fair·y tale
/ˈferē tāl/
noun.

》a children's story about magical and imaginary beings and lands《

》stories told to give children hope and to give adults a break from reality《

♢

Ethan soon left to give you time to adjust to your new surroundings, saying that he'll be available for whatever you needed. You sat on the very edge of the bed --well, your bed-- and chewed on your lip in frustration. This sucked. Being married off to a ten-year old? You'd heard of things like this happening before, but you'd never imagined that your parents would let it happen to you. A knock came at your door, and you stood up with a groan to go answer it.

As you opened the door, the always-perky face of Princess Amy came into view, and she greeted you cheerily. "Hello, Lady Y/N. Are you hungry?"

"Ah not really, thank you, Lady Amy." You didn't meet her eyes, knowing that she was to be your sister-in-law, and even though that sounded fun, her brother didn't. You were sure he was a fine little boy, but that was the problem, he was a little boy.

"Okay, well my bedroom is two doors down on the left if you need anything from me."

"Thank you."

Amy suddenly threw her arms around you, squeezing you tightly to her in a comforting hug. "I'm here for you." She said quietly before pulling away, taking both of your hands in hers.

You could only give her a smile and a nod, overwhelmed by her kindness. She cast you one last look before retreating down the hall and around the corner. Amy was wonderful, but you really wanted to explore some of the castle by yourself. So you closed your door and locked it behind you, then set out in the opposite direction of Amy, you didn't need her worrying about you any more than she already does. The castle seemed to be even bigger than it looked, endless corridors and doors and places to look at. You weren't sure if you'd be able to venture into all of them in your lifetime.

In the middle of the second floor was a large room with huge glass doors leading into it. You peered in through the clean glass to see bookshelves as far as the eyes could see, books along every one of them. To your delight, the door was unlocked, and you turned the handle to step inside. Your fingers flitted along the spines of the books, eyes scanning for an interesting title. Finally you found one and took it off the shelf to fin a place to sit and read it. In the very back corner of the seemingly empty library was a small nook with a cushioned seat tucked nearly out of sight.

Sitting down in it, you slipped off your heels to bring your feet up into the chair and curl up in the comfortable upholstery. Maybe if you tried hard enough, you wouldn't be found and could join the characters in this fantastical world and never have to face your marital issues. If only. But for now, you allowed yourself to become enveloped in their problems and dramas because they seemed far less real to you than your own.

You didn't know how long had passed, it could've been minutes, hours, days, years, lifetimes. It didn't matter, because nothing seemed to matter now. Until your name being called throughout the library brought you back to Earth. Gizmonia, specifically. The library in the castle of Gizmonia, to be even more specific. Pressing your body further against the chair, you willed to become invisible and for the searcher to never discover you.

"My Lady Y/N?" The soft voice weaved around the shelves and reached your ears with a gentle lilt through the syllables.

The quiet footsteps drew closer until the unimposing form of your butler met your gaze. He smiled gently at your position in the chair, hand clasped politely behind his back as he bowed to you. "My Lady, I've been asked to fetch you for dinner. You've been invited to dine with the Young Prince Leopold in his quarters."

You allowed yourself to pout ever-so-slightly up at him, closing the book to cross your arms over your chest. "Do I have to?"

"I could always tell them you weren't feeling well, My Lady." Ethan offered, and you grinned at his response.

"Thank you, but I suppose I should still try to make a good first impression. For my parents' sake, if nothing else." Standing up, you tried to step into your shoes, but found yourself leaning precariously. Waving Ethan closer to you, you gripped his shoulder to put on one heel, then the other. When you had finished, you looked over to him to see that he was startled. Probably that you had touched him so casually. "I'm sorry, did I make you uncomfortable?"

"Of course not, My Lady. I'm here to serve you."

He still seemed to be feeling awkward, so you redirected the conversation, smoothing out your dress. "Is this okay to wear? It's not as fancy of a dinner, right?"

"I think you look wonderful, My Lady."

"Thank you, Ethan. Are you accompanying me to the dinner as well?"

"I'm to serve you everywhere you require me."

You found this statement bringing a smile back to your features as you started walking down the shelves to find where you'd gotten your book from to put it away. After slipping it back in between it's other little book friends, you turned to your companion. "Well then let's go, we shouldn't keep the Young Prince waiting, should we? Ten-year-olds are not very patient from my own experience."

He nodded and began walking out of the library, keeping pace with your steady walk and still guiding you to the west wing, where all the bedrooms were. You two finally got to a rich, cherry oak door adorned with gold accents along the engravings of vines and the mechanical gears that seemed to power everything in this kingdom. Ethan knocked on the door, the sound reverberating through the wood.

"Who is it?" The slightly-shaking voice of the Young Prince came through weakly, as if he were frightened for some reason.

"Ethan​, Your Majesty, bringing the Lady Y/N for your dinner tonight."

"Oh, duh!" He sounded relieved as the door swung open, revealing the small boy grinning widely up at you. "Hi again!"

"Hello, Prince Leopold." You bowed slightly, curious at how informal he was now. Perhaps it was because his mother wasn't around.

"I'm hungry, let's eat!" The Prince grabbed your hand with his small one and started pulling you over to the table in the formal dining room he had in his bedroom for some reason.

You sat in the seat across from Prince Leopold, observing him curiously at how he seemed to know proper etiquette, but it was still clear that he had that childish curiosity and immaturity in every action he did. Ethan would quietly remind him if he ever did something wrong, and even poured the hot tea for the both of you after the younger boy nearly spilled it on your dress. Their interactions seemed very kind and familiar, almost brotherly. Maybe because seeing this young kid trying to get a hold on how to act royal made you pine for your own little sister.

Dessert was finally brought out, a simple blueberry cobbler. Ethan served the dish on small plates, but you found yourself only able to eat a couple bites, just like with all the other dishes. The food was superb and very delicious, but your circumstances made it hard to stomach them. Especially when Prince Leopold would say he wanted that specific dish at the wedding. Poor kid, the way he talked about it made it seem like he was just planning a playdate with one of his young, innocent peers. Did he even know how big of a deal getting married was? Probably not.

"Lady Y/N?" The Prince spoke up suddenly from his chair.

"Yes, Prince Leopold?" Your head snapped up, at full attention now.

The little boy let out a big yawn, rubbing his eyes with his hands. "Will you tell me a story?"

A soft breath was let out, and you were unsure if it was a sigh of relief or a laugh at just how young he truly was, and how much he reminded you of Rachel. "Sure bud, get into your pajamas, I'll wait here."

Leopold returned soon after, in soft yellow silk pajamas, immediately climbing into his bed in the next room over from the formal dining room. You laid the covers over him, and sat far enough down on the bed to make sure you didn't crush his little legs before trying to think of what story to tell him. You'd told Rachel enough that you now had a plethora of tales to choose from. Finally, you decided on one of your sister's favorites.

"This one's about a boy who found a magical waterfall that would grant him any wish as long as he didn't show this place to any other person. He would ask for all sorts of toys and riches and playthings when he was younger, but as he grew up, he found himself wishing for things he thought would grant him happiness; gold, jewels, horses, power, but nothing seemed to satisfy him. Until one day, after his wish to be king was granted, he was still lonely inside, sitting at the bank of that waterfall. And he wished for a woman to love and who would love him. As he was leaving that place still feeling unfulfilled, he bumped into a beautiful maiden who was kind in heart and gifted in mind. In that moment, he realized that his wish had been granted. And so he brought her to his palace and married her.'

'They were growing old together with kids of their own, and yet the king still found his mind on that waterfall. He hadn't been back in years, after all, his happiness was right there with him. One day, he and his queen went out on a horseback ride together, and he didn't realize he had led her to his waterfall until she'd already ran to the water to dip her toes in and cool off. And the king wasn't mad that he wouldn't be able to have any more wishes granted. Because his queen was the last wish he ever needed, a woman to love and who would love him. After that day, they went to that waterfall everyday together for the rest of their lives.'"

With the final words you spoke, you watched the boy's steading breathing, indicating he'd fallen asleep during the story. Standing up, you readjusted his covers and affectionately moved a strand of his brown hair away from his face. "Goodnight, Prince Leopold. I hope you have the kind of good dreams a child deserves." You whispered, turning away from his bedside to return to your own bedroom.

Normally, you wouldn't be tired, seeing as it was only about 8:30, but the events of the past days forced yawns out your throat and weighed down your eyelids. "Could you show me back to my room, please?" You asked Ethan from where he stood beside the doorway politely.

"Of course, My Lady." He opened the door for you, bowing to you as you crossed the threshold.

You two walked in a comfortable silence to your bedroom, and you said goodnight to Ethan at your door. "Goodnight, Ethan. I'll see you tomorrow for my ride with Lady Amy?"

"Yes, My Lady, if you'll have me accompany you both."

"Why wouldn't I? You're great company." You cast the kind servant a final smile before closing your bedroom door behind you.

Finally, you settled into the large bed, and fell asleep with the multitude of comfortable blankets and pillows around you. Settling into the bed, you willed sleep and that fantastic dream from the night before to come to you again.

♢

The next morning, you woke up on your own internal clock, and had a slight frown when you realized Rachel wasn't going to be jumping on you to wake you up in the mornings, or begging you to help brush your hair. Instead, a battalion of maids came in to help you get ready, choosing your riding outfit for today, doing your hair, and chatting amicably about anything that popped into their minds. They were nice women, but all very young, your age or less. Nobody motherly like Katya.

You only got alone time when you insisted on dressing yourself behind the privacy curtain. The riding clothes were comfortable, but you were disappointed when you found no riding pants, just a loose, casual dress. Meaning you'd have to ride sidesaddle, which was your least favorite thing, it was so much easier for you to fall off like that. Stepping back out to put on your boots, you were surprised to see that all the maids had disappeared. How did you not notice the lack of chattering?

They had been replaced by Ethan standing patiently by your door, in his normal servants attire. The only change was the addition of his own tattered, old riding boots. "The Lady Amy is waiting for you down by the stables, and the horses have been groomed and tacked." He informed you as you laced up the boots.

"Thank you, Ethan." You said, tying the knot on the last boot before standing up. "Lead the way."

Down in the stables, Amy was holding the reins of a jet black horse, dressed in her own riding gear. "Morning, Y/N! Are you excited?"

"Yeah, a little worried though, it's been years since I've ridden sidesaddle." You admitted, watching Ethan go into the stable of another horse that was tacked, a mare that was a beautiful speckled gray. "She's gorgeous, what's her name?"

"That's Milaana. And this one's Kester." She gesture to her own horse, stroking his nose. "They were a gift from the king of some other kingdom trying to get my parents to marry me to him."

"And are you going to? Marry him?"

"Eventually." She sighed, leading her horse out of the stable, and you followed her. "I've managed to convince them to postpone my wedding until after my brother's."

Your spirits sank at this, Amy would married off as soon as you were married to her little brother. Your only friend would leve you with a child. But you couldn't let Amy know how much this saddened you, you were supposed to make a good impression on the family of your fiancee. "Is he at least handsome?"

With a giggle and a grin, she hopped onto Kester. "Very."

You gripped the saddle, pulling yourself up onto Milaana with some difficulty. Amy's schoolgirl-like mood was infectious as you had a grin across your face as well. "Now I'm intrigued, who is it?"

"King Mark of Fischbach."

Your eyebrows raised with interest, all of the princesses and nobles spoke of King Mark's looks and kindness towards his subjects. His older brother relinquished the crown to him after their father died to go travel the kingdoms as advisor and ambassador. King Mark was famously an unintentional heartbreaker and never seemed interested in finding a wife. You were happy that Amy was going to marry somebody so... perfect. And not ten.

"Congratulations. I'm invited to the wedding, right?"

"Uhm, can you say 'maid of honor'?" She squealed, and you beamed at how much she already seemed to consider you a friend. "Is everybody ready?"

You turned around to check on Ethan to see him atop a chestnut colt, reins tight in his hands as to get the spirited young horse under control. He nodded to assent that he was ready, and Amy clicked her tongue to get Kester to move. You took off after her at a quick trot, and the bumpiness of it made you nervous about the whole sidesaddle situation. To your relief, she clicked her tongue again and the horse sped up to a smooth canter. You weren't sure where you all were gong, but you were happy to get out of the suffocating castle and see more of the grounds. After clearing a large portion of the area, the princess in front of you slowed down to allow you to walk beside her on Milaana.

"Where are we going?" You asked her, admiring how she still looked effortlessly beautiful with windblown hair from the speed.

"It's a surprise." She grinned, taking a left turn for you to follow.

You glanced behind you for Ethan and frowned to see him so far behind you. You tried to gesture him to come closer, but he kept the polite distance you guessed a servant should keep form his master's fiancee. With a sigh, you followed Amy into the dense trees, having to duck on the occasion as to not get a face full of leaves. The seemingly endless forest bored you, and you allowed to your mind to wander to the cute boy behind you. In any other life you'd be able to explore these weird, bubbly feelings further. You wished that your first assumption had in fact been correct, that Ethan was your fiancee and you would live happily ever after with him. Then another thought popped into your head, if Ethan was to be your own personal butler for as long as you resided in Gizmonia, you could still live happily ever after with him, in a sense. He'd always be there, to serve you. At least you knew that after Amy left you'd have some semblance of a friend in Ethan. Hopefully.

You didn't even realize how far your mind had drifted and how unaware of your surroundings you'd become until your horse suddenly reared up. Your sidesaddle position was no match for this sudden movement, and you found yourself falling off. Twisting your body, you braced for impact on the forest floor below. A stick scratched your arm and dirt caked your light-colored dress as you landed.

"My Lady!" Ethan's panicked voice rang into your ears and a pair of strong, calloused hands helped you stand back up. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, thank you." You smiled at his concern, looking around for your horse. "What happened to Milaana?"

"A rabbit crossed her path and she got spooked. I am so sorry, My Lady. I chose that horse for you to ride and she-"

You placed a hand on Ethan's forearm to stop his rambling. "It's not your fault, Ethan. But perhaps we should look for her, I'd feel bad about losing one of Amy's gifts from King Mark."

"I'll look for her, My Lady. Take Bynie to catch up with the Lady Amy, she will be wondering where you've gone." Ethan handed you the reins to his horse, looking at you earnestly.

"I don't want to leave you in the middle of the forest by yourself." You crossed your arms stubbornly.

"I will be fine, My Lady."

You still had a pout across your face as you heard Amy's voice calling out your name. "Promise?"

"I promise, I've practically grown up in these woods."

Ethan had something akin to a smile on his face as you reached into your bag to retrieve your handkerchief and tie it around his wrist. "I expect that back, Ethan."

"Yes, My Lady." He helped you up onto Bynie as Amy came into view still atop Kester.

"Y/N! Oh my god, are you okay?" She exclaimed, circling you to inspect your outfit.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Milaana got a little spooked is all. Ethan's going to look for her." You went to gesture to the servant boy to find that he had already disappeared into the thick underbrush.

For the rest of the ride, you could only worry about Ethan, especially as the sun started going down after you and Amy broke for lunch. You were back in your room getting ready for dinner and Ethan still hadn't returned. Worriedly biting on your lip, you sighed when you realized you'd have to go to dinner without him. And tonight you were to dine with your future in-laws, and you weren't sure if you could do that alone. You had just put on your shoes and were opening the door when it suddenly hit somebody.

"I am so sorry!" You apologized, looking down at the person. The equally apologetic face of Ethan gazed back up at you from the floor.

He stood up, trying to wave off your worries as you noticed he was clutching his side. "I'm perfectly fine, My Lady."

"Not when you're wincing like that." You put your hands on your hips, staring him down. "Come on, I'm going to take a look at it."

"You have to be at dinner, My Lady." He tried to argue, but you glared at him seriously.

"This is an order, Ethan."

"Yes, My Lady."

You pulled him into your room, sitting him down in the chair you got ready in that same morning. Ethan visibly grimaced as you poked his side. Cautiously, you lifted up the side of his shirt to see a huge bruise blossoming across his right side. "Ethan, what happened out there?" You exclaimed, gently lifting his dirty shirt further up to see the full scope of the injury.

"Milaana wasn't very cooperative." He said dismissively as you bustled around to get a cool compress.

"She kicked you?"

"It was my fault-"

"Take off your shirt." You ordered, cold, damp washcloth in your hands.

"My Lady?"

"You heard me."

"I couldn't possibly-"

"That's. An. Order. Ethan."

He let out a small laugh before obliging, slipping his used-to-be white shirt off with one arm, the other still guarding his side. "You are persistent, My Lady."

You could only ogle over his slightly toned abdomen before the giant purple bruise caught your attention again and you approached his side to tenderly press the compress to it. "Yes, I don't want you to be in pain. Or anybody, for that matter."

"But you could've easily sent me to the court physician, why are you insisting on helping me?"

You looked up at him, chewing on your lip as you tried to think of what to say. He immediately tried to take back his words, "I'm sorry, My Lady, I overstepped my bounds-"

"No you didn't. Can I be honest?"

He nodded to the question, and you continued on. "I did not want to dine with my bitch of a future mother-in-law."

Ethan burst out laughing, and you grinned as you thought to yourself that you'd never heard anything so beautiful in your life. No music by court musicians or chirp of birdsong could've compared to the pure joy of Ethan's laugh as it streamed form his mouth. It was interrupted by him hissing air through his teeth as his side started hurting him again, and you pressed the towel back to the bruise.

"I'm sorry, that was very rude of me-"

"Ethan, you can stop apologizing, I'm the one that said it." You rolled your eyes at his overly-submissive behavior. "Oh, I believe you have something for me?"

"I do, My Lady." He reached into his pocket, withdrawing the pale blue handkerchief with your initials embroidered across it. "Here you are."

"I actually want you to keep it." You admitted, curling his fingers around the cloth and enveloping his hand with your much smaller one to the best of your ability.

"I couldn't possibly."

"Do I really need to say it?"

"I understand, My Lady, it's an order."

You grinned, allowing yourself the time to graze your eyes over his torso now that you were in something of a lull in the situation. "It's almost as if you can read my mind."

A knock came at your door, and both of you sucked in your breath nervously, hoping that the person wouldn't walk in. There was no decent and proper way to explain the indecent and improper situation you were in with a servant. Even though nothing had really happened. It could be misinterpreted as a serious scandal.

"Y/N? Is everything okay?" Amy's voice floated to your ears.

"I have a bit of a headache, send my deepest apologies to your family." You called back to her as Ethan held his breath to be as quiet as possible.

"Would you like the court doctor to see you? Dr. McLoughlin is very good."

"No thank you, I think I'm just going to sleep it off."

"Very well. Oh, I'm afraid I have to visit Fischbach tomorrow and Leo has lessons so you'll have the day to yourself."

"That's fine. Thank you, Amy."

"Goodnight, Y/N." Her footsteps faded away, and both you and Ethan let out the sighs of relief you were holding in.

"How does it feel, Ethan?" You took off the towel to inspect his injury again, still upset that it seemed to not have gotten better.

"I'm fantastic." He stood up, and you didn't miss the flash of pain across his features, frowning at his 'tough guy' act.

"No you're not."

"My Lady, I will go see the court physician once I'm dismissed for tonight."

"Promise?"

Ethan grinned at the familiar word you said, awkwardly getting back into his shirt. "I promise."

"Very well, then you're dismissed."

He bowed as best he could, approaching your door. "Goodnight, My Lady."

"Wait!" You stopped him as he had started turning the handle. He watched you curiously as you approached him, then got on your tiptoes. You pressed a quick peck on his cheek before getting back onto your flat feet. Ethan's adorable face turn a cute shade of pink at your actions. "Goodnight, Ethan."

He could only nod before slipping out of your room. You sighed as you sat back onto your bed, hoping you didn't just destroy what sort of bond you were forming with Ethan. What have you done? This is how scandals start...

With that attractively dangerous thought in your mind, you drifted off to sleep in the bed that was slowly becoming familiar.