The Knight

Chapter Nine

The sun warmed Phil's skin through his uniform, the soft rays falling in a cozy embrace on the guard. He knelt over to pick up the two corners of the picnic blanket, folding them together, before glancing over to the princes.

Daniel and Prince Eliot were sitting a few feet away, chatting happily to each other while they packed up the picnic basket.

Eliot had invited Daniel on a breakfast picnic this morning. He seemed to be hoping that it would have just been the two of them, but Daniel had asked Phil to escort them.

'Come on, Phil, you'd be worrying about me all morning if you didn't come with us and I want to make sure you get breakfast.' The Prince had said. Phil was sure Daniel was just being polite, but he was secretly relieved that he was invited. He wanted to keep an eye out on Eliot. He seemed friendly enough, but he wanted to make sure his actions didn't exceed their cordial conduct.

Phil placed the folded blanket on top of the now-organized picnic basket and grabbed the handles, only to have Daniel stop him.

"Let me carry that. I don't want you using your injured hand." Daniel said, nodding towards the cut he had bandaged for the guard last night. Phil rolled his eyes and stood up, grabbing the basket back from The Prince.

"I think I can handle a basket. I promise I won't hurt myself more." Phil said sarcastically, but a kind smile shone on his face. Daniel sighed before holding his hand out expectantly.

"Please, Phil? It would make me feel better."

Phil felt his face warm slightly before nodding, sliding the basket into Daniel's grip. Daniel seemed happy with the outcome, ready to turn back to the castle, but before he could walk more than a few feet Eliot had placed a light hand on his arm.

"Allow me, Daniel." Eliot smiled, gesturing to the picnic basket. "A man of your preeminence shouldn't have to do any heavy lifting."

Before Daniel could respond, Eliot placed his tan hands over Daniel's and took the basket from him, a pink flush present on his face from the interaction. Daniel only smiled and led the way back to the castle.

Phil was quite content in continuing their walk in silence, but Eliot decided to start a conversation.

"So, Phil, my father told me that you are the head of Prince Daniel's security. That's quite impressive! How did you get a position like that?" He asked, sending Phil a polite grin. Phil grimaced slightly at the notion of talking to this man, but he decided it was best to play polite.

"Well, my family has been held in very high esteem at the palace for a while now. My father was the head of security before he passed. King Marcus noticed by training scores and excellent reputation and decided that those things plus my family's history with security would lead me to be a good match for his son's guard."

Eliot nodded and adjusted the basket in his hand.

"Marcus did tell me he likes you quite a lot. I imagine you do some great work."

Phil's chest lightened slightly at the compliment but he did not want to let his guard down. A compliment would do very little to change Phil's opinion. They walked further towards the castle and Eliot continued his lighthearted conversation, occasionally drizzling in admiration for Phil's dedication to the kingdom when needed.

After a few minutes Phil could feel his walls slowly coming down. He rarely got compliments on his work from others besides the royal family, and his ego was eating it up. Apparently Eliot had found Phil's soft spot fast.

Soon the trio made their way to the castle. Daniel began to climb the stairs that led to the sturdy wooden doors, but he didn't make it far before Eliot was at his side, offering his hand.