Some boys grow to become scholars, others to be farmers and blacksmiths, a select few even become knights, and rarely one to be king. It was uncommon for royalty to marry a common man, but few countries had adopted the practice. Those that did were strong enough and wealthy enough to survive without marriage to another country. Though Cadeth was not truly a man, nor did she wish to be, but she could not deny that after dedicating her years to this lifestyle, she felt as one. Just as every man in the kingdom, Cadeth could not deny the passion she had for Adelaide. She often fantasized herself besides the queen as other men did in the kingdom. It was forbidden and something she knew could never happen. Behind the doors was the only place Cadeth and Adelaide were able to act on their deep desires. They spent the afternoons forgetting about their lives on the outside or the knowledge that they could never step outside together. Cadeth made Adelaide feel normal. She felt like another village girl without the stressors of ruling a country. Although their first night was steamy, Cadeth couldn't bring herself to undress the queen. The felt as though it was not her right. That was to be saved for the queen's husband on their wedding night.

Cadeth ran her hands through her hair, pushing the long strands back and into her usual hairdo. She stared intensely in the grand mirror, ensuring she had no stray hairs. A soft hand rubbed over her shoulder, dancing along the seamed across her shoulder blade. Cadeth placed her hand over the queen's small one, lacing their fingers as she turned towards her. Adelaide wore a green comfort dress, one meant for leisure around the castle while still looking professional. Cadeth brought the pale hand to her lips, leaving a soft kiss. "Ready for the day?" She asked, placing her hands around the queen's waist. Adelaide wrapped her own around Cadeth's neck, unable to stop smiling as she stared at her protector. She took a deep breath, shaking her head.

"No. That's an entire day without this." The pair grinned widely at each other, their faces drawing close. Their lips softly touched, exchanging a few simple kisses. With every touch Cadeth's heart raised. Her stomach tightened and her nerves multiplied. Adelaide's fingers pushed into the guard's hair, sending chills down Cadeth's spine.

"We should stop" Cadeth warned, though her heart argued with her words. She knew it was already quite late in the morning, it wouldn't be long before someone came looking for the queen. She had duties to attend to and Cadeth had training in the afternoon. Adelaide pouted, grunting in disagreement as she pulled the guard closer.

"Five more minutes." She begged against Cadeth's lips. Her fingers gripped at her neck, pulling her towards herself. She pressed up onto her toes to kiss Cadeth with aggression. A warm tingle swirled inside Cadeth, her fingers tightening on the queen. She lowered her body down, her hands positioning on the queen's thighs.

A strong knock on the door forced the two apart. They few several feet across the room from one another, their hearts pounding in lust and fear. They stood frozen as they gazed at each other, unsure what to do. Another knock snapped them back into reality. Quickly they adjusted their clothes and appearances to keep from looking suspicious. Adelaide turned, taking herself to the far end of the room onto the sofa. She glanced over to Cadeth, motioning for her to get to the door. Clearing her throat, Cadeth gathered herself and went to open it. On the other side stood Lord James. His hands were tucked behind his back, a polite smile on his lips. His brown hair was naturally curled loosely.

"Cadeth." He addressed her, nodding towards her. Cadeth's heart raced, not expecting to see him. She had expected the knock to come from a messenger or possibly one of the handmaiden. Cadeth nodded back without hesitation, bowing towards him.

"Good morning, Lord James." She addressed him, stepping to the side to allow the uncle in if he wished.

"It's afternoon." He corrected her. Cadeth glanced at the ground, clearing her throat and biting on the inside of her cheek. "You should get going, I believe you're running late for training." James said. Cadeth did not respond but quickly made her way down the hall towards the gardens. James entered the room, closing the door behind him. "Good morning, Adelaide."

"Good morning." She replied without turning, brushing her hair as she stared at the fireplace. Her mind was elsewhere, remembering the moments before with her guard.

"You really should be careful Adelaide. It does not take much for people to talk in these walls." The man warned, strolling around the room, his eyes looking for anything out of ordinary. It wasn't common for the uncle to enter the queen's room, but it had not changed much from when she was a girl.

"I'm not quite sure what you're referring to uncle." She replied, turning on the couch to glance towards him. She watched as he made his way through her chambers.

"Though he is your protector, unless under attack or in danger of an immediate threat, he should not be within your chambers." He hinted, glancing at his niece.

"He is my protector and if I request his protection in my chambers, I shall have it. You did say yourself uncle that he is to protect me day or night, no matter where." Adelaide argued back, standing from the sofa.

James let out a light chuckle, shaking his head "Adelaide. This may be your castle and your kingdom, but it is also my home and not much goes on between these walls that I do not notice. I have seen how you two look at one another. Though I have no doubt Cadeth will protect you as well as Xavier did, I must advise that you end this between you two."

Adelaide watched as her uncle approached her, taking her hands in his. "Uncle James, Cadeth is merely nothing more than a guard. You do not need to worry." She attempted to bluff him. She showed a sweet smile to try and persuade him.

"Though I doubt that, I must remind you that the counsel will not approve of a marriage to someone that does not benefit Scotland. Let alone someone without royal blood." James took her hand, leading her towards the balcony. "I loved your mother, though at times I did question her romances, she always put Scotland first." Adelaide's expression softened as she listened to her uncle mention her mother. "You must remember being royalty comes with its costs. You were born into their family because you're worthy enough to serve and protect Scotland. It also means that sometimes you have to learn to love what's good for you and your country." He tried to consult her. Adelaide's heart felt heavy, not wanting to admit what she knew was true.

"What do I do?" She asked, feeling the knot in her throat as she tried to hold back her tears.

"Hurt him." James said blankly. Adelaide's eyes quickly darted towards her uncle in shock. "Make him believe that you don't love him. Hurt him to save him. To give him a chance to love another." James advised her. He knew it hurt her to hear it, but he knew she needed to hear it. Adelaide dropped her head to the floor, nodding slowly, knowing what she had to do.

"I'm going to need some time alone." She asked her uncle. He gave her a soft hug before he left her chambers.

Cadeth grunted as her sword clashed against Jeramiah's. They stared intensely at one another as they pushed their swords into the others. Beads of sweat trailed down their faces as they battled under the bright sun. Cadeth licked her upper lip, tasting the salty juices that covered her skin.

"Kneel Cadeth!" Jeramiah shouted. He smiled with his words but they both knew he was hoping she would give in and allow Jeramiah to even their dueling score. They stepped away from each other, swinging their blades. The metal loudly banged against the other. The swords were dull, merely used for training. It would take an excessive amount of force to cause any damage, but a hard enough nudge would leave a dark bruise. Cadeth shook her head, loose hairs clinging to her damp skin.

"Sorry friend," she replied, jumping to the side as Jeramiah went for a strong hit. The blade nearly made contact. As the steel whooshed past her, Cadeth could feel the warm breeze of the swipe. Jeramiah glanced over his shoulder, knowing he had missed one of his better shots. "We both know I can't do that." She shoved Jeramiah, knocking him to the floor. The dull blade was pushed up against the skin of his chin, marking her victory to herself and those who watched.

"Good fight gents!" Edmon cheered, clapping his hands as he approached. Many other guards were in the training room practicing their skills. Some simply worked on strength training, others practiced their blade handling skills, and a few competed in sparing duels between each other. Although training was taken seriously, the men dressed in simple clothing. Their shoes were left along the far wall along with their sword belts. Everyone only wore a thin undershirt, one that if torn wasn't a waste. Cadeth held out a hand, helping Jeramiah to his feet. "Maybe it would have been a closer fight if the two of you can learn to fight without talking so much." he remarked, crossing his arms over his chest with a smirk.

"Don't make me show you what a dull sword is capable of." Cadeth teased, taking a towel from one of the men who walked around with them. She patted the cool cloth across her face and around her neck.

"I'd like to tag in for that." Jeramiah laughed, running a hand through his hair. He shoved a hand against Edmon, causing him to stumble back.

"Oh, shut it." Edmon laughed, brushing his blouse off. "So, anything new on your side of the castle?" He asked walking with the two others to gather their things.

Jeramiah shrugged, being the first one to respond, "Quite the same. Rumors are going around of who the next suitor will be to meet with the queen. A few guards believe she may have already made her choice or that she's ran out of time."

The comment caught Cadeth's attention, "Run out of time?"

"I often forget you have had far less time amongst the castle lifestyle than we have. Feels as though you have been here as long as we have." Jeramiah chuckled, wrapping an arm over her shoulder. "When the queen doesn't make a decision after a number of suitors, the scholars will step in. They may pick one for her or give her a few options. From what I've heard, scholars will have the queen meet with suitors again that way it appears to be her choice to the public but most times the scholars have already selected."

Cadeth kept a neutral expression, but under the surface her mind was racing. She wondered if the scholars had already made their decisions. She wondered what other suitors may be coming. Was Adelaide out of time? How much longer before they made a choice for her? Were all her other suitors like King Fredrick? Cadeth worried that there would be no good option. It was seen as a blessing for the queen to find a husband that she loved. It was lucky if they found one who treated them right. Everyone knew there was a chance the queen would marry someone who did not care about her or treated her correctly. Once married, everything that happened behind doors was only the king and queens business. It was quite rare any relationship problems were brought into the public eye. Which country the queen married greatly affected what power she would have. Whichever country was stronger would take royalty from the other. This meant one would become secondary to the other. Both would be protected but one would take priority. Cadeth would follow the queen even if she was to become a consort to a king in another land, but Cadeth didn't know how she would be able to stand by as a king treated her less than himself.

"I am not worried. Queen Adelaide is the daughter of Mary Queen of Scots, if she is like her mother she would marry anyone that threatens the future of Scotland." Edmon commented confidently walking swiftly to keep up. "I heard from a cook that Mr. Francis is making his secret stew tonight! What do you saw after a quick wash we meet in the kitchen and see if we can get an early serving after that hard training?" Edmon said methodically. The three quickly agreed as each went in a different direction towards their quarters.

Adelaide sighed as she strolled through Cadeth's chambers. Her hand lightly brushed over the sheets of the bed, thinking to herself a thousand times what she was going to say. Every conversation she thought of all ended the same with her standing in Cadeth's arms. She knew what she needed to do, she knew she didn't have a choice. She was the queen of Scotland, and she had a duty. The title came with a price, as her uncle had taught her from a young age. Her stomach would flip in circles when she pictured herself distancing from her protector. "You just have to." Adelaide whispered to herself, taking a deep breath for courage.

The handle on the chamber door began to rattle, startling the queen. Adelaide quickly looked around, darting behind a changing screen. With the sun at high noon, she was hidden behind the screen without a noticeable shadow. Her heart began to pound in her chest. Cadeth being within her chambers did not warrant a second thought. She was her protector and was permitted anywhere she went. It was less acceptable for her to be within Cadeth's chambers. If anyone was to see her there, word would quickly spread and Cadeth would likely take the hit for it instead of herself.

Adelaide calmed her breathing, listening to the door click closed. In the screen was a slight tear allowing for her to glance through the screen without being noticed. Cadeth strutted into her room, tossing her sword belt onto the bed with a deep sigh. She had a bright smile on her lips, excited about Mr. Francis's famous dish. It was the one meal that everyone in the castle would ask for second servings. Adelaide smiled, watching her favorite human walk around unaware that she was there.

Cadeth stood in front of the mirror, dipping her hands into a clean bowl of water and dampening her long hair. Though the three had agreed to take a wash, it was common for a quick splash of water and new clothes to be enough. It wasn't often knights and guards were able to take a complete bath. Adelaide bit into her plump pink lip, staring at the handsome figure in front of her. Cadeth only stood, no more than, ten feet from her. Her fingers began to untie the strings of her blouse along her left side. The queen watched as the thin fabric dropped onto the tile. Her sudden growing lust was stunted by confusion as she stared at Cadeth. She saw the brown bandage that was wrapped tightly around her chest. One by one Cadeth began to unravel the cloth, dropping each to the floor as she got to the next. As the last hit the ground, Adelaide stared in confusion. Cadeth's position perfectly blocked Adelaide from seeing the secret in the mirror.

Her eyes roamed over the tight muscles sculpted around her guard's back. The tan, dense skin was painted with pale scars. The damaged skin stretched over each bend of muscle. Some had been from guard training as she grew up. Every knight had them, some were even seen as a right of passage. Others, faint and thin, were given to her by her father as a young child. Though the marks tarnished her skin, Adelaide only saw beauty. She wanted to guide her fingers over each one and learn their stories. Cadeth splashed the cold water over her skin. The water droplets ran down her back, glistening in the light. The guard sighed in relief as she massaged her sore chest. Even after years of binding her chest, she always felt waves of relief at the end of the day when she took them off.

Adelaide's mouth dropped as she watched Cadeth turn. Her eyes traced over her guard. Cadeth's round breasts gleamed under the sunset's sunlight that peaked through the window. Chilled droplets dripped from her hardened nipples. Her stomach held no fat, showing each defining ridge of muscle. Adelaide's cheeks were burning as she was filled with a number of confusing feelings. Cadeth began to fumble with her belt causing Adelaide's throat to go dry. Adelaide's hands reached up to cover her mouth but she had been standing so close that the movement knocked into the screen causing it to rock. Fear washed over Cadeth as she reached for her blouse and threw it over her head hastily. Adelaide stood frozen as she watched the screen rock back and forth before finally falling over. Cadeth stood with her sword drawn pointed towards the queen's direction.

"Adelaide?" She gasped, dropping the sword beside her.

Adelaide stood frozen, her face a bright read color.

"Shit. Adelaide!" Cadeth swallowed, realizing what she had just witnessed. Cadeth did not doubt that the queen had seen. She knew about the tear in her changing screen. Cadeth began to walk towards the queen, but she quickly held her hand out causing Cadeth to freeze.

"Don't." She ordered, swallowing the lump in her throat. Water began to swell in her eyes as she fought back the urge to cry. It wasn't tears of sadness, but instead tears of confusion. "Don't come near me." She shook her head, slowly taking steps towards the door.

Cadeth's eyes darted back and forth from Adelaide and door and back. Her heart was pounding, terrified of what was to come. The queen could have her killed for this regardless of all service to the country. Women were not to be knights or guards. In the eyes of Scotland, Cadeth's actions would be seen as an action against Scotland. Cadeth quickly ran to the door, blocking the queen from exiting.

"Move Cadeth!" The queen ordered, but she did not budge. Tears still sat along her eyelid, threatening to spill over. Cadeth shook her head. Everything inside of her told her to obey the queen's order, but she couldn't. She had to make the queen understand.

"Adelaide you cannot speak of this to anyone." She begged, watching as the queen took steps back creating distance between them.

"How can you ask me that Cadeth? You are meant to be my protector and you're a woman? You even allowed us to kiss knowing what I would have to do when I found out." Adelaide shook her head in confusion. She didn't understand why Cadeth would risk that. As much as she had wanted that kiss, it shouldn't have happened. If Cadeth was to die with this secret, then so be it, but she had taken an unnecessary risk kissing her.

Cadeth quickly shushed the queen as she spoke, terrified that it would be overheard. "Regardless of what I am, I have protected you to the same extent and beyond that any other man would have in Scotland." She quickly defended, keeping her voice hushed.

Adelaide shook her head, a single tear running down on each cheek. "What makes you believe that I won't go and tell someone right now?" She challenged. Cadeth sighed, glancing to the ground and back to Adelaide.

"Because" She huffed, taking a dangerous step in the queen's direction. She walked slowly and cautiously, watching the queen's reaction. "you're not like everyone else." She spoke softly, gently closing the distance between them. Cadeth could tell Adelaide was on guard, unsure herself on what she was going to do. Everything inside her told Cadeth to back up, some parts even told her to run while she could, but she didn't. Adelaide was going to do what she wanted to do and Cadeth knew this. Without taking her eyes from Adelaide's, Cadeth wrapped her fingers within her queen's. Adelaide's bottom lip quivered as she held back tears. Slowly she shook her head and clenched her eyes, another run of tears rushing down her face.

"I can't." She whispered, tearing her hand from hers. Cadeth stood frozen as the queen began to walk around her and towards the door. With a sudden rush of courage Cadeth turned, reaching out and gripping Adelaide's wrist. "I love you, Adelaide." she admitted. Adelaide froze, only for a moment, before pulling away. She kept her eyes on the door, not daring to look at her guardsman. She didn't trust herself for what she would do if she looked back. The young queen gripped onto the handle, pulling the door open.

"And I know you love me." Cadeth spoke, just barely loud enough for Adelaide to hear. Her head turned slightly before she ran out of the chambers.

A/N: Hello everyone! First, I want to apologize for the update messages with no update. The first time I wrote this chapter my computer crashed, and it did not save. The second time during a bad storm I tried to type it all but I lost wifi when I went to save and log off for the night... I did not notice it didn't save any more than the first paragraph due to not having wifi. I was a little butt hurt and it took me a day or two before writing it a third time! I've also been going through a bad break up past few days so that's had it's toll too. From now on I will not post about an update unless I can guarantee you will receive it that night! I hope you all forgive me with this chapter! I will post the next either tomorrow or Wednesday! Thank you for your patience!

Comment below and let me know what you think of the chapter! Finally Adelaide knows the truth, question is what she'll do with it.