Title: Courteous Love, or Slumber of the Heroes, Chapter

Author: Soft Princess ( sofy_slashnuts@hotmail.com )

Website: www.buffybrotherhood.com/theisland

Date: September 25, 2002

Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Buffy and Angel verses and I'm not about to make money out of them. They all belong to Joss Whedon and co.

Feedback? Oooooh yeah. Especially with this… should I go on, or just stop here?

Rating: NC-17 probably… this part PG I guess… for swearing.

Pairing: Spike/Xander with hints at: Angel/Wesley, Gunn/Fred, Buffy/Angel (one sided mind you… nothing really B/A in there, don't worry… *wink*), Willow/?, Giles/? and a bit of Xander/Fred (don't squick yet!! Nothing graphic and no big love thing…)

Spoilers: End of season 6 for BtVS and end of season 3 for AtS

Summary: What if a demon whose greatest wish is to open the Hellmouth, decides to get rid of the scoobies by sending them all into a dream world: Medieval England?

Notes: Never will I listen to my medieval literature course with the same interest. It's bad. Bunnies attacked me!!

More notes: the concept of Courtly Love is called 'Fin Amor' in old french and was a concept very highly praised in Medieval literature. I'm gonna be following the rules of it for the romance parts. If you want I can include the rules in the next parts… Also, keep in mind that this is a 'historical' story, so I'm sorry if ANYTHING I write and say offends anyone, it is not my intention. I'm only trying to keep some historical consistency.

Warnings: There will be a small character death, not one of the big ones. I'm thinking this will be more of an adventure type thing, with some romance. Also, I don't claim to be an expert in all things medieval and the like. I'm merely a student that got bit by a bunny at the worse time ever. Lol.

***

Prologue

A shadowy figure made its way through the darkened Sunnydale street, passing the gates of one of the many cemeteries; it knew exactly where it was going. Stopping in front of a grave, it pulled out aging, sepia tinted pictures, ten of them, and began chanting.

" For you will leave,

For you will forget,

For you will dream.

Slumber will possess you,

No longer will you be real,

No longer will you live here,

Slumber will possess you,

And never shall you wake.

I will place my seer among you,

You will not know,

You will not fear,

You will dream,

For slumber shall possess you,

AND NEVER SHALL YOU WAKE. "

***

"Dawn, stop that." Buffy giggled as her sister tickled her. "Shouldn't we be watching the movie?"

"Yeah, but this is more fun." Dawn replied, as Buffy pushed her and started to take her revenge. Suddenly tired, the slayer wrapped her arms around Dawn and kissed her younger sister's forehead before closing her eyes. The young girl following her quickly.

***

Angel looked around the ocean, restless. What could be more boring than watching fish swimming? For a week now he had been down there, not able to find peace long enough to sleep. Finally, the vampire could feel his body weaken, sighing in relief, he closed his eyes and let the slumber wash over him.

***

Willow was writhing in her bed. "NO! I'm sorry, please." She muttered, as she tossed and turned around. "Leave me alone. I never wanted…" She screamed in pain, arching her back. Finally she stopped and silence descended upon the room.

***

Wesley looked at the empty bottle in his hand, cursing. He walked wearily into his kitchen, trying to find another bottle. "Fucking hell. I should've bought more…" In the middle of his sentence, he fell onto the floor, heavily and deeply unconscious.

***

The cave was dark. Too dark. The vampire cried, tears of pain, hurt and betrayal. "Why?" He screamed to the echoing walls. "Why, how could I do all this?" He sobbed, crawling in the dirt, trying to find a clean enough space to just cry himself to sleep and hope that someone, anyone would kill him in his sleep. He was still crawling when his head fell to the floor with a loud thump and the sobbing stopped.

***

Willow's scream had pulled Giles out of his sleep. It was early morning, not unusual for the young witch to get nightmares at that time. Wanting to make sure she was all right, the watcher put on his robe and opened his door, still sleepy. He walked a few feet before bracing himself against the wall, threatening to fall. "Maybe… I should just… sleep." He muttered, letting himself slide along the wall to the floor.

***

Gunn and Fred were worn out. They had spent the day exhausting every possible resource, trying to find Angel and Cordelia, just as they had every other day of the week. Yet, nothing. They undressed silently, avoiding each other's eyes. Deception, fear, sadness, were written on their features. They were avoiding the question. As they climbed under the cover, Fred wrapped her arms around her boyfriend, needing comfort. Gunn wasn't sure he could give her, he needed it himself. "What will happen now?" Fred's last words seemed to echoed in their ears as sleep quickly overtook them.

***

Xander stared at his ceiling, wide awake. Something was wrong, he could feel it. Something important was happening, something big, something bad. Yet, the young man didn't trust his instincts. He never did. He never looked deeper into them, never let himself believe that he might, possibly, be able to tell when an apocalypse was approaching. Shaking his head at this simple thought, the brunette closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep. Or so he thought.

***

And the demon laughed… loudly. His mirth echoed in every corner of the sleeping city. Yet, those whose purpose was to defend the innocents didn't hear, didn't wake. Light flashed on the demon's face and he grinned. His red eyes glowing in the darkness.

"Now, it shall be done."

Chapter one: a new beginning

"Xander! Wake up!" A young girl's voice drifted to the young man's ears and he slowly opened his eyes. "It's the big day today!" She continued, cheerfully.

"Yeah, I know." Xander grumbled, sitting into his bed. It was so early. But that's what his father had wanted.

"Xan, it's the big day." His young sister smiled dearly and fondly at Xander. He returned the smile.

"I know Dawnie. And you know what mother would say if she heard you." He scolded her.

"Alexander is a man now my daughter. He must not be addressed to by childish nicknames." Dawn said mimicking their mother's tone. "And by the way, Alexander, my name is Lady Dawn by now." She smirked.

"That is right, Lady Dawn. It is your birthday today. Sixteen." //Sweet sixteen.// He thought before frowning. //Where did that come from? Why is sixteen sweet?// He shook his head. "Have mother and father decided on your fate yet? You are now old enough to marry." As he talked, Dawn turned and he picked up his breeches and put them on. He walked into the room where his servant was waiting with breakfeast. The young woman answered as they sat and started to eat.

"Mother said something about Lord Liam now being ready to settle. Father agreed it would be a good choice, but said he doesn't want me to wed before the next year." The young girl stated carelessly, before looking at her brother with worry in her eyes. "But Lord Liam is sooooo old!"

Xander chuckled. "He is not that old, little sister. Barely a few years older than me. And besides, father told me Lord Liam is thinking of settling down with a young lady from his country. So have no fear my lovely." He smiled tenderly. "I can't believe you are now old enough for us to be having this conversation."

"I do not want to get older. But… I do want to attend tonight's ball. Especially since it's in your honour brother." She grinned. She knew Alexander had been waiting all his life for tonight's festivities. For years his health had prevented him from attending any feast and gathering their father, the king, had held for his knights and the court. Tonight, they would announce his upcoming wedding with the Lady Winnifred.

Xander squeezed his sister's shoulder. He knew he should be happy, for this day was the first day of his new life. //A new beginning.// As his healer, the Lady Jenny, had said. //Yes a new beginning.// But he was too nervous and scared to be happy. Something was telling him tonight would change his life forever, and maybe not in the best of ways.

"Lady Dawn, you should probably be hurrying to your room and getting ready. I'll see you downstairs." He said, smiling to his sister, who kissed his cheek, then bowed and left.

Sighing, he finished his breakfeast and went back to the bedroom. He stood by the window, looking at the knight's training field dreamily. //How I wish I could be one of them. I will never be. How can a Lady stay faithful to a man like me. I'm barely a shadow of a man. Haunted. Isn't that what mother said? I am haunted. By images of a world that doesn't exist.// He slammed his fist into the wall next to him. //Why is it that I am cursed? I am a prince. I should be a knight, a warrior. I should be leading my men into the fires of battle. I should be with them right now, training. Like father does.// He shook his head, tears threatening to fall. "Men don't cry." He muttered under his breath, tense.

"And that is the worse thing in this world, my young prince." A voice stated so calmly that it didn't scare the young man.

"Dear Rupert, how I wish your wisdom would touch all of them." Alexander said, waving at the field below. "Never will they accept me. I am not one of them. Nor will I ever be."

"You are not made to be one of them, although you will be the one leading them. And it is by this means that 'your' wisdom will touch them my prince." The wise man was now by Alexander's side, his hand on the young man's shoulder.

"Your wisdom you mean, my teacher. You taught me everything I know. But will they listen to me? I've never proved myself in any battle, I've never won a fight, never have I killed a single enemy."

"That is why your father built a strong army my prince. With your wisdom and all the knights by your side, you will be strong enough to maintain peace."

"One can only hope." Alexander whispered, sighing. //But that's not my biggest concern.//

"Something else is bothering you Alexander?" Lord Giles asked, concerned.

"Yes. I am to marry in two weeks. You know that already. But I do not know… how is it that such a lovely lady as my fiancee could be faithful to me? I am not strong, I can't protect her like a knight would. I am weak, a shell of a man. She'll seek the comfort and protection of a knight's arms soon after we are wed. I have seen this happen before." He looked down, hurt by those simple thoughts.

"My prince, do not despair. Lady Winnifred has been faithful to you from the moment your troth was pledge. She has great fondness for you. I am sure she will be faithful to her vows."

The prince looked at his teacher's face and smiled. "You are a wise man, Rupert." He looked around his room, still nervous. "I will remember your words my friend and only hope they are true. But now, I need to clothe myself and find my father. He is to introduce me to the knights as his heir today." He sighed, suddenly scared. This ceremony had been postponed for years, since his seventeenth birthday, the king waiting for his son's health to settle down long enough for the healers to declare him sane and ready for the festivities.

Lord Giles smiled proudly. "You will make him proud today, my prince. Do not worry, Lady Jenny has assured me and your father that she and her two apprentices shall be within reach should you not feel well. She has also assured me that you are finally recovering, after years of struggle."

"I know that already, dear Rupert, that is why my father has finally accepted to hold the ceremony. I will not embarass myself by fainting or rambling incoherently in front of the court, that I am certain of. But I am afraid just the same."

The wise man smiled encouragingly at his young student. "That is to be expected my prince. Now, you shall yourself be garbed by your servants while I inform your father that you are on your way."

The prince smiled. "Thank you, my teacher."

***

Chapter two

"Everyone, please." The king's strong voice echoed in the room. All the knights gathered around the round table stopped talking. "Thank you." The king smiled.

"My friends, we have been postponing this moment for too long now. It is now time for me to present my son, Alexander, as my rightful heir to the throne." Cheers exploded throughout the room as the young prince entered the small and soberly decorated room. //So, this is the round table.// Alexander thought in wonder, as his eyes tried to take in every corner of the room at the same time.

"You will now sit at my right hand, my son." The king continued, now looking proudly at his only son. Alexander smiled at his father and went to sit, but the king stopped him gently, placing his hand on the young man's arms.

He whispered gently in the young prince's ear. "It is not time to sit yet, my son. The knights shall pledge their faith to you, and your descendants."

Blushing Xander nodded and straightened up. "Sorry father." He looked down, but a gentle tug on his arm made him look up.

"Stay proud, son, this is your rightful place." The king whispered again, smiling at his only, but ungainly, son.

The prince returned the smile and looked at the knights.

"Sir John, kneel and pledge." The king commanded. The knight at Xander's right knelt down, looking directly into the young prince's eyes as he pledge his oath.

"I shall protect my prince, with my sword and my life if fate so chooses, for as long as I shall live."

Each knight took their turn kneeling at the prince's feet, each one with the same words to pledge.

"Sir Liam, please kneel and pledge." The king's tone softened as he commanded to his friend and protector. Sir Liam was a brilliant knight, brave and skilled. He had saved the king's life more than once, and the king now wished for him to do the same for his son.

The tall dark haired man smiled at Xander and knelt, presenting his sword with both hands. "As life and death, as darkness and light, I shall be your protector, for as long as I live. I vow my life to you." He and the king had talked about it, if Prince Alexander was to be out in the world and not recluse in his room anymore, he needed the best protection one could find. Sir Liam was ready to provide him such protection, and train the one who would take his place, if ever he was to marry.

"I accept your vow, Sir Liam, you are my equal, you may now stand." The prince recited as his father had taught him. As Liam stood, the doors opened and a young blond man entered the room, immediately kneeling at the king's feet.

"My apologies Your Majesty, it was not my intention to interrupt this ceremony. I am only an..."

"State your request, young man." The king said forcefully.

Looking up, the blonde man continued. "I am William, son of Catherine and Gavin, I wish to become a knight."

All the knights started to talk at once, the king deep in thought. Something about this young man was unsettling.

"Please, could you quiet down." The prince's voice resonated in the room. All at once, the knights turned to him and stopped talking. Alexander looked at his father and inquired. "Father, may I?"

The king looked at his son and smiled. "Go ahead, my son." This was the prince's chance to prove to the knights that he was worthy of their faith. By showing charisma and authority, he would gain their great respect.

Prince Alexander approached the kneeling man and placed his hand on William's head. "Young man, you have the courage of walking through those doors and kneeling at my father's feet. You have been brave. But what you wish for is not something easily given. You will pledge your life and your sword to my father and his kingdom. You will then prove yourself worthy of this pledge in battle. Only then will you become a knight." //Something I could never do.// "Raise your eyes and pledge."

Ice blue meet chocolate brown and all time stopped. Something about those eyes, something distant, but not that distant. Just below the surface. The prince knew those eyes. He had seen them countless times in his visions. //Spike.// He shook his head slightly. //What spike? what does a spike have to do with this? Oh damn.// He growled inwardly. //This is not the time.// He broke eyes contact, somehow managing not to blush, and turned to his father, who walked to his side.

"You will not pledge to myself and this kingdom. You will pledge to my son, for he is my rightful heir. You shall learn what it means to be a knight by protecting him with your life." He smiled at Xander and squeezed his arm. "You are doing well my son, you may continue."

This time, the prince blushed. He looked at Sir Liam and the dark haired man nodded softly. "Sir Liam, you will take young William under your wing and teach him everything a knight should learn." //For I am not skilled.//

"As you wish my prince." Sir Liam bowed, smiling. He needed an apprentice and he liked the young blond's courage. After all, he HAD walked into the middle of a ceremony and remained alive.

"Young William, will you pledge your life to me and my descendants for as long as you live?"

"I place my sword and my life in your wise hands my prince, and shall protect you with all my skill." William answered, his voice shaking with emotion. He could still feel the prince's gaze on him and for the first time, he knew he had found something worth fighting for.

"Stand up. From this moment on you shall sit at Sir Liam's side and will look to him for your training. Sit." All the knights sat at the now full round table and the king proceeded with the numerous announcements he has to make before lunch would be served.

Alexander sat dutifully at his father's right and listened carefully to what his father was saying, though his mind kept wandering towards deep blue seas and waves. There was something about those eyes.

***

Chapter three

Entertaining music was playing in the crowded room. Half of the guests were already dancing, swirling in circles, smiling, while the other half were talking; everyone was waiting for the knights, for the real festivities would only begin when the king entered the room, his heir at his side and the knights behind them.

The queen was in deep conversation with the Lady Jenny, healer of the kingdom, and her two young apprentices, witches like herself.

"Young Alexander should be on the road to recovery, my lady. He hasn't suffered any hallucinations since last winter. I do believe this tea I’m giving him is making a difference." Lady Jenny stated, as her two apprentices nodded.

"Lady Jenny is right, my queen." Young Willow added. The same age as the prince himself, she had been raised by the king and queen themselves until she turned 16 and showed signs of being a powerful witch. She was then placed under the care of Lady Helen, who showed her the mastery of healing until her death a year ago. Willow had then turned to Lady Jenny, for she had been Lady Helen's apprentice before her. "The tea seems to have an incredible effect on the young prince's health. I haven't seen him this healthy and calm since we were children."

The queen turned to Willow and smiled warmly. "You are right, my daughter. It has been a long time since I have seen my son in such good shape. Thank you for your help, Lady Jenny."

"You are right ladies. I have myself discovered that young Alexander seems to have found his old humour again." A male voice interrupted them.

"Sir Giles, it is a pleasure to see you." The queen smiled. "Has my son been giving you trouble?"

Sir Giles smiled and shook his head. "No my lady. I was just stating that he seems to be in rather good health." His eyes twinkled as he looked at Lady Jenny. The healer looked away, blushing.

"Thank you Sir Giles." She whispered.

Suddenly, everyone in the room went silent. The king, the prince and the knights entered the room, walking towards the head table, proudly. They all took their places, their ladies joining them. The knights sat.

Still standing, the king waved silence. "My dear subjects, I am proud to announce that my son, Alexander has been accepted by all as my heir." All the people gathered in the room cheered at the news. "Thank you." The king smiled fondly at his people. "It is now my privelege and joy to announce my heir's upcoming wedding to the Lady Winnifred." He extended his arm, inviting the shy young woman to stand by his side. The king took his son's hand in his, holding Winnifred's hand in the other. "This union will cement the friendship between our two kingdoms. All of you are invited to the festivities, which will take place in two weeks." More cheers throughout the room. "In honour of this day, I will initiate the hunt for the white stag, after the feast. For now, eat and be merry." The king sat down, quickly followed by his son and the queen, one on each side of him. Lady Winnifred sat at the prince's side, shyly smiling at her fiancée.

"A hunt for the white stag my lord?" Sir Liam asked the king quietly. "Isn't that a bit dangerous at this time? Your kingdom has been peaceful for years. This hunt might start up some old quarrel." He continued, concerned.

"My friend, this hunt is one of our many legendary customs. I will not change my mind about this. As this is a time for great festivities, I believe this is good recreation for my knights." The king answered. "I understand your concerns, but I am sure we can all behave for the sake of my son and his future."

Sir Liam nodded. "I understand my lord. But we should bear in mind that when the winner of the hunt choses the purest and most beautiful lady of the court and gives her the stag's head and the hunt's kiss, it might cause some quarrels amongst the knights, who will find their own ladies more worthy than the one chosen."

The king seemed lost in thought for a second. Finally he looked at Sir Liam. "My friend, I know you are right. I said I will initiate the hunt and I will stand by my words. I trust you to make sure the peace is kept within these walls."

Sir Liam nodded, and went back to his food. No one ever understood how he could always be as hungry as he was. He was never satisfied. More than one of the knights had teased him about it playfully, saying it was a miracle that with the amount of food he consumed, he could stay so small.

Alexander looked around the room, excitement and curiosity almost overpowering his manners. He made small talk with his fiancée, while listening intently to his father and Sir Liam's conversation. He knew he was being watched. He could feel someone's eyes on him. Turning around, he encountered young William's eyes. The young apprentice was standing behind Sir Liam, never taking his eyes off the young Prince's back. They looked into each other's eyes for what seemed like hours.

Finally, they both looked away at the same moment, Liam calling for William, while Winnifred requested her fiancé's attention. As he tried to focus on what his lady was saying, the Prince couldn't take his mind off the young knight's stare. He had such beautiful eyes. And something was telling Alexander that the eyes were what mattered. The eyes would lead him to the answer he had been seeking all his life.

He didn't know exactly what the question for which he seeked an answer was, but he knew the young man held the answers. Maybe, just maybe, the answer he held would cure him. Alexander smiled at that thought, The lady Winnifred smiled back and then returned to her food. The Prince had no idea what he'd just agreed to, but he was happy that his fiancée had taken his smile for a sign of approval. As long as his lady was happy, then he was too. Maybe that young knight would come and make his world tumble down around him. But for the moment, Xander was happy.

Shrugging that thought away, thinking that he would find his answers only when the time came, the Prince thought about his father's decision. //A hunt for the white stag… well that is interesting.//

***

Chapter four

William was stalking his prey, moving slowly, stealtily, like a cat. He knew the stag was just behind this bush. He had seen it, it was the reason why he had left the others behind and followed it's trail on his own. This kill would be his proof. He would be worthy of being a knight.

As he walked, he felt another presence by his side. He could feel them watching him, walking with him, yet making no noise. William had always had that strange 'insight'. He could hear better than his brothers and sisters, better than most of his friends. He could feel others around him, and yet, he could move as silently and gracefully as a cat.

Spunning around, he grabbed the other by the throat and pushed them against a tree, holding them there.

As he took in the sight of the person he held, he quickly withdrew his hand and mumbled an apology. "Sorry, lady." Then he looked closer and was quite surprised by the clothes the woman was wearing. "You shouldn't be wandering in the forest dressed as you are, my lady. It is not safe…"

"Don't you dare tell me what is, or is not, safe. Men." The young woman sighed. "You're looking for the white stag aren't you?" She asked.

"Yes. But who are you to talk to me like this? Merely a woman…"

"Merely?" The blonde's face turned red in anger. "I may be a woman, but I can say that I would be able to take you down in a matter of second. My name's Elizabeth, but everyone call me Buffy. For you, it'll be Lady Elizabeth, seeing as you want to go by the rules."

"The rules?" William asked. "I don't really care about the rules to be honest. But the knights are in these woods and you might stumble upon them and they won't let you go as easy as I."

The young woman thought for a second. "You're an apprentice right?"

William nodded proudly. "I'm apprentice to Sir Liam, ma'am."

Buffy's eyes opened wide at this news. "Sir Liam?" She asked in a small voice. She had only seen him once, but he was handsome and such a great knight. The whole kingdom and all the ones that were surrounding it, echoed with tales of his exploits. "Well," She straightened herself. "If I help you get the stag, will you bring me to the court?"

"What?" William laughed loudly. "You? You want me to introduce you to the court? But why?"

Buffy looked hurt, but hid it rapidly. "I… I know this sounds ridiculous, but I want… What's your name? I told you mine, but you never told me yours?"

"William."

"All right, young William. I… what does it matter why I want to go to the court? I just want to." She looked stubbornly in front of her and started walking, silently. William followed, feeling, just like her, that the stag wasn't far.

"You know, I'll bring you to court, but just because you amuse me. A lady dressed like a man and hunting like a knight. It would be hilarious, if it wasn't somewhat pathetic." He whispered, as his eyes took in his surroundings and he spotted the stag just a few feet in front of them.

Boiling, the young woman clenched her teeth and grunted. "Pathetic? I've been protecting my mother and my sisters for years already. Hunting for our food, fighting the ones that try to rape them, or me, to get to the few belongings we own. I've managed pretty good on myself. I am strong, fast and silent. Well, at least, I'm silent when I don't have a knight's apprentice trying to…"

William looked at her, stunned. He had never heard of women having to fight by themselves. During these times, women were always surrounded by men, protecting them and making sure they were well cared for. No one had enough children, and women being the bearers, they were… protected. //More like put in cages.// He thought bitterly, before cutting his thoughts. The stag was right in front of them. "Shhh." He silenced Buffy and pointed at the animal. She nodded.

The young girl took out her bow and set an arrow. She was quick and precise, hitting the stag in the chest, while William made his way by the side and attacked, just as the stag was destabilized by the arrow. It was as if they'd always fought and hunted side by side. As if they already knew all of the other's movements. William cut off the stag's head and made his way back to where the young woman sat.

"All right then. Lets go back to my horse and I'll get you to court." Grinning, William made his way back to where he had left his horse, the stag's bloody head in one hand. Buffy stood up and followed him happily. At last, she would have what she'd been waiting all of her life for.

"Sir Liam." William's humble tone startled the young woman, who was deep in her thoughts and hadn't seen the impressive man walking towards them.

"William." Liam smiled proudly. "I see you are bringing the stag's head. I am proud of you."

"I thank you, my lord. I believe we should tell the king and the other knights, shouldn't we?"

"We should." The older knight approved, absently. "Who are you?" He asked to the girl standing shyly behind William.

"Oh." William turned around. "This is Lady Elizabeth, I stumbled upon her as I was hunting. She wishes to be introduced to the court."

Liam looked at Buffy for a moment then nodded. "Why do you wish to be introduced to the king?"

"I..." The young woman hesitated for a moment. "There are some things I would like to talk to him about. Some things are going on in the East country that need to be taken care of."

Liam nodded once again. "And they sent you?" He asked.

Buffy sensed the undertone. "It is a matter that concerns women, my lord. I don't think a man would have wanted to do this. And besides, I have some personal matters to discuss." She glared at Liam, daring him to argue.

The knight smiled. "You seem like a strong woman, which is very rare around here. But I do know how hard the country can be. Do you have a horse madam?"

Buffy nodded. "Yes, he is just over there, I will get him, you go ahead."

Liam nodded and then smiled at William. "Charles?" He called over his shoulder and for the first time William realised a dark skinned man following his teacher like a shadow.

"Yes, my lord." Charles answered humbly.

"Take the stag's head and follow us closely, we are going to greet the king and the rest of the knights on their way back to the castle. Be sure to stay behind William. He killed the stag, he earned his praises." Smiling proudly at his young apprentice, Liam climbed on his horse and waited for William to do the same.

Chapter five

The Prince stood to the side, watching as the knights embraced William and congratulated him. Alexander had never felt that much pride. His knight, HIS, had killed the stag and brought back the head. On his first hunt at that. Even the king had been thoroughly impressed. He had congratulated his son on the choice he had made earlier that day, when he had chosen to welcome the knight in the hold.

The young Prince smiled at the memory. Never had his father told him he was proud of his son.

As he lost sight of William in the crowd, the Prince's eyes wandered over the other knights and ladies gathered in the hall. The whole court had come out to meet the knights as they returned to the castle after the hunt and the festivities had started immediately.

The young man's eyes settled upon the new lady, Elizabeth. William had introduced her to the king earlier, as a young lady he had encountered in the woods and who needed help. The King had welcomed her, but quickly dismissed her, asking that she'd be hosted in the castle until the next day, when he would be ready to hear her plea.

She had tried to plead and ask for an immediate audience, but the king hadn't given in. He had some festivities to attend and the day had been long, so it would have wait.

Lady Elizabeth was now sulking in a corner of the hall, watching the display of richness and abundance with a look of shock and wonder on her face; she had never seen anything like it before.

Alexander made his way to her, intent on greeting her properly as befitted her rank and maybe ask for the reason of her visit to the castle. The sudden sound of the horn curtailed his plans and he quickly returned to his place at his father's side.

"Silence, my friends!" The king's voice echoed in the hall. "It is time for young William to give the hunt's kiss and the stag's head to the purest and most beautiful lady of this court." The king waved to the young knight, and continued. "Young William, it is time to make your choice."

After hearing the king's words, Liam waved at Charles to stay behind William with the stag's head. "William, be wise, my young apprentice. You do not want to start a fight." He whispered in the young man's ear.

William turned back to the older knight and whispered back. "How do I know if a lady already has a protector?"

"It is hard I know, but use your knowledge." With that enigmatic answer, Liam left the young knight alone.

For what seemed like hours, William went through all the people he knew at the court and tried to find the one person he would more likely give the stag's head to. He dismissed many of the ladies at the court, for most of them were likely to have a protector. As his eyes neared the royal group, he caught sight of the young Prince, and felt drawn to him. There was something so pure and innocent, yet so brave, braver than most knights, about that young man and William couldn't tear his eyes away.

//If only it was acceptable. He is the only one worthy of this head.// The young knight thought before looking away. There was no way he could do it and keep his status. Instead, another thought crept into his head. The young Prince had just got engaged that night and his lady was known for her beauty and purity. She would be the best second choice.

William waved at Charles to follow him and made his way to the young lady's group. He bowed before her as she blushed.

Alexander watched as his young knight kissed his fiancée chastely and then present her the head, which she asked to be taken away as fast as she could. Lady Winnifred was now a burning red, flattered by the honour she had just received. She bowed before the young knight and everyone in the room started cheering.

The young Prince stood straight, an overwhelming fear washing over him as he remembered his earlier words to his teacher: "How is it that such a lovely lady as my fiancée could be faithful to me? I am not strong, I can't protect her like a knight would. I am weak, a shell of a man. She'll seek the comfort and protection of a knight's arms soon after we are wed. I have seen this happen before…" The sight of his lady and young William together was reanimating his earlier feelings of failure.

He watched in a haze as all the knights congratulated William once more and Alexander could feel jealousy and hurt overwhelming his heart. He looked away and suddenly realised that no one was paying attention to him. Hastily, but not running, he exited the hall into the gardens, where he stood against the banister, looking up at the stars and wondering… What was it about young William that made him feel this way? Like he was someone he should know, but didn't at the same time; someone he should hate, but loved instead; someone that could crush him with a single fist, yet could be as insecure as the Prince himself was. There was something about William.

Eck, there was something about Liam too. Alexander felt like he was familiar, yet not entirely trusted. And Dawn… he'd always felt like she wasn't really his sister, yet she was his confident and she knew him so well. Just like Willow, his best friend and almost sister and the silent Tara, who the Prince knew was Willow's lover, even though they never told anyone, for it was a sin. Somehow, Alexander knew Tara wasn't 'supposed' to be there. But he couldn't explain the feeling. It was the same thing with the Lady Jenny, something was very wrong with her, something that always made Alexander shiver when she was around, but he had nothing on which to base this feeling, no sins that she could've performed, nothing. It was just an overwhelming sense of dread. And then there was Rupert… nothing could describe the teacher. The Prince always felt calm when he was around, like he could keep all the monsters at bay and protect him. Like a father would.

Alexander could feel a headache start to work his way through his head, like it did every time he started thinking about those things. About how some people seemed so familiar, yet some others seemed so unreal, so distant, like his own parents. In fact, some total strangers, like this lady Elizabeth, to which he hadn't talked at all before, seemed much more like family than his parents were.

And then… there was William. //Spike.// The thought crept through his foggy mind and he couldn't stop it, but he couldn't understand it either. There was something about the eyes.

***

TBC