, is she?"
"Dear God no! Whatever gave you such an idea!" He exclaimed, pretending to look genuinely hurt, but obviously teasing. You cracked a smile and gave him a 'you're trying way too hard, buddy' look, and he straightened himself out and cleared his throat.
"Well, are we in agreement?" He held out his hand. You looked at him quizzically, you guessed this was the only way he knew how to make deals.
"Yes, I do believe we have an accord, Sir." You replied politely back and shook his hand with a hearty jolt. He gave a smile and kissed your hand in return.
"I shall have to teach you the ways of a noble woman, because for one, they don't shake people's hands." Arthur laughed and walked away, leaving you groaning like a child.