So what if the story of the Giants had just been a story… No beans… no Jack…

Would princess Isabelle follow her father's wishes and marry Lord Roderick? Or would she find love after all?

Ok, here it is.. my very first attempt of a story. I'm not used to this, also English is not my native language. Be gentle with me…please

I do not own any of the characters and all that. Rated T for now, maybe M for love… in later chapters (don't worry I'll give you a fair warning and channge the setting).

Her loud voice echoed of the castle walls. In the corridors knights and handmaidens whispered to each other, but stopped and continued their business as soon as Elmont walked by. The news of the upcoming marriage between the princess of Cloister and lord Roderick had been the subject of gossip for weeks. Rumor had is that the princess tried to avoid the union for reasons of the heart. Well from what he could hear now, the rumours had been true!

"But father, WHY do I need to marry now...why do I need to marry HIM"... Isabelle shouted at her father.. "My darling, it's for the best. I've tried to explain it to you before. You have the legal age and it's what is expected of you." ... "that's not really an answer is it" Isabelle replied. The King sighed and looked at his daughter. "Roderick will be good to you. His lands could join ours and the union will provide for food and work for the people". "But father he is 23 years old than me, and I'm not even sure he LIKES me...I want a husband whom I can love, and love me in return". "That's not for a princess, my dear...you're marrying Roderick in the spring and that's that".
Isabelle let out an angry grunt and ran off through the hall. She passed Elmont in the corridor. Leaving a wave of her soft perfume. "Milady", Elmont bowed as she moved by. Even angry she looks beautiful. An unwelcome thought crossed his mind upon seeing her rush outside. Her brown curls framing her flushed face. The quick tapping of her feet in perfect rhythm.

When he got promoted as the princess personal guardian, Elmont wasn´t pleased at first. True, it was the highest position a kings guardian could get, but he believed firmly his place was in the front lines where battle was fought. Not to spend most of his time inside the castle walls protecting the princess at her needle point, geography lessons and dress fittings. He had expected a spoiled little girl that would see him as a part of everyday furniture but princess Isabelle turned out not be anything like that.

Elmont liked the princess the moment he met her. She was just a young girl but coming to an age where men took notice and protection was needed. Isabelle did not like the idea of guards being with her every step outside the castle. Sure on the trips beyond Cloister she had always been accompanied by guards, but inside the village she could go without permission with one of her handmaidens. That had been fun for her. When the King had ordered the extra protection for his daughter, Isabelle had sulked for weeks. Luckily she didn't blame Elmont personally for always needing to be by her side. Isabelle was a free spirit. Not to mention she had a taste for adventure that matched his own!

Elmont liked the way she took an interest in the world and in people. Always wanting to know what was new in town. Helping out the ones that needed helping. Isabelle was smart for her age. He liked talking with her about the problems in the village and the effects of the political decisions her father made. In time Elmont started seeing the princess of Cloister not only as his duty, but as his friend. Not paying respect to her wasn't merely crossing the law, he took it personal.

"ELMONT"...

Elmont shook up from his daydream and rushed to the Kings need.

"Yes Sire?"

"Find her..", the King sighed wearily

"Yes Sire!" Elmont bowed. He left de main hall in pursuit of the princess.

He always knew where to find her. After a boring day she would go to the market to catch a play. If she felt lonely she would make her way to the farms just outside the village to talk to the families that lived there. Today, Elmont was sure to find her in the woods, sitting beside a little loch. Her favorite spot to think, if her mind was troubled.

Outside Elmont called upon two other guards to help him 'search' for Isabelle . "Stuart, Williams... the princess has left without guidance once again. I want the two of you to go into town and look for her there, while I'll search the farmlands." The two men nodded and mounted their horses.

Slowly he walked towards his own horse. He patted her back and whispered "best to take a slow pass today, Rosinant... let's give our princess a little time for herself before we pick her up".

He knew he was disobeying the order of the King, or rather be somewhat "flexible" with his demands. After all, his order was to "find her" not to "find her at once..." .

Elmont was well aware of is feelings for Isabelle growing beyond the levels of professionalism. He knew a union between a guard and a princess would never be allowed. Still in his own way he tried to be a part of her happiness. So if she needed to be by herself, he would make sure she'd have it.