One: Studies and Spars

 "Anastasia, my lady, are you almost finished there?" Evangeline's voice bounces around the walls of the princess's spacious bedroom. Each wall seems to be so far away from one another, some may even say her room is the size of a modest cottage.

   "Almost, Eva!" A voice responds from inside the powder room. In return, Evangeline can only let out a humored sigh; her princess is a brilliant person, but when it comes to the simplest of tasks, well, she isn't the brightest candle in a dark room.

   Princess Anastasia has been in the powder room for seventeen minutes and thirty two seconds, according to Evangeline's count. All to just put on her dress. Now, granted, putting on dresses as extravagant as Anastasia's is less than simple, but, seventeen minutes, to Evangeline, seems a smidge excessive.

   "Eva!" the princess nearly flies out of the powder room with a look of defeat smitten among her youthful face. She turns around, and Evangeline looks at her back, which appears to be too wide open since the corset has yet to be tied. "Can you stitch this up for me?"

   "Of course, princess." Evangeline responds as a smile rises upon her lips. There is a certain light that reaches her moss covered eyes, each orb glistening like a tree covered forest within an ecosystem so diverse that the entire community simply flourishes.

   Evangeline cautiously fiddles with the dress's corset. Her fingers dance with the strings then stops a mere moment later, the corset tightened with the dress fully on.

   "And, finished!" Evangeline announces as she ties the string's ends into a little bow. Without a second to spare, Anastasia turns around letting out an excited squeal, her baby blue eyes seemingly sparkling with enthusiasm.

    "Thank you! Now, how about we go take a walk..."

   "No, princess. You have your studies to attend to," interrupts Evangeline.

   The smile from Anastasia's falters before she lets out a defeated breath, crossing her arms in the process with her lips slightly pouting before turning her head to look as intimidating as possible. "I wish to not study, how about we go to town instead and get some delicious desserts or skip around the royal garden and... "

   Evangeline interrupts again, "Princess it is my duty to ensure that you get to your destinations safely so that you can continue to expand your knowledge. Shall we go?"

   "You're no fun," Anastasia groans as her eyes that once shone with excitement dulled with dread.

   Evangeline lets out a small chuckle, and she is quick to turn around, opening Anastasia's door in the process. She allows the princess to pass through the entryway before closing the door behind herself.

   The two go through the corridors of the castle, the sun shining through the large glass windows. Some of them are colored, casting the illusion of having a rainbow indoors, bringing even more life to the extravagant, accessorized castle. The queen had a knack for decorating, making sure that each room gave off vibrance and energy, from magically enlightened chandeliers hanging from the ceiling to vines that neatly covered the walls. This is never a dull space in the castle.

   Finally, the two arrive outside the grand library. Evangeline steps forward as Anastasia waits to open the two heavy creaky ornate grand doors. The library, lined with so many book cases that seem to grow beyond the heavens, had a glass roof allowing the bright morning's sunlight to enter, casting a calming glow onto the entire study.

   "Princess. Evangeline.," a voice sounds out, and the two turn their attention towards a figure that strides forward. With long brown hair casted into a ponytail and big, honey brown eyes, Johan Tunzel was a man of wisdom and strength. A retired warrior that participated in countless battles. He started his studies after his fighting days. A few years ago, Johan became one of the most acknowledged scholars within the entire kingdom of Colosiccus.

   "Johan, please tell Miss Evangeline that we can skip our studies for today and go out to the market," pleads Anastasia. Johan looks at Anastasia for the briefest of seconds before turning to Evangeline who brings her hand up to her face and pinches the bridge of her nose who understood that studying was less than thrilling for Anastasia. This was one of the few things that Anastasia had no choice as to when and how long she studied for, this activity was dictated by the king, her father. Evangeline and Johan would never consider disobeying the king's orders, for something as petty as a young girl's wishes to the contrary.

   The King allowed her in when she was found half dead years ago at the gates of the Colosiccus kingdom when he could have easily left her outside for dead. But he ordered the guards to bring her inside. He allowed her to work for his one and only child, to protect Anastasia with her life, and she felt deep loyalty to him ever since even though her nation of birth was a mystery to him.

   "Apologies, Princess. I do agree with madam Evangeline here, your studies are incredibly precious, and we must ensure that you take full advantage of this for the time you have."

   "Ugh, you both are so bloody boring!"

   "No your highness," Evangeline flips a few strands of hair out of her eyes before placing her hands on her hips and giving a slight glare,"We are ensuring that you become an educated young woman per your father's command and the sake of the kingdom."

   "What about you? Shouldn't you also be 'an, educated young woman'?" pouted the frustrated girl, using air quotes to mock Evangeline.

   Evangeline lets out a small smile while pulling the recently sharpened sword out of her sheath that clings to her hip, shining brightly in the morning's sunlight passing through the library's glass ceiling. "You see, I am educating myself in another speciality."

   "Why can't I do that?" Anastasia lets out an exasperated sigh and throws her hands into the air in over-exaggeration.

   "Because," Evangeline puts her sword away. Snapping her fingers in the direction of Anastasia, giving a wink to her,"I need to train in sword arts, so I can protect you!"

   "Fine!" Anastasia groans as she glares at both Evangeline and Johan.

   "I trust you'll take care of her?" Evangeline asks in the direction of Johan who nods his head solemnly. "Of course. Farewell, Evangeline, enjoy your sparring."

   Evangeline gives a small smile before waving goodbye then turns around towards the grand double door entrance to the library. Walking out, she heads over to the training gardens, to do what she does best, fighting.

-~-~-~-~-~-

   "Is that all you got?" Evangeline laughs as she swings her sword downward, a loud clang echoing through the training ground. The person she sparred with, Chandler Clarke, was well renowned for his footwork excellence. While he is not the biggest fighter, nor necessarily the strongest, he makes up for it with technique and tactics. However, as he sparred with Evangeline, it was a tough going. For her fighting style matched his; not the biggest, nor the strongest, but excellent with technique and tactics.

   "Not at all, Eva," Chandler smirks before maneuvering his feet to the side, nearly flying behind Evangeline forcing her off balance and tumbling into the dirt.

   "You bastard!" she shouts standing up. Once again, she prepares to strike. The two swords continue to clash with the battle at a stalemate. Others gathered around the two, forming quite the crowd with many skilled warriors intrigued as well as the commander, Chief Fletcher Godfrey, observing intently.

   Evangeline smiles quickly before casting her sword to the side and flipping the tip underneath Chandler's left hand, forcing his grip on the sword slip. The sword falls helplessly to the ground, and Evangeline points her sword to Chandler's throat. He visibly gulps before putting his hands up in surrender.

   Evangeline smiles, the feeling of victory swelling in her stomach. It was only intensified as the gathered crowd gave a loud applause, including the Chief.

   "Well played, Eva, well played. I didn't expect you to go for my hand," Chandler complimented, lowering his hands of surrender. He steps forward with an outstretched hand after Evangeline withdraws her sword, putting it back in her sheath.

   Wearing a proud smile that shows her brilliantly white teeth she accepts her peer's hand giving it a hardy shake noticing that Chandler grimaced as they shook. She watched his eyes then looked down towards his hand, and both were quick to notice blood dripping from it. Pride and joy turns to guilt as she looks at the sword cut; it isn't much, just a scratch, but it appeared to have broken the tissue a bit deeper than she predicted, maybe needing a few . . "My bad, Chandler. I didn't expect the cut to go that deep."

   "Pft, Eva, it's part of the battle. It's just a scratch; I'll go get it cleaned up in a little bit and have it looked at later" replied Chandler, waving his non-injured hand dismissively. Fletcher walks up to the two of them, wearing what might be considered a proud expression, even with a very rare smile. He is a stout man, perhaps six foot two with a muscular tough build acquired from years of practice and in countless battles. His arms and legs often bare when not in battle armor that show numerous battle scars as proof.

   "An excellently fought battle, both of you. Without a doubt, two intelligent fighters are bound within you."

   "Thank you, commander." Evangeline and Chandler both give a slight bow in his direction then , they both give looked at each other, acknowledging the compliment with a slight nod before turning their attention back to Fletcher. He glances from Evangleine to the wound on Chandler's hand, inspecting it thoroughly with his eyes.

   "You're dismissed, Chandler. Go get that wound cleaned up. Evangeline, may I speak with you in private?"

   "Yes, sir," Evangeline replies, as a pang of nervousness runs suddenly down her spine. She feels goosebumps settle on her neck and lining her arms. It is never a good thing when Fletcher wants to speak with someone privately. Yet, Evangeline can't think of a single thing she did wrong, something that would stir the Chief in the wrong direction with his impression of her.

   The two walk over to a more secluded part of the training fields. He sits down on a bench next to a small, running waterfall. The waves gently fall into the pond causing constant ripples throughout the murky water's surface.

   Fletcher motions for Evangeline to sit with him.he does so hastily. Her eyes find themselves looking into Fletcher's eyes mentally tracing the long jagged scar snaking across his forehead, past his left blind eye, to just below his upper left cheek. The story behind it is that Fletcher was challenged in a one on one by the old commander of Collosicus' militia. When they dueled, it was said to be a vicious, grueling battle. It was a stalemate, until the old commander raised his sword and slashed Fletcher's face, from forehead to cheek. It was gory and gruesome, blood was said to be everywhere. However, that didn't stop Fletcher as he eventually came out victorious despite being nearly blind in one eye, for the time. So, we wears that scar proudly.

   "Evangeline, I have a request."

   "Yes, chief? Name it."

   Fletcher dismissively waves a hand in the air while taking in a long shaky breath, "You don't have to refer to me as chief, we are on the same level of authority, don't you think?"

   "Well, I am unsure of that, chief ," Evangeline lets out a little nervous laugh. Her eyes flicker from Fletcher to the ground and then back to Fletcher, always reminding herself to keep eye contact.

   "Huh, guess I won't play that game. Anyways, I would like you to have some one-on-one lessons with me during your free time." Evangeline's heartbeat instantly skips a beat with hearing those words. Fletcher, a man devoted to his job, was as skilled a fighter as they get! She felt honored to even be considered worthy for training with Fletcher.

   "I am honored, commander. I just fear I won't be able to find time with the princess, requiring much attention with her personal safety lying in my hands."

   "Well that is quite understandable, but I have an idea," Fletcher pauses for a moment. Evangeline feels her sharpened ears perk up slightly as she tilts her head in confusion. "How about, when the princess falls asleep at night, we spar? Around 9:30 PM?"

   Evangeline puts her hand to her chin and thinks for a moment whether this opportunity will ever arrive again. Very likely not for another chance any time soon to fight, to learn with a well renowned warrior, a man of strength and smarts.

   "Well sir, I consider that a relatively reasonable option. I accept." Evangeline sticks out her hand, and Fletcher takes it with a small smile on his face, extremely a rare occurrence for smiling twice today. He then takes her hand, and there is a firm handshake confirming their agreement.

   However, moments after making their compact, a loud shrill voice penetrates the air as Anastasia skips across the courtyard in the direction of Evangeline and Fletcher.

   "Ah, there you two are! Do you know how long I have been searching for you, Eva?"

   Behind Anastasia comes a gasping Johan as he huffs and puffs, bending over placing his hands on his knees trying to take a breath, "My lady! Please don't run off like that again, I am not as agile as I used to be!"

   Anastasia puts her hands on her hips, glances from Evangeline to Johan, puffs her chest up and tritely retorts,"I'm sorry you're old."

   Evangeline has to stifle a laugh, barely containing it. Putting a hand over her mouth, she looks down slightly, trying to regain her composure. However, she feels Anastasia's eyes on her and sees Anastasia let out a small smirk.

   "As I was saying, before being so rudely interrupted, it is time we go to the market!" the princess glibly states, expecting her command to be obeyed.

   "But, princess," Evangeline starts, but Anastasia hushes her quickly, waggling her finger in the process.

   "No buts, ifs, or ands! We go shopping!" clearly using the 'royal' we.

   Evangeline crosses her arms and lets out an exaggerated sigh whilst shaking her head. Her dark brown hair got slightly in her face, just to even more intensified her expression.

   "Princess, did you forget you have tea with your father today at half past two? That gives enough time for you to be ready. And you know how the King, your father, despises tardy people,"

   In response Anastasia lets out a loud groan whilst bringing her hand to her face and rubbing the bridge of her nose. She then throws her arms downward in agitation, showcasing her frustration.

   "Fine, you win! But you need to promise me to go shopping sometime this week. We need to get you some new dresses, as you know the annual ball soon! ." A sparkle of nervousness floats down Evangeline's spine as she tries not to gag. Her mind completely slipped when it came to the ball; it was something that occurs every year to mark off the official start of the autumn harvest, said to be magical, like out of a fairytale. This one would be her very first to attend.

   There is one thing about Evangeline that not many know. Once she awakened, since six months ago after arriving at the gates, it turned out she had no memory of the events that concurred of how she arrived at the doorstep. She had no memories of her past life, period.

   The king pondered what had happened, but, in reality, there was one thing about Evangeline that made his eyes twinkle with excitement; she was an incredible warrior. Never giving up and smart with her moves, there was nothing she couldn't do. That's how she became the princess's body guard.

   Yet, everyone still wonders how she ended up at the gates that one day. She still wonders how it happened.

   Evangeline reflected on her recent past, she found herself emotionally frail regarding the upcoming state ball. With no idea what to expect, she's unsure what will happen. She has heard rumors about something unusually special occurring, but no further information slipped out. Not even Anastasia knows anything more of the planning..

   As Evangeline listens to the conversation between Anastasia and Johan, arguing about running off, or something along those lines, Evangeline could not help but ponder about the ball, about the training sessions, about... herself. All a mystery to untangle it.

   "Alright, Evangeline. I shall see you tonight at midnight."

   "Yes, commander." Evangeline smiles, and Fletcher takes her leave, bidding his farewells to Anastasia and Johan.

"Now," Evangeline starts as she stands up and stretches her legs ever so slightly. "Let's go get you ready for tea."

-~-~-~-~-~-

Word Count: 2866

Author's Note: Hello! I hope you guys enjoyed chapter one. Evangeline is the main character in this story, but princess Anastasia is not that far behind. This story will be told in the third person limited in the eyes of Evangeline. I hope you guys do enjoy!

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