Ease Up the Pressure

"If you say so, I'll trust in your judgement," Alice replies with a knowing smile. He was clearly hiding something, but it probably didn't matter. If it was something serious, he wouldn't dare hide anything from her, so it was probably just idle gossip among the knights, something she could so without. "Just remember, if anything comes up, let me know promptly. Knowledge is power when put to good use, and right now, it's the only advantage I can get over my brothers."

"Of course, my lady-" Finley says, but stops when he sees the bemused expression on Alice's face as she crosses her arms over her chest. Feeling his lips fry up from nerves, he looks down to avoid his gaze as he attempts to apologize. "Uh... I mean... Alice."

"We're gonna need to work on that," the princess replies with a sigh as she facepalms. "How am I ever going to take you anywhere undercover if you can't even say my name properly? You're my sworn blade for God's sake! If there was anyone who didn't need to use fancy titles with me, it'd be you."

"Apologies... Alice," Finley mutters. "It simply feels odd addressing a noble lady like yourself so intimately, especially when my own family name is so... Tarnished."

"Intimately?" Alice scoffs. "This is intimate."

Grabbing his broad shoulders and pulling him down wasn't enough, and Alice had to stand on her toes to make up the height difference. Her lips meet his cheek, and his eyes widen in surprise as his hand reaches up to touch the spot of this kiss.

"Remember Finley, I chose you for a reason," Alice declares firmly. "I care little for your family name, and even less for the foolish rules of etiquette and nobility. You're my blade, and that means more than you can imagine. Don't make me regret this."

This time, she can see her words grtting through, and he stands up straight, his chest puffed out and his muscles taut.

"By your command, Alice!" He says with a resolute tone. "Your will be done!"

"Good, that's what I want to see more of," Alice says in goodbye as she heads for the door. "Live up to my expectations, my dear knight."