Guard

Chapter Twenty-Four: Unspoken Rule

ALEC

I walked over to the figure standing metres away from our quarters. Although the road and houses surrounding us were empty, this man stuck out like a sore thumb. No old man stands like that, not with that posture.

I held the grip of my sword as I neared him.

"State your business." I told him.

The old man froze and slowly turned around. My unease immediately melted away as I saw a familiar face smiling at me.

"Cassian," he chirped happily, but then immediately covered his mouth. "I mean, Xander!" He corrected immediately.

I released my hold on my sword and bowed my head. "Sir Timothy," I replied in return. To say I was surprised to see him was an understatement.

"Oh don't be so formal my boy!" He said, stepping forward and embracing me. "Look at me, can you believe it! After so long I'm wearing civilian garments!" He added with a laugh.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of you being here?" I asked him.

"I was looking for you. Well actually I was looking for Elena; I knew that the both of you lived across from each other, but in this past year and a half I'd forgotten where exactly. So I asked around." He explained. "How is she?" He asked, excitement and concern his voice.

I smiled. "She's well. She's very excited for tomorrow." I told him.

"Oh I'm very sure she is." He replied with a big smile on his face. He then cleared his throat, his face turning serious all of a sudden. He opened and closed his mouth as if he were unsure of his next words. "Were you able to give the Princess the .. the thing?" He asked.

I raised my eyebrows. "The what sorry?" I questioned, unsure of what I heard.

He gestured with his hands. "You know.. the thing.."

My eyebrows furrowed deeper. "I beg your pardon?"

Timothy sighed and stepped closer to me. "The flower. They're her favourite I'm sure I told you. And I'm sure I included it in one of the letters your father had sent you. I was hoping you would have given it to her by now."

This time I cleared my throat. I ran a hand through my hair. "Erm no. No not yet. I haven't found the right time."

"Right time? My boy you don't need to find the right time! You can give it to her anytime!"

I nodded. "I understand Sir Timothy, but it's because as you said, it's her favourite flower and holds many memories, I wanted to give it to her when it felt right."

Timothy made a face and shrugged his shoulders. "Very well, you know her circumstances so you're the best to judge the situation."

I smiled and thanked him.

"Oh and before I forget," he continued. "I also have some good news."

"Yes?" I asked.

"Your father will be attending. He was invited by Her Majesty." He said, his smile still on his face.

I mirrored his expression, yet my smile no doubt was bigger. I placed my hands on his shoulders in disbelief of what I had just heard. Father never really had the opportunity to attend an event such as this as an observer, since he was always on duty. And after he retired, he never had the time anymore. The reason being that he was busy helping raise and train me. Nevertheless he described it as an event he always looked forward to.

"You're kidding." I told him.

Timothy chuckled and shook his head. "Anyone who knows me well knows that I do not kid Xander."