This dedication goes to MissChildish. She has helped me out more than words can describe. Thank you for all your help! *hugs* Also, check out her story, "The Amulet Bearers: Awakening" if you haven't already!
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Evrio stormed through the empty halls, his steel boots clanged against the gray stone marble floor. The sound echoed through the halls, nothing else daring to make a sound. His hand clutched his sword as he marched; always prepared, always alert. He walked with pride and purpose in each step. He passed by a few guards that were on duty that gave him a questioning look as they watched him. He gave them a single nod, not answering their unspoken question and continued on his way.
He might be off duty, but that wasn’t going to stop him from having his armor and weapon on. He could tell by their eyes, they were wondering what he was planning to do. He wasn’t going to give them any hints or answers. Nothing was going to stop him from speaking to the King. As head guard, he knew more about the King than any other guard did. Actually, he knew too much and because of that, the King watched his every step. Having a moment of privacy was out of the question, which didn’t bother him in the least, since he had no personal life. He had no wife, no woman to call his own, and no family to go home to.
He has been a guard for as long as he can remember. He found out things about the King that he wished he never had. He couldn’t help finding out, it was just his luck being at the wrong place at the wrong time. If any of the other guards knew as much as he did, they’d be dead, long before now. However, the King has a lot of respect for him, which is why he was still alive. Even though the King respected him, that didn’t mean he fully trusted him. He didn’t blame the King for being so paranoid. One smart quality he possessed, maybe the only one.
He had to tread carefully when speaking to the King. If he pushed too far, he would either get thrown in prison or sentenced to death. If that was meant to scare him, it didn’t work very well. When he made up his mind about doing something, he just went with it. Sometimes it might take him longer to do certain things, like kissing the Princess. His face flamed at the memory of her lips. If only he could be the one to marry her. With even more determination, he quickened his pace. The King was going to have a rude awakening soon.
He stopped in front of the King’s chamber. On top of the golden doors, had his name engraved onto it, Neriko Darika, along with his family’s crest in the middle. The family crest, had rubies, emeralds and sapphires inside the crest. Silver scrolls, covered the crest, and copper leaves. All around the sides, had beautiful designs, made up by one of his artists. They held no special meaning; it was there for looks only. He shook his head, never understanding why he had to have that plastered all over his door. It was a waste of money, which could have went to a more needy cause. It took four servants to polish this door. They did so, every day. It was pointless to have servants polish a meaningless door. He wouldn’t ever utter those thoughts to the King.
Turning his attention away from the door, he knocked loudly. “Who dares to knock on my door?” The King shouted from inside.
Evrio took a deep breath. “It is I, Evrio Karrtez!” He shouted proudly.
Without hesitation, the King bellowed. “Enter, my dear friend!”
Evrio rolled his eyes, before pulling the doors open. The King stood as he spotted him. Evrio walked up to the King, and knelt on one knee, raised a fisted hand to his chest as he bowed his head. “My King…” He stayed there, waiting for approval.
The King chuckled. “Arise, Evrio. Tell me, what brings you to my chambers?” Evrio stood back up, thankful he didn’t waste any time. He paused when he notices the King frowning, as he glanced down at his bandaged hand. He held his breath, pleading silently, that he wouldn’t ask about it. The King glanced up, without saying a word of it. He looked as nothing was out of the ordinary.
