Summary: Standing and protecting were Ruby's duty as the royal family's commanding knight. But with all these suitors flocking to her princess, what was she supposed to do with these unsaid feelings?

*White Rose Week 2020 Day 7: The Princess and Her Knight

"Happy birthday, Princess," the imperial knight standing closest to the head of the banquet table said in a hushed whisper.

The knight straightened up after leaning far enough for the princess to hear her wishings. Branded on the top right side of her steel chest plate was the Schnee's royal crest. With her trusty longsword attached at her hip, the knight kept a vigilant eye for anyone causing misconduct at the party the King and Queen of Atlas threw for their daughter's coming of age. It was the time of celebration as the princess was finally at the ripe age of marriage.

The princess dabbed a napkin on her lips before smiling gratefully at the knight. "Thank you, Ruby. But how many times have I told you to address me as Weiss?"

"Far too many." Ruby then pointed at the corner of her mouth, a silent indication that Weiss had missed a spot. A small blush rose to the princess' cheeks and she quickly wiped it with a napkin. "For an important event such as this, I think it would be best if I address you appropriately, Princess Weiss."

"Ugh," Weiss made a face and set her napkin down on the table. "Saying that is even worse."

"Princess Weiss," Ruby spoke formally again with a teasing glint behind her bright, silver eyes.

"Any further and I might have to order an execution for you, Captain," Weiss sparked with mirth.

Ruby bowed her head to hide her amusement, the steel of her gallant armor clinking when she moved. "If Your Highness wishes for it, I'll have the chefs serve my head on a silver platter."

"Of course you would," Weiss mused, taking a small sip from her wine glass.

That was the response she expected to hear. Ruby served the family, but her unconditional loyalty lied mostly with her. A servant came by to pick up her plate to which Weiss smiled appreciatively for.

"All jokes aside, are you enjoying the party, Princess?" Ruby asked after the servant had left with the empty platter.

"It's lovely," Weiss said at first, crossing one leg over the other in her seat. She swirled her wine inside her glass and stared at her reflection casted by her red drink. The smile that she wore thinned into a small frown. "But it's nothing different than the previous parties my family has thrown. It's just grander with more people of status invited."

Weiss then casted a bored look across the palace's room. Nobles and neighboring royals drank enough wine to dance in festivity. On the far side of the room, her mother and father were being schmoozed by other families of lower standing.

"Would you prefer to walk around the gardens then?" Ruby suggested. "Unless you prefer to dance. The night is still young, and today is dedicated to you."

"I think a walk sounds nice actually." Weiss placed her unfinished wine down on the table and pushed her chair back to stand. Ruby lended a hand to help her up steadily. "Would you like to accompany me?"

"Only if you tolerate my presence."

Weiss chuckled and raised her beautifully threaded dress to keep the bottom hem from dragging when she walked. Taking a few steps ahead of Ruby, she looked back and smiled. "I think your presence was the only thing that made this party more enjoyable."

Ruby warmly smiled at her comment. "Then I would gladly accompany you." She walked closely behind the princess as they quietly excused themselves.

The two only made it halfway through the room before the princess caught the attention of many people. Her mother even beckoned her over. Sighing softly from her lips, Weiss changed her direction and Ruby faithfully followed.

"Weiss!" Queen Willow exclaimed joyfully, her cheeks flushing red from the amount of wine that she consumed during this momentous occasion. "I want you to meet Marquess of Lancaster, Jaune Arc. I was good friends with his mother, Joan Arc, back when we were children! She was always a troublemaker back in the days. She loved to get into fights and often dragged me into trouble."

"Glad to see that the marquess did not inherit any of his mother's traits," King Jacque murmured while stroking his mustache. His cheeks had also glowed, but it couldn't compare to his wife.

"I must be lucky that I didn't draw the short end of the stick," Jaune chuckled. He then cleared his throat and smiled at Weiss. "Happy birthday, Princess." He humbly bowed his head and respectfully took her hand to place a courtly kiss at the back.

Ruby would have sent his head flying with just a draw of her sword, but it was not her place to intervene unless his actions offended the princess. She carefully watched as pleasantries were exchanged.

"Thank you, Lord Arc." Weiss politely smiled, taking back her hand when the marquess had let go.

"Please, Jaune is just fine." He smiled.

"Then, Jaune, I hope you're enjoying yourself tonight."

"I am, thank you." His smile dazzled even more that it almost blinded Ruby. "This is a really splendid party. All of it is wonderful. The entertainment, the music, and the food!" There was a little skip in his voice but Ruby interpreted as an off-key moan. "Especially the food. It tastes better than back home."

"I wouldn't mention that to your mother," the queen quipped. Weiss chuckled and Ruby went with the mood by choosing a smile.

"Let's keep this between us then," Jaune winked.

"Another wine, Lord Arc?" King Jacque picked up a glass from a servant and held it to him.

Jaune politely shook his head. "I think I had enough to drink for today, Your Grace. One more and you might see me swinging from your chandeliers."

The king held the glass to him in offering regardless. "Nonsense! A man knows how to hold his liquor."

"Oh um… Thank you." Jaune took the wine after seeing how impossible it was to refuse the king.

"I strongly advise you to drink responsibly then," Weiss warned with a tease strung in her sentence. Ruby raised an eyebrow when the princess looked at her for some strange reason. "Our guard here might throw you in jail if she catches you misbehaving."

"I think an execution might be more fitting, Your Highness." Ruby replied dutifully.

Jaune gulped and returned the wine back, and Queen Willow patted his back with a hearty laugh.

"Captain Rose jokes."

"You would think." Ruby leaned close to the princess so only she would hear her comment. She prided herself when she saw Weiss trying to hide her laughter, but the princess finally held it together after earning a few questioning eyes.

Weiss cleared her throat. "I think I'm going to turn in for the night."

"But the party just started," the queen booed.

"Hours ago," the king added dismissively.

The queen ignored her husband. "Why don't you stay longer, my dear. Oh, you should dance! I haven't seen you dance all night. You should at least dance once since it's your birthday."

"I'm not so sure, Mother…"

"You'll have fun," Queen Willow insisted. "From the letters Joan had written to me, she describes what an amazing dancer her son is!"

"Me?" Jaune perked up when he heard Joan and son strung together.

"Your mother said you're always the star on the dance floor."

Jaune blushed. "Well… I uh… I do know a few steps."

"Don't be modest!"

Jaune sheepishly smiled and turned to the princess. He respectfully bowed his head again. "If Your Highness allows it," he then offered his hand, "may I have your first dance?"

The musicians at the side of the palace's room had been playing splendidly well with their violins. It wasn't uncommon for the princess to be dancing with strangers, but turning down the Marquess of Lancaster in front of these people would make him look like a fool.

Weiss reluctantly took his hand, but not before exchanging a pensive glance back to Ruby. The knight wanly smiled as Jaune whisked Weiss away to the dance floor. She watched him sweep Weiss off her feet.

"He's a delight," the king grumbled as he watched them spin in circles. They twirled to the music in perfect execution.

"You're being sarcastic aren't you dear?" The queen rolled her eyes.

"He's a gentleman."

"But?" The queen could predict where this was going.

"I don't like him."

"Of course you don't," she huffed. "Captain Rose, what are your impressions of the Marquess of Lancaster?"

Ruby knew better than to lie. "A charming noodle, Your Majesty."

The king bellowed a laugh when he caught the knight's dry humor. "It seems Rose doesn't like him either. My daughter will need to find a suitor fit to be king. He does not look reliable enough to lead Atlas to another era of prosperity. What is he going to do? Charm the citizens with his dancing?"

"He is a good dancer…" Queen Willow mumbled as she watched Lord Arc lead Weiss into an outward spin before pulling her back in safely. "Then who do you suggest?"

Everyone clapped when the marquess and the princess finished with a dip. Jaune bowed his head, thanking the princess for honoring him with a dance, and soon Weiss found herself in a predicament. People, bolstered with more courage, lined up to dance with her.

The walk in the garden was long forgotten as Weiss reluctantly accepted a few more. Ruby observed from the sidelines as she watched the princess dance the night away. For every boy that came up and offered his hand, the king and queen jabbered away about who was fit for their daughter. Ruby silently stood there and watched everything play out, chiming in once in a while when the king or queen asked for her opinion.

When Ruby caught wind of Weiss fumbling in her steps, she dutifully intervened at the end of the princess' dance. It may have gone unnoticed by the audience, but it couldn't escape from her vigilant eyes. It was time to call it a night.

"Shall I have the maids draw a bath for you, Your Highness?" Ruby asked while escorting the princess through the hallways to her chamber.

"Ruby, you can drop the formalities. It's just us here," Weiss said in a tired voice. "Have them draw a bath in the morning. I think I plan to sleep right away."

"Of course, Weiss. I'll let them know."

"Thank you. I wished my mother never suggested dancing," she sighed. "My feet are killing me. I have a strong feeling they'll be hurting tomorrow in the morning."

Ruby chuckled quietly. "You were tripping."

"I did not!" Weiss was quick to deny.

"Weiss, you almost pushed that poor boy down just to hold yourself upright."

"Oh…" Weiss winced when she recalled something vaguely close to that. "You saw that?"

"Every second of it," Ruby snickered.

"You suck."

"Your dancing sucks," she fired back.

Weiss exaggerated a gasp. "They do not."

"You almost tripped," Ruby reminded her again.

"For good reasons being that I was tired. I don't see you trying to dance." Weiss humphed.

"I am an excellent dancer," Ruby gloated.

"Yeah, right," Weiss muttered in disbelief.

"I'm just on duty all the time."

"Just admit your dancing sucks more than mine," Weiss teased.

"My dancing is waay better than yours," Ruby said in a smug grin that the king would hang a peasant for.

"Har, har, har." Weiss rolled her eyes. "You should be the jester for our next entertainment. My father would be pleased."

"I can pull that off. He found it hilarious when I called Lord Arc a piece of dangling pasta."

Weiss snorted. "How did he suddenly come into the conversation?"

Ruby fluttered a hand in the air. "A potential suitor."

"Oh god."

"I know right?" Ruby snickered again. "We're here." She stopped outside of the princess' chambers and held the door open for her. "I'll see you sometime tomorrow, Weiss. Have a goodnight."

"You're not coming in?" Weiss asked, her head tilting in such a way that caught Ruby off guard.

"I-I uh — I'm sorry?"

Weiss softly sighed and pulled her hair behind her ear. She stepped out of the way to encourage Ruby to come in. "We can chat a little bit more before I sleep."

Ruby was conflicted. "I'm not so sure if — "

"Just come in." Weiss didn't leave room for Ruby to argue as she tugged the knight in. She left Ruby confused by the door as she made her way to the bathroom. "See no harm right?" Her voice echoed from the bathroom as it was left open. It made conversing easier without a door blocking out the sounds. "You won't be executed for stepping into the princess' quarters."

"Uhh… Are you sure?" Ruby gulped. She could not see the princess in the bathroom from where she was standing, but she regretted looking at one of the mirrors on the wall. With the way it was angled, it reflected directly to the bathroom and gave her the view of Weiss.

"What are you going to do, execute yourself?" Weiss wryly laughed.

Ruby could see the back of the princess' dress. She had never noticed but there was far less coverage than she thought. It was almost backless, flattering the princess' figure in a somewhat modest way.

"Actually, don't answer that," Weiss continued speaking. "I might end up seeing your head on a silver platter tomorrow morning."

The dress slid off the princess' shoulders as it unraveled down.

"Did you enjoy yourself tonight, Ruby?" Weiss asked. "I know you were on duty, but I hoped you had a little bit of fun today."

Her dress fell to the floor slowly until her entire backside was exposed. Milky, smooth skin that gleamed with sweat from tonight's dancing.

"Y-Yeah," Ruby stuttered, trying to pry her eyes off the mirror. It was hard when it gave her a perfect display of everything, including below the waist. "I-I am enjoying the night. I mean I did enjoy it."

"I think you deserve some time off. You're always working hard. If you're not babysitting me, you're at the barracks. I don't ever see you relax."

"Y-You don't need to worry about me. I like watching you — I-I-I mean babysitting you — working in general, I guess."

When Weiss was about to turn around, Ruby slapped her face to cover her eyes. She finally took reins of her self control and turned away from the mirror. Seeing the backside was enough. She couldn't imagine what she would do if she saw all of the entire frontside.

"Really?" Weiss asked, sounding unconvinced.

"Yes." Ruby choked out.

She closed her eyes and tried to calm down. There were so many thoughts wildly running in her mind. Ravishing her princess in bed and making her mewl in the most inappropriate way was one of them. Ruby perished the thoughts.

"Ruby?"

"Huh?" When Ruby opened her eyes, Weiss had already stepped out of the bathroom in her sleeping attire. It seemed she had already brushed her teeth.

"Are you okay?" Weiss closed the distance and placed a hand on Ruby's forehead. "You're feeling a little feverish."

"I-I'm okay, Weiss." Ruby pulled a smidge away. "I'm fine, really. I think I have a headache coming about."

As Ruby ushered the princess to bed, Weiss looked over her shoulders. The knight's face glowed with a tinge of red, and she knew Ruby did not touch a single glass of wine today.

"Should I ask the maids to bring you medicine?" Weiss asked. "Maybe a cup of water?"

"N-Nah," Ruby motioned Weiss to slip into bed. Tucking the princess in her bed was not entailed in her job, so she felt like one of her maids. "The armor is a little stuffy right now. I'll take it off when you go to sleep."

"Are you sure?" Weiss yawned. She started teetering on the borders of sleep.

"I'm positive," Ruby nodded. If her nod was unnormally frantic then Weiss didn't seem to notice as her eyes slowly shut.

"Sorry I can't see you out," she mumbled. "I'm just… Tired."

"It's alright. Sleep, Weiss."

"Okay." There was a small smile on her lips. "Goodnight, Ruby."

Weiss was out in a minute. Ruby watched the princess sleep peacefully. Her beautiful alabaster hair strayed messily across her pillow, and her lips parted as she breathed in an even pace.

Her lips were the most captivating part. The radiating moonlight trickled through the window and casted a shimmering gloss on her lips. It drew Ruby closer and closer. She could kiss the princess without anyone knowing, but she stopped herself before she could.

This was wrong on so many levels.

A knight should be protecting the princess, not harboring romantic feelings.

Ruby pulled herself up straight and turned back to the doorway.

"Goodnight, my princess."

The palace was decked out in another festivity. Maids and busboys were dressed up to cater to the royals and nobles gathered in the outrageously large room. It was more of a socializing event rather than a celebration.

The princess' birthday had been ages ago, but rumors had been spreading across the kingdom that the princess was looking for a suitor.

"How about that boy over there?" Queen Willow whimsically gestured across the room. It was hard to tell who she was pointing at when there were so many people. "What was his name again? Married..? Mary...?"

"Henry Marigold, Your Grace," Ruby assisted her.

"That's right!" The queen clapped her hand once the name started to jog her memories. "Henry Marigold. What is your impression of him? Do you think he and Weiss look good together?"

"Your future grandchildren will be undesirable."

King Jacque choked on his wine that he had been sipping so carefully.

"My apologies, My King," Ruby flagged a maid down to get him a handkerchief. "I might have overstepped my boundaries with my words."

"No, no," the king cleaned himself up, though it required more than one handkerchief. "I was not expecting that, Rose."

He casted a worried glance at his daughter who was on the other side of the room. The many boys who had flocked towards her with their heart in hand dwindled in numbers. She had been surrounded by many for the past hour, but only a handful were able to hold down their own fort.

"I do not understand why it is so hard for my daughter to find someone," King Jacque fussed. He then looked to Ruby with a serious question in mind. "She's not repulsively ugly is she, Rose?"

"Not at all," Ruby mustered down her chuckle. "Her beauty is unmatched."

She observed Weiss from afar as another suitor left the princess' circle in discouragement. There were many people holding impressive titles, but none of them seemed to strike the princess' interest.

"Perhaps I should pick a suitor for her," King Jacque mumbled.

"As if you know who fits best for our daughter." Queen Willow shook her head.

"Archduke Cardin Winchester of Cardinal was a promising man when I had met him."

"A man who came down a line of lowly swordsmen. I thought you wanted someone to lead Atlas into prosperity not doom."

Ruby quietly listened to the king and queen squabble. Her silver eyes had never left Weiss as she watched the princess endure a long hour of what she assumed was tedious conversation.

Another suitor had left the circle as he slumped off in dejection. One blue haired fellow seemed to be steadfast as he jabbered away. He looked charming, but his mouth was moving non stop as far as Ruby could tell. It was a shame she never learned how to read lips, but she knew how to read cues.

Weiss had casted a weary glance at her. It was the look that said 'save me please.' Dutifully, Ruby walked up to the princess and cut into their conversation.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Princess, but your father and mother needs you," Ruby flat out lied.

"Is that so?" Weiss clicked her tongue, but she had never looked so relieved in her life. "It seems to me that we have to cut our conversation short, Lord Vasilias."

"Aww that is such a shame!" Lord Vasilias looked extremely bummed out. "But I shouldn't keep you too long from the king and queen. I hope we speak soon, Princess. My city humbly welcomes you, and I would love to continue our chat then."

Weiss simply bowed her head out of respect and Ruby led her away.

"Oh thank goodness," Weiss sighed in relief once she was out of ear range. "It was really a one-sided conversation. He droned on and on so much that it drove away the others. I'm thankful for that, but heavens, he doesn't know how to shut up."

"I saw your cry for help," Ruby chuckled. "I think I need a promotion with all these heroic rescues."

"My hero." Weiss flapped a hand to her own chest jokingly. "How should I ever reward you? Gold? Your own city? What do you desire the most?"

Ruby stole a glance at Weiss before her eyes looked straight ahead. "Nothing. I have mostly everything."

Lord Vasilias had busied himself with other women that he didn't notice them straying the opposite direction from the king and queen. Upon Weiss' preference, they went somewhere more secluded.

"What did my father and mother discuss about this time?" Weiss asked.

They took a stroll to the gardens. It was something she always enjoyed, especially with good company such as Ruby. She had known the knight for so long that they were so comfortable together.

"Take a wild guess."

"Suitors," Weiss said dryly.

"Ding, ding, ding," Ruby chimed, plucking a rose from the hedges and handing it to the princess as a victory prize.

Weiss softly laughed. She took the flower and twirled it in her fingers. "Who did they mention?"

"Henry Marigold."

Weiss crinkled her face in disgust. "Him? Really?"

"The queen asked for my opinion."

"And you said?"

"Their grandchildren will be ugly," she replied nonchalantly.

"Of course you would say that," Weiss snickered. "You have no shame."

"I try not to say things that are out of line," Ruby guiltily smiled.

"You're lucky that you are my parents' favorite. If you weren't, Father would have you hung."

"Speaking of your father, he was concerned," Ruby said. She took the flower from Weiss' hand because the princess had a careless habit of pricking herself on the thorns. "You have received a lot of attention today, but he was wondering why you were having a hard time picking someone."

The mirth in the princess' eyes died when the subject was brought up. She sighed and took a seat at a nearby bench. Ruby followed and sat down next to her.

"It's not easy." The princess' eyes fell to the floor and lingered there as if she was lost in conflicting thoughts.

"I'm sure it's not. It takes time to find the one."

"It's more like the one isn't giving me the right attention."

"Oh." Ruby scratched the back of her neck. She wasn't sure what to do with the jumbled up feelings she felt inside her chest. She knew one day Weiss would be looking at someone else, but it still hurt the same. "I'm sorry to hear that. I'm certain they'll come around soon. You're a sweet, likable person."

Weiss shifted her eyes up from the ground, smiled at Ruby, but dropped her gaze.

"Weiss?" Ruby asked tentatively. Something was bothering the princess.

"Thank you, Ruby."

The next party the king and queen decided to host was a little more creative. If physical appearances did not work for the princess then they decided on a new approach.

"Stuck on duty again?"

Ruby turned to the person who was trying to strike a conversation with her. The woman wore a floor length dress that perfectly hugged her figure. It was pearl white like the elegantly styled up hair, just with blue threads beautifully laced in the right places. Like everyone else in the room, she also wore a mask decorated with white feathers that complemented her dress and covered the upper half of her face.

"It's my job," Ruby politely smiled at the woman.

"Don't you think it's rather boring?"

"I enjoy my job," Ruby clipped her response.

"Of course…"

Ruby frowned because that sounded vaguely similar to what the princess would say to her.

"Don't you ever want to skip?" The woman wondered out loud.

"Not particularly." Ruby kept it short.

"Even if it's just to have fun?"

"Doesn't come to mind."

"Don't you want to eat something at least?"

"Already did."

"How about a drink?"

"I prefer to stay sober."

"Water?"

"No, thank you."

The woman gave a stomp of frustration with the conversation going nowhere. But it didn't seem she was close to giving in.

"Would you happen to know where I can find the princess?" The woman hummed, revealing her ulterior motives. "It's hard to find her when everyone is hiding behind a mask. I was hoping you would know."

Ruby inwardly sighed.

"It's not hard to find the flower in the room if it's surrounded by hideous weeds," Ruby replied dryly.

She hoped she had offended the woman, but instead she found her laughing. "I'll keep that in mind, Ruby."

Ruby furrowed her brows and swung one long glance at the woman who seemed awfully amused. "Er…? Princ —"

The woman pressed a finger on Ruby's lips before she could say anymore. She was enjoying her anonymity, and if Ruby couldn't see through her, then that was a good sign.

"In the flesh," Weiss whispered very low. Ruby thought she had winked at her, but with the mask the princess wore, it was difficult to tell.

"I-I uh… I'm sorry," Ruby muttered when Weiss pulled away. Weiss stood next to the knight as they overlooked the party that was in full swing. People were dressed up with masks that were similar to the princess'. "This is why I don't like masquerades. I can't tell who is who."

"It's a fun idea." Weiss lifted a hand to cover her laugh. "It's fun to mess with you."

"I could've accidentally thrown you in jail," Ruby resisted the urge to pout. "That would've been a disaster."

"Being in jail sounds more peaceful than here actually."

"The kingdom would then riot."

"Hm." Weiss made a sound like that wasn't the worst thing that could happen.

Ruby thought of an alternative possibility. "Your parents might have my head."

"Oh," she seriously took it into consideration. "That would be bad."

Ruby just shook her head, smiling. "Are you enjoying the party considering no one knows who you are?"

"Yes, it's nice to roam around free. I can do whatever I please, speak to whomever I want, and say whatever I like."

"That's very true." Ruby nodded quietly. "Shouldn't you be mingling?"

She then nudged her head, gesturing to the middle of the room where all the socializing was happening.

"I'm mingling with you," Weiss justified. It was a very good point, Ruby had to admit.

"I meant with other people. We have plenty of other days to talk. I feel like this is more of a special occasion, and it might be best to spend it accordingly."

"I'd rather not," she retorted. "The conversation is all the same. It gets tiresome after a couple of minutes. Besides, what's wrong with spending it with you?"

It made Ruby's heart flutter a couple beats after hearing Weiss would rather spend her time with her, but she made sure not to let it go to her head. Weiss was the princess, after all, and she was just her guard. There was no underlying meaning.

"Nothing wrong," Ruby murmured. "I figured it would be better to spend it trying to find the one."

Weiss glanced at Ruby, but with the mask on, the knight couldn't see her confused expression. "The one?"

"Yeah, the one." Ruby vaguely gestured at the crowd of people. "The one you have your eyes on. They must be hiding somewhere. I figured it must be hard to find the person."

"Oh." Weiss said wanly, finally understanding what Ruby was saying. "I suppose I did then..."

"Really? That's great!" Despite the enthusiasm in her voice, she gave Weiss a bittersweet smile.

"Is that so…?"

"Isn't this your chance then? Since they don't know who you are, it'll be great to spend some time. Maybe if you play your cards right, they'll look at you in another light."

Hearing Ruby ramble made Weiss sigh in resignation. "Then I should probably take off."

Her tone sounded so distant just now, and Ruby hated to see her walk away. Before Weiss disappeared to the middle of the room, she looked over her shoulders with an ambivalent smile.

"Take it easy, Ruby."

Then, she vanished amongst the crowd.

Ruby spent an hour of the night guarding around the perimeter of the palace's room. Once in a while, the princess would catch her attention. Weiss was roaming free like a butterfly until she disappeared. She floated from one group to another, speaking to whoever she pleases. Ruby had noticed how she laughed here, smiled there, and danced out of courtesy.

A random idea intruded her thoughts while she stood there. She couldn't help but to think that maybe she should take some time to enjoy the party. It was a risky move on her part to leave her post, but the idea was tempting.

Ruby made eye contact with another guard and beckoned her over. Her subordinate saluted first before speaking when she came to her side.

"Yes, Captain?"

"Can you take my station, Nikos?" Ruby asked. "I'm afraid I'm going to retire tonight."

"I don't mind at all. Are you not feeling well?" The look of concern on Niko's face made Ruby a little more guilty for doing something so… Selfish.

"Something like that," Ruby tried to put on a tired smile.

"Then I hope you rest well, Captain."

"Thank you, Nikos."

Ruby excused herself. She strode down the corridor to her room the king and queen was kind enough to give. Once she slipped into her bedroom, she shrugged her armor off and rifled her closet.

There were ball gowns that she had received but never had the chance to wear. She could come out of her room with a spectacular dress, but she wanted something more… Daring. It was one night. No one would have any clue who she was at the masquerade party.

She settled for a suit.

Ruby went to her vanity and picked up a comb. She slicked through her tresses backwards and added gel to tame the flyaway pieces. Once they stayed, she slipped on a mask that covered the upper half of her face. With one final approving glance, Ruby headed off.

It was one night. No one would know.

The confidence Ruby had before she left her chamber shriveled to a pea when she stepped back into the palace's room. She felt out of place without her armor, naked even despite wearing a suit. Nikos was still stationed at her spot looking attentive.

Ruby managed to go with it despite her confidence in the gutter. She took a glass of wine to blend right in and took a sip. She didn't like wine, but she forced herself to drink it anyways.

Halfway through her glass, she caught a glimpse of the princess hanging back by the refreshment table. It was odd to see Weiss alone without her typical flock of suitors surrounding her, but Ruby supposed today was different. It was a masquerade after all.

Ruby adjusted her mask. After ensuring its security, she made her way to the princess and offered a glass of wine that she picked up along the way. "Cheers to the socially awkward?"

Weiss jolted when she didn't notice someone was standing next to her. She turned and saw a man holding a glass of wine for her. He had his crimson red hair slicked backwards. His intricate mask obscured his eyes but it didn't hide his smoldering smile. Through the small slits on his mask, Weiss couldn't distinguish the color of his eyes, let alone see them. His voice was a pitch higher than other boys, but Weiss supposed every man was different.

"No, but cheers anyways." The princess politely accepted the wine and they tapped each other's glass.

"What are you looking at?" Ruby asked after sipping her wine. She followed where her head pointed and it matched directly with Nikos. "Is it the guard across the room?"

"You can say something like that."

Ruby expected her to dive into more details, but when Weiss never did, she understood why most of her suitors returned empty handed. Weiss was evidently aloof, and Ruby assumed since she was impersonating a man she was about to receive the same treatment.

"Hmm…" Ruby cupped her chin pondering. She didn't let the cold shoulder dissuade her. "Got a grudge against her?"

The princess let out a chuckle, but Ruby knew it was forced. There was a distinguishable difference between her real laugh and this laugh.

"No, none of that. Pyrrha is a good person at heart."

"Yeah, she's way too good for her own good."

Weiss did a double take. "Have you met her before...?"

"Once? Twice?" Having to lie to Her Highness pained her, but she went with the punches. "She just looks very, very kind."

"Hm, I see. So, what brings you all the way over here? The fun is closer to the heart of the room."

It was her own instincts that led Ruby here in the first place, but she kept that to herself. "I like to hang around the punch bowl?"

"Right…" Weiss carefully took a sip from her wine glass. "I assume you're hiding from all the attraction you're getting?"

It didn't occur to Ruby that a few women who were chatting amongst themselves had been stealing glances until Weiss brought it up. One of them even giggled and shyly waved at Ruby when she looked in her direction.

It was flattering to be the center of attention, even if she was perceived as a gentleman, but there was only one attention that really mattered the most.

"I-It's probably the weird looking mask I'm wearing," Ruby said while fiddling with the bottom of her mask. "It was the only thing I could find at the last minute."

"It's unique," Weiss admitted, pretending to be a little curious. "How did it end up being in your possession?"

"I stole it."

"Pardon?"

"Sorry, I confiscated this from a criminal." Ruby added for clarification.

"Ah, I see…" Whatever interest Weiss had left was now gone because she could already predict how this conversation will unfold. The man will brag about his incredible story of how he subdued the criminal in the most heroic way possible just to make her swoon. Men were all the same.

"Do I look stupid with this mask?"

"Pardon?" Weiss was not expecting that to come out of his mouth. The man fiddled with his mask again.

"I feel like this mask makes me look silly. I think it looks better on the criminal than on me."

Weiss got a better look on the man and thought about it. "I believe it looks good on you."

Ruby perked up when the princess indirectly complimented her.

"Really?"

"The red accents go well with your hair." Weiss nodded. "Are you not going to finish your story?"

Ruby cocked her head. "What story?"

"About the criminal."

Ruby chuckled because she never pegged the princess to be interested in the first place. "He was a shady cult leader preaching about a new revolution."

Weiss hummed. "That's it?" She was expecting a story of guts and glory.

"It was very anticlimactic. I'm not going to bore you with details. And believe me, I'm the type of person who would unintentionally ramble. My mouth knows no limits."

Weiss laughed, and for once, Ruby could tell it was more genuine. It made her heart skip again, and she could hear it drumming in her ears.

"I'll trust you then," Weiss said.

Ruby gave her a smile. Their conversation fell comfortably silent and she listened to the pianist fluidly glide his fingers across the keys to play a slow song. A violinist then harmoniously joined in the percussion, and together with a few mellow notes from the flute, they played a wonderful melody.

Listening to the music reminded Ruby that there was one thing left that she still hasn't done. Hiding behind her mask gave her the confidence boost she needed, so she placed down her empty glass to ask the most important question of the night.

"Your Highness, would you care to dance?"

Weiss skeptically looked at the hand held out to her. She then bit her lips and her eyes flicked up. "That depends… Are you good at dancing?"

"Way better than most people here," Ruby assured her.

Weiss softly smiled and took the hand offered to her. "I'd love to actually."

Ruby felt her heart fluttering again and butterflies blooming in her stomach, but she maintained all composure as she led the princess to the center of the room. She bowed and Weiss curtsided before settling in their positions. Ruby placed a gentle hand around the princess' waist and held her hand.

Being almost body-to-body close with Weiss sent a rush of nervousness and yet excitement through her. Everything about this felt surreal, but she reminded herself to breathe. Right now she wasn't Ruby. She was just another gentleman to Weiss.

Her body finally learned to relax, and the moment the music cued into a rhythm, they danced.

All those numerous days of watching the Princess during her dance lessons paid off. She knew how Weiss liked to step and where. Watching how she moved was no different than analyzing her opponent in combat.

They moved gracefully across the floor, and spun and danced, swinging harmoniously together in beautiful movements. The music sped up and so did their pace, but Ruby knew how to adapt. Where Weiss went, she kept up. Wherever Ruby glided, Weiss closely followed.

Ruby guided the princess through a slow twirl and pulled her back in. Her body moved naturally like it knew what to do. Dancing with Weiss in her arms, she wished this moment lasted forever. But all good things came to an end, so Ruby savored the moment. The music weightlessly carried them through the night as the melody mellowed into just piano.

As they slowed into swaying steps, Ruby snapped from her reverie when the audience applauded at their amazing performance. She had gotten so lost in Weiss' smile that she didn't notice a large crowd had gathered around them.

"I believe you might have a few adoring fans." Weiss said very lightheartedly after catching a few women swooned by her dance partner.

"Me?" Ruby asked, bemused. "I think they're captivated by you."

"Can you even see through that mask of yours?" Weiss teased. "Clearly you missed all those jealous eyes."

"Quite clearly, but they're not the one I'm trying to impress."

"And who might that be?"

Ruby just smiled at her.

Weiss didn't need another second to figure out why her dance partner had gone quiet. "Verdict is still out," Weiss hummed. "Where did you learn how to dance? Did you have a dance partner to teach you?"

"I learned by watching — and a broomstick makes a fantastic partner."

"That's kind of sad," Weiss laughed and Ruby joined in on the laughter too. "It seems the attention we're getting isn't going away soon. Would you like to take a walk?"

Ruby glanced sideways and noticed a few from the crowd were getting antsy. They were itching to dance as they waited for the right moment to whisk one of them away.

However, Ruby didn't give them a chance. "Is there a particular place you have in mind?"

"There is actually," Weiss replied. Tonight, many of the guest's hearts were shattered as Weiss led her partner out of the palace's room to get some fresh air. "Have you ever been to the gardens?"

"Not entirely familiar with the area." It was a white lie, and Ruby felt guilty for it.

"You would love it."

With the party forgotten, they strolled out to the gardens. Ruby knew by heart the path they were walking on, but she pretended to let Weiss do all the guiding.

"What do you think?" Weiss asked.

There were lamps lighting down their path which allowed them to get a glimpse of the meadow of white roses that the gardeners had wonderfully taken care of. They were in full bloom this season and its petals glimmered underneath the stars.

"They're beautiful."

"I told you that you would love it," Weiss said, smiling. She led her partner down the path to a nearby bench and gestured to sit. "I have a question for you."

"Go on." Ruby took a seat on the bench. Weiss sat down close enough that their thighs touched.

"Will I know the name of this gentleman wearing an absolutely dashing suit tonight?"

Her question caught Ruby off guard because she never thought of an alias.

"M-My name isn't really a piece of art," Ruby tried playing it off. "It's not worth knowing. The family that I'm from isn't very distinguished…"

"I couldn't care less about your title." The smile on Weiss' face was one of her rare ones. Unlike the practiced smile she had shown to most of her guests, this wasn't a facade. "Whatever your roots may be, my opinion of you wouldn't change."

"I-I don't know," Ruby rubbed her arm anxiously. A part of her bursted with joy that Weiss had actually smiled like that at her. Yet, another part of her broke because it wasn't meant for her. "Your opinion of me would change once you see what this mask hides underneath."

Weiss reached over and cradled those hands that had been fiddling together. It was smaller than an average man but more callus. She ran a thumb over the rough pad already knowing her dance partner wasn't born a nobleman. People with such titles wouldn't dare blemish their skins with scars and hard calluses.

"What makes you say that?" Weiss asked.

Ruby blushed when the princess had been tracing and examining her hand. She didn't move when a thumb glossed over a rough blister. "I… I'm ugly?"

Weiss let go of the hand and giggled. "Really now?"

"Pretty hideous," Ruby nodded frantically, rolling with the terrible lie. Instead of Weiss repulsively scooting further away, she found the princess looping an arm around her elbow and leaning into her shoulder.

"Well, I don't think you're hideous at all," she said quietly.

"I-I don't know…" Ruby damned herself for stuttering. Her chest gripped and screamed yes! with how close the princess was, but it terrified her at the same time. "You might not — "

Ruby widened her eyes when Weiss pressed a finger against her lips. It felt so cold against the surface, but her body burned so hot, especially when Weiss looked at her so longingly like that.

"I think you're beautiful."

Weiss leaned in, and before Ruby could process anything, they were kissing. Other than their mask bumping, it was all Ruby dreamed of when she allowed herself to melt into it. The princess tasted so sweet against her lips that she pushed harder to squeeze more out of it. It didn't taste like wine or any of the party's desserts. It tasted like Weiss, and she liked Weiss.

She had never felt so alive. It felt like she was drifting into cloud nine. Her heart thrashed wildly while her fingers curled into Weiss' soft hair. She had been treating the princess delicately for the first few kisses, but then when she wanted so much more, her hands started threading a fistful of Weiss' hair to pull her in deeper.

Weiss happily reciprocated. The slicked back hair Ruby once tamed had now been entirely rearranged by Weiss. The princess roughly tangled her fingers through them and yanked harshly to bring Ruby closer.

She silently demanded for more, and Ruby obliged to every single kiss. She was prepared to slip her tongue in, but at the last second, she restrained herself. Their lips crushed against each other and gave chase when one tried to part ways. Every time one stole a breath, the other stole it right back.

Weiss parted her lips and let out a throaty moan, and Ruby instantly tore herself away. This wasn't a dream, this was all real. The night was going too well, and she felt horribly guilty for leading Weiss on.

"I-I shouldn't be doing this." Ruby stammered, quickly jumping to her feet to put some distance between them. It wasn't fair to Weiss because she wasn't the man the princess thought she was kissing. She was a fraud. "I'm sorry," Ruby blurted. "I am so, so sorry. It's not you, I promise. Being with you has been amazing — the best in my life — but I'm not the man you think I am. I'm really sorry."

Ruby rambled on with her apologies that she didn't realize Weiss had pulled off her own mask after she stood.

The princess had warm, gentle eyes. She reached over to Ruby's hands and held them together.

"Ruby," Weiss tenderly smiled. "I've known."

"Y-You… You — what?" Ruby's jaw went slack from shock. "How did you… When?"

Weiss lifted her hand and gently removed Ruby's mask. She let it slip from her fingers so her hand could rove freely against Ruby's cheek. Her skin felt cold against her palms, but that made Weiss more eager to warm them up.

"You're the only one who knows I'm the princess in this party. Before you asked me to dance, you addressed me as 'Your Highness'. I put the two together."

"Oh…" Ruby hadn't known she slipped up and she inwardly cursed herself. "Forgive me, Princess. This was really selfish of me. I didn't know what went in my head or why I thought this was a good — "

Weiss pressed a finger against Ruby's lips again, and Ruby snapped her mouth shut like it was a conditioned behavior. The princess silently traced her lips with just the tip. If Ruby hadn't known any better, she would've thought the princess wanted her to stop talking altogether. But this? This was intimate, and Ruby watched her in mesmerization. She never knew Weiss' touch could make her feel this good.

"Do you regret it?" Weiss asked inquisitively.

Ruby asked herself multiple times but her heart always reached the same answer. "No, I don't."

She saw how Weiss fluttered her eyes shut and tilted her head a certain way, so she met her halfway until they were kissing again. Their kiss was slower. For every push Weiss gave, Ruby exerted the same amount of force and desire.

"Princess…" Ruby hesitantly murmured as she let go of the kiss.

Before Ruby had a chance to say another word, Weiss claimed her lips again. Weiss kissed her with an unhurried fervor while her fingers had gotten lost into Ruby's hair again.

"Princess," Ruby tried again when the kiss temporarily broke. Her breath was ragged, but she wasn't alone. Weiss had also been left breathless.

"Shh…" Weiss hushed her. "Don't think about it. For one night, let's forget I'm the princess. For one night, let's forget you're a knight. I'm just Weiss, you're just Ruby, and we're just two women in love."

Ruby closed her eyes and let out a breathless, "okay". She surrendered herself to Weiss as she felt her lips pressed against hers. That was an idea she could get behind.

This concludes White Rose Week 2020 for me. Due to skipping a couple of days, I finished earlier. I had a great time writing for all these fantastic prompts and I'm glad that I was able to share it to you all.