Chapter Text
Felicity was the only daughter of David and Donna, the Duke and Duchess of Smoak. Her father loved her very much and despite her mother's protests always brought her with him whenever he went on a hunting trip or visiting other lands for business. Growing up David taught her how to ride, follow tracks and shoot with a bow and arrow.
Just a month shy of Felicity's 16th birthday something terrible happened: the Duke fell from his horse and his spine was damaged badly, making him unable to walk on his own. From that day forward the young girl had to watch his father lose that sparkle he always had in his eyes, the joy to live. Her mother Donna barely let her go ride anymore, insisting on her education: she had to become a proper lady, fit for a Prince.
Two years later a messenger from King Robert himself was sent to the estate, announcing impending war with the Kingdom of Valaria. All the men of the family were to go to the training camp of the Woodlands in one week. The Duke was bound to go. Felicity could not let her father fight this war in his condition, so she did the unthinkable: she cut her pretty blonde locks, bound her breasts in bandages, put on clothes she had stolen from a farm boy and left in the middle of the night for the Woodlands.
After a 3-day journey Felicity was finally approaching the training camp. Once she had climbed off of her horse she saw a short old man, with a long white beard and judging eyes come closer. He wore the King's mark on his right sleeve. "Name and family?"- the old man asked looking up from a book of names. "Fel...I mean FRANZ! Franz, son of the Duke of Smoak" - she said, trying to make her voice sound as manly as possible. She was then directed to her tent and informed that the first training exercises would begin at sunrise.
Felicity could barely get any sleep all night, too scared and excited for what awaited her. When she saw the sky turning lighter she dressed herself, put some dirt on her face and headed to the training area. Everyone started arriving and within minutes they were all in disposed in perfect rows. Felicity's gaze wondered: all these boys seemed very young, like herself, but they were all taller than her and visibly heavier. Too immersed in her analysis of the group, she didn't hear the arrival of the General until he was only a few feet away from her. He was tall, his stance more intimidating than that of any man she had ever seen. He marched with purpose, intent. His torso seemed defined and firm even under layers of fabric. Raising her gaze she allowed herself to look at his face: it looked like something God would create If he was in a very very good mood. His eyes were the most beautiful shade of blue she had ever seen, his nose perfectly shaped, and his lips...good God...she found herself staring at them for longer than she would ever admit. Shaking those thoughts away she collected herself and waited for him to speak. "Welcome to King Robert's training camp. I am General Oliver and in the next three weeks I'll make sure to train you so hard you will call pain your friend..."
The first training exercise involved archery. Felicity felt relieved, her father had taught her ever since she was a little girl and she was now able to hit moving targets. Most of the boys trying their targets had poor form, Felicity noted, and could barely manage to hit one bullseye. When it was her turn to shoot she took a deep breath, positioned the arrow on her bow, aimed and released like she had done many times before. Bullseye. She could feel all the eyes on her, but a pair burned like no others: the General's. He seemed confused and surprised. Approaching with cockiness in his step he addressed her for the first time:"That was a good shot. What's your name? I don't think I've ever seen you before." - "Uhum...I'm Franz of Smoak" "I've met David Smoak...never heard of him having a son" - he said with inquiring tone. "Oh...that's...that's because I'm not his wife's son. My mother was a servant girl and when the Duke realised he and his wife could not have any children after their daughter Felicity, he legitimized me and made me his heir!" - she said quickly. He simply nodded and left to correct his other student. Felicity couldn't keep herself from studying his retreating form, wondering what it would feel like to touch all that strength with her fingers, what his scruffy jaw would feel like against her smooth cheeks...
Once training was finished for the day she went to her tent, exhausted but nontheless excited about what was to come. One thing was certain: she would not back down from anything.
TO BE CONTINUED...