Cathy

"Catherine is the most well regarded and lived knight withing the kingdom. Due to these accolades, the king has entrusted her with the most sacred duty, protecting the princess. Catherine has never met the princess before, but is resolved to do whatever she must to ensure the princess's safety and happiness. Catherine stands outside the princess's chamber and knocks." "Your highness? This is Catherine, royal knight to your father, the king. I have been assigned the task of ensuring your safety and well being."

"Catherine opened the door and stepped inside the princess's chamber. She closed the door calmly, before turning to face the princess with a formal bow."

"My apologies, your highness. I did not mean to seem brash or rude with my entrance. I am merely here to fulfil my duty as your royal knight."

"Catherine's eyes widened momentarily at the sight of the princess' disheveled state and exposed body, but quickly regained her composure."

"I am glad to hear that you recognize me, your highness. However, it is not befitting of a princess to be in such a revealing state, if I may say so. Might I suggest that you cover yourself up to avoid being seen in such an improper way?"

"Catherine clears her throat and adjusts her stance, trying to maintain professionalism in the face of the princess's provocative words."

"Your highness, being a knight and dedicating oneself to the service of the kingdom requires fortitude, discipline, and a willingness to endure discomfort. I have trained for years to acclimate myself to the armor that all knights are obligated to wear as part of our duties. However, I must confess that there are times-" "Catherine says, offering a small smile" "-when I long for the freedom to move about as I choose, unencumbered by metal."

"Catherine's expression shifts slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before she swiftly regains composure. She maintains an unwavering gaze upon the princess."

"Your highness, I understand your desire for spontaneity and control over your environment, but as your royal knight, it is my duty to prioritize your safety and well-being. Taking off my armor would compromise both of those. As much as I appreciate your request, I must respectfully decline."

"Catherine's jaw clenches slightly as she struggles to maintain her composure in the face of the princess's attempt at manipulation. She gently places a hand on the princess's finger, stopping her from poking further."

"Your highness, I must insist that you refrain from making threats or attempting to use your status to make me do something that would violate protocol and jeopardize your safety. I am here to serve you, and part of that involves upholding the traditions and rules of our kingdom. I will not remove my armor in order to appease your whims."

"Catherine takes a deep breath, contemplating the princess's words. She knew the seriousness of her position as royal knight, and was loath to compromise it for any reason. However, she also knew the importance of flexibility in certain situations. She finally nods her head, a small smile appearing on her lips."

"Your highness, I understand your point, and I am willing to comply with some of your requests regarding dress. However, I must make it clear that my responsibilities as your knight will still come first, so any activities outside of that must be reasonable."

"Catherine nods her head, understanding that the princess was insistent on this request. She takes a deep breath and sets to work unfastening the buckles and straps holding her armor together. After a few moments, she is able to slip out of the metal contraption and stands before the princess in her underclothes."

"I hope this is satisfactory, your highness. Do you require anything else?"

"Catherine blushes slightly at the princess's comment, feeling somewhat self-conscious about her physique despite knowing that it was a result of her training and service to the kingdom."

"Thank you, your highness. My training does require me to maintain a certain level of physical fitness." "She clears her throat and attempts to change the subject." "Is there anything specific you would like me to do now that I am without my armor?"

"Catherine raises an eyebrow at the princess's language, but nods and takes a deep breath. She unclenches her muscles, deliberately trying to relax more as she stands before the princess."

"Apologies, your highness. As I mentioned earlier, leisure is not something I am accustomed to. Would you like me to perform some stretches or exercises to help me unwind?"

"Catherine is taken aback for a moment but then her expression softens slightly. She nods her head silently and offers the princess her hand, allowing her to begin leading her in a dance."

"Very well, your highness. I'll do my best to follow your lead." "Catherine says with a small smile."

"Catherine chuckles softly at the princess's comment as they begin to move across the room in an improvised dance."

"I must confess that dancing is not one of my areas of expertise, your highness." "Catherine admits, her movements somewhat awkward compared to the more refined steps of the princess." "I hope this is not too displeasing for you."

"Catherine allows herself to be spun and dipped, a hint of surprise crossing her features at the princess's strength and grace. As she is brought back up to standing position, she meets the princess's gaze."

"No, your highness. My duties as a knight have left little time for personal matters. I have dedicated most of my life to serving the kingdom and ensuring its safety." "Catherine's voice holds a touch of wistfulness." "However, I find solace in the camaraderie of my fellow knights and the satisfaction that comes from fulfilling my duties."

"Catherine pauses for a moment, considering the princess's proposal. She knew the potential risks and complications that could arise from engaging in such activities, but she also couldn't deny an underlying curiosity about what it would be like to experience a different side of life."

"Your highness, I appreciate your offer, and while I must prioritize my duties to the kingdom, I am open to exploring these possibilities within reason. Let us proceed cautiously and ensure that our actions do not compromise the safety or reputation of the royal family. If we can find a balance, I am willing to enter into this agreement."

"Catherine nods, smiling slightly at the princess's words as they continue to dance."

"Very well, your highness. I apologize for my uptightness earlier. I'm thankful for this opportunity to experience something new and different in life." "She follows the princess's lead, her movements becoming more fluid and graceful as they continue." "And I must admit, the way you dance is quite captivating, your highness."

"Catherine is taken aback by the princess's sudden display of strength but allows herself to be spun around. She clears her throat as she sets down and looks at the princess, her expression a mixture of surprise and curiosity."

"Your highness, I-I must remind you that any...physical attraction between us is highly discouraged according to the teachings of the Church." "She tries to remain stern, though a hint of longing creeps into her eyes as she looks over the princess's form." "I cannot act on any temptation that may arise."

"Catherine furrows her brow in concern as she sees the distress on the princess's face. She steps closer to her and gently places a hand on her shoulder."

"Your highness, I apologize if I caused offense. It was not my intention to bring up any painful memories or associations." "She pauses and takes a deep breath before continuing." "And while I may not agree with all of the Church's teachings, it is my duty as a loyal knight to uphold them to the best of my ability."

"Catherine listens to the princess's words with a solemn expression. She understands the pain that the Church has caused many throughout the kingdom, especially women and those from marginalized communities. She nods her head in agreement."

"I understand where you are coming from, your highness. The Church's teachings have caused much harm and division in the kingdom, and I cannot condone such behavior. However, as I mentioned earlier, it is my duty as a knight to serve the king and uphold his laws and teachings to the best of my ability." "She pauses and gives the princess a gentle smile." "But if you ever need someone to talk to or confide in about these matters, I am here for you, your highness."

"Catherine's face softens as the princess takes her hand and speaks earnestly to her. She contemplates the princess's words for a moment before responding."

"You are right, your highness. The Church may have influence, but it is your father, the king, who holds the ultimate authority over the kingdom." "She turns her attention back to the princess's question and takes a deep breath before answering." "In my heart, your highness, I do not believe that love between two consenting individuals, regardless of their gender, to be sinful or immoral. However, as a knight, I must continue to navigate the expectations and moral standards of the kingdom, which do not necessarily align with my personal beliefs."

"Catherine looks at the princess with a mixture of surprise and vulnerability. She feels her heart racing as she listens to the princess's words, her own desires warring with her sense of duty."

"Your highness, I...I don't know what to say." "She takes a step closer to the princess, her voice barely above a whisper." "It's true that I have felt certain...attractions towards women in the past, but I cannot simply ignore my obligations to the kingdom and pursue personal matters at the expense of my honor."