PLEASE READ: I began writing this story awhile ago but I ended up ignoring it because I have a huge problem reading stories in first person, so I kind of doubted anyone would be interested in it. However, writing in first person tends to help my muse so I add to it when I need help. Now, it's getting to the point where it could actually become a multi-chapter fic, so I decided to post the first part of Chapter One for a response. If it does interest, please let me know. I'm a lot more comfortable writing in first person, so if I get positive feedback, I may have a few more ideas for other stories I've avoided writing because of my reader quirk.

If you're fine with this POV, please let me know. If you're interested in this story in particular, I have to warn you that this first piece is only because I want your opinion (whether a review or PM, I don't care) So any other chapters for this one won't be posted until I'm completely certain it's ready for that.

Okay, thanks for reading! Hope you enjoy :)

Chapter One

Walking into the Barracks, the men and woman I worked with daily - Corporals and Lieutenants alike - were there to greet me with their boisterous applause, a celebration underway in honour of my promotion to Knight-Captain.

It had been three years since I awoke in the village tavern, extremely confused about my strange surroundings. I don't know what happened, or why and quite frankly, I'm still not sure that I care. The terror that had plagued me upon waking, faded quickly with the realisation I had been given a fresh start; this miracle as I often called it, had come at the most opportune time and whether it was fate or fortune, I was going to appreciate it for as long as possible.

"Finally got to meet Her Majesty." My fascination for the Queen had become an often tapped source of amusement among those I had grown close to, the Knight-Commander in particular seemed to relish each and every chance he had to tease me about it. "So.. how was it?"

Despite knowing my own words would one day come back to haunt me, I couldn't seem to help myself as I blurted out the experience. "Weird.. and.. wonderful. Gods that scar above her lip, of which you never once mentioned by the way." The glare I directed at him transformed into a triumphant smirk when a sudden bout of choking followed his amused snort.

The sound caused those in the vicinity to throw worried glances our way, but the smile curling my lips seemed to reassure them and they all eventually went back to their talking and drinking.

As he composed himself, I continued since I had known him long enough to know he'd pursue the topic until he had squeezed every drop of future humiliation from me. While embellishing my tales is a common occurrence, I didn't feel the need this time as the events that unfolded in the throne room slipped from my lips.

xxx

"Three years I have unknowingly paid a complete stranger for her exemplary services. Her accomplishments since she arrived here could fill more books than any one of us could fill in the span of our entire lives."

"Rise, Lady Swan and remove your helm." When I complied with the request, our eyes connected and there was an unmistakable hunger in those inky brown depths. The shiver that passed through me only intensified when the melodic, somewhat dark laugh escaped her perfect lips.

"I cannot say what I am in awe of more- the multitude of heroic deeds or your strikingly good looks." Another chuckle accompanied her words and I couldn't help the blush that warmed my cheeks. While such a comment from most would garner nothing more than a glare - knowing they were probably only trying to get in my pants - hearing it from the woman famed across the realm for her beauty was undeniably different.

Remaining silent, I bowed my head and lowered my gaze to the floor, surprised when a finger suddenly pressed the underside of my chin and raised them once more. "Your respect is noted, but I would rather see those eyes of yours."

Her finger slid from my chin to my throat and around to the back of my neck as she circled me, a tingling sensation trailing in its wake. Using every ounce of my willpower, I managed to resist turning and following her. "Do you think anyone would find it petty if I were to throw Knight-Commander Graham in the dungeon for hiding you from me all this time?"

I assumed the question was rhetorical, but the lack of response seemed to annoy her. "I asked you a question, Swan."

Of course I thought it would be petty and I had no doubt others would think so, but I wasn't stupid and I certainly wasn't going to tell her that. "No one would dare insult you so, my Queen."

"Tsk." The heat from the back of my armour alerted me to the fact I now had the Queen pressed up against me and although I couldn't feel it through the plate, just the thought had my heart rate spiking. "What sort of answer is that?"

I scanned the throne room, meeting the eyes of all those present that the Queen seemed content to ignore for now as her focus remained on me. The fact none of them seemed bothered by the scene concerned me less than it probably should have, distracted by the closeness of the Queen as I was. "It is the answer of a woman who is capable of using her brain and not inclined to be removed from your more favourable.. attentions." I paused as the warmth of her breath caressed my neck, the aforementioned brain short-circuiting at the feeling before I choked out a belated, "My Queen."

"Loyal, brave, gorgeous and intelligent. My my, aren't you a catch." My eyes widened with each word as she practically purred them in to my ear.

Her hand clasped me by the shoulder, a slight pressure applied as she stepped back and raised her voice. "Kneel, Knight-Sergeant."

I did so, without hesitation.

"For your courageous actions over the past three years, the recent rescue of my son Prince Henry and your continued service to the Crown, I hereby grant you the rank of Knight-Captain and award you access to the left-wing of the palace where you will be taking up residence." While I had expected the promotion, it was a well-known fact that none of the Guard stayed within the Palace, at least not beyond the required security duty. It was for this reason that I gasped before I could stop myself, and a smirk curled the Queen's lips at my obvious shock.

xxx

Graham shook his head and laughed. "Well that was anti-climatic."

I had to laugh with him because honestly, he was right. There were so many emotions vying for my attention during the time, but the frustration that came when Regina had sauntered from the throne room had definitely been far more potent than any of the others. "Speaking of, is that normal? The way she acted I mean."

"No.." His brow furrowed in the way it does when he's thinking, so I knew he wasn't finished. "It's not exactly abnormal either."

The disappointment must have shown on my face because his eyes softened and there was a faint smile on his lips. "You misunderstand me. The Queen often displays.. peculiar behaviour. She does as she pleases and doesn't take into account how her actions affect other people."

I nodded my understanding and grinned. "I get it. Though, I think you might be confused about that last part, she knew the exact effect she was having on me."

He laughed again and gave his own nod. "You may be right about that."

I know, it IS short and that's because I went back to the chapter and edited this part only so that I could post. Draft wise, the chapter is longer but this is all I edited. Think of it as a preview, the next part can be merged with chapter two so.. meh. Is it interesting? Does the lack of third person bother you? Want me to post more when I've polished what I have?