The Kingdom of Demica

{The Prince's Wish}

Yumire Matsubara

Jan.10, 780
11AM

Word Count: 984

Yumire never expected this to happen. After all, she was just a lowly ranked lieutenant and she's only been in the military for about a year. So, how the hell was she assigned to be the bodyguard for the prince today. The prince of Demica. When she was told about it, she didn't believe it, fully accepting it to be some kind of dumb prank. But here she was, standing next to the prince l look as he read a book in the library.

Words weren't able to describe how horrified she was at that moment. One wrong move and she would receive the king's wrath. This was his one and only son after all. His heir to the throne. If something happened to him, she would be in so much trouble. She tried to not worry be seeing they were in the capital. There's no way someone would try anything here...right? With how heavily everything was guarded here considering the castle was in this city.

She immediately snapped out of her thoughts when she heard the Prince shut his book quickly. The sudden noise startled her but she didn't say anything and just waited for the Prince to make a move.

"...does my father not trust me at all?" Prince Alexander said as Yumire looked at him. Was this question rhetorical? Or was she supposed to answer. Whatever her answer was, she would have to make sure to watch what she says. She wouldn't want to say anything that could be considered treasonous.

"I don't believe I have the right to say anything on his highness's opinions are, my Prince." She  said softly, considering they were still in a library. Was this answer acceptable? She prayed that it was. She wasn't sure what she would do if it wasn't.

As the Prince glanced back at her, she made sure to keep a monotone expression. "Clearly he doesn't, because I must have someone following me wherever I go." Suddenly he raised his voice. "I am an adult, not a child!" He exclaimed.

She was..shocked to say the least by his sudden outburst, but made sure to try and not change the monotone expression that rested on her face. She watched as the prince placed the book on the table. "..no offense by the way." He mumbled softly.

Yumire simply shook her head. "None taken, your highness. It is simply your opinion, I cannot take offense on your opinion." She said as she glanced at the book. It was then when she realized was some random book he had picked out. It seemed he had nothing specific he wanted to read. Perhaps he wanted to distract himself. Of course it was that, they had a library in the castle.

Alexander sighed as he looked at the book. "I just wish he could trust me to go somewhere by myself for once." He said as he looked back at Yumire. She paused as she thought about her next words carefully. She didn't want to speak out of turn.

"This is just my opinion, my Prince, so don't take this to heart. But it is my belief that the king just wants to ensure your safety." She said as she glanced at the rest of the library. People's eyes were on my them. Of course they would be. After all, he was the prince of their kingdom. But they didn't dare walk up to him. Likely to not bother him, or perhaps out of fear of him. She didn't know any of these people. To her knowledge, any of them could be a member of the council. That was why she was assigned to this escort duty.

"Yes, I understand that, but he knows I can take care of myself." The prince said with a frown. She stared at him. She just sighed. "There's a lot going on at the moment, my Prince. I wish there was something I could tell you to ease your mind." She said softly. She knew the prince felt that he wasn't trusted, but with what happened to his mother and the current uprising of this despicable revolutionary group, even the castle could have danger within it.

"I suppose that's fair..." he sighed and stood up, Yumire taking a step back. He picked up the book he had placed on the table. "Shall we return to the castle?" He asked. She wasn't sure why he had asked as he could've ordered it to be. But she would only nod. "If that is what you wish to do, my prince."

Alexander put the book back on the shelf where it had belonged before heading out of the library, Yumire following close behind. The walk down the streets was a silent one. No words shared between the two. She began to worry that she had done or said something wrong. Plus, it was much more stressful considering all the eyes that rested on them. The other soldiers nearby on patrol took notice, saluting before continue on their duties. Oh, what it would be like to be royalty.

Once they made it to the entrance of the castle, Alexander mumbled. "Here we are.." She was barely able to make it out. She hesitantly nodded before walking him to his room. She stepped in front of him and opened the door for him. "If you need or want anything, I'll be outside." She said as she held the door until he entered his chambers.

She closed the door before letting out a soft sigh. Only thirteen more hours. Then she'd be relieved of duty for the day. She sighed and stood next to the door and remained with her hands behind her back. She glanced at the floor. The Prince really wanted his father to trust him. But in Yumire's mind, that wish for trust was already granted.