The King's Guard (BL)

Guard

"You called, father?" I greeted.

"There's been a change in arrangements, my dear boy." my father stood from his throne and we began to walk as he continued.
"What do you mean, father?"
"I will be leading the war against Tazkaban."
"What...?" My heart practically shattered.

He can't do this. He's aging and Tazkaban is one of the most ruthless countries that occupy this earth. They'll crush him. He couldn't possibly think this was a good idea.

"Father, you can't be serious." I stated as we made it to the gardens.
"I am very serious, Aspen. This isn't a laughing matter." He observed the tulips.
"You can't do this!"
"Watch your tone, Aspen."
"Who will watch the country and stay at the castle while you're gone? Who will make sure every thing is rationed fairly? If you leave then who-..."
"You will take care of those responsibilities." he claimed with pride.
"M-me?"
"Yes, you."
"Father, I do not know the first thing about being a king! I'd rather you put me out in the war!"
"I believe you'll do fine." he smiled.

Damn you, old man. He puts far too much faith in me.

"And if there is trouble here? Who's to call for assistance? I cannot be left in charge of a place I cannot protect."
"Which brings me to my next statement. You will be given a guard."
"A GUARD?!" I shouted redundantly.

He shot me a glare to say I shouldn't raise my voice. Which is what I was taught since I was young. Kings and future kings should not raise their voices when upset. They are seen as animals and incapable of being rational.

"I'm sorry, father, but I haven't needed a guard since I was a child. I am trained. What would I do with a guard?" I questioned.
"Really? Just a second ago you were saying you couldn't protect and now you're overqualified?" he laughed.

I looked away from him since he'd found the flaw in my logic.

"You will be given a guard, Aspen, and I won't hear anything else about it. It's for your safety. You may be trained in the eyes of a king but you are not fit to be a warrior. A strong soldier is far different from a boy who was taught sword lessons at a tender age."
I didn't respond but just looked at the gravel beneath my feet.
"He has already been chosen."
"Without my assistance?" I wondered and looked at my father.
"He's a retired soldier."
"You've hired an old man to watch after me?" I asked. I was a tad bit offended.
"No, you simpleton. He is only a few years older than yourself. He was injured a while back and took leave. I believe he is a hero. I'd rather he didn't continue to fight. He's done enough for this country."
"Father, I am 23. I am not that old and he is only a few years older. How could he have possibly done as much as you say he has and I not hear about it?" I asked.
"We keep things quiet. Some things are not meant for everyone to know. However, I do trust him with your life."

He grabbed a pail and sprinkled water over the rose bushes.

"I don't understand." I stated.
"Then it is not for you to understand. He should be riding in soon. You two will meet and become acquainted since he won't be too far from you at all times."
"He has to follow me around?"
"Precisely."
"Father." I called in disappointment.
"Aspen, it is not like he is your babysitter. Think of him as a close friend there to guard and protect you or lead you on the right path."

The door opened.

"Your highness, I am sorry to interrupt you and Prince Aspen's conversation but Sir Nathan is here to see you."

Nathan?

"Thank you, Michael."

Michael went back inside of the castle.

"Come now, my boy. It's time you met your new guard." My father said and planted his hand onto my shoulder.

He led me back inside and we found ourselves back in his throne room.

"I will be telling him that I don't need a guard and send him home." I stated as my father sat.
"You will do no such thing. You will welcome him and show him to his room." I heard a door open but I looked at my father as he spoke to me.
"How is that my duty? Shouldn't you get one of the servants to do such a task?"

Rude of him to make me a butler.

"Aspen, you know better than to talk back. Why are you speaking to me in a way that I am not your father or king?"
"I'm sorry, father, but I just don't understand-..."

"Your highness."

We both looked up.

Next to Michael was a tall and brooding man. He even looked as though he'd killed before. He was built like a wall, with his broad shoulders but I could see no farther than that from his attire. He had a small scar below his eye on his chiseled cheekbone, I assumed it was from a previous debacle. He had black hair and dark eyes that most likely stared into people's souls like they were currently doing to my father. Those eyes looked like they'd seen entirely too much.
He looked more likely to cause me harm than to prevent it.

"Ah, Nathan. How are you, son?" My father stood to shake the scary man's hand.
Nathan bowed before he allowed himself to grip my father's hand.

"Nathan, I would like you to meet your recent assignment. Prince Aspen of Gavaria." My father gestured towards me.
I stood there and felt inferior.

I told my father that I didn't need a guard but this guy was all much bigger and stronger than I was. I didn't even want to look at him. I felt like a toy in comparison to such stature. I fear that if I were to ever go toe to toe with him, he'd quite easily pummel me into the ground. Perhaps I do need a guard. I'd rather he work with me than against me.

Nathan bowed in front of me as well.

"That's not necessary." I said kindly. "You are now a friend, there is no need for such high levels of chivalry." I held my hand out for him to shake.

He gripped it and I nearly fell to the ground. His grip was so tight. His hands were strong and veined, they were also much larger than mine.

When he let go he looked at my hand and then at his own. I almost felt like I'd insulted him with my handshake. Had I not been firm enough? Was it soft like a baby's behind? I'm sure my hand felt like a newly fluffed pillow in comparison to what he was used to and that angered me slightly. It's not my fault he had such coarse digits.

"Aspen, be so kind as to show Sir Nathan where he will be residing when the time comes." My father instructed.
"Father..." I whispered.
"Yes, my son?"
"You did not tell me where his room was located."

"It's the uninhabited room across the hall from your own."